CroisiEurope’s newest ship, the MS Amália Rodrigues, was inaugurated in Porto earlier in the presence of the river cruise operator’s owners, the Schmitter family.

Built at the Meuse and Sambre shipyard in Namur, the MS Amália Rodrigues is the sixth ship to join CroisiEurope’s fleet on the Douro and is its third premium rated ship on the Golden River.

The three-deck ship measures 80 metres long and 11.4 metres wide and can accommodate 132 passengers in 66 double-occupancy cabins, including four suites, two of which are on the upper deck and have terraces.

There is also a cabin for guests with reduced mobility.

All cabins are air conditioned and equipped with twin/double bed, private bathroom, wardrobe, flat screen television, hairdryer and safe.

The 58 cabins on the middle and upper deck have French balconies with large windows to make the most of the stunning scenery.

There is also a spacious lounge, panoramic restaurant, a shop, a large sun deck with sun loungers, a beautiful swimming pool and a crew of 25. 

Furnished and decorated in Strasbourg, the MS Amalia Rodrigues has a contemporary feel, featuring colours and shapes of the Mediterranean along with plenty of natural lighting and open spaces, designer furniture and stylish, sleek décor.

The ship’s godmother is Maria Alexandrina Quaresma of the renowned Amália Rodrigues Foundation.

Rodrigues was known as the “Queen of Fado” and was instrumental in popularising fado worldwide.

The ship’s godfather is Marco Martins, mayor of the city of Gondomar which regularly welcomes CroisiEurope’s ships in its port.

The MS Amália Rodrigues departs Porto today on its inaugural cruise on the Douro calling at Regua, Pinhao, Vega de Teron and Barca d’Alva.

From April to October, she will offer cruises on the Douro, from the Atlantic ocean to the Spanish border.