The Schmitter family, owners of CroisiEurope, inaugurated their new vessel, the MS Miguel Torga, in Porto last week. They were joined by Ms Isabel Ferreira de Castro, godmother and director of tourism in Porto and Northern Portugal, and Mr Domingos Carvas, godfather and mayor of Sabrosa.

This three-deck ship measures 80 metres long (262 ft.) and 11.4 metres wide (37 ft.) and can accommodate 132 passengers in 66 double-occupancy cabins, including four suites and one cabin for guests with reduced mobility.

All cabins have exterior views, a double bed that can be separated into two twins, armoire, flat-screen television, hair dryer, safe and private bathroom. There is a spacious lounge, a panoramic restaurant, boutique, vast sun deck with sun loungers and a large 24-m2 pool.

There is also a highly qualified and experienced crew of 32.  Furnished and decorated in Strasbourg, the MS Miguel Torga has a contemporary feel and features plenty of natural lighting and open spaces as well as designer furniture and stylish, sleek décor.

Built in 2016 at the Sambre and Meuse Shipyard in Namur, the MS Miguel Torga is the fifth boat to join CroisiEurope’s fleet on the Douro and the company’s second premium rated ship on the river.

Miguel Torga was a famous author and poet who was born in the Sabrosa region in 1907 and is considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

Beginning in April 2017, the MS Miguel Torga will cruise the Douro and cross Portugal from the Atlantic Ocean to the Spanish border on six- and eight-day through the picturesque Douro Valley, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.