Our ultra-luxury Scenic Aria Space-Ship has been designed to be the ultimate 5-star ultra-luxury river cruise experience of a lifetime for up to only 96 guests. Designed to take you to extraordinary regions, allowing you to relax and unwind as you explore multiple magical towns and cities with ease, an all-inclusive Scenic journey will inspire and excite you.

Our 5-star ship, the Scenic Aria, has set the standard for ultra-luxury river cruising on the Douro. It has an abundance of premium experiences and luxurious outdoor, dining, and wellness areas for only up to 96 guests, along with an almost 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio. It features spacious suites, a Vitality Pool, and the ability to dock in the heart of towns, allowing you to more time to explore onshore. 

Tipping and gratuities for drivers, local guides, porters, and waiting staff are included in the total price of your holiday. Please note, tipping is not included for meals, drinks, taxis and transfers outside your itinerary and only applies to on board services. We’d recommend tipping 10-15% in restaurants (unless a service charge has already been applied) and 10-15% on taxi meters. As a rule, always pre-negotiate taxi fares before agreeing to travel.

Our generously sized suites are elegantly appointed with premium amenities, including a queen-size Scenic Slumber bed and pillow menu. The Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites on Scenic Azure feature our Scenic Sun Lounges – some of the largest balconies offered on European waterways - so you can relax and view Portuguese the way of life as you cruise by. 

Up to Five Dining Experiences
Discover a choice of delectable dishes using fresh local ingredients, from a range of menus on board our ultra-luxury ships. Choose from up to five dining experiences on all Europe river cruises and up to four on our South East Asia river cruises.

The Douro is intrinsically connected to wine. Grapes were first cultivated around 4,000 B.C and Port shipments began in 1678 when British traders blockading France sailed this ‘golden’ river to meet Portuguese vintners who stabilised red wine with brandy for the long trip to London.

The Douro’s history is more than wine; you’ll discover the significance of the Palaeolithic Vale do Côa rock paintings, witness traces of Spanish, Celtic, French and Arabic influences from across the ages, and revel in multiple World Heritage-listed sites including the living museum that is historic Porto.

The dramatic landscape of the Douro has protected a culture that has evolved since the Stone Age. Some of the ancient villages date back to Roman times whilst others are influenced by the agricultural practices of Benedictine monks.

You’ll find handicrafts of metal, stone, ceramic and wool are aplenty and discover unique embroidery, black clay pieces and wooden masks. The cities are just as alluring. Get your Spanish fix in intriguing Salamanca and explore cosmopolitan Porto, rich in architecture, stories of the seas, and lush green parks and gardens.

You’ll converse with the friendly locals who will share their close links to their land reflected in traditional farming methods and a great culinary tradition. The classic fortified Port style is exclusive to the Douro Valley, one of the world’s oldest protected wine regions.

The family-run quintas (estates) are the best place to enjoy Port as an apéritif before you dine on the freshest of fish, goat and veal, smoked meats and artisanal cheeses. The fertile soil also yields olives and almonds, the latter starring in the traditional sweet treats best enjoyed with a speciality liqueur.

When you board a Scenic Space-Ship, you’ll unpack your bags and settle into your spacious and luxurious suite. Spend your days exploring the abundant spaces with multiple dining experiences, bars and lounges. Marvel at the panorama of Europe’s captivating waterways passing by. 

Our Scenic Space-Ships in Europe and Scenic Spirit on the Mekong River feature a sophisticated range of spaces designed for you to relax, indulge and rejuvenate. You can tailor every moment on board to your wellness needs. Whether that’s a spa treatment*, a workout in the gym, a dip in the Vitality Pool.

Please note: The Scenic Aria does not have any specific facilities to accommodate Kids/Teens.