I have just returned from my first River Cruise on board the MS Fernao de Magalhaes, a Croisi Europe ship, run by the French Company.
A flight from Gatwick with Tap Airways to Porto was well run with 23 kgs of luggage and free food box and drinks. We were met by a Rep at Gatwick who told us that there would be a Tour Manager at Porto. Ricardo / Rick and Claudia the Cruise Director met us. Half hour drive to the ship which was docked in Gaia, keys given to the crew who took us to our cabins. The TV was mostly European with CNN for news in English, and a channel for the days food and itinerary. Luckily I speak French and watched a load of films as I knew the English version.
A bar was open in the lounge for daily cocktails and all other drinks were included. You have to pay for Champagne and fine wines. All meals, lunches and dinners are 3 courses and one choice only. Caused a few problems when they were presented if you had not seen the menu. Breakfast was buffet style. Only water in the cabin, tea and coffee in the Lounge.
I went with my sister Jen, and we took the full excursion package for £310. So glad we did as Jen was adding it up as we went along, saw and experienced much that we would not have seen if we were on our own. Porto by night gave us a light show of the River and the tiles at the the main Station. The next morning was Porto by day. Palacio do Bolsa was the Commerce Hub of the old Porto, amazing place as was the Cathedral. Ferreira Port hosted us through the cellars where we had tastings. Who knew about White Port? The afternoon was free, we paid 7 Euros for a boat trip to Ribeira. Those who know me, Porto has a Hard Rock Cafe, it is a must that we found it.
We left the ship at Gaia travelling to Guimaraes by coach. Found the Castle of the Duke of Braganza then walked into town. given half hour where we found a welcome cup of coffee. Caught up with the ship at Leverinho watching it as it came through the first of 5 locks. On board and we went through Carrapatelo Lock at 36 meters, the highest in Europe.
Very excited to travel to Mateus- wrong- they use the picture of the house on the bottle, no alcohol given 😞 Vila Real was a delight, pastry and coffee in a shop, so busy with selling bread etc. Caught up with the ship in Pinhao then 2 locks in the afternoon. Stopped at Vega de Teron on the Portuguese/ Spanish border. A whole day in Salamanca was great fun, lunch was at one of the restaurants. Shown the University- oldest in Spain and the old and new Cathedrals. The next morning was free as we sailed back to Porto. Went by coach on the The Wine Route stopping at Quinta do Tedo for Port tasting. I was caught by the closing front door of the coach. Still waiting for the bruising to come out on my right thigh and buttock, incident form filled in when we got back to the ship. Coach taken out of service to see why it closed on its own.
Lamego and the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies. 686 steps up to the Chapel which people go up on their knees on September 8th. Luckily we went by coach then some walked halfway down to meet up with the coach for another sparkling wine tasting with ham and corn bread. Shopping in the town for last minute presents then back to the ship. The last lock was out of service so we stopped at Leverinho for the night where we were up at 5am for an early breakfast and a flight at 8.55 am.
Every day was a paper quiz- some were very hard, Bingo one night in 4 languages- French, Spanish, Portuguese and English. We had many French children on board. They had their own Play Advisors who spoke in French, they were very happy.
A good trip, slightly different as we were with other Nationalities on board.