2028 Portugal Douro River Cruise

Being Gay in Europe

The LGBTQ+ scene in Portugal is one of the most dynamic and accepting in all of Western Europe, especially in major cities like Porto.

Climate

In spring, the weather in this part of Europe has ranged from a chilly and rainy 53 degrees, to a sunny, 80 degrees as we get further from the coast! Plan to dress in layers and prepare for anything. Check www.weather.com for the most current weather.

Currency

The Euro is the currency of Portugal. Check www.xe.com for current rates.

Languages

Portuguese is the official language in Portugal, but most people also speak English!

Community: Joining the Online Trip Group

If you'd like to chat with people who are going on the trip, join Olivia’s official 2028 Portugal Douro River Cruise group on Facebook.

Olivia Honeymoons and Celebrations Registration

Register at Olivia Honeymoon Wishes for your honeymoon, anniversary, or other special celebration; browse through the selections and let your friends know just how easy it is for them to purchase a gift for you.

Special Occasions

If you are celebrating a birthday or any other special event during the week of your trip that you have not already told your Olivia Travel Consultant about, please let us know as soon as possible, but no less than 90 days prior to the trip.  

NOTE: Birthdays with birthdates that fall during the dates of the cruise will be celebrated on the actual birthdate.  All birthdays being celebrated or acknowledged that have birthdates that do not fall during the actual dates of the cruise will be celebrated and acknowledged on one designated night with a large group birthday cake. 

Specific Needs: Dietary, Medical, Mobility, and Other

If you have medical, mobility, or dietary or other special requirements that you have not already shared with your Olivia Travel Consultant, please reach out to [email protected] as soon as possible. To verify if we can accommodate your needs, kindly do so at least 90 days before your trip. If you do have medical or mobility issues, you are required to travel with someone who can assist you. 

Travel & Entry Requirements

We’ve provided an easy tool to allow you to check the latest requirements and provisions for your travel plans: please click here. For specific entry requirements to your chosen destination, simply click on your arrival country under "Where to?" and enter your travel dates.

Passports & Visas

All travelers will need a passport that is valid for six months after the last day of their trip. If you are a U.S. citizen, you do not need a visa. 

If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the consulates of the other countries we will be visiting to ensure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation. 

European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)

IMPORTANT: In 2027*, the European Union will be introducing the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS). ETIAS travel authorization is designed as an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling from 60 countries, including the United States and Canada. This system is intended to enhance security and streamline the entry process for travelers visiting the European Union.  

If you are planning to visit one of the 30 EU countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, you will be required to complete a digital application through the official ETIAS website or mobile application. This requirement will apply to travelers who do not currently need a visa for entry into these countries. While this may be an additional step in your travel preparations, it is designed to improve your overall experience by reducing waiting times and enhancing security measures. You can fill out your applications at the official site when it goes live. Please be aware that most applications will incur a processing fee of 20 Euros. It is free for people over the age of 70. Authorizations are valid for up to three years and allow unlimited entries, provided you travel using the same passport with which you applied. (Dates and prices are subject to change.) 

* Check back here for updates. 

Travel Insurance 

Olivia recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to protect you and your trip investment against the unexpected. Visit our Insurance page at www.olivia.com/travel-insurance for more information. 

For a travel insurance quote, more information or to purchase a protection plan, please call Olivia at 800-631-6277 and select option 1 for a travel consultant. 

Vacation Stretchers

Olivia may offer a 3-night Pre-stretcher in Lisbon May 21–24, 2028. Please check the Stretchers Tab 11 months prior to the trip. 

Vaccinations 

Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov. Just click “Travelers’ Health” followed by “Vaccinations.” 

Air Travel

Airports: You will need to fly into and out of Porto International Airport (OPO). We encourage all guests to arrive at least one day early to avoid the stress of unexpected delays.

For those opting to join us on the 3-day Pre-stretcher, you’ll need to fly into Lisbon International Airport (LIS) and out of Porto International Airport (OPO). 

Airfare Discounts: Save up to 10% on your airfare through our partner, United Airlines.

United Airlines: The United Airlines discount codes: Z Code: ZSNP and Agreement code: 711180 are good for up to a 10% off and applies to flights into and out of Porto International Airport (OPO). Dates of travel are between May 9 to May 22, 2027. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can be completed by visiting united.com/meetings (enter the Meeting Code ZSNP711180 in the Promotions and Certificates box). Or by calling the United Reservations Meetings Desk at (800) 426-1122 and providing the Z code and agreement code (a service fee will apply). You can also choose to book through your preferred travel agency and provide the discount program information. Discount level applicable based on 1st letter of published tariff fare purchased.

Flight Arrival and Departure Times: Your flight into Porto International Airport (OPO) should arrive by 2 pm on May 24, 2028.  

Your flight can depart anytime on May 31, 2028, since we overnight in Porto. 

Luggage Allowances: Airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances. For ease of travel in Europe, we recommend bringing no more than one large piece and a smaller carry-on.

Ship Embarkation

Check-In: Official check-in will be available in the afternoon. For early arriving flights, you can board the ship, drop off your luggage, and enjoy the lounge with small snacks and coffee, tea, and water. You can also venture out on your own to enjoy Porto. Suites and staterooms will be available to access after 4 pm. 

Port Location and Transfer to the Ship: The ship will be docked in Porto. The exact location will be shared in your final trip documents, which will be sent 2–3 weeks prior to departure. Airport transfers to the ship are not included. Please plan to arrive at the ship by 3:30 pm.

Accommodations 

Your ship 

Part of Avalon's award-winning fleet of Suite Ships, the Avalon Alegria features two full decks of Panorama Suites with wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that transform the living space into river cruising's only Open-Air Balcony. At 200 square feet, Panorama Suites are more than 30% larger than the industry standard, affording you the incomparable opportunity to wake each morning to splendid passing scenery from your window-facing bed. Stretch out on your Comfort Collection bed and cruise with the world at your feet. Onboard amenities include an alternative light dining option in the Panorama Bistro, a Fitness Center, complimentary Wi-Fi access, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the Sky Bistro on the Sky Deck.  

Dining 

Fine dining on the Avalon Alegria features European cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style, and dinner is offered as sit-down menu service with open seating. 

Electricity

The cabins have 110- and 220-volt electricity. Adapters should have 2 round prongs (type C). One USB outlet is also available bedside.

Entertainment & Programming

We will bring two Olivia entertainers to perform on several evenings, as well as enjoy some of local entertainment along the way. 

River cruising is all about port destinations. Don’t expect the same ship-activity packed schedule you might find on a big ship or resort! On a typical day, following breakfast we will enjoy a walking tour of the new city we have arrived in, followed by lunch on board and either an optional extra walking (or other) tour or free time to explore. Perhaps you’ll enjoy a fun and informative lecture on the history of the area or take that well-deserved nap. It’s your vacation! In the evenings, we will be delighted with local entertainers or one of our two Olivia artists. After the shows, enjoy our riverboat version of “Club O,” with our talented staff taking turns being a “guest DJ” to provide dancing music in the main lounge. Or you may choose to go to bed early to rest up for your next full day! 

Excursions

A walking and/or city tour is included in each of the ports visited. Optional tours, ranging in price from approximately €39 to €129, may be booked on board and will not conflict with the included tours.

Gratuities

Gratuities are provided to your Avalon cruise director, cabin steward, dining room steward, bus person, maître d', reception, bar staff and other behind-the-scenes crew members and are included in the cost of the cruise.

Tipping is not included for the local guides and bus drivers on included tours and optional tours. The standard tipping guidelines per person are as follows:
Local guide: Half day—3-5 Euros pp | Full day—5+ Euros pp
Bus driver: Half day—1-2 Euros pp | Full day—3-4 Euros pp

Should you receive exceptional service and wish to tip more, this is completely at your discretion. 

Internet, Email, and Fax

Complimentary Wi-Fi is included on board in public spaces and in your cabin for use on your personal digital devices (phone, laptop, or tablet computer). There is an onboard internet center with two desktop computers for guest use. Faxes can be sent from the reception desk for a charge.

Laundry and Dry Cleaning

Laundry and pressing services are available; prices will be available onboard the ship. Dry-cleaning and self-service laundry facilities are not available.

Medical Services

The ship will be minutes away from hospitals when we are docked and will be close to local towns when we are cruising along the river. The ship does not have an onboard doctor.

Money: On-Board Purchases

The currency used on board is Euros (€). All purchases made on the ship will be charged to your onboard account, which you will create when you first check in. Cash, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are accepted. Please check with the ship’s front office for further details.

Phone

Each cabin has a phone for calling other cabins and for making international and local calls. There is an additional fee to use this phone for international or local calls; cost is available on board. We suggest that you check with your cell phone provider for international service.

Smoking policy

The interior of the Avalon Alegria is entirely nonsmoking. Smoking is not permitted in your cabins or on your cabin’s Open-Air^SM balcony. A smoking area will be designated in the rear of the ship (aft) on the Sky deck. Please use the ashtrays provided and do not discard your cigarette over the ship. Anyone not following the rules about onboard smoking may be disembarked by the Captain.  

Solos

Guests traveling independently can look forward to Solos programs led by our Solos coordinator, who will ensure you have a great time. 

Transfers to the Airport  

A group transfer is included for flights departing in the early morning until 1:00 pm on May 19, 2028. Should you need to go to a hotel or the train station, the ship will be happy to assist in arranging for a taxi at a specific time. Payment for the taxi can be made with the driver. UBER is also available. 

Vacation Stretchers 

We will not be offering post-vacation stretchers in Porto.

Didn’t Find What You Are Looking For?

Check out our  Olivia travel FAQ. Or call us at 1-800-631-6277 (inside the US and Canada) or 1-415-962-5700 (internationally) and select option 1.