Ship Statistics:

• Registry: Portugal
• Inaugurated: 2017
• Length: 259 ft.
• Beam: 37 ft.
• Decks: 3
• Passengers: 126

Enjoy a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere aboard the exclusively chartered M/S Douro Serenity. While aboard, take advantage of the handsome, single-seating restaurant, bar/lounge, spa treatment room, pool deck, and gym. Watch the magnificent scenery of the valley unfold from your stylishly decorated cabin, which also offers individual air conditioning, a TV with Video on Demand, and a private bath with shower.

Communications

The ship has a satellite phone and fax system. Please note that the ship may not always be able to get a signal in the areas visited. Note also that if you wish to use your own mobile phone, you may not always be able to get a signal. There is FREE Wi-fi available throughout the ship. (Wi-Fi may be interrupted at times due to high banks and other obstructions.)

Dress Code
During the day, comfortable and casual attire is appropriate. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for excursions. The evenings are smart casual (shirt and trousers for men, and a skirt and blouse for women).

Electricity
Each cabin is equipped with a European two-pin 220V electrical outlet. We recommend that you bring an international adapter with you.

Facilities
The ship features a restaurant, lounge, and bar, and a sun deck with lounge chairs. Laundry and ironing services are available for a small fee. There are no dry cleaning services on board. There is an elevator that serves the three inner decks. The Sun Deck is served by a chair lift.

Dining Information
All meals on board the ship are served in the ship’s restaurant. The restaurant serves continental cuisine, together with some local dishes, and seats all passengers in one open seating arrangement. It has rectangular tables for 8, 6 and 4 diners each. Breakfast and some lunches are served buffet style. Dinner is a combination of buffet and menu offerings. Coffee and tea are available during the day free of charge on a self-serve basis, and are also served with meals. Pitchers of iced water are served with meals, and red or white wine, beer, and soft drinks are included at every dinner. Bottled water, specialty coffee, and alcohol are available for purchase at an additional cost.

Special Meal Requests
The ship is able to accommodate a variety of special dietary requirements, including low salt, low fat, gluten free, and diabetic, provided requests are received by Vantage prior to departure. Please submit any special dietary requests at the time of booking, then confirm with the Reception desk once on board. We regret that the ship is unable to guarantee special requests, and is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher or halal cuisine.

Medical
There is no doctor on board, however, a crew member trained in first aid is always available, and medical personnel can be summoned aboard quickly in the case of an emergency. Passengers requiring special medications are advised to bring a supply with them. Please note that no medication of any kind can be handed out on the ship.

Mooring
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. The ship always docks facing upstream, against the current, on either side of the river. Views from cabins may occasionally be restricted. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship’s reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the same. Please note: side-by-side mooring is standard practice in Europe.


Mail
Please note that although the reception staff may be happy to mail letters and postcards on your behalf, they may not be able to do so straightaway or indeed at the port of call at which you make such a request.

Valuables
Safety deposit boxes are available in the cabins. We urge you to leave valuable jewelry at home. We are not responsible for any valuables left in the cabins. Please beware of pickpockets when ashore.


Smoking Policy
For your comfort, smoking is not allowed inside the ship. Smoking is only permitted in specially designated outside areas.


Money Matters While On Board
The onboard currency is the euro. The “cashless” system on board allows passengers to sign for all onboard expenses and pay at the end of the cruise. At that time, shipboard accounts may be settled by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) or cash (euros only). Travelers checks and personal checks are not accepted.



Gratuities
We realize that tipping can be confusing on a group tour. Because many of our passengers have inquired about appropriate tips, we have developed the following guidelines. Of course, tipping is an individual matter and should be based on the level of service you receive.



Crew
Subject to your satisfaction and to show appreciation for a job well done, we recommend a gratuity of 10 euros per person, per day. This gratuity also includes tip for the local guides and drivers for tours included from the ship.



Vantage Cruise Directors
Recommended gratuity for your Vantage Cruise Director is $5 – $8 per Vantage traveler per day. It is customary to tip your Cruise Director at the end of the tour. Gratuities for Cruise Directors should be paid in cash, either U.S. dollars or euros.