As the only Scenic Space-Ship sailing the Douro River, enjoy the same truly all-inclusive luxury experience with just 96 guests on board. Enjoy a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere.
Providing safe, luxurious passage atop the glistening waters of the Douro, Scenic Azure has set a new precedent in luxury river travel since launching in 2016.
Meticulously designed and crafted, this custom-built vessel was developed exclusively for use on Portugal’s Douro river. The ship is awash with innovative features allowing it to traverse this majestic waterway in complete safety, whilst affording the finest luxury travel experience for its 96 guests.
Scenic Azure may be shorter than the other ships in the Scenic Space-Ship fleet, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in innovative features and supreme levels of comfort.
The vessel features 48 cabins housing 96 guests, and has a 1:2 crew-to-guest ratio, providing you with a truly intimate and attentive service. Each cabin is perfectly appointed to offer the highest levels of luxury and comfort, and most feature a Scenic Sun Lounge, so you can make the most of the Portuguese sunshine.
Spanning four decks, these exclusive suites are accompanied by a number of public lounge, entertainment and dining areas - providing the freedom to explore the ship, chat to new friends or top up your tan on the all-weather Sun Deck.
Scenic strictly limits the guest and cabin numbers. Not out of pretension or pride, but because in their experience, they know their guests appreciate a real sense of space. In fact, the wonderful scenery gliding by is often the only reminder you have that you’re actually on a ship.
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.
Whilst aboard the ship, guests are provided with a Fitness centre and a Wellbeing centre where luxurious treatments such as a one-hour aroma therapy full-body massage are available*.
*Treatments are not included in the price
Casual and comfortable during the day. In the evening dress is semi formal or business casual and casual elegance for ladies. For gentlemen a jacket and tie are requested for the Captain’s Dinner.
Travellers who are less than 21 years old on the departure date must be accompanied by and share a cabin/ room with an adult aged 21 or over. Children under 12 years of age are not accepted. This is a condition of carriers and cruise operators.
Scenic accommodate special dietary requirements to the best of our ability across our river and ocean cruises, and escorted tours. If you have special dietary requests, please notify us at the time of booking and inform your Cruise Director when you arrive.
Please note: while we endeavour to accommodate all dietary requirements, special requests are not guaranteed and failure to meet any request is not breach of contract on our behalf.
Complimentary Wi-Fi access is available on board some of our vessels. Please be aware that internet access may be limited or none existent at certain times due to high demand from other users, or proximity to telecommunication services. We cannot guarantee that you will have full Wi-Fi coverage in your suite.
If you are travelling on an escorted tour, please note that Wi-Fi is available at selected hotels only.
Scenic Space-Ships do not carry medical personnel on board and immediate medical attention cannot always be guaranteed. However, our staff are trained in first aid, and can provide basic medical assistance. Should you need to call medical services, this will be at your own expense. Please be aware that we cannot provide personal escorts for medical visits.
Smoking is not permitted in suites or any other indoor area across the Scenic fleet.
Smoking is permitted in specific areas of external decks. However, we cannot guarantee that these facilities will always be available.
There are no specific pieces of clothing we insist you pack, however we can offer pieces of advice, based upon your itinerary. We recommend comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, as well as any garments, such as hats, gloves and water-resistant jackets, which will help you to stay comfortable whatever the weather. The dress code across all Scenic cruise and tour itineraries is casual and comfortable. Dinner attire is smart casual — open-neck shirts, trousers and dresses; you may wear a jacket or blazer with a tie but it is not required.
The on board language is English. All staff, crew and tour guides speak English, and all announcements and lectures will be made in English.
Scenic Enrich | Enjoy wondrous moments exclusively created for you, ranging from a private concert in a grand 18th century palace in Germany or indulging in a sumptuous dinner in a local home in the Netherlands. Enjoy these exquisite handcrafted experiences that are not available to the regular traveller.
Scenic Freechoice | Enjoy the freedom of customising your holiday your way with Scenic Freechoice. Choose from a wide range of truly all-inclusive experiences classified into ‘Active’, ‘Moderate’, and ‘Relaxed’ grades, and find the ones to match your pace each day.
Expert Local Guides | Nobody knows a place like those who live there. Explore the highlights and the hidden gems of your destination through the expert and passionate eyes of a local and take comfort in knowing you’re in good hands.
E-bikes | Enjoy the flexibility of our electrically-assisted bikes to explore your destination with minimal pedalling.
Scenic Tailormade App | Our exclusive app is the perfect accessory for independent exploration. Select between CityTour and Riverview modes to enjoy effortless self-guided touring.
Return Airport Transfers | Enjoy seamless included return airport transfer at the end of your trip.
Spacious Suites | Scenic Space-Ship suites offer you the luxury of space. Our suites are some of the largest on Europe's rivers. Relax in the signature Scenic Sun Lounge providing you with your very own window to the world in all our Balcony Suites.
Up to five dining options | With an array of dining options, you can sample new cuisines and a different meal each day on your relaxing river cruise. From casual to fine dining, you will experience fresh local produce and a taste sensation for every occasion.
Complimentary beverages | Whether relaxing by the pool accompanied by a refreshing cocktail, or a nightcap for a good night’s sleep, enjoy our range of unlimited complimentary premium beverages all day, every day.
Butler service | Need your shoes shined, breakfast sent to your suite or laundry done? Consider it done. Our all-day butler service will ensure you have everything you need for a relaxing holiday.
Complimentary mini-bar | The mini-bar in your room will be restocked daily with all your favourite alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks, customisable to your taste.
Wellness area and fitness area | Stay in your best shape while on board with our fitness centre and wellness zone. Enjoy the healing benefits of the Salt Therapy Lounge known to improve respiratory conditions and immunity.
Cruise Director | Our expert Cruise Directors are your storyteller, historian, guide, and friend rolled into one. From helping you set up your Tailormade App to directing you to the nearest golf course, you can count them to address your every need.
Complimentary Wi-Fi | Stay in touch with your family and friends no matter where you set sail to with our complimentary on board Wi-Fi.
All tipping and gratuities | We’ve included all your tipping and gratuities for the entire cruise so you can lock away your wallet and simply enjoy the truly all-inclusive experience.