Q: Artur, what’s your favourite part of being a Cruise Director?

Artur:  My favourite part is taking care of people. I love making sure our guests experience the emotions they’ve been waiting for while travelling. Seeing them happy on board and knowing they’ll want to come back again is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What are the most common questions guests ask you on board?

Artur:  There are two questions I hear all the time!

The first one is: “Where does the crew sleep?”  Some guests jokingly think the crew sleeps outside! But of course, they sleep on board with our guests, 24/7.

The second common question is about the locks on the river. Guests often ask why we have them. The locks are essential because we’re navigating a mountainous river. They help us safely travel upriver and downriver, and they also play a role in generating electricity.

Q: What do you love most about cruising on the Douro River?

Artur:  Not just because I’m Portuguese, but because I truly love nature. The scenery on the Douro is outstanding. It’s breathtaking whether you’re sailing upriver or downriver.

The landscapes, the vineyards, and the rich history of the region, especially its deep connection to wine, make this area incredibly special. It’s truly worth experiencing the Douro on a river cruise.

A huge thank you to Artur for sharing his insights and passion for cruising the Douro. If you’re looking for stunning scenery, rich culture, and memorable experiences, a Douro River cruise might just be the perfect journey.