Tauck Reveals Interiors of New ms Andorinha Riverboat

Tauck has unveiled the first images of ms Andorinha’s interiors, showcasing a décor and design influenced by elements of Portuguese culture as it’s set to sail exclusively along the Douro River.

A recurring design theme on the riverboat is th traditional painted ceramic tiles, or azulejos, located on its main Compass Rose restaurant and Arthur’s, an alternative dining venue on the ship’s Sun Deck. Fabric facsimiles of the tiles accent one wall of each cabin, with the cabin’s throw pillows and carpeting continuing the theme. Within the ship’s atrium, railings, carpeting and lamps all feature curving patterns reminiscent of azulejo designs. 

Andorinha suite, showing azulejo-inspired wall art, carpeting and throw pillows; plus grapevine-inspired wall lamps and wallpaper panels.

A second recurring theme aboard the Andorinha are grapevines, reflecting Portugal’s 2,500 years of winemaking traditions. Cabins and suites all feature wall lamps with decorative metalwork suggestive of grapevines, and each lamp is backed by accenting wallpaper panels that also echo the theme. The Andorinha’s reception area features a large, circular, domed ceiling light with brass “branches” that were custom-cast from actual grapevines.

Throughout the Andorinha, numerous furnishings have been sourced from top-tier Portuguese suppliers, ranging from some of the ship’s lighting fixtures and furniture to the luxury Portus Cale toiletries provided in each cabin. 

Andorinha ceiling light, with brass grapevine “branches” cast from actual grapevines.

The Andorinha is set to sail on its first cruises along the Douro in April, following its christening in Porto on March 31.

Guests sailing on the Andorinha will be accommodated in 42 cabins, including 12 300-square-foot suites on the upper Diamond Deck, and 20 225-square-foot staterooms primarily on the vessel’s Ruby or mid-level deck. The remaining accommodations (six 200-square-foot cabins and four 150-square-foot cabins) will be on the lower or Emerald Deck. 

Tauck is offering three Douro River itineraries aboard the Andorinha in 2020; a 12-day journey that bookends a seven-night Douro cruise with two-night hotel stays in Lisbon and Madrid, an eight-day “cruise-only” itinerary along the river, and an eight-day Tauck Bridges cruise designed specifically for families.