PORTO MIRANTE was commissioned in 2024 and purpose-built for the Douro River in Portugal. Everything about the ship reflects its destination: at 80 metres long and 11.45 metres wide, it is built to the exact dimensions the Douro's locks and low bridges require. The 120-passenger capacity keeps the experience intimate. The skylounge — a two-deck panoramic structure — exists because the Douro Valley is one of the most visually dramatic river environments in Europe, and the ship is designed to make the most of it.
The Cabins
PORTO MIRANTE has 60 double cabins across three decks. The Diamond and Ruby Decks each carry 24 cabins with French balconies. The Emerald Deck cabins have fixed windows that do not open. The page does not state cabin dimensions in square metres.
The French balcony cabins on the Diamond and Ruby Decks face directly onto the Douro Valley. The river is narrow in the upper reaches and the vineyard terraces rise steeply from both banks — from a French balcony cabin the valley is immediately present in a way it cannot be through a fixed window. The Ruby Deck sits lower than the Diamond Deck, which gives a different perspective on the lock chambers and the valley walls.
All cabins are equipped with flat-screen TV, included minibar, Nespresso machine, RITUALS beauty products (or comparable), hairdryer, safe, air conditioning, shower and WC.
Dining
PORTO MIRANTE has two restaurants. RIVERSIDE is the main dining venue, with flexible dining times and free choice of seating. A second restaurant is on board; its name is not stated on the VIVA website.
All beverages — alcoholic and non-alcoholic — are included at all times.
The Skylounge
The defining feature of PORTO MIRANTE that the larger VIVA ships do not have is the skylounge — a panoramic space that extends over two decks. On a river where the landscape is the entire point of the journey, the skylounge is the best seat on the ship for the Pinhão valley, the Upper Douro gorges and the approach into Porto. The panoramic lounge with bar serves the same function at water level.
Facilities
The sun deck has a pool and sun loungers. A fitness room with treadmill, bike and weights is on board. An elevator connects all decks except the sun deck. There is an on-board store. The ship is fully air-conditioned throughout.
Deck Plan
The Douro
The Douro is a different kind of river cruise from the Rhine or Danube. The valley is UNESCO-listed, the ports are smaller and the pace is quieter. Porto is the embarkation city — one of Europe's most rewarding short-break destinations in its own right. The river runs east through wine country: Régua, Pinhão and the Upper Douro are the heart of the port wine region, and estate visits with tastings are a natural part of any sailing. The locks on the Douro are among the highest in Europe, raising the ship significantly between sections of the river.
PORTO MIRANTE is the only VIVA ship that sails the Douro. At 120 passengers it is smaller and more focused than the fleet's 190-passenger flagships, and the itinerary is more concentrated — Portugal rather than a pan-European circuit.
To check PORTO MIRANTE availability and current fares, call 020 8183 0518.
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3 June 2026