River Cruises
UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises S.S. São Rafael
Overview
The story of S.S. São Rafael begins with Portugal’s great age of exploration. The ship’s name is a direct reference to one of the vessels that sailed alongside Vasco da Gama on his first voyage to India in 1497. While São Gabriel served as the flagship, São Rafael travelled beside it under the command of Paulo da Gama – a powerful symbol of partnership, shared purpose and discovery, and the inspiration behind this newest addition to Uniworld’s Douro fleet.
Joining as a brother ship to S.S. São Gabriel, S.S. São Rafael expands Uniworld’s much-loved voyages along the Douro River, doubling capacity on a river that continues to captivate those who discover it. As interest in the Douro Valley grows, this addition allows more guests to experience one of Europe’s most beautiful – and still quietly underappreciated – river journeys.
Sailing the Douro is unlike any other European river experience. Carved deep into northern Portugal, the river winds through a dramatic landscape of terraced vineyards, sun-warmed hillsides and timeless riverside towns. Life here unfolds at a gentler pace, shaped by centuries of winemaking, craftsmanship and tradition. From the water, the valley reveals itself slowly and spectacularly, offering a sense of immersion that feels both rare and deeply rewarding.
Grand Suite
- Grand Suite (307 sq ft - 28.5 sq m).
- Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
Suite
- Suite (220 sq ft - 20.4 sq m).
- Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
French Balcony Stateroom
- French Balcony (156 sq ft - 14.5 sq m).
- Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
Deluxe Stateroom
- Deluxe (164 sq ft - 15.2 sq m)
- Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
Classic
- Classic (144 - 156 sq ft / 13.4 - 14.5 sq m)
- Note that amenities may differ from those of a Uniworld company-owned ship
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
regional
Feirtoria Restaurant
The Feitoria Restaurant can be found on the Cape Verde Deck.
bakery
Heritage Bistro
The Heritage Bistro can be found on the Azores Deck.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
cafe
Coffee Station
The Coffee Station can be found on the Cape Verde Deck.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
Bar
Duoro Wine Cellar
The Duoro Wine Cellar can be found on Cape Verde Deck.
Bar, Lounge
Lounge
The Lounge can be found on Azores Deck.
Shop
Shop
The Shop can be found on Azores Deck.
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Sun Deck, Pool Deck
Sun Deck
The Sun Deck can be found on the Blue Azzelij Terrace.
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Lounge, Reception
Reception
The Reception can be found on Azores Deck.
Please note these images used are for reference purposes only and feature S.S. São Rafael.
Gym
Fitness Centre
The Fitness Centre can be found on the Madeira Deck.
Spa, Wellness
Spa
The Spa can be found on the Madeira Deck.
Pool
Pool
The Pool can be found on the Blue Azzelij Terrace
Young Teen (13 - 15), Age 4, Age 5, Age 6, Age 7, Age 8, Age 9, Age 10, Age 11, Age 12, Older Teen (15 - 17)
Special Generation Amenities
- Exciting shore excursions tailor-made for families and hosted by local experts
- Kid-friendly menus for each meal and unlimited beverages onboard
- Young Travellers’ Table, a special dining table reserved on certain nights just for our younger guests and Family Hosts
- Onboard activities just for kids, such as cooking classes and dessert-making with the ship’s chef and pastry chef
- Hands-on craft workshops tailored to the destinations you visit
- Young travellers’ lounge and game room, complete with PlayStation, games, movies and local treats
- Two dedicated Family Hosts to oversee all activities for Junior Cruisers (ages 4 to 12 years) and Teen Cruisers (ages 13 to 17 years)
- Opportunities to “Live the Lingo” and learn words and phrases in other languages from our Family Hosts
- Kids-only movie nights, where kids can enjoy popcorn-fueled screenings of family-friendly films along with their new onboard friends and Family Hosts
- A special VIP ship tour with the Captain or Hotel Manager
- Complimentary bicycles, helmets and Nordic walking sticks for use onshore
- Young travellers will receive special surprise pillow gifts for each night of the cruise
- Convenient departures scheduled during summer and winter breaks
Blue Azzelij Terrace
- Pool
- Sun Loungers
Azores Deck
- Shop
- Office
- Reception
- Heritage Bistro
- Vintage Bar
- Grand Suite
- Suite
Cape Verde Deck
- Coffee Station
- Duoro Wine Cellar
- Feitoria Restaurant
- French Balcony
Madeira Deck
- Fitness Centre
- Guest Laundry
- Spa
- Deluxe Staterooms
- Classic Staterooms
UNIWORLD Boutique River Cruises S.S. São Rafael Cruises
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