Built as a private yacht in 1994, the 30 passenger luxury Spirit of Chartwell sets the standard for service and quality. Fit for royalty she was re-designed and refurbished in 2012 for, and used by, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee. The Spirit of Chartwell offers select travellers a cruise experience worthy of its royal heritage.

The finest interior furnishings, the impressive amount of space, and the high number of staff members per guest, create an elegant, club-like atmosphere for experienced travellers; an environment where every need is predicted and promptly attended to during the calm passage through the majestic Douro River Valley. The inspiration behind her public areas was the Rene Lalique 1929 Pullman car ‘Cote d’Azur’ operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits.

The atmosphere is casual on board. All meals are served in the main dining room which is lined on both sides by large picture windows which allows passengers to view the passing scenery. Dinner is served in single, open seating, with excellent cuisine incorporating regional specialties.

The English-speaking staff are dedicated to quality service throughout the cruise. Traveling with a small party of guests is a great luxury and creates a friendly and relaxed atmosphere that is rarely found on larger vessels.