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4. S.S. São Rafael

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S.S. São Rafael

When Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama set sail aboard the São Gabriel in 1497, his fleet was joined by the São Rafael, a matching ship captained by his brother, Paulo de Gama. Likewise, in 2027, our new S.S. São Rafael will join the S.S. São Gabriel on the Douro River to introduce even more guests to the rich flavors and wonderous landscapes of Portugal’s famed winegrowing region.

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Accomodation Types

Your sanctuary on the water, our Suites offer an elevated onboard experience in a spacious, artfully designed environment. When you stay in a Suite, you'll enjoy outstanding butler service, large all-marble bathrooms with a double vanity, Asprey bath and body products, a fully-stocked bar, special treats delivered daily, and more.

Asprey bath products: Asprey is a British retailer of luxury goods. Founded in 1781, the House of Asprey has historically been recognized as one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury goods brands. Uniworld is proud to feature Asprey’s signature Purple Water bath and body products onboard. Known and loved around the world, and using only the finest essential oils, Purple Water has been created as a fresh citrus fragrance blended with spicy undertones to give it added strength and stature.

Fully stocked bar: In addition to a bottle of wine upon arrival, our in-suite mini bars are filled with a selection of drinks. You’ll also have a crystal carafe that can be refilled daily as you please from a selection of brandy, whiskey, and vodka.

Please note that categories vary by sailing year.

Grand Suite

Suite

French Balcony A

French Balcony B

Deluxe Stateroom

Classic

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Deck Plans

Your sanctuary on the water, our Suites offer an elevated onboard experience in a spacious, artfully designed environment. When you stay in a Suite, you'll enjoy outstanding butler service, large all-marble bathrooms with a double vanity, Asprey bath and body products, a fully-stocked bar, special treats delivered daily, and more.

Asprey bath products: Asprey is a British retailer of luxury goods. Founded in 1781, the House of Asprey has historically been recognized as one of the world’s pre-eminent luxury goods brands. Uniworld is proud to feature Asprey’s signature Purple Water bath and body products onboard. Known and loved around the world, and using only the finest essential oils, Purple Water has been created as a fresh citrus fragrance blended with spicy undertones to give it added strength and stature.

Fully stocked bar: In addition to a bottle of wine upon arrival, our in-suite mini bars are filled with a selection of drinks. You’ll also have a crystal carafe that can be refilled daily as you please from a selection of brandy, whiskey, and vodka.

Please note that categories vary by sailing year.

Blue Azzelij Terrace

Azores Deck

Cape Verde Deck

Madeira Deck

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Dining

At Uniworld, dining is never an afterthought—it is an essential part of the river cruise experience. Enjoy all-inclusive dining from relaxed breakfasts to elegant evening service, where dishes are crafted to deepen your connection to the destination.

All‑Inclusive Dining, Without Compromise

Every Uniworld journey includes exceptional dining, allowing you to savor each moment. Menus evolve with your itinerary, pairing beautifully prepared dishes with regional wines and premium beverages—all included. Whether dining in the restaurant or enjoying an informal breakfast, the experience is seamless, generous, and distinctly Uniworld.

Expert Chefs, Inspired by Place

Behind every menu is a team of highly skilled chefs who bring both technical excellence and creative flair. Our Executive Chefs are all members of the prestigious "Chaîne des Rôtisseurs". Uniworld’s culinary leadership draws inspiration from local traditions and classic recipes, reimagined with a contemporary touch. The result is cuisine that feels both authentic and refined—elegant yet approachable, and always rooted in where you are.

Locally Sourced Ingredients

Wherever possible, ingredients are sourced along the route of your journey—from regional markets, local producers, and trusted suppliers. This commitment ensures freshness, supports local communities, and allows each dish to reflect the destination. From European vineyards to riverside farms, your dining experience becomes another way to explore the places you visit.

Feirtoria Restaurant

Heritage Bistro

Coffee Station

24-Hour Room Service

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Entertainment

Aboard the S.S. São Rafael, guests are given exceptional access to this remarkable region. Scenic cruising brings the Douro’s evolving beauty into full view, while carefully chosen ports allow for meaningful exploration ashore – from historic quintas and wine estates to villages where daily life remains closely tied to the bounty of the valley. The experience feels transporting, carrying guests not only through place, but through time..

Lounge

Reception

Douro Wine Cellar

Shop

Sun Deck

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Enrichment

With S.S. São Rafael sailing alongside its brother ship, S.S. São Gabriel, Uniworld opens the door wider to one of river cruising’s best-kept secrets. Together, they offer an invitation to experience the Douro as it was meant to be seen – from the river, unhurried and immersive, revealing the enduring beauty and heritage of Portugal at every turn.

"Let's Go" Excursions

Our “Let’s Go” onshore program features guided walking, hiking, cycling, kayaking, golfing tours and more. Or, take one of our Brompton G-Line Bicycles or Nordic Walking Sticks and head out on your own adventure. Wherever your journey takes you, there will be many opportunities to get out and go.

Excursions

Do As The Locals Do

Whether we’re seeking local favorite treats or hopping on public trams to zip around town, these tours capture what it’s like to live in the destinations you visit.

Private Experiences

From visiting a museum without the crowds to an after-hours tour of a famous landmark, these included, once-in-a-lifetime experiences are arranged privately for Uniworld guests.

Village Day

On a Village Day, you’ll select from a few different ways to explore village life, often by diving into a cultural pastime or getting to know someone in town.

Masterpiece Collection

One of the many qualities that set a Uniworld Boutique River Cruise apart is the degree and quality of our all-inclusive amenities. We offer more inclusions—and more luxurious inclusions—than any other river cruise line. Our guests will always find everything they need and more to enjoy a wonderful holiday with Uniworld.

For the guests looking to take their journey one step further, we’ve curated a Masterpiece Collection of optional excursions that go above and beyond our included experiences, available for an additional charge.

Make Travel Matter®

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences

Travelling with Uniworld means you’re travelling with purpose—supporting sustainable tourism as well as local communities and wildlife. Our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences take that even further, offering our guests opportunities to directly impact the communities we explore in a positive way.

They are selected with great care using a proprietary assessment tool endorsed by industry experts, which ensures that our MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences directly advance United Nations Global Goals.

Nights Out

From private after-hours tours of popular attractions to local nightlife experiences, this new line of included excursions will go the extra mile to bring you uniquely memorable moments on your all-inclusive, luxury river cruise.

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Health & Fitness

Wellness on the Water™

Fitness Centre

Spa

Pool

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Kids & Teens

An amazing holiday doesn’t have to mean leaving the kids at home—at least not on a Generations Collection river cruise with Uniworld. These special sailings take our all-inclusive, luxurious voyages and give them a host of additional amenities designed to make travel as special for children and teens as it is for their parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles. From intimate family holidays to grand family reunions, these cruises provide a seamless and rewarding way to bond with your loved ones while exploring the world in style.

Special Generation Amenities

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Useful Information

Special Dietary Requirements

Kindly inform us in advance if you have specific dietary requests (e.g., low-fat, low-calorie, gluten-free, sugar-free, vegetarian, etc.). This information can be provided to us when completing your Passenger Information Form. We have a “Travelling Lite” menu for guests seeking more health-conscious options, as well as light lunches, vegetarian options, and generous buffets that offer something for everyone. We will do our very best to accommodate your needs given the resources available to us.

Wi-Fi & Internet Access

Select ships offer complimentary Wi-Fi access. Please email us at info@uniworld.com to find out if Wi-Fi is available onboard. Service may be briefly interrupted in remote areas, while sailing, or when moving through locks, and the speed will likely be slower than what you are used to back home.

Age Restrictions

In our experience, most young children—especially those under 4—are simply not yet old enough to enjoy river cruising. We make no special arrangements for little ones and offer few kid-friendly activities onboard or onshore. Please note: Our Generations program departures include programs and services designed for families traveling with children. Adults accompanying children are responsible for their safety and behavior onboard and onshore.

Guests must be 5 years of age or older. Guests who are less than 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and booked in a cabin with someone who is 21 years of age or older.

Smoking Policy

For the comfort of all our guests, smoking is only permitted on the sun decks of our ships. Smoking is not permitted on motorcoaches. This policy applies to all forms of smoking materials including vapor e-cigarettes.

We also ask guests to refrain from smoking on shore excursions/tours, especially since many historical sites and other tourist attractions are now smoke-free as well.

Laundry

Most ships have either a self-serve laundrette (with ironing board) or laundry service for an additional fee. Please contact info@uniworld.com to find out what services your ship offers. No dry cleaning services are available on any ship.