Spirit Of Chartwell

The Spirit of Chartwell defines luxury Douro River barge cruising and sets the standard for service and quality. Very recently designed and refurbished for, and used by, Her Majesty The Queen's Diamond Jubilee on 3 June 2012, 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.

This state-of-the-art river ship is unique with a distinctive chocolate and cream livery that brings to mind a Pullman train. Indeed, the inspiration behind the ship’s public areas was the Rene Lalique 1929 Pullman car ‘Cote d’Azur’ operated by the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits. Amazingly, the vessel’s creator was able to acquire exquisite glass panels with classical figures and original (there are 33 in fact) Cote d’Azur Pullman Express armchairs in the lounge/restaurant which have been lovingly restored.