I have never done anything like this before and I couldn't be more excited. Portugal has been on my bucket list, and now we can cross it off together. If you wanna join myself, Xandy, Julie, Marley, Lesley and TODD (!!!), learn a bunch about knitting, and sip a whole lotta port and do excursions, now is the time. 

(I've compiled a list of questions and answers. If I missed anything, reach out to Joanne or me and we can get you answers! That's why this email is so long!)

DETAILS

• It's a smaller boat of 100 cabins, meaning that it will be filled soley with knitters and crocheters. We're taking it over.

• You can find the price listed in Canadian in the phtos above!

• It doesn't include airfare, but does include a bunch (listed below). 

I asked Joanne (our travel agent setting it up) allll the questions, so you can see all of her answers below! If I missed any, let me know and I can rip her off an email to find out for you.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS!
Is there a deposit? If so, how much?
The deposit is $1000.00 Canadian. Joanne will also supply you with a link for travel and cancellation insurance.

Is there a payment plan? Or is it all upfront at once?
Expedia cruises (Joanne) can set you up with a payment plan; you can pay monthly, quarterly or whenever you want to make a payment.  She also can accept points from RBC/TD and CIBC credit cards.

How do you book?
You can contact Joanne to book here at her website, by scanning the QR code on the photo above, emailing jobrien@expediacruises.com or by calling 1-888-739-3117. Tell her that we're going together!

What are the classes/lectures?
We will be chatting as a group (the teachers) in the end of March to confirm and then fully announcing in the summer of 2026, but know that my two are going to be based on making modifications for better fits. Each lecture will be 2.5 hours long. You can find the other teachers on instagram here: Xandy Peters, Marly Bird, Julie Dubreaux (Julie knits in Paris), Lesley Synder (Rose Haven Yarn).

Will classes conflict with excursions?
No — absolutely not! You'll be able to fully enjoy all included excursions. 

What's included?

• All workshops/classes/lectures (materials may be extra)

• Daily excursions are included (check them out below)

• Accommodation during the cruise (almost every stateroom has a balcony)

• All gourmet meals onboard (Early Risers Coffee & Croissants, rich breakfast, festive lunch, afternoon tea & coffee with cakes and sandwiches, multi-course dinner). If you have allergies, they will be accommodated, but they sadly cannot do kosher. Sorry!

• Free-flowing red and white wine from the local regions, beer or soft drinks for lunch and dinner

• Complimentary “Sip& Sail” cocktail hour offering a “Happy Hour” menu five evenings before dinner

• Captains Welcome Champagne reception and Gala dinner, and Captains Farewell Champagne Reception and Gala dinner the two other days

• Free coffee, tea, ice-water and ice-tea are included all day. Cappuccino, latte and espresso can be requested free of charge during all meals

• Complimentary coffee & tea station available 24 hours

• Bottled water, fluffy bathrobes and slippers are provided free of charge in each cabin (can we all take a photo together wearing these!)

• Use of the Fitness Center and equipment inside free of charge

• Sun Deck for total relaxation with heated swimming pool and walking track

• Unlimited Internet onboard – strictly subject to availability

• Complimentary in-cabin movies

• Elevators on board operating between all deck levels except for the Sun Deck

• Nightly piano music (also during Tea and Coffee Break in the afternoon in the Lounge)

• Our daily shore excursion program during the cruise with English-speaking guides

• Use of our Quietvox headsets is also included at no additional cost

• Services of our professional English-speaking Cruise Director

Where does the cruise start and end? See below.

What are the excursions?
Ps you don't have to take part in each one, but they are all included.
Day 1: We set sail!
Day 2: Mateus Palace and Gardens Visit (Regua, Portugal)
Day 3: Castelo Rodrigo Tour/Hike with tasting of regional fare (Vega De Terron, Portugal)
Day 4: Salamanca crossroads of history (Vega De Terron, Portugal)
Day 5: Local Quinta Wine Tasting & Port wine cellar tasting (Pinhao, Portugal) - find me on this one for suuuuuuuure.
Day 6: Lameo tour and bolas tasting, Holy staircase hike and bolas tasting, Lunch at Local quinta (Regua, Portugal)
Day 7: City of bridges tour, Porto hike, port wine cellar tasting (Porto, Portugal) - again, find me HERE
Day 8: Bid farewell to the Douro and prep for the journey home (as we all cry)

Are there non-smoking rooms?
Yes. All staterooms, suites, and indoor areas on AmaWaterways ships are strictly non-smoking. Smoking is also not permitted on cabin balconies. The only designated smoking area is on the aft (back) section of the outdoor Sun Deck.

How are solo travellers paired with a roommate? Is there a way for solos to connect?
Joanne will maintain a list of guests who wish to travel solo and are open to sharing. She will ask a few general questions (early riser vs. night owl, habits, preferences, etc.) to help match compatible roommates. Interested travellers should contact her directly, and once we feel we have a suitable match, we can connect them to each other.

5. Is there a deadline to reserve?
Our goal is to have strong sales by April 15, 2026, with April 22, 2026 as a key check-in date. AmaWaterways will review our group space at that time. If we have not sold a considerable portion, they may reduce our held inventory.

If you have any additional questions please contact Joanne HERE.