There’s little doubt that Portugal’s unspoiled Douro River Valley is one of the hottest river cruise destinations. Famous for its port wines, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the oldest demarcated wine regions in the world. Its remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage have made it a favorite with river cruise passengers, and international media recognition in National Geographic Traveler as one of the World’s Great Places to visit has only cemented that reputation.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises in 2013 will operate a newbuild in Portugal and Spain’s Douro River Valley. The new ship, Queen Isabel, will replace the Douro Spirit, which Uniworld inaugurated in 2011. The move was facilitated by Uniworld’s long-standing relationship with partner Douro Azul, the dominant ship owner on the Douro River.

The Queen Isabel will have a 118-passenger capacity, slightly less than the Douro Spirit, which will allow Uniworld to offer more suites -- 18 junior suites at 215 square feet and two larger suites at 323 square feet -- on the top deck with full balconies. Additionally, the Queen Isabel will have a more classic Old World style similar to Uniworld’s other ships in Europe.

“While the Douro Spirit is a chic and modern ship, the Queen Isabel will have a design scheme more representative to our other ships with classic and traditional luxury,” said Uniworld President Guy Young.

Uniworld named the ship Queen Isabel after one of Portugal’s most beloved queens from the late 13th and 14th centuries.