On the Boat

So we are now on the boat! Had a lovely walk around the back streets and found some outlet shops (didn't buy) and gorgeously decorated houses. This is what the real Porto looks like outside of tourist places - except the modern statellite towns of course.

 We loved this city, it has a laid-back feel, no rush even with tourists. Admittedly this is not their peak season and no way would we be here with the crowds and heat. We had a welcome captains talk and he said that until the 1980's Porto was a back water and then the govt wanted to spend on infrastructure so all these bridges and motorways happened and suddenly access to the river was quick and easy. However keeping up with the deluge of tourists in summer really pushes the ammenities. 

The boat is smaller than the last one we went on (Danube ) with 96 max passengers. Met up quickly with our Australian friends and then aquired another Auzzie couple so we have a great little network happening.

Most of the others are Australian (Scenic is an Australian company) or Canadians /Americans.

It is all inclusive with food drink and excursions so you don't have to spend anything if you don't want to.

Our room is the cheap option with cabin with a window nearly at water level. It is small but nice bed and small bathroom with tiny toilet and shower. Dave struggles in the shower as it just fits him width wise! All very modern as shower works on 6 buttons that you press for options of 3 shower heads! Dave nearly flooded the place trying out all the options. 

First day was aboard, orientation, safety meeting etc and dinner.