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, the Spirit of Chartwell offers select travelers 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 travelers; an environment where every need is predicted and promptly attended to during the calm passage through the majestic Douro River Valley.

Introducing the 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.

Onboard the Spirit of Chartwell

In addition, genuine pieces from great ocean-going liners are also on show on the ship, such as two magnificent portholes, an art deco clock and bar stools from the RMS Windsor. The staterooms are illuminated by wall lights from the SS France – one of the longest ever passenger ships. These ‘talking points’ along with the ship’s role in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations will elevate your cruise into a very special experience. The vessel’s 20 staterooms continue the grand theme, each with rich cream mahogany finishes, fully restored antique details such as Royal Navy Ships badges. All are air-conditioned with private bathroom. There are two staterooms on the upper deck. There are no lifts on the vessel.

The George Bradshaw restaurant/lounge and adjoining Somerset Maugham Piano Bar have large panoramic windows to admire the beautiful scenery of the Douro Valley. Here, excellent kosher cuisine by Master Kosher Chef Malcolm Green all cooked and prepared fresh on-board using the finest ingredients. The seating is arranged from private dining with two seats facing each other, shared dining from tables of four to eight, or multiple family style seating. The elegant teak observation deck has sun loungers with alfresco dining. You can imagine how the Queen and her family must have felt as they led the pageant down the Thames on the Spirit of Chartwell.