Representatives from Riviera were among those present at the ceremony, along with primary shipping partner Scylla.

The 118-guest MS Porto Mirante will depart for its maiden cruise on July 11, 2024. It features 59 cabins, a sun deck with splash pool, atrium bar and lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows, and an on-board fitness centre.

The ship will sail a seven-night ‘Highlights of the Douro Valley & Salamanca’ itinerary, which includes a guided tour of Porto’s Old Town, visits to the Mateus Palace gardens, Castelo Rodrigo and Lamego, with a choice of a tour to Guimarães or a port wine cellar visit in Porto.

Also included is a tour to Salamanca with lunch and flamenco show, a wine-tasting with dinner, as well as a rustic lunch and tasting at a Quinta specialising in Moscatel vines.

Ten departures are available from July to October. Prices start from £2199pp.

MS Porto Mirante is the sister ship to the forthcoming Riviera Rose, one of two new vessels launching in 2025. The 114-guest Riviera Rose and 178-guest Riviera Radiance will feature several firsts, including bearing the Riviera name on their bows.

Riviera Rose will offer 57 cabins across three decks, including four Balcony Suites with outside seating. On Riviera Radiance, the 32sqm Grand Suites will be the largest ever offered by the operator.

Will Sarson, head of product cruise and long haul at Riviera, said: “Cruising on the Douro is growing in popularity, as people seek out holidays that provide a mix of beautiful scenery with cultural and immersive ports of call. It is fitting that guests will be able to enjoy all it has to offer on a brand-new ship, providing the very best in contemporary river cruising.”