MS Porto Mirante Viva Cruises

The Christening of MS Porto Mirante in Düsseldorf

I was honoured to be invited to attend my first ship christening in May. There was an air of excitement and anticipation as the crew decorated the beautiful MS Porto Mirante with balloons in the colours of the Portuguese flag. Guests from across Europe arrived in Düsseldorf for this landmark celebration.

Ceremonies to bring good luck to a ship date back many centuries. The first recorded use of champagne to mark a naming ceremony was in 1891, when Queen Victoria christened HMS Royal Arthur. This tradition continues today.

This particular event marked a significant milestone for the Swiss family-owned shipping company, Scylla, as they proudly christened their 40th river ship.

Scylla’s managing directors, brothers Arno and Robert Reitsma, and their father, André, attended the celebrations. Düsseldorf residents also joined in the festivities, observing the event from the shore. The christening ceremony, attended by approximately 135 international guests and business partners, celebrated maritime innovation and luxury.

During the formalities, a traditional Irish blessing was read:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

The ship’s Godmother, Lidia Nabais, Consul General of the Portuguese Republic, used special golden scissors delivered on a red velvet cushion to cut the ribbon. Greeted by cheers from the onlookers, the champagne smashed on the bow of the ship, creating a froth of bubbles. Marking the moment, confetti cannons released a cascade of red, yellow, and green tissue strips into the air.

Party Celebrations

We returned to the ship for a celebratory reception on deck in the sunshine. The biggest christening cake I’ve ever seen, decorated in Portuguese colours, was served to the guests. To continue the celebrations, a delicious gala dinner was served, showcasing the skill and imagination of Scylla’s chefs.

Following the christening, MS Porto Mirante will make its maiden voyage on the Douro River this year, partnering with Riviera Travel. In 2025, Porto Mirante will sail for VIVA Cruises and is available to book now.

Scylla, known for its comprehensive river cruise ship chartering services, has partnerships with top tour operators. The addition of Porto Mirante enhances Scylla’s large fleet, which navigates many European waterways including the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Elbe, Seine, Rhône, Saône, the Baltic coast, and now the Douro River.

After the ceremony, MS Porto Mirante will sail to Rotterdam, where it will be loaded onto a special cargo ship. From there, it will journey from the Netherlands to Portugal.

Sailing on the Douro

MS Porto Mirante has been designed specifically for the unique features and locks of the Douro River. She is a testament to modern river cruise luxury, accommodating 120 guests in 60 cabins. All the cabins on the upper and middle decks feature French balconies, offering incredible views of the beautiful Douro Valley. I loved the contemporary design, and my room felt spacious and welcoming. The beds were incredibly comfortable, complete with luxurious linen for a restful night’s sleep. A highlight was the beautifully designed bathroom, which featured a powerful rain shower.

While exploring the ship, I particularly loved the two-deck sky lounge. Designers have taken full advantage of the extra height available when sailing on the Douro, creating a space with stunning 360-degree views filled with natural light. The deck has been thoughtfully designed for outdoor living, furnished with plenty of chairs and sun loungers, as well as a well-stocked bar. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch the world go by. The innovatively designed pool is a gorgeous, inviting spot to soak in the Portuguese sunshine.

As I enjoyed my drink and christening cake, I imagined Porto Mirante and her crew welcoming their first guests and taking them on a journey through the beautiful Douro Valley, one of my favourite river cruise itineraries. There will be plenty of opportunities to relax and explore the surrounding towns and villages. It’s the perfect way to travel.

Porto Mirante will be sailing with VIVA Cruises in 2025, with some dates still available.