Lots of Inclusions: Uniworld's cruise fares package shore excursions, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and pre- and post-cruise extensions. On a visit to medieval Salamanca, Uniworld even gives each passenger 15 euro to purchase lunch at the restaurants or cafés in the Old City.

Special Excursions: These curated experiences are a good way to get a taste of the local culture and cuisines. For example, guests have dinner with the matriarch of the winemaking family of Quinta da Avessada. 

Picturesque Itinerary: The route along the Douro River is gorgeous, with dramatic scenery and plenty of opportunities to sample the famous wines, produced in the region for more than 2,000 years, which has earned it the status of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Alfresco Dining: Don’t miss dining in the ship’s alfresco area in front of the main restaurant. (The crew turns on the heating lamps on cool evenings.) Make reservations well ahead; tables become scarce as the word spreads.

Wine Lovers: Wine is a major theme on this cruise, with frequent tastings, lectures, and visits with winemakers on the daily agenda.

Photographers: The Douro cuts through countryside that could be the setting of a romance novel — dramatic and stunningly beautiful. Cruising through the lock at the 115-foot-deep Carrapatelo Dam is also a breathtaking experience that's worth Instagramming.

It's a Chartered Ship: Because Queen Isabel is chartered from the local company DouroAzul, you may see a softened version of some of Uniworld's signature hallmarks. Frequent travelers of the brand will notice the difference, especially in the more subdued decor.