Swiss family shipping company, Scylla, celebrated the christening of its latest ship, Porto Mirante, in Düsseldorf today. The event was marked by a festive ceremony with well-wishes from numerous guests. As Scylla’s 40th river ship, Porto Mirante is uniquely adapted to navigate the Douro River and its locks. The christening ceremony was attended by Scylla’s managing directors, brothers Arno and Robert Reitsma, along with Porto Mirante’s godmother, Lídia Nabais, the Consul General of the Portuguese Republic.
The celebration saw 135 international guests and business partners in attendance, with Düsseldorf onlookers watching from the shore.
“The christening of our ship, specifically designed for the Douro, is a moment of immense pride and a significant milestone in our expansion plans. Our fleet in Portugal is growing, and it is crucial for us as a shipping company to sail on one of the world’s most beautiful rivers. We are excited to offer our guests unforgettable cruise experiences on this new ship,” stated Scylla CEO, Arno Reitsma.
Bruno Alves, Porto Mirante’s first captain, expressed his excitement about the new ship. “I am honored to be entrusted with a new ship and to lead the crew. Porto Mirante is special, having been built for Portuguese waters, and this is reflected in its design elements inspired by Portuguese culture, such as the colors and tiles. The Bistro on the sun deck and the pool are standout features that are unique to this vessel.”
Culturally Inspired and Luxurious
Porto Mirante features 60 spacious double cabins, accommodating 120 guests. Each cabin faces outward with French balconies on the upper and middle decks. Guests will enjoy two restaurants, a fitness room with state-of-the-art equipment, a panoramic lounge with a bar, and a two-deck sky lounge. Additional amenities include an on-board shop, a sun deck with loungers and a pool, and a lift connecting all decks except the sun deck. The ship is fully air-conditioned.
Exclusive Douro Cruises
Scylla, known for its comprehensive cruise ship charter services, has established partnerships with renowned tour operators such as Thurgau, Tauck, Phoenix, Riviera, and its own VIVA Cruises. After the Düsseldorf christening, Porto Mirante will initially cruise the Douro for Riviera Travel, Phoenix, and Gordon this year, before joining the fleet of international charter partners, including VIVA Cruises, next year.
With the addition of Porto Mirante, Scylla now boasts a fleet of 40 river ships navigating the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Elbe, Seine, Rhône & Saône, Baltic coast, and Douro River.
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