Entering its latest phase of investment, product innovation and fleet elevation, the luxury river cruise operator, APT has announced the forthcoming launch of two new vessels, the APT Solara and APT Ostara, for the 2025 season.

Designed in Australia by multi-award-winning, world-renowned architects, Hecker Guthrie, the sister ships will be masterpieces of modernity, drawing inspiration from Europe’s waterways and harnessing the unpretentious ease of Australian-style luxury. Cutting edge technology and the structural optimisation of space and light artfully balance the elegant design and meticulous attention to detail. These ultra-luxury floating hotels will redefine the brand, cementing APT’s elevation into the ‘ultra-luxury’ category. Solara and Ostara will be deployed on APT’s most popular European itineraries from Spring 2025, transporting guests along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers in unprecedented comfort and style.

The new luxury river ships proudly set a new standard in sustainability, ensuring greater emphasis on saving fuel, energy optimisation, and waste reduction. With only 154 guests on board serviced by 60 dedicated crew, guests can also be assured of outstanding service and care.

Each ship will feature six world-class, all-inclusive dining options: a main restaurant, an intimate wine cellar, a relaxing conservatory, a casual dining option, an exclusive aft restaurant, rooftop dining, plus the additional option of in-suite dining. Up on the sun deck, guests will find a heated pool, alfresco dining, and a lounge area in which to relax. A choice of three expertly designed, elegantly appointed suite options include Twin Window Suites, Balcony Suites, and Owner’s Suites.

APT Travel Group CEO, David Cox, was excited to introduce the new fleet: “With two brand-new river ships in Europe for 2025, this is another momentous milestone in APT’s near 100-year history. The APT Solara and APT Ostara will redefine luxury river cruising, thoughtfully designed with our valued guests in mind.”

APT Travel Group’s CEO, David Cox, introduced the brand-new fleet to the Rhine, Main and Danube programme: “With two brand-new river ships in Europe for 2025, this is another momentous milestone in APT’s near 100-year history. The APT Solara and APT Ostara will redefine luxury river cruising, thoughtfully designed with our valued guests in mind.”

Paul Hecker of Hecker Guthrie captures the essence of the design, stating, “One of the particularly lovely things in this design is there are lots of places to go to. Guests don’t just have to head to the ‘main lounge’. We are creating many opportunities for guests to find their space, be it reading nooks or spaces where you can observe the action and engage as and when you choose. We want guests to have as many options as possible.”

 SAMPLE PACKAGE: APT’s luxury, eight-day Highlights of the Rhine & Main will sail from Amsterdam to Munich between April to November 2025. The itinerary includes a private cocktail reception and recital at Namedy Castle, and a private performance at the Lichenstein’s City Palace in the heart of Vienna. The cruise costs from £2,995 per person, including return home to airport transfers, flights, onboard accommodation, sightseeing in seven destinations, 20 meals and a wide range of onboard beverages, the services of an APT Cruise Director, transfers, port charges and gratuities.