In 2025, Australia’s most outstanding global tour operator will raise the standard of luxury travel to new heights with the launch of two brand-new, ultra-luxury river ships, the APT Solara and APT Ostara.

Launching in 2025, these elegant and modern vessels will cruise the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. With the plans conceived in Melbourne by the world-renowned, award-winning Hecker Guthrie design team, the ships draw inspiration from Europe’s waterways, blending European elegance with unpretentious Australian ease to create a European experience through Australian eyes.

APT Travel Group’s CEO, David Cox, is excited to introduce the brand-new fleet to the Rhine, Main and Danube program, stating, “With two brand-new river ships in the Europe program 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 the Australian guest in mind.”

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 including the 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 to relax. A choice of three expertly designed, well-appointed suite options include Twin Window Suites, Balcony Suites, and Owner’s Suites.

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.”

Find out more on the APT Solara and Ostara here.