APT & Travelmarvel has announced the appointment of Jamie Rudland as its new Business Development Manager for the South of England. Jamie will officially join the award-winning touring and cruise operator on 27 May 2025 and brings with him a wealth of experience across the cruise and touring sectors. In his new role, Jamie will focus on supporting retail and independent agents throughout the southern sales region.   Jamie joins APT & Travelmarvel with a proven track record in building strong trade relationships and delivering business growth, having held previous positions within leading cruise and travel companies such as The Adventure People, Wendy Wu Tours and Fred Olsen Cruises. His arrival further strengthens APT’s dedicated sales team as it continues to enhance agent support during a landmark year for the brand.   APT & Travelmarvel is in the midst of a major investment programme, expanding and elevating its fleet across both river and small ship cruising, while also introducing new immersive travel styles and destinations for 2025 and beyond. These innovations are designed to deliver exceptional guest experiences and unlock new business opportunities for trade partners.   Brad Bennetts, Head of Sales & Business Development at APT & Travelmarvel, said: “We are excited to welcome Jamie to the team at such a pivotal moment. His deep understanding of both the cruise and touring landscapes, combined with his agent-first approach, makes him a fantastic addition to our growing sales force. With significant investments into our fleet and product portfolio, Jamie’s expertise will be invaluable in helping our partners in the South maximise their sales potential and discover the breadth of what APT & Travelmarvel has to offer.”   Commenting on his new appointment, Jamie Rudland said: “I’m delighted to be joining APT & Travelmarvel at such an exciting time for the business. The innovation and investment going into the product is inspiring, and I’m really looking forward to supporting our valued travel agent partners across the South. There’s a huge opportunity here to grow together, and I can’t wait to get started.”

  APT officially christened its brand-new luxury river ship, the APT Solara, in an elegant ceremony held in Rotterdam on 21 April. The event marked a major milestone in the company’s 98-year history and signals a bold new chapter in European river cruising.   The ceremony featured heartfelt speeches from APT Travel Group CEO David Cox, and Co-Owners, Robert McGeary and Lou Tandy. Guests raised their glasses to toast the next generation of APT’s luxury fleet before Lou Tandy, the ship’s Godmother, performed the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle on the bow, officially naming the APT Solara in front of an intimate audience of VIPs, partners, and friends of the brand.   “It’s a true honour to serve as Godmother for a ship that means so much to our team, our guests, and my family,” said Lou Tandy. “The Solara celebrates where we’ve come from and marks the exciting future ahead. It’s a tribute to our legacy, but more importantly, it’s a bold step forward in how we design, deliver, and share extraordinary travel experiences. I couldn’t be prouder to christen her today.”   David Cox echoed the sentiment, adding, “The Solara is everything APT stands for – timeless travel, trusted service, and ongoing innovation. She’s more than just a new ship; she sets a new benchmark for how we deliver exceptional experiences on Europe’s rivers.”   Following the christening, guests enjoyed champagne and canapés during the ceremony, before a special christening dinner Grüner Bar & Dining, one of the Solara’s gourmet dining venues. The dinner showcased the ship’s commitment to elevated, immersive cuisine, with small plates showcasing hyper-local produce served in the world-first hydraulically lifted venue.   The celebration also included contributions from Paul Hecker, one half of the visionary Melbourne-based design duo behind the ship’s architecture, Hecker Guthrie; and Monique Lane, Director of Fellow Hospitality, who led the culinary vision across the Solara's seven unique dining experiences. Lane worked closely with Hecker Guthrie to ensure each space delivers both a sense of place and an unparalleled gastronomic experience.   “Solara is the result of a true collaboration between world-class Australian creatives and the APT team,” said Rob McGeary. “As a family-owned company, we’ve designed this ship with the most discerning UK and Antipodean travellers in mind, as it brings together the comforts our guests value most, from elegant lounges and genuinely quality coffee to regionally sourced produce – with an onboard experience that feels tailored, not templated. That’s what sets APT and our new, elevated fleet apart.”   With a capacity for just 154 guests, the APT Solara sets a new standard for ultra-luxury river cruising. Every detail has been carefully crafted, from the expansive Balcony and Owner’s Suites to The Grüner Bar & Dining, which lifts hydraulically to offer sweeping 360-degree views from the Sun Deck. Gastronomy is at the heart of the experience, with six distinctive restaurants, plus in-suite dining, each offering unique regional flavours that evolve with the seasons to deliver the very best culinary offerings on Europe’s waterways.   APT Solara has now embarked on her maiden voyage along the five-star Magnificent Europe itinerary today, sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, exploring some of Europe’s most iconic cities and picturesque towns on an extended season that will run until December 2025.   2025 departures of the luxurious, 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise, from Amsterdam to Budapest, costs from £24,795 per person (was £5,795). Return private home-to-airport transfers, flights, 14 nights of luxury onboard accommodation, 41 meals, unlimited onboard beverages, and experiences in 14 destinations are included. Itinerary highlights are a journey aboard the Grand Empress steam train to Budapest, going beyond the gates to explore Namedy Castle before a cocktail party and piano recital in the ballroom, and visiting Vienna’s Liechtenstein City Palace for a cocktail party and private classical concert.   “The launch of APT Solara represents a defining moment not just for APT, but for the future of European river cruising,” said APT & Travelmarvel Managing Director, UK & Europe, Paul Melinis. “Our UK guests are looking for something truly exceptional – and with Solara, we’ve delivered just that. From innovative design to its world-class dining and boutique onboard experience, every element has been carefully curated to exceed expectations. I’m incredibly proud to introduce this new era of ultra-luxury travel to the UK market, as we continue to elevate our fleet in the lead up to our Centenary.”

APT has officially christened its new luxury river ship, the APT Solara, in Rotterdam. The ceremony featured speeches from APT Travel Group CEO David Cox, and Co-Owners, Robert McGeary and Lou Tandy. Lou Tandy, the ship’s Godmother, performed the traditional breaking of the champagne bottle on the bow. “The Solara is everything APT stands for – timeless travel, trusted service, and ongoing innovation,” said David Cox. Following the christening, guests enjoyed champagne and canapés before a special christening dinner. The vessel has a capacity for 154 guests and features The Grüner Bar & Dining, which lifts hydraulically to offer sweeping 360-degree views from the Sun Deck. APT Solara  embarked on her maiden voyage on the Magnificent Europe itinerary sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. The extended season will run until December 2025. Departures of  the 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, cost from £4,795 per person (was £5,795). “The launch of APT Solara represents a defining moment for European river cruising,” said APT & Travelmarvel Managing Director, UK & Europe, Paul Melinis. “Our UK guests are looking for something truly exceptional – and with Solara, we’ve delivered just that.”

APT & Travelmarvel recently celebrated the christening of MS Estrela, the company’s purpose-built river ship, custom-designed for Portugal’s Douro River. The ceremony took place near Porto, with a speech by ship godmother, Travel Weekly’s Editor-in-Chief Lucy Huxley. Guests enjoyed a live performance from a local string duo and sampled Portuguese-inspired cocktails. Other speeches were delivered by Portugal’s Minister of Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho; APT Travel Group CEO, David Cox; and Paul Melinis, APT & Travelmarvel Managing Director, UK & Europe. MS Estrela features 60 staterooms and suites. Onboard highlights include a sun deck with one of the largest pools on the Douro River, an alfresco bar, regional cuisine, and locally themed entertainment. Throughout 2025, the MS Estrela will sail highlight itineraries for the luxury APT and Travelmarvel brands. Packages include Travelmarvel’s seven-night Douro Discovery cruise and APT's nine-day Douro Delights cruise.

 

Agents can earn up to £200 and save clients up to £1,200 per couple on Escorted Tour and Small Group Journey bookings to Canada, New Zealand, Asia, South Africa and Europe

  To celebrate nearly a century of creating best-in-class touring experiences, APT & Travelmarvel has launched The Grand Touring Event, showcasing its classic Escorted Tours and intimately sized, new Small Group Journeys for up to 24 people.   With expert guides, immersive sightseeing, and all-inclusive dining, touring with APT & Travelmarvel takes guests to the heart of to some of the world’s most exciting destinations, including its best-sellers, Canada, New Zealand, Asia, South Africa, and Europe. The operator's award-winning trips have never been better value: The Grand Touring Event features savings of up to £1,200 per couple, for all new bookings made before 31 March 2025*, and guests can secure their dream adventure with a low deposit of just £99 per person.   The campaign is accompanied by an agent incentive^ that also runs until 31 March. During that period, partners can claim a £100 Love2Shop voucher for every new APT or Travelmarvel Escorted Tour with a 2025 or 2026 departure that they book before the end of the month. They will also receive a £200 Love2Shop voucher for all new Small Group Journey bookings for travel in 2025 travel.   APT & Travelmarvel’s best-selling 2025 & 2026 tours include:   ESCORTED TOURS   New Zealand: Travelmarvel’s 15-day New Zealand Getaway tour from Auckland to Christchurch, costs from £3,795 per person (was £4,495, saving £700, based on a September 2025 departure). The price includes 14-nights of premium accommodation, local transfers and all on-trip transportation, sightseeing and Insider Experiences, 22 delicious meals, the services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced driver. Highlights include an evening of Māori Culture and Cuisine, riding the iconic TranzAlpine Train across the Southern Alps, and cruising Milford Sound/Piopiotahi, a magnificent fiord with views of cascading waterfalls.   Canada: Travelmarvel’s 12-day Passage Through the Rockies tour from Calgary to Victoria, costs from £3,995 per person (was £4,395, saving £400, based on a May 2025 departure). The price includes 11-nights of premium accommodation, local transfers and all on-trip transportation, sightseeing and Insider Experiences, 15 delicious meals, the services of a Travelmarvel Tour Director and experienced driver. Highlights include watching for wildlife on a river safari to Grizzly Bear Valley, visiting the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, taking in Lake Louise, and a special Farewell Dinner in the original Butchart family residence after exploring The Butchart Gardens’ vivid floral displays.   SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS   South Africa: Travelmarvel's 13-day Uncover the Essence of South Africa, from Cape Town to Johannesburg, costs from £3,995 per person (was £4,495, saving £500, based on a June 2025 departure). The price includes transfers, accommodation, 26 meals, sightseeing, and expert local guides. Highlights include delving into the fascinating culture of Bo-Kaap's Cape Malay community and joining an interactive cooking experience in Cape Town; delighting in a unique dining experience in the Cape Winelands, where guests will gain a greater understanding of wine, food and flavours; and enjoying a luxurious, all-inclusive safari stay in the heart of Kariega National Park, while giving back to the local communities and conservations projects that surround it.   India: Travelmarvel’s 13-day Northern India - Sensory Marvels of Rajasthan itinerary, Delhi return, costs from £2,995 per person (was £3,495, saving £500, based on a September 2025 departure). The price includes accommodation, transport, 25 meals, sightseeing and expert local guides. Highlights include a ‘Pink City Rickshaw Co.’ tour of Jaipur, an environmentally friendly e-rickshaw tour of the city as part of a project that is creating sustainable livelihoods and economic independence for 200 local women; a local immersion in Jaipur on a visit to a local family’s home, where you can share a meal in traditional Indian dress; and a romantic evening boat cruise in Udaipur.   Sri Lanka: Travelmarvel’s 13-day Discover the Beauty of Sri Lanka, Colombo return, costs from £2,595 per person (was £3,095, saving £500, based on a September 2025 departure). The price includes transfers, accommodation, 21 meals, sightseeing, and expert local guides. Highlights include a visit to a Buddhist monastery in Melsiripura, a Sri Lankan cooking demonstration in Habarana, a tour of the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya with a local botanist, exploring the culture and history of the Indigenous Vedda community in Dambana, and taking part in a Cinnamon Tapping experience with a local in Galle. Departures run from January to December 2025.   Brad Bennetts, APT & Travelmarvel’s Head of Sales & Business Development, said:   “In the UK, APT & Travelmarvel has become a household name for river, yacht and small ship cruising, but less widely known is that we started life as a touring operator, founded by Bill McGeary back in 1927. We have launched The Grand Touring Event to remind the trade of the range of award-winning tours we offer, and to showcase the immersive, insightful itineraries and wide range of exciting destinations that our partners can sell to their clients. Each journey is crafted using our near-100 years of experience, and delivers the same APT gold standard of service, support, and meticulous planning that the industry has come to expect on the rivers.”   The release is quite long, so I'll probably have one from each destination - would you like TM to have Canada or NZ? And I'll give APT the other?

  In an exciting new product enhancement for the 2025 season ahead, APT Travelmarvel has introduced flight-inclusive river cruise packages for the first time in Ireland.   The only operator to be offering included flights from a choice of regional gateways, agents and their customers can book departures from Cork, Dublin and Shannon, making it easier and more convenient than ever before for Irish travellers to access Travelmarvel’s market-leading river, yacht and small ship cruises in Europe and Asia.   Since joining in October 2024, Travelmarvel’s Ireland Country Manager, Michelle Ryan, has been leading a campaign of operational and product enhancements that will allow the company to build on its levels of support for valued local agent partners, and to accelerate the company's ambitious plans for growth in the market. She commented:   “Over the past three months I have been meeting with agents across the country, who made it clear that having access to bookable, flight inclusive cruise packages is key to helping them to grow their Travelmarvel sales in Ireland. We understand the importance of regional connectivity for their customers too, and so I am very excited to announce that we will be packaging our five-star rated cruises with a choice of departure gateways, so that clients fly out of Cork or Shannon, as well as Dublin.”   The new flight-inclusive packages include some of the Irish market’s best-selling Travelmarvel itineraries:  

• The eight-day Highlights of the Danube river cruise, from Budapest to Munich. Costing from €1,995pp, the cruise includes return flights from Dublin; seven nights of accommodation on a five-star rated Travelmarvel Contemporary River Ship; sightseeing; 20 meals and soft drinks, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner onboard. Guests will also enjoy Travelmarvel’s new entertainment and wellness programme, as the operator brings ‘ocean-style’ activities to a river cruise audience for the first time. The immersive itinerary includes a traditional Bavarian experience in Passau, featuring local beers and snacks, traditional folk music, song and dance; and the sights from The Sound of Music in Salzburg, as the movie celebrates its 60th anniversary.

 

• The gastronomic, seven-night Douro Discovery cruise through Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley, aboard Travelmarvel’s newest ship, the MS Estrela. Beginning and ending in Porto, the cruise costs from €2,895pp and includes return flights from Dublin or Shannon, seven nights of onboard accommodation, 20 meals, complimentary soft drinks, beers and local wines with lunch and dinners on board. Guests will dine at a local quinta, a traditional Portuguese winery, and learn all about the growing traditions behind the amazing fortified-wine production that makes port such a source of pride to the nation. They will also experience the fiery art of Flamenco with a special performance and explore the stunning baroque architecture that defines the region.

 

• The 15-day Essential Vietnam & Cambodia land and cruise tour, sailing aboard the all-suite RV Apsara, a five-star river ship that was recently passed to the Travelmarvel fleet by its luxurious sister brand, APT. Sailing between Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, the cruise costs from €4,045pp and includes return flights from Dublin, hotel and cruise accommodation, 28 meals, complimentary soft drinks, beers and local wines with lunch and dinners on board. Highlights include witnessing a sunset at Angkor Wat, a Khmer dinner and Apsara performance, tickets to the Phare Circus, a TukTuk tour of Koh Pen, and taking part in a traditional Buddhist ceremony at a monastery in Oudong.

  Unmissable sightseeing, local transfers, the services of an expert Cruise Director and English-speaking Local Guides, port charges, and gratuities are also included in all Travelmarvel cruises.

Channel 5 show Cruising with Susan Calman is back tonight for a special festive episode. It sees Calman sail Germany’s Rhine and Main rivers aboard APT Travelmarvel’s contemporary ship, Vega. Airing at 8 pm on Friday 27 December, and then available on demand at channel5.com, Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman will take viewers on a journey to the festive centre of Europe. It uncovers the region’s Christmas Markets, Bavarian treats, and Nuremberg, Bamberg, Wurzburg, Rothenburg, Miltenburg, and Cologne. The ship was custom-built for APT’s four-star Travelmarvel brand in 2021. One of three sister ships, Vega features 91 staterooms, with social spaces including the True North Lounge, Alfresco Lounge, and Sky Deck Terrace & Bar. She spent plenty of time at McGeary’s Bar, the ship’s unique Irish Pub, where she and her fellow passengers took part in a Gingerbread House making competition. A whirlpool and walking track are available on the Sun Deck, and guests can work out in the onboard gym. Following in Susan’s footprints is easy on Travelmarvel’s eight-day Reflections of the Rhine & Main; the November and December 2025 departures feature visits to the region’s Christmas Markets. The 17 November sailing costs from £2,495 per person and includes return flights. Highlights include a new culinary walking tour of Miltenberg, where guests can sample regional specialties at a local butchers and bakers before finishing with a tasting at a local distillery. It also features a visit to the World Heritage-listed Augustusburg Castle; and exploring the medieval towns of Bamberg and Wurzburg. A new festive sailing, the eight-day Rhine & Moselle Christmas Markets, departs 2 December 2025, taking guests from Basel to Amsterdam from £2,495 per person. Highlights including riding the Winzerexpress Mini Train into Rüdesheim and exploring the Christmas market. Cruisers can also discover Moselle wines at a historic family winery near Cochem. Brad Bennetts, Head of Sales & Business Development for APT & Travelmarvel, said: “We are honoured to have hosted the 2024 Christmas Cruising with Susan Calman, and to share our stunning Contemporary River Ship, Vega.” “Agents can use this episode as a helpful sales tool, to showcase the onboard experience and what their clients might expect when they choose to sail the Rhine and Main.”

APT Travelmarvel has expanded its small ship programme into a brand-new destination for 2025, Greece. With two sailings operating in May 2025, Travelmarvel’s eight-day Greek Island Explorer voyage has been created to showcase the ‘real Greece’ at a leisurely pace. It takes guests through the Cyclades and Dodecanese islands aboard the MV Belle de l’Adriatique Newly renovated, Belle de l’Adriatique was chosen for her intimate size, which can dock at smaller ports without disembarkation queues or tenders. Over eight days, the Greek Island Explorer cruise visits Athens, Rhodes and Santorini as well as the lesser-known islands of Syros, Milos and Amorgos. Optional tours connect guests with the culture, history, and local insights of each island. The ship has 90 staterooms arranged across four decks. Travelmarvel is also offering an extended, 13-day itinerary, combining the week-long small ship Greece cruise with a five-day tour of the mainland. Authentic Greece (from £4,995 per person) visits the classical history of Thermopylae, Kalambaka, Delphi, Nafplion, and Mycenae. There will be 25 places on each extension, so places are limited. Brad Bennetts, Head of Sales & Business Development for APT & Travelmarvel, said: “Following the incredible reception of our inaugural small ship and yachting programme, we have been working to expand the range of destinations" "Greece cruises are the perfect addition to the portfolio, combining fascinating local culture and history with some of the world’s best cruising.”

Related News Stories:  APT, Travelmarvel launch 2025 Europe River Cruise programme     APT celebrates maiden Mekong cruise of new ship     APT Celebrates The Maiden Voyage Of Asia's Most Exicitng New ...     APT Travel Group - TravelMole     Free Virgin Voyages cruises handed out to lucky Londoners     Eugenie Mitchell of Lafayette: Cajun Charms and Cultural Treasures ...     Partner News - TravelMole     New APT river ship to sail Douro cruises - TravelMole

  As it approaches its centenary, APT continues to innovate its touring product with the launch of a brand-new Small Group Journeys travel style.   Designed by the operator’s specialist tours division, led by product expert, Laura Hughes, who joined APT as its first dedicated Touring Product Manager in December 2023, this collection of itineraries will offer groups of up to 16 guests a deeper immersion into the culture, food and local experiences in some of the world’s most exciting destinations.   Initially, APT is launching Small Group Journeys with three distinct itineraries in India. Operating between October 2024 and December 2025, the new trips will showcase India’s most incredible sights in comfort and style.   Guests can watch the sunrise over the Taj Mahal, hand select ingredients for a cooking lesson on a chef-led tour of spice-scented markets, and search for tigers in Ranthambore National Park. Adventurous experiences are complemented by local dining experiences; luxurious, boutique and unique accommodations; and free time to explore.   APT’S INAUGURAL SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS:   The 15-day Southern India – Quest of the Senses itinerary, from Chennai to Kochi, costs from £3,995 per person and includes accommodation, transport, 27 meals, sightseeing and expert local guides. Highlights include a dive into ‘Pondi’ culinary history with a chef-led market visit where guests will select fresh local produce to prepare in a Creole cooking class, an Ayurvedic massage in Kumarakom, and cruising Kerala’s beautiful backwaters on a traditional houseboat.   The 16-day Northern India - West to East Odyssey itinerary, Delhi return, costs from £4,495 per person, and includes accommodation, transport, 23 meals, sightseeing and expert local guides. Highlights include crafting a personalised fragrance in Delhi, enjoying homemade food in a local family’s home in Jaipur, the atmospheric changing of the guards at the Wagah border between India and Pakistan, and the sights and sounds of an Aarti from the banks of the Ganges.   The 14-day Northern India - Sensory Marvels of Rajasthan itinerary, Delhi return, costs from £3,995 per person, and includes accommodation, transport, 24 meals, sightseeing and expert local guides. Highlights include a ‘Pink City Rickshaw Co.’ tour of Jaipur, an environmentally friendly e-rickshaw tour of the city as part of a project that is creating sustainable livelihoods and economic independence for 200 local women; a local immersion in Jaipur on a visit to a local family’s home, where you can share a meal in traditional Indian dress; and a romantic evening boat cruise in Udaipur.   Laura Hughes, APT’s Touring Product Manager, said:   “Unveiling the first itineraries from our new collection of Small Group Journeys is the proud culmination of months of work to bring APT’s exciting new travel style to market. Complementing the investment that our owners are making to elevate our river cruises, we’re delighted to reveal that touring is getting the same treatment. Almost a century ago, APT was founded on the quality of its guided holidays. For nine decades the brand has remained a global leader in touring by balancing product innovations with a consistent, gold-standard level of service. We continue this legacy with the launch of our Small Group Journeys, keeping APT’s touring product as fresh and appealing as it was 100-years ago.”   For more information please visit www.aptouring.co.uk.   Agents can access more information from the APT Agent Club at www.APTAgentClub.co.uk.

 

• Three new cruises, created exclusively for the UK & Ireland, increase and protect capacity, so agents can capitalise on growing demand for Travelmarvel’s flexible holidays
• Launch includes a value-added Early Booking Offer, with free Business Class flight upgrades, free onboard drinks packages, and low booking deposits*
• Agents will receive £100 for every 2025 Europe booking made before 17 March 2024^

  APT & Travelmarvel has launched its 2025 Europe River Cruise programme, unveiling a series of new Travelmarvel itineraries that are exclusive to the UK & Ireland. Creating bespoke products in this way for the first time demonstrates the company’s commitment to this market, and recognition of the sales opportunity the UK & Ireland represents for the company’s flexible, four-star brand.   Helping agents to maximise early 2025 sales, the launch is supported by a generous Early Booking Offer, including free Business Class flights, drinks packages, and a low booking deposit of £99 on Travelmarvel bookings made before 30 April 2024*. Agents will also earn £100 of Love2Shop vouchers for every APT and Travelmarvel 2025 Europe booking they make before 17 March 2024, as part of a special incentive^.   TRAVELMARVEL’S UK & IRELAND-EXCLUSIVE CRUISES   Following the launch and ongoing success of its five-star rated^^ Contemporary River Ships in Europe, the UK has become one of Travelmarvel’s most commercially important markets. As awareness of the brand’s outstanding value, flexibility and quality grew, so too did demand. Strong bookings from domestic customers competed against those from APT’s international markets. Global interest outpaced availability and many sailings sold out quickly.   With interest in Travelmarvel showing no sign of waning, the operator has adapted its product so that the UK & Ireland can achieve its full sales potential in 2025. Region-exclusive cruises have been designed to ensure agent partners have access to maximum availability and can convert as many leads as possible. By ring fencing capacity from international markets, agents will have greater opportunity to secure clients’ first choices of dates, destinations and cabin types.   Travelmarvel has also increased the capacity by extending the 2025 sailing season from March right through to the end of December – its longest ever. More sailings, particularly in the ever-more popular shoulder seasons, provide guests with more options to choose from, and agents with more cabins to sell.   NEW TRAVELMARVEL ITINERARIES  

• The eight-day Highlights of the Danube (from £1,895 per person, based on 22 April departure) transports guests between Munich and Budapest. The immersive itinerary includes sightseeing in all major destinations along this stunning river, plus a traditional Bavarian night, where guests can enjoy local beers, folk music and dancing.

 

• The eight-day Christmas on the Danube (from £2,095 per person), sails from Budapest to Munich on 22 December 2025. Christmas Eve is spent in beautiful Vienna, and Christmas Day exploring the town of Durnstein – a fairytale festive cruise.

 

• The eight-day New Year’s Eve on the Danube (from £2,095 per person), sails from Munich to Budapest on 29 December 2025. Guests will ring in the New Year in Regensburg, at a traditional Bavarian evening of beer, food, music and dancing.

  Travelmarvel’s 15-day Best of Balkans cruise will sail April to September for the first time in 2025, an extended season that adds more capacity to be sold on this popular Lower Danube River cruise.   The brand-new MS Estrela, launching later this year on the Douro, will operate its first full season in 2025, sailing though Northern Portugal between April and October on the eight-day Douro Discovery itinerary.   TRAVELMARVEL EARLY BOOKING OFFER – DISCOVER THE NEW IN 2025   To help agents drive early bookings of Travelmarvel’s 2025 European cruises, the operator has launched an Early Booking Offer, Discover the New in 2025. On all new and applicable bookings made before 30 April 2024, guests will receive free Business Class flight upgrades, free onboard drinks packages, savings of up to £1,000 per person, and low booking deposits of £99*.   £100 AGENT BOOKING INCENTIVE   For a two-week period, the operator will also be rewarding agents with £100 of Love2Shop vouchers for every APT or Travelmarvel 2025 European booking that they make before 17 March 2024. Love2shop vouchers can be spent with most major retailers and a range of attractions and restaurants – including Foot Locker, River Island, The London Bridge Experience, and Pizza Express – allowing agents to spend their rewards on the things that matter most to them. To claim, agents can register their bookings on the APT Agent Club (www.APTAgentClub.co.uk). Terms and conditions apply^.   Brad Bennetts, APT & Travelmarvel’s Head of Sales & Business Development, said: “Travelmarvel, with its flexible travel style, contemporary-designed fleet, and APT gold standard of service delivery, continues to draw travellers from the UK & Ireland with levels of demand that exceed the allocation given to our market. We know that our partners are eager to sell more, so we are creating new cruises, exclusive to this market, maximising the volume of inventory available and helping agents to close more sales than ever for the 2025 season.”   APT & Travelmarvel has prepared a toolkit that will help its agent partners to build momentum and drive forward sales. The suite of assets includes a 103-page brochure, which agents can access digitally (here) or request in print via the APT Agent Club.

 

Continuing investment into its fleet elevation, APT’s architect-designed Solara and Ostara usher in a new era, redefining the brand ahead of its centenary

  Entering its latest phase of investment, product innovation and fleet elevation, the leading 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.

APT & Travelmarvel has appointed travel industry marketeer Darren Birch to the role of Marketing & CRM Manager, UK & Ireland. Birch joined APT this month, and is the latest in a strategic recruitment campaign. It has grown its UK headcount by 30% in recent months as investment in trade support continues. Reporting to Katie Elson, Head of Marketing, Birch will oversee APT & Travelmarvel's marketing and CRM team. He will bring the operator's B2B and B2C campaigns and new product to market in 2024. Birch has a wealth of travel cruise agent-facing industry experience. He held Sales Manager positions with Virgin Holidays, an eight-year stint at Emerald Cruises as UK Brand Manager and Global Brand Manager, and, most recently, an interim position with Travel Counsellors as Customer Marketing Manager. His initial priorities are to optimise campaigns, incentives, tactical offers, assets, and training to helping cruise agents boost their sales. Birch and his team will populate the APT Agent Club with sales, marketing, digital and training materials, as well as keeping the Club's community of agents informed about fam trips, incentives, and special offers. Birch said: "The Marketing & CRM team has done a stellar job, and we have another exciting year ahead of us, thanks to the significant investment."