APT Christens New Ultra-Luxury Ship, Solara: Beginning A New Era in European River Cruising

Thursday, May 01, 2025 0

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.”