The definition of luxury? Bespoke artwork specifically commissioned for APT’s newest European River Ships.

Contemporary art weaves its way through every space aboard the newly unveiled APT Solara and APT Ostara — inviting guests to see the river not just as a course, but as a canvas.

“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life,” Pablo Picasso is often said to have remarked — and aboard the striking new APT Solara, that sentiment resonates in every carefully considered detail. The launch of APT’s next-generation river ships, the APT Solara and sister ship APT Ostara, ushers in a fresh era of luxury cruising — where the journey unfolds not only along Europe’s majestic waterways, but also through texture, tone, and artistry.

Sarah Parkes – Sculpture

Guests stepping aboard APT Solara are greeted by a sculptural gesture that is both arresting and deeply rooted in maritime tradition: a knotted rope installation by Sarah Parkes of Smalltown, Australia. Suspended in the stairwell atrium of the elegant reception space, the artwork is a tactile homage to riverine heritage.

“The rope sculptures for this project were specially commissioned as an elevated and abstract reference to the ropes used on river boats and nautical vessels” shares Stacey Van Harn, Director at Hecker Guthrie.

Parkes takes the humble macramé technique and propels it into the realm of fine art — tactile, rhythmic, and timeless. There’s a quiet power in Parkes’ work. It doesn’t shout — it invites you to look closer.

Nicholas Wilkins – Photography

Each suite aboard the APT Solara features original photography by Australian artist Nicholas Wilkins, who journeyed along the ship’s flagship Magnificent Europe route to capture the essence of the voyage firsthand. “I photographed a lot of churches, abbeys, the Gellért Baths in Budapest — all of which had very unique architectural styles you really only see in Europe,” Wilkins explains. The result is a curated portfolio that mirrors the itinerary, evoking the spirit of the places guests will encounter. These works transcend mere decoration — they are windows into a shared narrative, a visual thread weaving memory to moment.

Maison Pierre Frey Paris – Wallpaper

In the entry to Bistro Saison and The Owner’s Cellar, guests encounter a lush wall treatment that is at once historic and innovative. Designed by the venerable Maison Pierre Frey Paris, the wallpaper evokes the look of an antique tapestry but surprises on closer inspection — the woodland motif is rendered in delicate watercolour and printed onto textured wallpaper.

This artful reference to the heritage of European interiors is realised through modern craftsmanship. Founded in 1935, this Paris-based atelier continues to uphold the traditions of French artisanal excellence — a commitment that harmonises with APT’s own dedication to impeccable design and guest experience. As Paul Hecker reflects, “It seemed to cover all the bases… it’s quite an intense European moment from the idea of the pattern.”

Hecker Guthrie – Interior Design

Every thread, photograph, and brushstroke aboard the APT Solara has been chosen by Hecker Guthrie Studio not just to embellish, but to enrich and echo the European experience. An immersive journey in every sense of the word, Paul Hecker summarises the holistic artistry on board as “Europe through an Australian eye referencing actual makers and craftspeople — it’s prevalent throughout the whole design.”

Words by Alexander Simpson

Photography by Nicholas Wilkins