Luxury Cruising aboard the APT Solara
APT Launches New Era of Luxury River Cruising with APT Solara’s Christening and Maiden Voyage
The European river cruising scene has a stunning new star, as we officially welcomed our newest river ship, the APT Solara, with a christening ceremony in Rotterdam followed by a sold-out maiden voyage from Amsterdam.
Held on 21 April, the christening was an intimate yet momentous occasion, celebrating nearly a century of APT’s history while setting a bold new course for its future. Co-owner Lou Tandy, who served as the ship’s Godmother, performed the traditional champagne bottle-breaking ceremony in front of VIP guests, partners, and friends of the brand.
"The Solara celebrates where we’ve come from and marks the exciting future ahead,” Tandy said during the ceremony. “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.”
CEO David Cox echoed the sentiment, describing the Solara as "everything APT stands for – timeless travel, trusted service, and ongoing innovation."
Guests toasted the occasion with champagne and canapés before gathering for a special christening dinner at Grüner Bar & Dining, the ship’s hydraulically lifted venue, designed to offer sweeping 360-degree views from the Sun Deck. The dinner, featuring hyper-local produce and seasonal small plates, offered a taste of the culinary experiences that await Solara’s guests.
APT Owners Lou Tandy and Rob McGeary aboard APT Solara
APT Solara's first sailing
APT Solara Balcony Suite
The Salon Lounge
APT Solara is the product of a close collaboration between APT and a handpicked team of Australian creatives. Melbourne design studio Hecker Guthrie crafted the ship’s sophisticated, light-filled interiors, while Fellow Hospitality led the culinary vision across Solara’s seven distinct dining experiences.
With just 154 guests on board and a crew of 60, Solara offers a highly personalised experience. Her spaces – from the expansive Balcony and Owner’s Suites to the inviting lounges – are designed to feel open yet intimate, with layered textures, soft tones, and a true sense of place.
After her christening, APT Solara set sail on her inaugural voyage on 25 April, departing Amsterdam on the popular Magnificent Europe itinerary. The 15-day journey winds through the heart of Europe, showcasing the best of the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers.
FAQ's
Why are ships christened?
Christening a ship is a time-honoured maritime tradition, symbolising good fortune and safe passage. It's a ceremonial moment that brings a new vessel to life, honouring both heritage and the adventures to come. We’re thrilled to share this milestone with you – and we can’t wait for you experience APT Solara for yourself.
Where will APT Solara sail?
APT Solara will sail Amsterdam to Budapest along the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers. You can also book the cruise in reverse, from Budapest to Amsterdam.
When can I cruise Europe with APT?
You can book your Magnificent Europe luxury river cruise for a range of dates from March to December 2026 here.
What can I expect on the Magnificent Europe cruise?
In addition to an opulent onboard experience, APT offers an enviable itinerary, visiting 14 destinations and includes exclusive signature experiences such as a tour of Namedy Castle with Princess Heide von Hohenzollern and a cocktail party and private orchestra performance at Vienna's City Palace.
What's On Board
With a host of alluring features, our brand-new, ultra-modern river ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara, offer unmatched opulence and style when travelling along the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers. Whether enjoying a cocktail up on the Sun Deck or retreating to your spacious, light-filled suite, there is so much to discover on board.
Crafted in Melbourne by the globally acclaimed Hecker Guthrie design team, our brand-new vessels seamlessly blend contemporary elegance with timeless allure, drawing inspiration from Europe's waterways, seasons, and locales.
Our ships utilise the most advanced and environmentally friendly technology currently available, which has earned us Green Award ‘Gold’ status. We champion eco-conscious best practices with no single-use plastics, and menus that minimise food waste.
A high crew-to-guest ratio offers impeccable onboard service and all suite categories feature indulgent in-suite dining. Your ship will have a dedicated Cruise Director on board, superb entertainment and a wellness host.