European river cruising is entering a new era of luxury, accommodating travellers who seek more than elegant cabins and picturesque waterways. Today’s luxury travellers expect a holistic experience, including memorable immersive experiences, sophisticated dining and personalised services that match the level of 5-star hotels. In response to these increased expectations, Australian-owned APT has unveiled two purpose-built river ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara, to blend modern sophistication with the landscape of  Europe’s most iconic rivers.

Created intentionally to navigate the Rhine, Main and Danube, the sister ships are some of the newest ways to traverse across Europe. These ships represent upgrades in luxury river cruising, possessing Australian-designed interiors and innovative dining concepts on their curated onboard experiences. APT is attempting to redefine what guests can expect from European river cruises, being developed with modern travellers at the forefront. Consequently, they have set a new benchmark for comfort through a modern interpretation of river cruising that combines the intimacy of boutique travel with the comforts of a luxury hotel.

A New Chapter for an Australian Travel Brand

APT has maintained a premium travel reputation for decades, strengthening its positioning through various guided tours and luxury river cruises across Europe and beyond. Though they have partnered with established shipbuilders before, the new Solara and Ostara mark the first time APT has introduced vessels with its own identity and design philosophy.

Each of the APT ships accommodates up to 154 guests and houses approximately 60 crew members. This creates a high crew-to-guest ratio that allows for attentive, personalised service, increasing a sense of luxury. From benefits such as airport transfers and onboard gratuities to Wi-Fi and beverages, these cruises offer an all-inclusive experience, allowing guests to relax and enjoy the overall experience. 

For Australian Travellers specifically, the ships have been tailored to suit longer European holidays, with many of their itineraries spanning over two weeks, offering extensive travel through Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Netherlands and other neighbouring countries.

Contemporary Design Inspired by Europe

One of the defining features of the Solara and Ostara is their striking appearance. The look of their sleek and contemporary exteriors distinguishes them from other traditional vessels, while their elegeant interiors were created by Melbourne-based design studio Hecker Guthrie.

Rather than decorating the ship in loud and extravagant features, the designers opted for a calm, understated aesthetic inspired by the landscapes found throughout the journey. The soft neutral colours, natural timber and stone textures create spaces that feel warm and inviting. 

Throughout the ships, subtle nautical references connect guests to the river environment without making the overall experience thematic. The curved architecutral lines, lighting and handcrafted finishes match the level of glamour and luxury as those commonly associated with boutique hotels. Finally, Australian artwork displayed throughout the vessel further strengthens the connection between APT’s heritage and European itineraries. 

This results in a ship where the design enhances the experience by providing elegant spaces that encourages relation between daily excursions. 

Accommodation Designed Around Comfort

Accommodation aboard both ships has been designed to maximise natural light while maintaining a strong sense of privacy.

The accommodation provided on this ship has been designed to maximise light while maintaining a high level of privacy. Unlike other larger cruise ships, every suite on these APTs includes an exterior window, allowing guests to feel connected to the passing scenery throughout the voyage. Accommodation options range from Twin Window Suites to spacious French Balcony Suites featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that slide open.

At the highest level, the Owner’s Suites offer generous living spaces alongside premium inclusions such as complimentary laundry services and spa treatments, creating an experience that rivals many luxury hotels.

The highest-level suites, the Owner’s Suites, offer generous living spaces alongside premium inclusions that include complimentary laundry services and spa treatments. 

Dining Beyond Expectations

Luxury experiences are also shaped by dining, which has been a key element of the Solara and Ostara experience. River ships have traditionally offered one or two primary restaurants, but APT has significantly expanded those expectations by introducing six distinct dining venues, each presenting its own atmosphere and culinary identity.

Menus at the venues have been inspired by regional European cuisine while maintaining familiarity for international tastes. Seasonal ingredients and locally inspired dishes allow guests to experience the flavours of each destination. 

Among the standout venues is the innovative Grüner Bar & Dining space, which is a rooftop restaurant that can be raised hydraulically while the ship is docked. This allows guests to enjoy higher views in port before the structure is lowered again for sailing beneath Europe’s low river bridges. The design solves a practical engineering challenge while making good use of the ship’s rooftop space.

Other venues offer a range of dining options, from casual bistro-style meals to degustation menus featuring regional wines and paired dishes. Guests can also order room service, giving them the flexibility to dine in their suites.

Wellness and Relaxation on the Water

Luxury river cruising now places greater emphasis on wellness alongside dining and accommodation, and Solara and Ostara include a range of facilities to support this aspect of the guest experience. The Sun Deck provides space for relaxation, with a heated swimming pool, loungers and seating areas overlooking the surrounding river landscapes. It also serves as a gathering place for guests between ports. An onboard gym allows passengers to continue their usual fitness routines, while the wellness centre offers a selection of treatments during the voyage. The ships also carry e-bikes, which guests can use to explore destinations independently or as part of guided cycling excursions. Together, these facilities give passengers a choice between active exploration ashore and time spent relaxing on board, accommodating different travel preferences throughout the journey.

Bringing Art and Culture Onboard

While Europe’s museums, galleries and historic cities are key attractions, APT also incorporates art into the onboard experience. Works by Australian artists are displayed throughout the ships, alongside photography, landscape paintings and decorative pieces. These artworks complement the interior design while providing a visual link between the ships’ Australian identity and the European destinations visited. Artworks on the ship become more than decoration and instead contribute to the storytelling embedded in the ship, helping remind passengers that travel is as much about cultural appreciation as it is about sightseeing.

This approach gives Solara and Ostara a different feel from many contemporary cruise ships. Instead of relying on bold design features to make an impression, the ships use art to create a quieter, more considered atmosphere.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Environmental responsibility has become a bigger focus across the cruise industry, as more travellers consider the environmental impact of their holidays. Solara and Ostara include several features aimed at reducing that impact. The ships have received Green Award Gold certification for meeting recognised environmental standards, have largely removed single-use plastics from onboard operations, and use menu planning and food preparation practices intended to reduce waste. Cruising still has an environmental footprint, and no operator can eliminate it. Even so, these measures show that APT is investing in more sustainable ways of operating while adopting new technologies as they become available.

Exploring Europe’s Great Rivers

Solara and Ostara mainly sail along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, connecting many of Europe’s best-known cities and regions. Along the way, guests visit destinations including Amsterdam, Vienna, Budapest, Passau and Regensburg, as well as smaller riverside towns that larger ocean cruise ships cannot reach. River cruising also allows for longer stays in many destinations, giving passengers more time to explore local communities while the scenery changes steadily between ports. The experience differs from ocean cruising in one important way: the landscape is almost always in view. Vineyards, castles, forests and historic villages line the riverbanks, so the journey between destinations becomes part of the experience rather than simply a way to get from one place to the next. That constant connection to the surroundings also shapes the atmosphere on board. The pace is slower, giving passengers time to take in the scenery and experience Europe’s waterways without feeling rushed.

Setting a New Benchmark

The launch of Solara and Ostara marks more than the introduction of two new luxury ships. It reflects how river cruising is changing, with travellers placing greater value on thoughtful design, personal service and a deeper connection with the places they visit. APT has combined Australian influences with European character to create ships that feel modern while still retaining a sense of refinement. The design choices, accommodation, dining and wellness facilities all serve a shared purpose of making the time spent on board feel as memorable as the destinations along the route. As more travellers look for experiences rather than just holidays, Solara and Ostara place APT in a strong position within the luxury river cruise market. The ships focus on comfort, choice and meaningful connections with local cultures, turning the journey itself into an important part of the experience.

Written By: Leah Kim

Published On: 24th July 2026