APT officially christened its brand-new luxury river ship, the APT Solara, in an elegant ceremony held in Rotterdam yesterday, 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 at Grüner Bar & Dining. 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, 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 delivered 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 Australian company, we’ve designed this ship with the Antipodean traveller in mind as it brings together the comforts our guests value most, from elegant lounges and genuinely quality coffee to regionally sourced produce – all in a ship that feels tailored, not templated. That’s what sets APT apart.”
With a capacity for just 154 guests, the APT Solara sets a new standard for 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. Dining is at the heart of the experience, with six distinctive venues plus in-suite dining, each offering unique regional flavours that evolve with the seasons to present the very best of Europe’s culinary offerings.
APT Solara will embark on her maiden voyage along the Magnificent Europe itinerary on 25 April 2025, sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, exploring some of Europe’s most iconic cities and picturesque towns.
Key Facts:
APT officially christened its brand-new luxury river ship, the APT Solara, in an elegant ceremony held in Rotterdam on Monday. The event marked a major milestone in the company’s 98-year history and signals a bold new chapter in European river cruising.
About us:
APT Luxury Travel is a proudly Australian-owned tour operator which for almost 100 years has been creating unforgettable, 5-star travel experiences that go beyond the expected, across every corner of the globe. Discover the many ways you can explore the world like never before by visiting www.aptouring.com.au
Contact details:
Ashleigh Bailey | PR & Communications Lead | APT Travel Group
[email protected] | 03 8526 1300
