Elegance on the Danube might elevate Budapest into a luxurious haven

APT Luxury Travel aims to consolidate its position as a leader in the ultra-luxury market by launching two new river vessels in March 2025. The two vessels, APT Solara and APT Ostara, will cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, including Budapest, exploring some of Europe’s most cherished waterways, as offered by the river cruise specialist.

Crafted in Australia by the acclaimed architectural firm Hecker Guthrie, APT has announced that their ships are poised to establish groundbreaking sustainability standards, focusing on reducing fuel consumption and waste, while enhancing energy efficiency. With a capacity to accommodate 154 guests, the vessels embody a design philosophy that centres on strategic space optimisation and illumination, a principle underscored by their architects.

Co-director Paul Hecker Guthrie highlighted the abundant space as a particularly appealing feature of the design. He further elaborated on the design philosophy, underlining the creation of various seating areas beyond the main lounge, including cosy reading corners and vantage points for guests to immerse themselves in the experience and interact at their leisure.

Both Solara and Ostara will offer an array of all-inclusive travel experiences, ranging from an exclusive rear restaurant to a private wine cellar and conservatory. David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group, expressed that the introduction of two cutting-edge river ships to Europe by 2025 signifies a remarkable milestone in APT’s nearly century-long history. According to TTGMedia, APT Solara and APT Ostara are poised to revolutionise luxury river cruising, meticulously designed with the utmost consideration for their valued guests.

What do these ships offer?

The vessels bound for Budapest boast an array of enticing features, including spacious suites and six distinct dining venues such as rooftop alfresco dining and a wine cellar. On the sun deck, passengers can savour panoramic 360° views, relax in the pool or unwind in the lounge area. With a combined capacity of 154 guests and a dedicated crew of 60, onboard wellness facilities include a gym, spa and e-bikes for shore exploration.