APT Travel Group has officially welcomed its second new wholly owned river cruise ship, with a ceremony taking place prior to the first sailing of APT Solara.
The christening marks a new chapter for the Australian brand following the sale last year of its stake in AmaWaterways (CW 07 Mar 2024) .
Solara will sail on the Rhine/Main and Danube rivers in Europe, and is the second ship in the company’s burgeoning new fleet to enter service, following the christening last week of Estrela (CW 17 Apr), which sails on the Douro in Portugal.
APT co-owner Lou Tandy served as the godmother to Solara, cutting the ribbon to break the champagne across the ship’s bow, as part of a long-standing maritime tradition.
“It’s a true honour to serve as godmother for a ship that means so much to our team, our guests, and my family,” Tandy said.
Carrying 154 passengers, APT’s new ship features Gruner Bar & Dining, a levitating restaurant which can move between the centre deck and sun deck.
Five other dining venues, each focusing on a different European flavour, are available for passengers to dine each evening.
Chief Executive Officer David Cox said Solara is everything APT stands for: timeless travel, service, and innovation.
“She’s more than just a new ship; she sets a new benchmark for how we deliver exceptional experiences on Europe’s rivers,” Cox said at the ceremony.
A third ship – APT Ostara – will be christened in Jun in the German city of Nuremberg.
Ostara will be a twin ship to Solara and will also operate the company’s river itineraries on the Rhine/Main/Danube stretch.
Solara will set sail on her maiden departure of APT’s flagship ‘Magnificent Europe’ itinerary on Fri. ML