The Ultimate Guide to APT

Proudly Australian owned, APT (Australian Pacific Touring) has evolved into one of the world’s most esteemed luxury travel companies. With humble beginnings as a single bus route in Melbourne in 1927, APT delivers extraordinary journeys from adventurous river cruises on leading-edge vessels to multi-continent wilderness escapes. Innovation lies at the heart of APT, and they are continually raising the bar and redefining the guest travel experience.

Central to APT’s portfolio are their river cruises, which expertly blend relaxed elegance with keen exploration. With a fleet of sleek, contemporary riverboats designed for discovery – for instance, two recently introduced new-generation river ships, APT Solara and APT Ostara –APT guests enjoy innovative design infused with local flair, impressive dining options and enticing onshore itineraries designed by local tour guides. 

APT attracts curious and discerning travellers, hoping to venture further in some of the world’s most stunning locales along the waterways of Europe, Southeast Asia and Australia. Whether gliding past ancient castles on Europe’s historic Danube River, buying fresh produce at the bustling floating markets on the Mekong in Vietnam or admiring the soaring red gums lining the Murray River in Australia, APT gives guests a one-of-a-kind perspective from the water. 

For cruisers, here are some key things to consider when booking a river cruise with APT.

Why APT?

The APT journey is dedicated to personal service, comfortable stylish ships and culturally enriching excursions. Voyages are designed to immerse travellers in the character of the region, with many itineraries offering exclusive access to destinations, Freedom of Choice™ inclusions, and unique APT Signature Experiences – for example, guests might sit down to a private classical concert at Vienna’s City Palace.

Onboard an APT river vessel, passengers enjoy spacious suites, opulent style, panoramic views and exceptional dining. From fine cuisine to drinks and excursions, most extras are included for an all-inclusive, stress-free experience. One standout feature is APT’s unique dual-balcony concept on many of its European riverboats, giving guests the opportunity to soak up private views regardless of the weather. 

To strive for innovation in the river cruise industry, APT continues to find new ways to redefine luxury river travel. 2025 marks the debut of their two newest river cruise ships, the APT Solara and APT Ostara. These custom-designed vessels epitomise elegance, offering a boutique ambiance for just 154 guests, sailing along Europe’s Rhine, Main and Danube rivers. APT also offers itineraries exploring Australia’s serene Murray River and Asia’s Mekong region, with curated excursions, memorable scenery and destination-specific cuisine.

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At a glance (Accommodation type, Destination/Ports)

Destinations

APT tailored experiences take guests on unforgettable journeys onboard world-class vessels, exploring famed waterways such as the Rhine and Danube in Europe, the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam, and the mighty Murray in Australia. APT river cruise tours range from eight-day journeys to longer voyages spanning up to 30 days.

One popular itinerary is Magnificent Europe, navigating between Amsterdam and Budapest. Glide past regal castles lining the riverbanks, taste delicious wines in the Rhine Valley or wander the quaint cobblestone streets of Strasbourg. Tours on the Danube, which flows through iconic European cities such as Vienna, Dürnstein and Bratislava, take guests to the palaces and museums of Vienna, the verdant vineyards of Austria, and the ruins of Dürnstein Castle.

Choose a river cruise that explores Portugal’s sun-drenched Algarve Coast or invites you to marvel at the architecture of Gaudi in Barcelona. Some of APT’s Douro River itineraries sail alongside terraced vineyards and guests can embark on excursions to taste Portugal’s famous port wine, which gives the city of Porto its name. 

In exotic South East Asia, APT passengers have the chance to visit small riverside communities and see diverse natural scenery such as cloud-shrouded mountains and lush jungles. On a spiritual, signature cruise from Cambodia to Vietnam, APT guests can experience a Buddhist blessing, see the historic landmarks of Phnom Penh and follow the footsteps of historical figures.

Discover the vibrant heart of India with APT’s fascinating Ganges cruises which range from 10 to 19 days exploring the Golden Triangle and Varanasi. Begin with an in-depth exploration of Kolkata, a city rich in history and culture, before setting sail aboard the purpose-built Ganges Voyager. 

In Australia, APT explores the continent’s longest river with a relaxed cruise on the Murray. Onboard the PS Australian Star, guests will glide past the incredible rustic beauty of this popular Victorian river region, enjoying luxurious comfort and personalised service.

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What’s Included?

Booking a cruise with APT isn’t just about discovering the character of each destination in modern luxury – it’s about the exceptional experiences included in your fare:

What You’ll Get:

Your cabin: APT river vessels are stylish floating hotels, where guests can relax in their well-appointed suite or stateroom with hotel-style amenities and floor-to-ceiling windows. 

Dining: From multi-course gourmet meals to casual bites, every dish is thoughtfully inspired by the flavours of the region you’re exploring. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks accompany meals.

Entertainment: With enrichment at the heart of the APT experience, expect live music and local entertainers between stops, along with speciality performances ashore.

Activities: Embark on excursions that give you exclusive access to landmarks and cultural treasures, such as private after-hours tours. Onboard enjoy hands-on activities inspired by local culture, like silk making or glass blowing.

Fitness + Wellness: APT seamlessly integrates wellness into their river cruise offerings, with fitness facilities, yoga and stretching sessions, spa treatments and scenic jogging tracks.

Kids and Teens: While APT’s cruises are primarily geared toward adult travellers, some itineraries welcome families with tailored activities for children aged 12 and older. 

APT Inclusions:

• Airport Transfers
• Unlimited beverages
• Gratuities and Port Charges
• Choice of Shore Excursions
• World-class dining
• WiFi Access

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Packages and Inclusions

APT redefines river cruising with luxurious packages tailored to the discerning traveller. For savvy holiday planners, Earlybird deals provide exceptional value with exclusive savings on all-inclusive luxury journeys. 

Specialty options include spiritual cruises in Southeast Asia or India, offering cultural immersion and meaningful experiences within sacred communities. For a festive twist, APT’s Christmas-themed cruises allow guests to celebrate the season from a different perspective and take part in festive activities at the fames Christmas markets in Europe.

Every tour package is thoughtfully crafted to combine unique destinations with APT’s renowned inclusions, such as fine dining, premium beverages, guided excursions, and exclusive Signature Experiences, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your cruise. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities.

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Dining Experiences

For an exceptional onboard dining experience every cruise day, APT partners with innovative chefs and offers meticulously structured menus inspired by the current cruising region. The fleet of APT river ships boasts multiple dining venues serving everything from destination-specific cuisine to classic dishes. For example, in South East Asia the Mekong Serenity features the regionally-inspired Lemongrass Restaurant, stylish Asian degustation restaurant Indochine and casual eater, Horizon Bar & Grill. 

Highlighting the unique culinary ‘landscape’ of each destination, APT tours also include opportunities for foodies to meet local chefs, visit markets and learn about regional food production. APT prides itself on high-quality cuisine, seemingly endless flavour experiences in a variety of venues and quality regional ingredients. Expect delicate Cambodian spring rolls on a Mekong cruise, seared kangaroo fillets in Australia or delicate Bengali sweets in India.

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Cabin Experiences

Every stateroom on an APT cruise, from suite to entry-level stateroom, has an ethos of effortless luxury with plush linens, window or balcony views of tranquil scenery and colour palettes that reflect the spirit of the destinations they traverse. A haven of relaxation, the APT cabins boast private ensuite bathrooms with hotel-style amenities, flat-screen televisions and complimentary Wi-Fi. For travellers seeking next-level luxury, suites offer generous living spaces with separate sleeping and lounging areas.

On select ships, a private butler service can elevate the experience, providing personalised attention to upgrade your stay. From unpacking luggage to arranging your perfect onboard meal or shore excursion, dedicated service ensures every detail is seamlessly handled.

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Activities (Family, Kids, Couple)

APT river cruises primarily cater to adult travellers, focusing on enriching cultural experiences and relaxed luxury, rather than activities specifically designed for children or teenagers. These cruises are ideal for mature travellers who share an appreciation for history, fine cuisine, and cultural immersion.

Daytime schedules typically include guided shore excursions led by expert local guides. Guests might find themselves exploring historic European cities, visiting ancient temples along the Mekong, or touring places of natural beauty like UNESCO-listed landscapes. 

Onboard, expect engaging talks from historians, cultural experts, or chefs who connect guests to the destinations through stories and culinary demonstrations. Sample local wines, learn the art of regional cooking, or unwind with the scenic beauty from the ship’s viewing decks.

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The Fleet

APT operates a small fleet of river cruise ships, each innovatively designed to gracefully navigate the world’s diverse waterways. APT ships utilise the most advanced and environmentally friendly technology currently available, earning the Green Award ‘Gold’ status. APT champions eco-conscious best practices with no single-use plastics and menus that minimise food waste.

Europe | APT Ostara & APT Solara

These next-generation ships cruise the Danube and Rhine Rivers, offering exceptional modern luxury. Guests enjoy spacious suites, panoramic views and a state-of-the-art wellness zone.

Europe | MS Estrela

Custom-built for the Douro River in Portugal, the MS Estrela is infused with Euro flair and has an appealing latte-coloured exterior rather than bright white, to blend with its natural surrounds. 

Asia | Mekong Serenity

This boutique ship glides along the Mekong River, featuring private balconies and luxurious Asian-inspired interiors, perfect for soaking up the ever-changing scenery.

Asia | Au Co

Sailing through Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, the Au Co is a recreation of a traditional, colonial-era vessel and offers an exotic and luxurious experience, blending modern design with the natural beauty of the region.

South America | Delfin III

Navigate Peru’s Pacaya-Samiria Reserve aboard the luxurious Delfin III, featuring elegant suites, an open-air sun deck, a refreshing plunge pool, and gourmet dining, all while exploring the heart of the Amazon.

Asia | RV Ganges Voyager

Explore the Lower Ganges in India aboard this majestic vessel, designed for comfort and cultural immersion with interiors that reflect a modern Indian aesthetic.

Asia | Yangtzi Explorer

Cruise the Yangtze River’s Three Gorges on this sophisticated ship boasting spacious suites with private balconies and unmatched views from the panoramic observation deck.

Australia | PS Australian Star

Set sail on the majestic Murray River aboard the brand-new luxury paddle steamer, PS Australian Star, debuting in 2025. This extraordinary vessel combines timeless charm with modern innovation and boasts an expansive sun deck to watch the riverside scenery.

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The Loyalty Program

Be rewarded for every journey with APT with their member-only loyalty program, APT Club. It’s free to join and offers members exclusive benefits, whether they’ve travelled with APT before or not. With each APT voyage you embark on, you’ll elevate through the loyalty tiers, enjoying more and more exciting benefits each trip. Here are the general details of each tier:

Silver Membership 

Requirement: 1 Trip of 7+ days

• $100 Welcome Home voucher
• $100 Friends & Family voucher

Gold Membership

Requirement: 2-3 Trips of 7+ days

In addition to Silver benefits:

• Receive private home-to-airport return transfers up to 40 kilometres
• $100 Welcome Home voucher
• $100 Friends & Family voucher

Platinum Membership

Requirement: 4-5 Trips of 7+ days

In addition to Gold benefits:

• Enjoy a complimentary one night pre- OR post-tour accommodation up to the value of $350 (not available on land and air tours of less than 10 days)
• Receive private home-to-airport return transfers up to 60 kilometres
• $100 Welcome Home voucher
• $100 Friends & Family voucher

Diamond Membership

Requirement: 6 or more Trips of 7+ days

In addition to Platinum benefits:

• Enjoy a complimentary two nights pre- OR post-tour accommodation up to the value of $350 per night (not available on land and air tours of less than 10 days)
• Receive private home to airport return transfers up to 60 kilometres
• $100 Welcome Home voucher
• $100 Friends & Family voucher

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Frequently Asked Questions