- The new APT Solara has been christened in Rotterdam by Godmother and co-owner Lou Tandy.
- The revolutionary ship, the first of two, will be able to accommodate 154 guests.
- Also onboard are six distinctive dining venues and The Grüner Bar & Dining, which lifts hydraulically to offer sweeping 360-degree views.
APT has officially christened its brand-new luxury river ship, the APT Solara, ushering in a new era of river cruising for the iconic Australian brand.
It marked a major milestone in the company’s 98-year history, with the ship christening taking place in Rotterdam on April 21.
Aside from dignitaries, APT Travel Group’s CEO, David Cox and co-owners Robert McGeary and Lou Tandy were in attendance.
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.
“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.”
The Solara has the capacity for just 154 guests and has 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 April 25, 2025, sailing the Rhine, Main, and Danube rivers, exploring some of Europe’s most iconic cities and picturesque towns.
See more here.
