- Jane Archer is onboard the new APT Ostara which has just launched.
- It is the second ship from APT in just a few months.
- Take a look inside this beautifully modern ship, which will be sailing the Danube.
John can hardly contain his enthusiasm. “I did not expect this; it’s beautiful,” he enthuses. He and his wife, both first-time river cruisers, stepped on board APT’s new river ship Ostara at the same time as me just 30 minutes ago and already they are smitten.
I’m not surprised. Talk about starting at the top. APT Ostara is the second river ship APT has launched this year under its luxury brand (the first, APT Solara, came out in April) and frankly I don’t even need half an hour to see how impressive – and luxurious – this vessel is.
For one thing, it feels so spacious, even though its 154 passenger capacity is only a tad below the average for a European river ship; for another it has a stylish white colour palette that would not look amiss on a billionaire’s yacht. And then there is the quality of the finish and furnishings, and the attention to detail in the subtle nautical design.
Eagle eyes will spot it first as they step into the lobby, a beautiful area with white wood panelling, rope artwork and beech wood banisters on the stairs that lead up and down to the three accommodation decks.
Onboard on APT Ostara
Most rooms on APT Ostara are French balcony suites like mine, with a panoramic wall-to-wall window that opens half way from the top down and a Butler-style marble sink and large glass-enclosed shower in the bathroom. I love the room (the bed is super comfy!) but if space matters, there are eight Owner’s Suites. On the lower deck, 14 rooms a bit smaller than mine have two fixed windows.
And just look at all the places to eat – up to six (seven if you include room service, which is available during meal times). That might not sound many to those used to big ocean-going vessels but is quite something on a river ship, where two or occasionally three is the norm.
Most require reservations but APT uses an invitation system to ensure everyone gets to try all the speciality restaurants once (those in Owner’s Suites get extra dining privileges). As befits APT-style luxury, all are included, as is everything from drinks and tips to transfers and shore excursions.
So far on this cruise – a one-week sailing from Nuremberg to Amsterdam – I’ve dined in Bistro Saison, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and is the equivalent of a main restaurant so no reservations are needed, and the exclusive Owners’ Cellar, which seats just 16 diners. We were welcomed with champagne and munched our way through five courses – the slow-cooked sirloin steak was superb – with a different wine to match each one.
The Salon is another walk-up eatery, and my go-to for a light breakfast and lunch, but in the evening it morphs into the reservation-only Annie’s Table, with a three-course French-inspired menu I’ve still to try.
And then there’s the Gruner Bar and Dining, a truly unique restaurant that’s at the back of deck three when the ship is sailing, but which lifts hydraulically – the kitchen, bar and all – up to the sundeck when it is in port. It is open for lunch and dinner, and you need reservations for both.
I’ve had lunch there so far and it was really good, with great food (pork schnitzel for me please) and fabulous 270-degree views. Dinner is hopefully in the next couple of days and I also have high hopes for a BBQ on the sundeck. That’s dining venue number six and happens twice on every cruise, weather permitting.
So far on this trip the weather is not permitting but rumour has it the forecast is improving and they’ll be firing up the Barbie later this week. I’m keeping everything crossed as, after all, that’s just what’s needed to make the mostly Aussie passengers on here – there are just 15 of us Brits – feel right at home.
How to book your spot on the APT Ostara
APT Ostara is sailing 15-day Magnificent Europe cruises between Amsterdam and Budapest until late December this year and again from April to December in 2026, with prices from $9695. On selected departure dates one-week cruises between Amsterdam and Nuremberg or Nuremberg and Budapest are available.
