Best luxury European river cruises

Guide to new ultra-luxury European river ships

What size are the new river ships?

Both APT Solara and APT Ostara have three decks, plus a sun deck. Each ship carries up to 154 guests serviced by 60 crew. The ships are 135m in length. River boats are limited in size to ensure they can fit under bridges and into the various locks on European rivers. 

What are the cruise routes for the river ships?

Both ships will sail the Rhine, Danube and Main Rivers from April 2025. The 15-day Magnificent Europe river cruise, for example, goes from Amserdam to Budapest, with stops at Vienna and quaint towns such as Andernach, Bamberg and Bratislava.

What suite options are there on the river ships?

Helping raise the standard of luxury travel to new heights, the unique ships boast a trio of uniquely designed, luxuriously appointed suite options: Twin Window, Balcony, and the lavish Owner’s Suites.

Combining comfort and elegance, these suites offer a haven where you retreat, nap and absorb the spectacular riverside scenes. In-suite services include in-suite dining, complimentary fully stocked minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, an en suite with decadent toiletries, ample storage, and  entertainment.

The Owner's Suite is the most spacious, and has a large outdoor balcony. There's a separate sitting area for private in-suite dining, along with a complimentary laundry and pressing service, and complimentary spa treatment.

What are the dining options on the river ships?

APT Ostara and APT Solara also offer five-star dining experiences across six stunning restaurants. Inspired by regional cuisines, the venues will set a new standard for culinary adventures on the iconic rivers of mainland Europe. The quality of ingredients will be exemplary, with the finest, seasonal produce sought from the regions through which you travel.

The range of venues onboard is similarly memorable. There's the forementioned Grüner Bar & Dining, where the menu is focused on fresh, seasonal, hyper-local fare inspired by the regions the river ships sail through. Guests can walk out to the Sun Deck before returning to the raised restaurant.

At Bistro Saison there’s a European neighbourhood atmosphere, offering classic fare from local regions.

The Owner’s Cellar is an intimate wine cellar for up to 16 guests. The exclusive set menus feature courses matched with specialty wines only available in the private cellar.

Annie’s Table is a communal style venue with high quality familiar favourites. For breakfast and lunch The Salon is also a relaxed space designed for activities and socialising.

For flame-grilled meats, seafood and vegetables, Daystar Deck has fresh seasonal salads and fun cocktails, all served al fresco as the serene landscapes of Europe float by.

For those times that in-room dining appeals, it’s complimentary for all guests.

What is the guest-to-crew ratio on the river ships?

APT Solara and APT Ostara will have outstanding service standards, offering one of the highest guest-to-crew ratios on European rivers with one crew member for every 2.5 guests.

Are there spa and fitness facilities on the river ships?

Wellness activities ensure your health and fitness needs are covered. Whether you’re keeping on top of your fitness regime at the onboard gym, pampering yourself at the onboard hair stylist, swimming laps in the pool or relaxing at the spa, you'll feel revived and refreshed. E-bikes are also available for exploration on shore.

What cruises can I do in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean?

In Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, APT has partnered with ultra-luxury cruise line Seabourn for an extensive ocean cruising program. Guests will venture through Scandinavia and the Arctic aboard the ultra-luxurious Seabourn Venture and comb the Mediterranean coastline on the Seabourn Encore and Ovation.

As well as all-inclusive river cruising along the Rhine, Main and Danube, guests can travel along the Douro on the brand-new MS Estrela, launching late summer 2024. Other travel styles include cruising aboard a luxury yacht, MV Lady Eleganza, in Croatia and traversing Europe by coach and rail travel.