APT Solara and APT Ostara will sail some of the river cruise specialist’s most popular European itineraries on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, starting in March 2025.

Designed in Australia by award-winning architectural firm Hecker Guthrie, APT said the sister ships were built to set new sustainability standards, reducing fuel consumption and waste while optimising energy use.

The design of the two 154-guest vessels focuses on maximising space and light, said the ships’ architects. “One of the particularly lovely things in this design is there are lots of places to go to,” said Hecker Guthrie co-director Paul Hecker.

“Guests don’t just have to head to the ‘main lounge’. We are creating many opportunities for guests to find their space, be it reading nooks or places from which to observe the action and engage as and when you choose.”

Both Solara and Ostara will also feature a number of all-inclusive travel options, ranging from an exclusive aft restaurant to an intimate wine cellar and conservatory.

APT Travel Group chief executive David Cox added: “With two brand-new river ships in Europe for 2025, this is another momentous milestone in APT’s near 100-year history. APT Solara and APT Ostara will redefine luxury river cruising, thoughtfully designed with our valued guests in mind.”

The announcement of Solara and Ostara coincides with APT and Travelmarvel’s appointment of Barrhead Travel river cruise specialist Gary Speirs as its new northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland business development manager.

Speirs replaces Koral Lipton, who this week revealed she will be joining Explora Journeys.