APT Travel Group has officially welcomed its newest river cruise ship, APT Ostara, adding a 154-guest, next-gen vessel to its luxury fleet for Europe-bound Australian travellers.
The APT Ostara christening took place in Vienna in mid-July 2026 on the ship’s Sun Deck with third and fourth generations of the founding family gathering for the traditional breaking of a Champagne bottle against the hull.
The ceremony was led by APT Travel Group Family Principal & Director Lou Tandy with her daughter serving as the ship’s godmother and reading a blessing shoreside before the christening, continuing the McGeary family association.
Designed by Melbourne studio Hecker Guthrie, APT Ostara is a sister ship to APT Solara and accommodates only 154 guests, positioned at the small-ship, high-end end of the European river cruise market.
What’s onboard the new ship
APT Ostara mirrors the design of her sister ship with expansive Balcony and Owner’s Suites and the innovative The Grüner Bar & Dining, which debuted on Solara as the world’s first dining venue that lifts hydraulically to offer 360-degree views from the Sun Deck.
Dining sits at the heart of the experience with six distinct venues plus in-suite dining, each offering regional flavours that change with the seasons.
The low guest count and suite-heavy layout make the ship one to match with clients seeking a quieter, more spacious river cruise on Europe’s waterways.
A centenary in the making
APT Travel Group CEO David Cox said the two new ships reflect both the company’s history and its direction as it nears 100 years.
“As we approach our centenary, Ostara and Solara are a reflection of both our heritage and our future. They honour nearly 100 years of experience, while demonstrating our commitment to continued growth, innovation and investment in the guest experience,” he said.
“These ships build on everything APT is known for, while helping shape the next chapter of our business and the journeys we’ll create for future generations of travellers.”
For Tandy, the moment carried personal weight as her family looks beyond the present.
“As the third generation to lead our family business, I think a lot about the people who came before me, and the generations who will follow. As we approach our centenary, Ostara represents our commitment to the future; a next-generation river ship, designed for the next generation of APT travellers,” she said.
“Sharing this milestone with my daughter today was especially meaningful. It was a reminder that family businesses are built by thinking beyond today.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: Europe river cruising remains a reliable seller for Australian luxury advisors, and a new 154-guest ship offers a new small-ship, suite-led option for advisors planning next year’s European travel bookings for clients.
