APT Travel Group has christened MS Estrela, its first purpose-built river ship in Europe, ahead of new luxury river ship APT Solara’s christening on Monday 21st April 2025 in Netherlands.
During the ceremony, UK travel media leader and industry advocate Lucy Huxley was named as the ship’s Godmother.
MS Estrela has now departed Porto to begin her journey upriver to Régua.
The ship’s itineraries include the 14-day Douro Delights with Madrid, and Lisbon and Travelmarvel’s 11-day Lisbon with Douro Discovery.
Speaking at the ceremony, APT Travel Group CEO David Cox says, “Lucy has long been a champion of travel, and we couldn’t be prouder to have her as the Godmother of MS Estrela“.
“Her enthusiasm for the industry and genuine warmth reflect the spirit of this ship — one designed to bring people together and showcase the soul of Portugal.”
Huxley says, “It’s an incredible honour to be named Godmother of MS Estrela. I’ve long admired APT and Travelmarvel for their passion, innovation and the incredible experiences they create for travellers”.
“Standing on the sun deck, champagne in hand, surrounded by the Douro’s beauty and such wonderful people from across our industry — it was genuinely emotional. This ship is something special, and I can’t wait to see the memories it helps create.”
APT Travel Group “redefining luxury river cruising”
APT’s ultra-luxury river ship APT Solara will also be christened on 21 April 2025 in Rotterdam, Amsterdam before setting off on her first sailing on the 25th April – with sister ship APT Ostara launching in June 2025.
Cox says, “APT Solara and APT Ostara will redefine luxury river cruising, thoughtfully designed with the Australian guest in mind”.
The new ships will also set a new standard in sustainability with greater emphasis on saving fuel, energy optimisation and waste reduction, along with 50 crew to 154 passengers.
Each ship will feature six all-inclusive dining options, including the main restaurant, an intimate wine cellar, a relaxing conservatory, a casual dining option, an exclusive aft restaurant and in-suite dining.
The sun deck will have alfresco dining, a heated pool and lounge area.
For more information, visit APT.
