Elegance on the Danube might elevate Budapest into a luxurious haven

APT Luxury Travel aims to consolidate its position as a leader in the ultra-luxury market by launching two new river vessels in March 2025. The two vessels, APT Solara and APT Ostara, will cruise along the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, including Budapest, exploring some of Europe’s most cherished waterways, as offered by the river cruise specialist.

Crafted in Australia by the acclaimed architectural firm Hecker Guthrie, APT has announced that their ships are poised to establish groundbreaking sustainability standards, focusing on reducing fuel consumption and waste, while enhancing energy efficiency. With a capacity to accommodate 154 guests, the vessels embody a design philosophy that centres on strategic space optimisation and illumination, a principle underscored by their architects.

Co-director Paul Hecker Guthrie highlighted the abundant space as a particularly appealing feature of the design. He further elaborated on the design philosophy, underlining the creation of various seating areas beyond the main lounge, including cosy reading corners and vantage points for guests to immerse themselves in the experience and interact at their leisure.

Both Solara and Ostara will offer an array of all-inclusive travel experiences, ranging from an exclusive rear restaurant to a private wine cellar and conservatory. David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group, expressed that the introduction of two cutting-edge river ships to Europe by 2025 signifies a remarkable milestone in APT’s nearly century-long history. According to TTGMedia, APT Solara and APT Ostara are poised to revolutionise luxury river cruising, meticulously designed with the utmost consideration for their valued guests.

What do these ships offer?

The vessels bound for Budapest boast an array of enticing features, including spacious suites and six distinct dining venues such as rooftop alfresco dining and a wine cellar. On the sun deck, passengers can savour panoramic 360° views, relax in the pool or unwind in the lounge area. With a combined capacity of 154 guests and a dedicated crew of 60, onboard wellness facilities include a gym, spa and e-bikes for shore exploration.

The suites, available in three luxurious categories, offer breathtaking riverside views and a range of in-suite services. Inspired by the seasons, each suite features a unique colour palette, designed to evoke a tranquil and serene atmosphere. For a detailed review of the ship, including a deck plan and other pertinent information, you can check out ATP’s website here.

APT’s 2023 promotional video:

Budapest: a luxury destination

At first, Kreinbacher hesitated to disclose specifics about the project, which falls under the sponsorship of his project company, Chain Bridge Experience Ltd., Kreinbacher’s hand was forced following the award of a public HUF 5 Billion (EUR 12 million) grant from the Kisfaludy tourism programme. Questions from Hungarian opposition MPs and the press prompted him to disclose more details.

Kreinbacher’s vision aims to elevate Budapest and Hungary‘s global standing by showcasing not only their natural assets but also the unique experiences they offer. His current endeavour involves the restoration of the iconic Hungarian river steamer, the Károly IV, to operate as a tourist attraction and event venue near Széchenyi Square.

Undoubtedly confident that the Károly IV will become an iconic tourist attraction, József Kreinbacher also emphasised the necessity to enhance Budapest’s tourism offerings to cater to visitors seeking multi-day experiences, a goal he believes is widely supported.

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