Life Onboard APT Cruising
Overview
APT Cruising is part of the APT Travel Group, a family-owned company founded in Australia in 1927. Originally established as a coach touring company by Bill McGeary, the organisation gradually expanded into international touring and later into river cruising as demand for immersive travel experiences grew.
Over the decades, APT developed a reputation for high-quality journeys that combine carefully planned itineraries with premium service. Today, APT Cruising operates a fleet of purpose-built river ships and small vessels designed to navigate some of the world’s most iconic waterways.
While the destinations have expanded across continents, the philosophy behind the brand has remained consistent: creating journeys that allow travellers to explore the world in comfort while enjoying personalised service and meaningful cultural experiences along the way.
Accommodations
Accommodation across the APT Cruising fleet has been designed with comfort and space in mind.
Most vessels offer a range of suite categories, many of which feature private balconies or floor-to-ceiling windows that allow guests to enjoy uninterrupted views of the river landscape.
Suites typically include spacious living areas, premium bedding, well-appointed bathrooms and modern amenities such as climate control, televisions and Wi-Fi connectivity. Many ships also offer enhanced suite categories that include additional living space, outdoor terraces and personalised service such as butler assistance.
The design of each suite reflects the region in which the ship operates, blending contemporary comfort with subtle local influences to create an environment that feels both elegant and welcoming.
Activities & Entertainment
Life on board an APT Cruising ship is designed to complement the destinations visited along the journey. Rather than focusing on large-scale entertainment, the emphasis is on experiences that enrich guests’ understanding of the regions they are exploring.
Throughout each cruise, guests can take part in destination briefings, cultural talks and demonstrations that highlight local traditions and history. Some voyages also include cultural performances, cooking demonstrations or guest speakers who provide insight into the region.
Food & Drink
Dining is a highlight of the APT Cruising experience. Menus are often inspired by the regions visited during the cruise, allowing guests to sample local flavours alongside international dishes.
Ships typically feature elegant main dining rooms, where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in a relaxed setting with attentive service. Many vessels also offer additional dining venues such as bistro-style restaurants, speciality dining rooms or open-air barbecue areas on deck.
Meals are prepared using fresh ingredients, and the dining experience is designed to feel both refined and comfortable. Lounge bars and observation lounges provide welcoming spaces for pre-dinner drinks, cocktails or evening conversation.
Relaxation & Fitness
APT Cruising ships include a range of facilities designed to help guests relax and maintain their well-being while travelling.
Many vessels feature wellness centres or spa facilities, where guests can enjoy massages and other treatments designed to help them unwind after a day exploring ashore. Fitness centres are also available on several ships, allowing travellers to maintain their workout routines during the journey.
Outdoor spaces, such as sun decks and observation areas, are among the most popular places to relax on board. These areas often include comfortable loungers, seating areas and panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
APT Club, APT Cruising’s Loyalty Programme
APT Cruising’s loyalty programme, APT Club, rewards guests who return to travel with the brand. Membership is automatic after completing your first APT journey and offers a range of benefits designed to enhance future travel experiences.
Members receive advantages such as exclusive offers, priority access to new itineraries, complimentary hotel stays on selected journeys and private transfers on certain bookings. As guests travel more frequently with APT, they move through different membership tiers that unlock additional benefits and privileges.
APT Cruising Destinations
APT Cruising operates voyages across several of the world’s most fascinating waterways and regions.
In Europe, APT’s river ships sail iconic rivers including the Danube, Rhine, Main and Douro, linking historic capitals with charming riverside towns. In Asia, guests can cruise the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia, the Yangtze River in China, and the Ganges River in India, each offering a unique blend of culture and history.
Closer to home for the company, APT Cruising also offers cruises along Australia’s Murray River, while coastal vessels explore destinations such as Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast.
Types of Cruises
APT Cruising offers a variety of travel styles to suit different destinations and interests.
The most popular journeys are river cruises, which allow travellers to explore historic regions from the comfort of the purpose-built ships that dock close to city centres and cultural landmarks.
The cruise line also operates luxury small-ship cruises, which travel along coastlines and island chains where larger ships cannot easily navigate. These voyages offer a more intimate way to explore coastal destinations.
