APT orders fourth Europe river cruise ship

In the wake of January’s order for a third 6-star European river cruise ship, Australian Pacific Touring today announced it had ordered yet another ship, with the latest order for ms Amadante which, along with ms Amacello, will join the APT World Discoveries fleet next year.

APT has also confirmed that a fifth ship is planned to be on the water in 2009, although details are yet to be released, with ms Amadagio introduced in 2006 and ms Amalegro beginning operations last month.

The ships are built to specific measurements for cruising and docking close to the heart of towns and villages and APT World Discoveries has partnered with Amadeus Waterways to build the 150-passenger 6-star ships, which APT claims have set a new standard in river cruising, which is why the company has classed them as “6 star”. 

The ships are offered to Australian travellers exclusively through APT, this year celebrating its 80th year, with APT’s Geoff McGeary saying demand was very strong for the standards delivered by APT, adding, “We have been in the market for eight years and now benefit from market proof, via word-of-mouth recommendation and positive feedback from customers through their agents.”

He said. “We’re packaging wonderful scenery, history, architecture and culture with the cabin and lounge comforts of a luxury river ship with all meals and many excursions covered by the price.”

He added, “By owning our ships, we are investing in guaranteeing an especially high standard travel experience for our customers……..It is right for the Australian market.”

Among their attributes, APT says the ships are specifically designed for efficient cruising and easy docking at the centre of villages and towns and they boast more space than any other cruise ship in Europe, and in what is seen as a first for river ship cruising, complimentary bicycles are on board for independent explorations on shore. 

These ships are stylish “holiday homes”, with staterooms and suites featuring plush bedding, down pillows and duvet, flat-screen TV with local and satellite channels and internet access and almost all staterooms featuring floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to French balconies.

As well as lounges and bars, the ship features a glassed in wellness area for fitness work-out, a relaxing massage, or a beauty treat.

In its European river cruising program for 2008, APT operates exclusive private charters on four river ships, a variety of itineraries on APT’s exclusive river cruises, plus Russia and Scandinavian packages.

Durations range from eight days to 29 days and all are all-inclusive packages, for example, the big-selling 15 days Magnificent Europe cruise begins in Amsterdam and concludes in Budapest, priced from $4935 per person twin share.

Report by The Mole