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9 May, 2024

APT’s world-first hydraulic-powered restaurant and bar ‘will be the envy of river cruises’

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In a world-first in cruising, APT’s soon-to-launch European river ships will feature a state-of-the-art hydraulics system that will raise an entire restaurant and bar up to meet an expansive open sun deck while the ships are docked.

In an exclusive announcement made at a special launch in Sydney today (Thursday, 9 May), the almost 100-year-old family-owned travel company announced its new Grüner Bar & Dining onboard APT Solara and APT Ostara will feature a state-of-the-art hydraulics system that will lift the venue to the upper Sun Deck for 360-degree vistas.

When the ships are docked, the Grüner Bar will retain its stunning views across each city’s vistas or quaint village outlooks along the whole itinerary for a truly one-of-a-kind view.

“There’s a lower deck, a mid deck, and an upper deck, at the rear of the upper deck is a venue that has been referred to as the Gruner Bar & Dining,” CEO David Cox revealed. “And that that area actually houses 28 customers.

The Gruner Restaurant and Bar will feature hydraulics that will raise it to sun deck level when docked

“That venue has been built on hydraulics, so when we pull into the dock, at sunset, you have to imagine like Alan Bond and Australia II (the victorious 1983 America’s Cup challenger) taking the canvas off the winged keel.

“That whole venue lifts and becomes level with the Sun Deck and actually opens out onto the Sun Deck. So we kind of want you to imagine that you pull into Budapest, and that becomes the back venue. And you can sit there at sunset, and have one of your various special cocktails.

“As far as we’re aware, no one else in the world has actually put on hydraulics a whole dining venue that lifts up. So 360 degree views once you’re up the top there, the envy of every other river cruise.”

The APT Solara and APT Ostara interior design is by Hecker Guthrie Design working in collaboration with Monique Lane of Fellow Hospitality who helped create APT’s vision for exquisite onboard dining, from venue to menu. The total package means APT line is not only aiming for a sophisticated Australian traveller but owner Louise McGeary admits they will target a younger demographic as well.

The APT leadership team, Scott Ellis and Louise McGeary, with the design team Monique Lane of Fellow Hospitality and and Hecker of Hecker Guthrie Design at the launch.

The APT leadership team, head of sales Scott Ellis and owner Louise Tandy with the design team, Monique Lane of Fellow Hospitality and Paul Hecker of Hecker Guthrie Design, at the launch on Thursday.

More is more with APT plans

The river ships will also feature the most venues with seven distinct dining options, offering guests the luxury of choice.

Exclusive dining venues include the main dining room, Bistro Saison, Annie’s Table named after family matriarch Anne McGeary, The Salon, the Owner’s Cellar for wine and snacks, or plus the Daystar Deck and Grüner Bar & Dining.

Additionally, all guests enjoy complimentary in-suite dining. And, of course, will be able choose from a selection of premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, available all day, every day. There will also be thee classes, including an owner’s suite.

A standard room.

MS Estrela to launch on the Douro in late summer of 2024

In addition, Cox revealed plans for the Douro River, aboard the MS Estrela, launching late summer of 2024 and details about voyages along Southeast Asia’s grandest river aboard the Mekong Serenity.

APT also shared two exclusive new partnerships. The tour company will also be teaming up with renowned ultra-luxury ocean cruise line Seabourn which will allow APT to bring oceanic elegance to its repertoire. It also unveiled plans for a fourth Travelmarvel ship and a new ship for the Nile.

Back home, the collaboration with the revolutionary Murray River Paddlesteamers will add nostalgic charm and luxury to journeys along the Murray River.

In addition, other plans include a transformative $5 million refurbishment of the Mitchell Falls Wilderness Lodge in the Kimberley where an investment in a fleet of custom-designed Mercedes vehicles will enhance the comfort and luxury for small groups of up to 22 guests.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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