Award-winning river cruise line APT has revealed its most impressive European river cruise program to date, with three new ships, a 25 percent increase in Magnificent Europe departures, 20 percent more land departures and a range of exciting new Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice™ touring options.
The 254 page Europe River Cruising 2015 brochure features a total of 61 itineraries ranging from eight to 35 days, with journeys covering 14 waterways, five seas and the length and breadth of Europe. Available in travel agencies from Thursday 1 May 2014, brochure highlights include:
Magnificent Europe
– Two new river ships to cater to increased demand – the MS AmaVista and MS AmaSerena: Both are brand new Concerto ships scheduled to launch in early 2015. The AmaVista will operate all APT’s Royal Collection itineraries and AmaSerena will host guests on APT’s ‘Voyages’ itineraries. Both will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube Rivers.
– Three Royal Invitations: The chance to visit a Princess’s castle at Germany’s Namedy Castle; a day journey on regal private luxury train, the Majestic Imperator; and a classical concert at Vienna’s City Palace featuring a private orchestral performance with guest appearance by members of the Mozart Boy’s Choir – combined, these are the three ‘jewels in the crown’ of APT’s ‘Royal Collection’ Magnificent Europe River Cruises for 2015.
– New APT Exclusive Signature Experiences: Guests will enjoy a traditional wine festival in Kitzingen; and in Prague they will discover the remarkable charm of Chateau Jemniste on a private tour, enjoying lunch and a spectacular falconry display.
– New Freedom of Choice touring: In Bamberg guests can choose from either a walking tour or a Bamberg Beer Tour.
Russia
– Russia River Cruising – new ship for 2015 the MS Anastasia – Responding to increased interest in Russia as a river cruise destination, APT is introducing a newly refurbished luxury river ship, the likes of which have never before been seen on the Russian waterways, Exuding luxury and sophistication, it features:
o five dining destinations including Indochine by celebrity Chef, Luke Nguyen and Zhivago’s Chef’s Table Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant featuring a degustation style menu;
o an expansive sundeck featuring an ice cream bar, heated pool and two whirlpools;
o the Anastasia Spa offering massage, hair and beauty treatments as well as a sauna and fitness centre;
o the Hermitage Lounge, a plush lounge area and bar offering breathtaking views by day and transforming into a magnificent showroom by night;
o 24-hour tea and coffee bar offering European teas, lattes and cappuccinos;
o 70 percent of suites will feature an outside balcony, with all suites benefitting from features such as greater interior space, comfortable queen or twin-size European beds, a mini fridge and complimentary bottled water daily; and
o A selection of twin balcony suites – an APT exclusive – offering a panoramic balcony as well as an outside balcony.
Rhine & Rhone
– Two new APT Signature Experiences: Gourmet dinner in Lyon at L’Abbaye de Collonges, a restaurant owned by Michelin-starred chef, Paul Bocuse; and a private tour of Gringan castle followed by a cocktail reception and tastings of regional produce, accompanied by entertainment from local musicians.
– Two new APT Freedom of Choice Touring options: In the Beaujolais region, visit the small village of Châtillon-sur-Chalaronne to try a local specialty, frog’s legs; and in Grignan, visit the lavender farm for a tour and special workshop or take the dogs out on the truffle farm in search of culinary treasure and then enjoy a tasting.
– New Grand City Stay: APT is now offering a Madrid Grand City Stay for guests after their Barcelona City Stay.
Three new extended land tours
– 27-day France with Rhine & Rhone – Normandy’s beaches, the Loire Valley and Bordeaux regions feature in a new 12-night luxury land journey, prior to a 14-night river cruise from Arles to Amsterdam.
– 25-day Balkan Discovery with Magnificent Europe – Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary are explored through a new 10-night luxury land journey before joining a 14-night Magnificent Europe river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam.
– 27-day Italy, French Riviera and Provence with Magnificent Europe – Guests spend five nights exploring Italy’s Rome, Sienna, Florence and Pisa before spending seven nights in the South of France enjoying Nice, Aix-en-Provence and Paris. Followed by a 14-night Magnificent Europe River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest.
Commenting on the new improved and extended Europe program for 2015, APT’s General Manager Marketing and Sales, Debra Fox, said, “River cruising is increasing in popularity and Europe remains our biggest selling destination for this style of travel. It will only continue to grow and so anticipating further demand, we’ve increased the size of our fleet, our inventory and the experiences which we offer.
“Of course it’s not just demand that needs to be met, but also guest expectations and that’s where APT leads the way – not only in terms of the innovation of our ships, but also in terms of luxury and breadth and quality of product. Our sales and repeat business are proof of this. The volume of early bookings we’ve taken as a result of our preview brochure indicates Europe 2015 is going be another successful season. We’re excited about the next twelve months. We’ve got lots of new developments on the horizon and we look forward to working with our travel agency partners to secure an even stronger following amongst our shared clientele.”
Most popular itinerary remains the 15-day Magnificent Europe all inclusive luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. For 2015 this will be priced from $7,795 per person, twin share.
Part of APT’s strength of proposition is the fact that it is truly all inclusive. For example river cruise itineraries include all meals, beverages, sightseeing, transfers, port charges, tipping, the services of a cruise director, entertainment and accommodation.
For 2015, APT is offering a range of SuperDeals, including ‘Fly Free’ to Europe including taxes of up to $950 per person.