APT Travel Group Heads Into Centenary Year With Growing River Fleet

APT Travel Group is approaching its 100th anniversary in 2027 with a significantly expanded river fleet, following the launch of the Rigel in Europe and the Travelmarvel Sirius on the Nile in 2026.

“The Rigel gives us scale and confidence we did not have before,” Paul Melinis, managing director, U.K. and Europe, for APT Luxury and Travelmarvel, told Cruise Industry News in an interview for the 2027 European River Market Report. “Four ships on the Rhine, Main and Danube means we can react quicker to demand.”

The Rigel, which departed Amsterdam on her inaugural sailing on June 30, 2026, joins her Travelmarvel sisters the Polaris, the Capella and the Vega. Melinis said the expanded fleet gave APT a stronger position in the U.K. and Ireland, now its most important growth market alongside its Australian and New Zealand base.

The APT Luxury brand operates the Solara and the Ostara, which launched in 2025, carry 154 passengers each and feature hydraulic bar lifts between decks and multiple dining venues.

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