Line: APT European River Cruises
Established: 1927
Vessels: 7 by 2010
Length: 110 - 135m
Passengers: 148 - 162

What's included in the price:

• Accommodation
• All meals, wine with dinner
• Freedom of Choice touring
• Small-group shore excursions
• Entertainment
• Port taxes and gratuities
• Airport transfers
• Room service (Category A suites and above)
• Exclusive private music recital at Budapest State Opera

Australian Pacific Touring are an Australian company who specialise in river cruising. This form of cruising has become more popular over recent times, certainly as countries such as China have opened their borders to visitors. APT have over 80 years experience in running tours. All of their ships were specifically designed for them and are finished to a high standard. They have a very high repeat customer rate and can boast a 95% satisfaction rating.

The company do not believe in the infamous “Added extras” concept that leaves so many tourists with a bad taste in their mouths and the suspicion that they have been ripped off. APT includes all food and drinks in their prices. The food and drink that are served are all of the best quality and APT take pride in their wine lists. All excursions and entrance fees are pre-paid so that cruising tourists know how much they are going to spend on the ship before the cruise starts.

The company pride themselves on their high standards. The ships which are operated in Europe with AMA are fitted out and maintained to very high standard. Because the ships simply cannot carry the number of passengers found on big cruise liners, customers of APT experience something of a club atmosphere rather than that of a busy city centre with everyone in a frantic hurry to be somewhere else. This also means that the crew get to know the passengers and as a result can give a much better level of personal service.

APT operates cruises in the main rivers of Europe such as the Rhine and the Danube. There are cruises in Russia, Egypt, Vietnam, Cambodia and as mentioned above, China. Other countries visited are Canada and Alaska and closer to home, New Zealand and the Kimberley. There are also some with special interest such as a Christmas cruise in the parts of Europe where the Victorian model of a modern Christmas was born. Passengers visit traditional markets and experience the atmosphere that only these countries can create. There are several choices of specialist wine cruises that are extremely popular and not just with wine buffs. The valleys of the Rhine and Mosel are packed with historic towns and castles as well as the world famous vineyards. The cruises on the Danube are romantic as well as visiting famous vineyards. Wine related cruises always carry a guest wine expert who will explain not only the wine making process but also why the wines of particular areas have the characteristics they do. Other cruises also carry experts who enable APT passengers to gain full benefit of the experiences they are enjoying. The history of particular areas and the customs of the local people are explained so that excursions are that much more fulfilling.

APT cruises are not stuffed with the usual cruise line entertainment. What often happens is that performers from the area in which the ship is cruising come aboard to entertain the passengers for an evening.

When they can, the ships travel the rivers or waterways by night. This allows passengers to take full advantage of the places that are visited. However, this isn’t always possible which is not a bad thing. There is something special about sitting on a comfortable chair on the deck of a riverboat and simply watching the life on the riverbank go by.

APT are experts in providing river cruises. All of their ships are especially designed to their own standards, which are very high. There are no hidden extras on an APT cruise as everything is included, even the drinks and wine taken with dinner. The company has an excellent reputation and enjoys a high level of repeat custom which provides the best recommendation of all.

APT Cruise Itineraries

Cruises to China Cruises to Egypt Cruises to Europe Cruises to Vietnam Cruises to Canada and Alaska

Cruise the Kimberley Cruises to New Zealand Cruises to Russia

Onboard Experience
	Entertainment After days spent exploring picturesque landscapes and iconic cities, your evenings will come alive with spectacular onboard entertainment and programs designed to help you explore the culture of the region you're visiting. The Main and Observation lounges combine into a showroom where passengers can gain insights into the local traditions through song, dance and cultural activities.
	Dining Discover why Europe is famous for its fine food, great wine and casual yet attentive service. Our expert chefs use fresh produce to create a range of gourmet masterpieces. 2010 will also see an enhanced range of dining options - choose to dine in the Fine Dining Restaurant, Casual Dining in the Rear Lounge or Alfresco Dining on the Sun Deck.
	Facilities Each of APT's ships offers a choice of outdoor areas, including an expansive sun deck with 360° views, a swimming pool or whirlpool, a second, lower sun deck and a third, teak front deck. Inside, most APT ships boast not just one main lounge but an intimate rear lounge and observation lounge as well, along with a fitness centre, beauty salon, library, convenient elevators, 24-hour reception and complimentary use of bicycles on shore.
Accomodation
	Accommodation Your suite is a stylish home away from home with all the refinements of a luxury hotel including plush bedding, spacious wardrobes, computer and complimentary internet access. APT also offers the widest range of suites, including one of the largest entry-level suites, our innovative all-weather AMA private balcony or APT exclusive " Twin Balcony suites also featuring an outside balcony.

Related Articles - APT

• APT River Cruises History