APT Travel Group is approaching its 100th anniversary with an expanded river-cruise fleet in Europe and a renewed presence on the Nile.
The family-owned Australian company will celebrate its centenary in 2027, one hundred years after founder Bill McGeary converted a truck into a makeshift bus during a Melbourne tram strike.
APT enters the anniversary year following a sustained investment programme that has added new and refurbished ships across its APT Luxury and Travelmarvel brands. The expansion includes Travelmarvel Rigel in Europe and Travelmarvel Sirius in Egypt, both of which began operating during 2026.
Travelmarvel expands to four European river ships
Travelmarvel Rigel departed Amsterdam on its inaugural sailing on 30 June 2026, operating the brand's European Gems itinerary to Budapest.
The ship joined Travelmarvel Polaris, Capella and Vega, giving the company four contemporary vessels serving the Rhine, Main and Danube. APT says the additional capacity provides greater flexibility to respond to demand and strengthens its position in the European river-cruise market.
Paul Melinis, managing director for the UK and Europe at APT Luxury and Travelmarvel, told Cruise Industry News that the arrival of Rigel had given the business greater scale and confidence. He said the UK and Ireland had become its most important growth market alongside APT's established Australian and New Zealand customer base.
The four Travelmarvel ships offer the company's premium, rather than ultra-luxury, river product. Their itineraries include the long-established route between Amsterdam and Budapest, connecting major destinations along the Rhine, Main and Danube.
APT Luxury's next-generation river ships
At the luxury end of the group, APT Solara and APT Ostara form the core of a new generation of European river ships. Both carry up to 154 guests supported by approximately 60 crew members.
The vessels were designed with Australian studio Hecker Guthrie and include spacious accommodation, wellness facilities and multiple dining concepts. A distinctive feature is Grüner Bar & Dining, which can be raised hydraulically to provide panoramic views from the Sun Deck.
APT promotes seven dining experiences aboard its newest ships, ranging from formal meals to more relaxed venues. The relatively high crew-to-guest ratio and greater choice of dining form part of the distinction between the APT Luxury and Travelmarvel products.
Solara and Ostara operate on the Rhine, Main and Danube, including APT's Magnificent Europe programme between Amsterdam and Budapest. The company's current fleet material also references sister ship APT Alara as part of the next stage of its European programme.
Travelmarvel returns to the Nile
APT's river expansion extends beyond Europe. Travelmarvel Sirius debuted on the Nile in September 2026, marking the group's return to Egyptian river cruising after an absence of more than a decade.
The 124-guest ship underwent an extensive refurbishment before entering service. It now operates seven-night round-trip Nile cruises from Luxor as part of a broader Egyptian touring programme.
The itinerary is built around the archaeological sites of Upper Egypt, with visits to temples, tombs and historic riverside communities. An excursion to Abu Simbel by privately chartered aircraft is included in the programme described by APT.
Melinis said Egypt offered genuine long-term appeal and that the company was not adding ships simply to increase its fleet size. The Nile deployment therefore represents a targeted return to a destination where APT believes demand can be sustained.
From one converted truck to a global travel company
APT traces its origins to 1927, when a Melbourne tram strike prompted Bill McGeary to turn a truck into temporary public transport. That small operation developed into a coach company and later expanded into touring across Australia.
Geoff McGeary took control of the business at the age of 19 and played a central role in its development. By the 1980s, Australian Pacific Tours had expanded beyond Australia into New Zealand, Canada and Alaska.
The company subsequently moved into luxury touring, rail journeys, wilderness travel, small ships and river cruising. It remains connected to the McGeary family, with Lou Tandy serving as family principal and director.
That history gives the 2027 centenary greater significance than a conventional corporate anniversary. APT has evolved from a local transport business into an international travel group while remaining privately owned and retaining a strong Australian identity.
A 100-day journey for the 100th anniversary
APT has created a 100-day World Tour as one of the centrepieces of its centenary programme. The journey is scheduled to depart Melbourne on 19 July 2027 and return on 27 October.
The itinerary combines several parts of the company's portfolio, including the Kimberley, European river cruising, Madrid and Lisbon, the Canadian Rockies, a Mekong cruise, New Zealand's South Island and a Murray River journey in Australia.
Guests can book the complete tour or selected sections. APT says the programme will include special hosts, commemorative items and additional anniversary elements during the journey.
UK and Ireland drive APT's European growth
APT says demand from the UK and Ireland is strong for 2027. Its research among repeat customers found that service was the most important factor when selecting a river-cruise company, followed by food.
According to figures discussed by the company, almost 60 per cent of repeat guests take at least one river cruise each year. That level of repeat business helps explain the investment in greater dining choice, service levels and multiple ships serving the principal European waterways.
Melinis acknowledged that the river sector must remain alert to capacity constraints, particularly at locks and docking locations. APT's stated strategy is therefore to protect the guest experience and the value of its inventory rather than pursuing expansion for its own sake.
With four Travelmarvel ships on the central European waterways, two next-generation APT Luxury vessels already operating and Sirius established on the Nile, APT will enter its centenary with one of the broadest river programmes in its history.
When was APT founded?
APT was founded in Melbourne in 1927 after Bill McGeary converted a truck into a temporary bus during a tram strike. The company will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027.
Which new river ships joined APT's programme?
Travelmarvel Rigel entered service in Europe in June 2026, while the refurbished Travelmarvel Sirius began Nile cruises in September. APT Luxury's newer European fleet includes APT Solara and APT Ostara.
Where does Travelmarvel Rigel sail?
Rigel operates on the Rhine, Main and Danube, including European Gems journeys between Amsterdam and Budapest.
Why is Travelmarvel Sirius significant?
Sirius marks APT's return to Nile river cruising after more than a decade. The 124-guest vessel operates seven-night round trips from Luxor following an extensive 2026 refurbishment.
Is APT still family-owned?
Yes. APT remains a family-owned Australian travel group. Lou Tandy, a member of the McGeary family, serves as family principal and director.
Sources: Cruise Industry News interview with APT; APT company history; Travelmarvel Rigel inaugural sailing; Travelmarvel Sirius ship information; APT centenary World Tour announcement.