MELBOURNE-headquartered APT Travel Group last week celebrated the naming of MS Estrela, the company’s purpose-built river cruise ship designed for operation on Portugal’s Douro River.
The ceremony took place in Porto, marking a significant moment for the group as it continues to grow its European fleet. Speeches were delivered by Portugal’s Minister of Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho, APT Travel Group CEO, David Cox, and Paul Melinis, APT Travel Group MD for UK & Europe, before the ship was officially welcomed to the Douro.
Purpose-built for the region, MS Estrela features 60 spacious staterooms and suites, panoramic views, and relaxed European-inspired interiors. Onboard highlights include a sun deck with one of the largest pools on the Douro River, an alfresco bar, regional cuisine, and locally themed entertainment.
APT says a highlight of the day was the formal announcement of MS Estrela’s Godmother: UK travel media leader and industry advocate, Lucy Huxley: “This ship is something special, and I can’t wait to see the memories it helps create.”
Following the ceremony, MS Estrela departed Porto and began its journey upriver to Régua, with guests enjoying a relaxed afternoon onboard and a four-course Captain’s Welcome Dinner in the main restaurant.
For the 2025 season, MS Estrela features in highlight itineraries for both APT and subsidiary Travelmarvel.
APT operates river cruises throughout Europe, in the Balkans, South America, Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Ganges, China and on the Murray.
