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APT cruise review

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Amy Stoltenberg
Last updated:  

Well-crafted itineraries led by expert guides around the globe.

APT cruises are finely-curated adventures to mainstream and off-the-beaten-path destinations. But the structured daily schedules won’t suit every traveler.

10 ships

Number of ships

No

Price matches

Details

Target demographic Families, Seniors, Honeymooners, Singles, Young Adults
Number of ships 10 ships
Contact options Phone
Payment options Visa, American Express
Deposit required Deposit at checkout
Deposit required No price matching
Food Food included
Drink Alcohol included
Room service Room service included
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Review by

Amy Stoltenberg is a staff writer covering all things travel, shopping and lifestyle. After earning a BA at Savannah College of Art and Design, she worked as technical designer in corporate fashion before opting for a career with unlimited travel time. When her laptop's closed, you can find her wandering around Los Angeles looking for hole-in-the-wall eateries and plotting her way to all 50 states (she's currently at 28).

Expert review

A common statement from past APT passengers is “everything was taken care of.” To folks that enjoy well-designed daily schedules and curated itineraries, that may sound like a dream. But travelers that value independence, flexibility and personalized amenities may be frustrated by this one-size-fits-all approach.

APT was founded in the 1920s as an Australia commuter line before expanding to tours around the globe. Today, it has a following of die-hard loyalists that return again and again for the expert guides and comprehensive excursions in far-flung destinations. Still, Americans who prefer large-ship cruising may be a bit bored during days at sea, as onboard entertainment and organized activities are minimal. APT tends to attract an older crowd, so you’ll likely be in the company of retirees. But the group will be diverse, with travelers from around the world.

If you’re shopping for a truly luxurious river cruise, choose Tauck or Viking River Cruises instead. And if you’re looking for a luxe small-ship sailing experience, opt for Seabourn. But if you’re hoping to reach that sweet spot between informative tours and comfy cabins, APT may be just what you need.

Types of APT cruises

APT is first and foremost a tour company — cruising is just one way it shows travelers around. If you’re in the market for a cruise, the first thing to do is understand what APT has to offer.

Here’s a cheat sheet on what APT has to offer. Note that you’ll be accompanied on every cruise by an APT tour director or expedition leader — even if the ship has been borrowed from another company.

Ocean cruiseRiver cruiseSmall ship cruiseLuxury Mega Yacht cruise
What to expectOne part land tour, one part cruise, APT partners with Holland America Line and Norwegian Cruise Line for hybrid adventures through New England, New Zealand and Alaska’s Inside Passage.Classic river cruises through Asia and Europe. Choose between a 5-star Luxury River Cruise or a less expensive 4-star Premium River Cruise. Its fleet of small ships sails to niche and off-the-beaten-path ports in fascination destinations like the Norwegian Fjords, Antarctica and the Baltic Islands.These tours occur just a couple of times per year on a privately-chartered yacht.

Compare APT’s cruise ships

Since APT prioritizes dynamic journeys rather than resort-style ships, it doesn’t invest in bigger and better vessels. Instead, it uses its own fleet for small ship and river cruising and leans on other cruise lines for ocean and luxury yacht tours.

That said, you can generally expect 4- to 5-star accommodations and top-notch service from its crew. Its boats are classy and comfortable, without too many bells and whistles.

Since the actual ship experience can vary widely depending on the cruise you book, we recommend selecting an itinerary and clicking Ship Details to learn exactly what to expect on your chosen tour.

Where do APT cruises depart from?

APT tours kickstart from ports around the world. Here’s where you can begin an APT cruise:

  • Amsterdam, Athens, Bali Denpasar, Barbados, Barcelona, Copenhagen, Dover, Dubai, Dubrovnik, Fort Lauderdale, Guam, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Keelung, Lima, Lisbon, London, Los Angeles, Mahe Island, Miami, Mumbai, New Orleans, New York City, Palma De Mallorca, Papeete, Puerta Caldera, Quebec, Rome, San Diego, San Juan, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Tokyo, Venice, Yokohama

APT cruise destinations

Travelers checking world-famous destinations off their bucket list will be pleased with APT’s well-rounded itineraries and vast array of destinations. Here’s a taste of where you can go with APT cruises:

  • Africa, Asia, Caribbean, Eastern Mediterranean, Europe, Hawaii, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Northern Europe, Pacific, South Pacific, Transatlantic, Western Europe

What’s included on APT cruises?

Inclusions vary, depending on the itinerary and tour type — though shore excursions are always included.

Otherwise, APT fare tends to cover perks like alcoholic beverages, shore excursions and gratuities, in addition to meals, snacks and accommodations. But check the details for each itinerary to confirm.

Why you should (or shouldn’t) cruise with APT

Before booking your cruise, weigh the benefits and drawbacks:

Pros

  • Expert guided tours with top-notch directors.
    • Excursions hit all the popular attractions.
  • Wide variety of itineraries to choose from.
  • Most cruises are truly all-included.

Cons

  • Ships can feel old and outdated.
  • Fare is pricier up front than less specialized cruise lines.
  • Only a couple of US departure ports.
  • Fewer onboard entertainment options than larger cruise lines.

Compare APT to Grand Circle Cruise line

Read our full review of Grand Circle Cruise Line

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