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APT River Cruises vs Travelmarvel River Cruises
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of APT River Cruises and Travelmarvel River Cruises.The Low Down
Initially providing coach touring around Australia and NZ to the local market, APT have grown exponentially over the last decade to now offer trips around the world, and are well known for their European river cruises. Over the last few years APT have introduced small ship expeditions that cruise the waters through Asia, Europe, Canada and off the coast of Kimberley. Catering primarily for the retired market, their trips aren't cheap, but in APT's case - you get what you pay for. Look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. The team here at Global Journeys have travelled multiple times by coach, cruise & river with APT, and we definitely recommend them as a quality, consistent, reliable Operator, and our past client reviews back that up.
Travelmarvel, is the sister brand of APT. Positioned as a premium Operator, but a step down from APT with regards to pricing, inclusions and the age of it's river ships. After a few years Travelmarvel will inherit APT's ships as newer ones are built. Travelmarvel & APT share the same past passenger Rewards Scheme, and many of our clients like prefer to spend a little less, knowing they are still backed by one of Australasia's premier river cruise operators. As Platinum Partners of APT & Travelmarvel, our consulting team have an in-depth knowledge and have personally experienced travelling with Travelmarvel and would relish the opportunity to help organise your next river cruise. Stats
No. of Trips
35
No. of Departures
0
Avg. Trip Length
15 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
Fleet Size
10 Ships
Known For
Aussie Specialist
Ship Styles
River Cruises
No. of Trips
56
No. of Departures
0
Avg. Trip Length
13 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
Fleet Size
9 Ships
Known For
Contemporary Cruises
Ship Styles
River Cruises
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
Life-enriching, relaxing and unique – an APT river cruise is the ultimate holiday experience. Discover unforgettable destinations as you travel in total comfort and style. From Europe to Africa and the mighty Mekong River, APT has a diverse range of river cruises, and you’ll wake up most mornings in a new location, ready to explore fresh and exciting sights. Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
Make the most of Europe’s waterways on Travelmarvel’s three new European river ships: Polaris, Capella and Vega. Combining state-of-the-art design with more dining options and social spaces, the contemporary-class ships will offer a relaxed new standard of cruise.
Or perhaps a river cruise on the life-giving Ganges or Mekong to get to the heart of these colourful and spiritual nations. Experience life in their small villages, whose communities have much to teach us about their local culture and customs.
Recent Reviews
4.8
All I can say is WOW and what a wonderful experience my husband and I had on our 15 day APT River cruise that departed from Amsterdam on Friday 29th August 2025 and finished in Budapest. We traveled on the APT Solara and the service from both the bar and restaurant staff was first class and the food was always exceptional. All APT staff on board The read more Solara are to be commended for their exceptional service. We would like to also make a special mention of our fantastic Cruise Director Navena Robertova who went above and beyond to make sure all passengers had a great time both on board the boat and during our excursions which were fantastic. We met many wonderful people on this cruise which was so much fun. This APT European cruise was flawless and we recommend it to anyone who may be considering a river cruise.
We had a brilliant cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam on the new APT ship Ostara. The Global Journeys team of Grace, Hannah, Tracey & Georgie did an amazing job of booking the river cruise with APT and ironing out a few problems with accommodation. Once on our way, everything worked seamlessly, and we thoroughly enjoyed the cruise; great ship, crew, read more food, wine & a great selection of tours. Minor hiccup was the ship swop because of low water in the rivers, but even this was handled very well, and we ended up getting on the sister ship Solara! No problem at all. A big shout out for the cruise director Anya, who was absolutely brilliant. All in all, a fantastic trip, professionally organised by Global Journeys. Thanks again, Greg & Kerry.
Unreal Prague To Paris 0
Magnificent Europe - Prague to Paris
Des & Jeanette , NSW, Australia, Aug 2025
What a fabulous trip and experience! Everyday the scenery was breathtaking and the guides were a wealth of knowledge enlightening us in each city & towns as we explored them. The extra tours and options were fantastic as were the many little extras provided. Both Ships were amazing even with a changeover due to low water. Our journey planning was easy read more thanks to Tracey from Global Journeys being very efficient with attention to detail. We look forward to our next adventure.
Beautiful new boat APT Solara. The food the staff and the unlimited drinks all excellent. Multiple Restaurants but dining at 3 is by invitation only. The Captains Table is excellent but the Bistro offers the widest choice and the most flexible seatings si it was preferred by many by the end if the trip. Excellent BBQ on the top deck for a couple of read more lunches. Some shade upstairs but not alot especially if the boat is sailing. Owners suite fabulous - so many inclusions and amazing views of the river. Thanks Tracey for pulling it all together and getting us a great price.
A lovely cruise with luxury anyone would enjoy. 3
Magnificent Europe
Jan and Glenn, NSW, Australia, Jun 2025
We were welcomed onboard to this beautiful river ship by a lovely gentleman who escorted us to our suite straight away. He explained how everything worked, and wished us a great cruise experience. We found every staff member couldn't do enough for us every single time, whether a simple question or any aspect of a meal, or drink, or our room. We found read more our beds and pillows, the room setup, the bathroom all excellent. The meals were exceptional every single time. The different dining experiences were excellent. We felt like VIPs at every turn.
We enjoyed the company of many fellow passengers through the 2 weeks. The entertainment, the excursions, the organisation by the cruise director was all excellent. Even the local guides were extremely good. We were fortunate to have great weather throughout the cruise, and at times just enjoyed the facilities of our ship to escape the heat, and watch the countryside drift by from our room or from any of the view points onboard. A truly wonderful trip of a lifetime.
This trip was made very easy to organise with the help of our Global Journeys Travel Advisor Rachael. Thank you Rachael, we had an amazing time.
We enjoyed the company of many fellow passengers through the 2 weeks. The entertainment, the excursions, the organisation by the cruise director was all excellent. Even the local guides were extremely good. We were fortunate to have great weather throughout the cruise, and at times just enjoyed the facilities of our ship to escape the heat, and watch the countryside drift by from our room or from any of the view points onboard. A truly wonderful trip of a lifetime.
This trip was made very easy to organise with the help of our Global Journeys Travel Advisor Rachael. Thank you Rachael, we had an amazing time.
We thoroughly enjoyed our first river cruise. We were looked after from the moment we got to the dock in Porto. The itinerary was balanced between tours and free time to soak up river life and enjoy the calm. The dams and locks along the river were also very interesting. The food on board was 5 star and the choice was amazing. It was hard to resist read more sometimes but necessary so that you could pace yourself. We met some lovely people who we will keep in touch with. Overall a wonderful 9 days. Thank you.
4.7
Have travelled with several other cruises lines and whilst Travelmarvel was very nice, we found it at the lower end of the scale. But it was very well priced in comparison so I guess you get what you pay for. We felt the cruise director was was hard to understand whenever she held a microphone and at times tried to give out too much information at once read more which had the guest bored and not listening. The meals were excellent but the tours only basic.
We cruised from Amsterdam to Budapest during the Christmas season. The cruise and the included guided tours were great. We learned so much about the history of these lovely cities, towns and areas that we visited. The standard and quantity of meals provided was amazing and the onboard service faultless. The only change I would make is to not go to read more as many Christmas markets as they all became a bit same same and most had food and drinks that we just didn't need. Next time we would spend more time exploring more than just the old town and market squares.
An Xmas markets trip 0
Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich
Tony and Lesley, WA, Australia, Nov 2025
Thanks Hannah for yet another well organised river cruise. Looking forward to August. Our second Travelmarvel cruise, both have been good but we have to say that after eight with Avalon they are still number one with us. Travelmarvel was comfortable and food was OK but little extras that Avalon do like happy hour in the lounge are no longer on Travelmarvel. read more They have a pub at the other end of the boat which not very many people bothered to walk to. Also all cruise companies have cut out plastic water bottles but Avalon last time we used them in August did leave two glass bottles for cabin use. Travelmarvel tell you to bring your own. So simple little things that make travel a happy thing are missing.
Christmas memories for a lifetime 0
Rhine and Moselle Christmas Markets with Lucerne and Zurich
Jenny and Tiarn, QLD, Australia, Nov 2025
From the first point of contact through to the end, we were communicated with clearly and very promptly. Tracey forwarded information from the service provider as soon as she received it and followed up our queries in a very timely fashion. She was very professional and efficient but also friendly and approachable. The Christmas market cruise including read more flights and land stays in Lucerne and Zurich, which was made even more special knowing we were in capable hands. We had nothing to worry about.
Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise 0
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Wayne and Cass, NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
Rachael was a fantastic agent. Thanks, Rachael - brilliant. We did the two week cruise with Travelmarvel, and because it’s an Australian company, it was loaded only with Australians and Brits. This was perfect. Staff fabulous. Boat fabulous. We had the cheapest of the rooms and it was fine. Oh, and the food was really great. Thanks Travelmarvel, and thanks Rachael.
Absolutely fabulous Travelmarvel Cruise on Europe's 3 rivers 0
European Gems
Glynnis, NSW, Australia, Nov 2025
I could fault nothing! The cruise was fantastic, the ship was clean, beautifully decorated with all the comforts.. Barbara our director looked after us completely. Laura looked after the dining room and Alex did a great job with the bar. Our cabins were clean and comfortable thanks to Phyu our attendant. The free daily tours were interesting with knowledgeable read more local guides. I would definately travel again with this company. Hannah our Global Journeys' agent was very helpful and efficient. She got us great deals and looked after our airfares too. Thank you Global journeys 🙏 it was a winter wonderland.
