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APT River Cruises vs Travelmarvel River Cruises

Compare the ships, onboard inclusions, pricing, shore excursions and popularity of river cruising with APT River Cruises and Travelmarvel River Cruises, to see which is the better fit for your next journey.
APT River Cruises

APT River Cruises

178 Reviews

Why should we cruise with APT?

We asked APT why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

APT is an Australian family-owned company whose essence began in Melbourne in the 1920s. More than 90 years on, APT offers life-enriching trips to every continent, and through the company’s vast industry experience, meticulous planning and unquestionable passion it's earned a place among the world’s most well-regarded travel companies.

From boutique river cruising to small-group 4WD adventures; traditional coach touring with a decadent twist; epic rail journeys to small-ship expeditions; classic ocean cruising to safaris of discovery by both read more land and air – there’s little APT are unwilling to consider in pursuit of creating the finest holiday experience for its valued guests.

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.

What rivers do APT explore?

Africa Antarctica Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Europe New Zealand South America More...

APT snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. River Cruises
66
DeparturesDepartures
779
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
17 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$850
Balcony
$977
Suite
$1,137
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-Inclusive Level
All-Inclusive+

Our thoughts...

The low down on APT from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Initially focused on coach touring around Australia and New Zealand, APT have grown significantly over the past 15 years and now offer trips around the world. They’re particularly well known and highly regarded for their all-inclusive luxury European river cruises. In more recent years, APT have also expanded into small ship expedition cruising, partnering with some of the world’s leading expedition cruise lines to offer voyages through Asia, Europe, Canada and along Australia’s Kimberley coast.

More recently, APT launched their river cruises into the North American market, so it will be interesting to see whether Canadians and Americans embrace read more them as strongly as we have Downunder. Catering primarily to the mature and retired market, their trips aren’t cheap, but in APT’s case, you get what you pay for. Keep an eye out for their Fly Free offers and Earlybird Savings.

The team here at Global Journeys have travelled with APT multiple times by coach, river and small ship cruise, and we confidently recommend them as a quality, consistent and reliable operator - over 450 past APT client's reviews back that up too.

Who are we likely to meet on a APT river cruise?

Mostly Australians and New Zealanders, and from 2028 international guests, seeking a highly inclusive luxury river cruise.

Do APT river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers can book APT river cruises in their own cabin, subject to an applicable single supplement.

How inclusive are APT's river cruises?

APT's all-inclusive river cruises include accommodation, all onboard dining, a wide range of beverages, sightseeing and excursions, Signature Experiences, Freedom of Choice activities, WiFi, airport transfers, port charges and gratuities.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Extra costs include premium or rare wines and spirits outside the included selection, spa and salon treatments and laundry.

Do APT include shore excursions?

Yes. Included sightseeing features APT Signature Experiences and Freedom of Choice Sightseeing .

What types of excusions are available?

Freedom of Choice excursions allow you to select from cultural, culinary, historical and active experiences in many destinations, alongside APT's exclusive Signature Experiences.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Depending on the ship, guests can enjoy lounges and bars, live entertainment, enrichment, fitness facilities, pools or wellness areas and social activities between excursions.

What are the cabins like on APT's river ships?

Accommodation varies across APT's river fleet. European ships such as APT Solara, Ostara and Alara offer a range of staterooms and suites, many with panoramic or french balconies, while ships in Asia, India, Portugal and Australia have their own cabin styles and configurations.

Recent APT reviews

Lake Eyre wonder 0
, QLD, Australia, Sep 2026
Lake Eyre trip was a bucket list and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Our driver, Michael was informative and the best driver. However, the accommodation in the first couple of days was not the usual that APT would have provided and the welcome dinner was unfortunately by the majority of the group was of a lower standard that was offered. After read more the first 2 stops, accommodation and meals was improved. I would recommend this trip just for the serenity and wonder of Lake Eyre.
Cape York Tip 0
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2026
Another great journey with APT. The organisation and attention to detail by our driver Jordan and tour director Gaille left nothing to be desired. Trip included many highlights, but the standout ones are the time walks to Spilt Rock and Cape York tip. Accommodation was generally good except for the stay at Bramwell. Thanks to Georgie for arranging this read more trip - as always it was well organised.
Exploring the best of the Kimberleys with APT 0
, VIC , Australia, Aug 2026
After a rocky start due to poor communication between APT and Cable Beach resort, we met our APT tour guide/coach driver, Scotty who proceeded to exceed our expectations in his leadership and infectious enthusiasm for the Kimberley region. Travelling in APT’s go anywhere, very comfortable, coach made the long distances over often corrugated dirt roads read more and through river beds well worthwhile. The Bungle Bungles, El Questro Homestead, (a wonderful upgrade option), hikes through Emma Gorge, Tunnel Cave, Bell Gorge and Galvan Gorge were spectacular whilst the Ord River Cruise was well worthwhile. Our privately arranged Sea plane flight, with luxury overnight stay, to the Horizontal Falls ended our adventure on a fantastic note. A final note for APT is to take responsibility for arranging all meal options throughout the trip, and ensure the guests have a proper introduction to each other on the night prior to our departure, so all guests are provided with the same level of service they expect from APT.
A great trip 0
, NSW, Australia, Aug 2026
We firstly did the 9 day APT Broome to Broome overland trip followed by the 10 day Broome to Darwin coastal expedition booked through Global Journeys. I am glad we did it in that order and not the sea going followed by land option. The 9 day adventure was in a purpose built Mercedes coach with 20 other hardy souls. It was a bit of a rugged trip with read more some serious trekking to get to each waterfall or waterhole. At the end of each day we were rewarded with excellent meals at the various accommodation stops. These were all very good, mainly glam tents style. Overall this part of our trip was well worth the effort, enhanced by our lively coach driver/guide Scotty. With respect to the booking process with Global Journeys, all went smoothly, no issues at all.

The next section was a 5 star cruise out of Broome. The trip start was encountered some industrial action in Broome which meant everything had to be transported on and off the ship by Zodiac. Nothing like starting an adventure with an adventure. Overall this was a very relaxing trip, food and staff were all excellent. The off ship excursions by zodiacs were well organised and very good. The only minor criticism is that APT were a little risk averse. A normal non APT trip would have included such thing as snorkeling on Ashmore Reef which was supposed to be a highlight, but with APT this was not an option. I suppose losing one or two guests due to sharks was thought as not worth it. However, overall, a great trip.
Fantastic Trip 0
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
Global Journeys were great to deal with and I saved money booking my trip through them. The APT tour of South America and Amazon cruise was fantastic. We saw some amazing sights like Machu Picchu, a pod of pink dolphins chasing fish in the Amazon river and the jaw dropping Iguazu Falls. The hotels we stayed at were 5 stars and were located in terrific read more areas. The restaurant meals included were magnificent. It truly was a trip of a lifetime.

APT's most popular trips this month...

15 Day Magnificent Europe (APT)
Magnificent Europe

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15 Day Magnificent Europe (APT)
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18 Day Magnificent Europe with Prague (APT)
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21 Day Magnificent Europe - Paris to Prague (APT)
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13 Day Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights (APT)
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Travelmarvel River Cruises

Travelmarvel River Cruises

197 Reviews

Why should we cruise with Travelmarvel?

We asked Travelmarvel why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Holiday memories are not just shaped by the incredible places you visit, but also by the wonderful people you meet along the way. At Travelmarvel, we know that great service is about going above and beyond, and that’s why our expert team are regarded as a holiday highlight in their own right.

Travelmarvel holidays offer the perfect combination of all the highlights of a destination with outstanding quality and value for money - you won’t go wrong choosing Travelmarvel for your next holiday adventure.

What rivers do Travelmarvel explore?

Africa Asia Australia Canada & Alaska Egypt & Middle East Europe New Zealand South America More...

Travelmarvel snapshot

Total No. CruisesTotal No. River Cruises
107
DeparturesDepartures
1,164
Average cruise lengthAvg. cruise length
16 days
Average cabin price per dayAvg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$614
Balcony
$711
Suite
$786
DeparturesNo. of Ships
DeparturesAll-Inclusive Level
All-Inclusive

Our thoughts...

The low down on Travelmarvel from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Lesser known, but equally as popular, Travelmarvel, is the sister brand of APT and are positioned as a premium operator. A level down from APT with regards to pricing and trip inclusions, but both share the same past passenger loyalty scheme, and many of our clients prefer to spend a little less, knowing they are still backed by one of Australasia's leading touring and river cruise companies.

With it's roots in coach touring through Australia and New Zealand, Travelmarvel also offer river cruises in Europe and Asia as well as tours and cruises in Canada and around South & Central America. As Platinum Partners of APT & Travelmarvel for read more many years, our advisor team has an in-depth knowledge of Travelmarvel tours and river cruises having experienced travelling with them on many occasions, and would relish the opportunity to help you organise your next holiday with them.

Who are we likely to meet on a Travelmarvel river cruise?

Primarily mature travellers, generally aged 55+, seeking a relaxed, social and premium river cruise with comprehensive inclusions and guided sightseeing.

Do Travelmarvel river cruises suit solo-travellers?

Yes. Solo travellers are welcomed and Travelmarvel regularly promotes selected solo traveller offers.

How inclusive are Travelmarvel's river cruises?

Fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, selected drinks with lunch and dinner, sightseeing, transfers, port charges and gratuities, while optional Enhance Your Journey experiences cost extra.

Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?

Additional costs include optional Enhance Your Journey excursions, drinks outside meal times and spa treatments.

Do Travelmarvel include shore excursions?

Yes. Guided shore excursions and Travelmarvel Insider Experiences are included, with additional optional Enhance Your Journey experiences available at extra cost.

What types of excusions are available?

A good selection of included sightseeing is provided throughout each itinerary, complemented by optional Enhance Your Journey experiences for those who are looking for more choices.

Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?

Depending on the cruise ship, facilities and activities include lounges and bars, live entertainment, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, fitness facilities, sun decks, pools or whirlpools and other enrichment activities.

What are the cabins like on Travelmarvel's river ships?

Travelmarvel's European ships offer Window Staterooms, French Balcony Staterooms and larger Owner's Suites, while ships in Asia, Egypt have their own cabin configurations.

Recent Travelmarvel reviews

14 Day South Western WA 0
, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Had a wonderful trip a fantastic group of 32. Kayla answered all my questions without delay and everything went smoothly. I would have no hesitation in booking with Global Journeys in the future.
Douro Cruising with Travelmarvel 0
, Australia, Aug 2026
We had a very enjoyable 7 day cruise along the Douro with Travelmarvel. The scenery was beautiful and the excursions were all interesting and different although travelling by bus for over an hour to get to and from a location did become tiring as the weather was very hot. The ship itself is new and nicely decorated with wonderful, accommodating staff read more and very good food. The included wines varied between excellent and ordinary. Our main criticism is that Travelmarvel seems to be removing or downgrading some services.

I have been on 6 different river cruises with 4 different companies and must say that all except Travelmarvel have provided daily water in your cabin and also provided a refillable bottle to take on excursions. On this trip we were not provided with these essential services. There was no room service and although the tv offered movies to watch you were greeted with a message that the service was unavailable every time you tried. Overall the food was very good but the much anticipated bbq in the middle of the cruise was poorly organized (long wait in line to get access to the buffet) and the food very ordinary!

So, overall a wonderful trip in a beautiful part of the world but we will look to other river cruise companies for future holidays. This was the second trip organized by Hannah Perry and she did a wonderful job. Courteous, professional and efficient, she takes a genuine interest in your trip and does everything possible to ensure a trouble free and enjoyable holiday experience.
Rockies and Alaskan Adventure 0
, VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
The trip was fascinating, though a bit tiring. All arrangements including flights booked by Tracey went perfectly. Much appreciated! The tour all the way to Fairbanks in Alaska is the highlight of the tour. However, the train ride by Rocky Mountaineer was a bit boring, just kept feeding us on the train. They should have a few stops during the day.
Beautiful Duoro Valley 0
, SA, Australia, Jul 2026
The Duoro Valley was spectacular but the actual cruise felt like a coach trip where we used the Travelmarvel Estrela more as a hotel. Of course there was cruising and we passed through some impressive locks, but often excursions would bus us to a winery while the ship continued along the river, returning us to meet it at a different location. Consequently read more I felt that I missed out on a lot of the relaxing river cruising I was looking forward to. The Estrela was quite a new ship, but not very well designed. The bathrooms were minute as was the pool on the sundeck. The dining room and lounge with their very low ceilings need much better sound damping. It was a pleasant trip but did not live up to my expectations. Hannah Perry at Global Journeys handled our booking very well and was always available to answer queries.
A wonderful holiday despite difficult circumstances 1
, NSW, Australia, Jul 2026
We planned and booked this holiday over 12 months ago and were impressed by the quality of service provided by Tracey Standing at Global Journeys. Nothing was too much trouble even when a small war started on our route to Europe threatening to prevent our getting there. Tracey was able to book us alternate flights, taking us around the world the other read more way (via Canada), as a contingency plan then was able to get our money back when we didn't actually need them.

The Travelmarvel cruise was an excellent product too. Their staff were all highly skilled and very effective at working around difficult circumstances. Due to low water levels in the Rhine/Danube river system we were unable to make the full journey on a single ship and ended up traveling on four different ships with buses shuttling us between navigable portions of the rivers. In many ways we probably managed to see more of Europe than we would normally see just from the river. Through the efforts of our Cruise Director Bernadett we covered every one of the locations we were booked to see and there was a sound clear plan and effective control measures every time we had to relocate. (With over 150 passengers that adds up to a lot of cats to herd). I would go on a similar Global Journeys/Travelmarvel trip again in a heartbeat without any concerns about what fate throws at us. (I might wait until it rains again in Europe though.)

Travelmarvel's most popular trips this month...

15 Day European Gems (Travelmarvel)
European Gems

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From
4,925pp
15 Day European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam (Travelmarvel)
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12 Day Essential Vietnam and Cambodia (Travelmarvel)
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21 Day European Gems with Paris and Prague (Travelmarvel)
European Gems with Paris and Prague

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From
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21 Day European Gems with Prague and Paris (Travelmarvel)
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