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.
Travelmarvel snapshot
Total No. River Cruises
107
Departures
1,142
Avg. cruise length
16 days
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$613
Balcony
$706
Suite
$787
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive Level
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
European River Cruise on Rhine and Danube 0
Pat and Dhana, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
This cruise had a lot of promise but unfortunately the low river levels on the Rhine and Danube ruined the trip. Travelmarvel did their best to give passengers the best possible experience but missing out on Cologne and the Rhine Valley was very disappointing.
Douro Cruising with Travelmarvel 0
Deborah, 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.
Beautiful Duoro Valley 0
Patricia, 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
Peter and Ruth, 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.)
Amsterdam to Budapest river cruise 0
Leanne and Mick, QLD, Australia, Jul 2026
The trip was eventful, because of the river levels we ended up going on 4 ships and 2 nights in a hotel. There was quite a lot of time spent on coaches travelling between ships. Considering the river levels, we both think that Travelmarvel did their best to give everyone as good a time as possible. It was a series of unfortunate events that was handled read more excellently by them. Kayla from Global Journeys was wonderful, she handled the booking efficiently and kept s formed of what was happening every step of the way, 10/10 for Kayla.
Travelmarvel's most popular trips this month...
Why should we cruise with Scenic?
We asked Scenic why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...
Scenic is proudly an Australian founded company setting the global standard for all inclusive luxury travel. We have delighted guests for more than 40 years with memorable journeys to fascinating locations across the world, delivering unsurpassed excellence in service, product quality and exclusive experiences. The guest is at the heart of everything we do, as we strive to provide continual innovation to enhance the guest experience in luxury river cruising, land tours and our state of the art expedition ocean cruising with Scenic Eclipse.
read more
The Scenic difference is the details, the unwavering commitment to anticipate our guests every need, from butler services, quality dining, wellness, Scenic Enrich and Scenic FreeChoice experiences. That is why so many of our past guests choose to travel with Scenic many times, to destinations around the globe with family and friends, trusting Scenic to create memories that will last a lifetime. We welcome you to enjoy the portfolio of Scenic luxury products and feel the difference of Scenic’s dedicated staff, who will look after you to the nth degree.
Scenic snapshot
Total No. River Cruises
324
Departures
1,898
Avg. cruise length
16 days
Avg. price per day (by cabin type)
River View
$734
Balcony
$991
Suite
$1,209
No. of Ships
All-Inclusive Level
Our thoughts...
The low down on Scenic from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...
Scenic's 5 star luxury river cruises are well known and popular in Australia and NZ. Scenic were the first to introduce balconies on their Scenic Space-Ships, which many clients love, but this comes at a cost to interior cabin space. Like many of the other premium river cruise Operators, look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. All inclusive, with Freechoice activities that allow you to choose what you want to do in each port, Scenic also offer a range of luxury additions (like your own Butler) depending on the cabin type select.
Launching in 2018 and with another ship in 2020, the Scenic Eclipse is Scenic's first foray read more into luxury all inclusive ocean cruising. From the Arctic to Antarctica and everywhere in between, these Discovery Yachts, are all inclusive with shore excursions involving Zodiacs, kayaks and e-bikes as well as the option (for an additional charge) to adventure out by helicopter and submarine!
Who are we likely to meet on a Scenic river cruise?
Mostly Australians and New Zealanders with international guests only introduced to Scenic over the last few years. Generally aged 50 and over, guests are predominantly couples, with solo travellers also well catered for.
Do Scenic river cruises suit solo-travellers?
Yes. Scenic welcomes solo travellers and offers special solo fares on selected river cruise departures, with open-seating dining and sociable shared spaces making it easy to meet other guests.
How inclusive are Scenic's river cruises?
All-inclusive fares include accommodation, all onboard meals, premium beverages throughout the day, butler service, WiFi, Scenic Enrich experiences, Scenic Freechoice excursions, gratuities and airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
Are there any extras to pay on top of the price shown?
Extra costs include a small selection of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spiritsand spa and wellness treatments.
Do Scenic include shore excursions?
Yes. Scenic Freechoice excursions and Scenic Enrich experiences are included in the cruise fare.
What types of excusions are available?
Scenic Freechoice offers multiple excursions in many ports, often categorised as Active, Moderate or Relaxed, so guests can select options that suit their interests and mobility.
Are there any onboard activities or entertainment?
Activities can include live music, game nights, lectures, cultural entertainment, stretching classes, wellness activities, gym use, e-bikes in Europe and relaxation in ship-specific facilities such as Vitality Pools and Salt Therapy Lounges.
What are the cabins like on Scenic's river ships?
Scenic river ships offer a range of suites, from lower-deck accommodation to Balcony, Junior, Royal and Panorama-style suites depending on the ship. Balcony, Junior and Royal Suites feature Scenic's convertible Sun Lounge, and butler service is included for every suite.
Recent Scenic reviews
River cruise 0
Bill and Yvonne, NSW, Australia, Sep 2026
Scenic's standards are very high on board. It is not the prettiest river cruise destination as the Bordeaux rivers are brown from the clay. The scenery from the ship was not attractive. It was only when you went on excursions that you experienced the vineyards, villages & chateaux. We spent a lot more time on board the ship compared to their Spectacular read more South of France cruise we did last year which included free time in quaint towns & villages. Again very good efficient friendly service from Hannah Perry.
Romantic Rhine & Moselle 0
Geoff and Jillian, VIC, Australia, Sep 2026
I was very happy with Hannah and everything that she did for us all the queries that we had she handled them promptly so would recommend her to anyone.
Great trip in spite of the low water problems, and thanks Ethan!! 0
Ron and Wendy, MA, United States, Sep 2026
We were obviously disappointed when we learned cruising would be limited due to low water levels on the Danube River but Scenic went out of their way to make up for that. All in all it was a great trip -- the cruising, the food, the hotels, the excursions, even the bus rides! And Ethan Battison was perfect in taking care of the arrangements with Scenic read more and keeping us up-to-date. Couldn't be happier with him.
Mekong discovery 0
Alok and Ekta, VIC, Australia, Aug 2026
Amazing trip in comfort and luxury provided by scenic tours. All hotel accomodations were 5 star comfort, tour guides local and knowledgeable, service and dining experience on cruise unparalleled. Outstanding service provided by Tracey with booking and follow through.
Lovely trip through the shallow waters of the danube 0
Tony and Lesley, WA, Australia, Jul 2026
Sadly the Danube is not at its best. Interuptions to the itinery meant more coach travel than usual. I think people on board called it a river cruise on wheels. However Avalon cannot be falted for there efforts. We saw 90% of what was originally offered. The service on the boat was magnificent. Food plentyful and well presented. As was the bar service read more especially happy hour. Cabins were always well prepared and clean along with the bathroom facilities. We missed out on Bulgaria but having been before it really didnt bother us. Kayla kept us up to date with changes which we thank her for. Avalon sent me 6 emails with changes but a couple were a mystery to us. We had booked flights out of Bucharest for the 15th August but there email was for the 14th. Good job we had Stefano as our ship manager to correct things. Thanks again to Global Journeys for the bookings. Our 15th river cruise and i think our 10th with Avalon.
Scenic's most popular trips this month...
+ Global Journeys
