APT Tour & Cruise Reviews
The 479 APT Tour & Cruise reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have travelled with APT. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
The 479 APT Tour & Cruise reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have travelled with APT. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
Did not deliver on quality as described. Misleading. 12
Magnificent Europe
Shane, QLD, Australia, Apr 2019
Promoted as "5 Star" with 5 star price. The overall service was good & reasonably well organised. The food was lacking in variety & flavour. RSL Buffet quality at best (all you can eat ice cream does not make it 5 star).
Many times we were docked alongside other ships. This is when you realise how dated and lacking in quality our vessel was. At read more one stage, our cruise director had to lay on the lounge floor with the Microphone to his laptop (also on the floor) just to get the sound for the info sessions.
We travelled over the Easter Period where many towns had closed for holidays. This is totally understandable...what was disappointing was the total lack of any planned alternatives considering these holidays happen every year and would not come as a surprise.
From the first day to the last day, much of the information in the brochure was misleading at best or just untrue. If you are expecting "5 Star" you will be disappointed. If you accept it will be a nice cruise with average facilities & food.....that's the best you can hope for regardless of the huge amount of money out laid.
Many times we were docked alongside other ships. This is when you realise how dated and lacking in quality our vessel was. At read more one stage, our cruise director had to lay on the lounge floor with the Microphone to his laptop (also on the floor) just to get the sound for the info sessions.
We travelled over the Easter Period where many towns had closed for holidays. This is totally understandable...what was disappointing was the total lack of any planned alternatives considering these holidays happen every year and would not come as a surprise.
From the first day to the last day, much of the information in the brochure was misleading at best or just untrue. If you are expecting "5 Star" you will be disappointed. If you accept it will be a nice cruise with average facilities & food.....that's the best you can hope for regardless of the huge amount of money out laid.
Wonderful Tour from Amsterdam to Budapest 12
Magnificent Europe
Sue & Brian, QLD, Australia, Apr 2019
Firstly we would have no hesitation in booking again with Global Journeys (hello Madeline). They were very professional, pleasant and nothing was too much trouble. The trip went like clockwork.
We did the 15 day APT River Cruise. It was brilliant. Beautiful boat, incredible staff. The food was excellent and there was always free time just to wander read more on the city tours. If you really want to be looked after you will love this form of travel. We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary on board which was incredible. Thanks again to all involved in make this River Cruise very memorable for us.
We did the 15 day APT River Cruise. It was brilliant. Beautiful boat, incredible staff. The food was excellent and there was always free time just to wander read more on the city tours. If you really want to be looked after you will love this form of travel. We celebrated our 50th Wedding Anniversary on board which was incredible. Thanks again to all involved in make this River Cruise very memorable for us.
We have travelled extensively each year by air, on land and with many ocean cruises but this was the first river cruise for us. Last year on a tour to Scandinavia almost the entire bus had done an APT European river cruise and were full of praise and this in part motivated us to experience it ourselves.
The transfers at each end of the trip were read more efficient and seamless. The ship and the crew were first rate and the service unparalleled. We give a special commendation for the cruise director Emma Leslie for both friendliness and she demonstrated the greatest attention to detail with backup plans when because of the river height, when they needed a Plan B. She also gave an excellent on-board commentary while travelling through the castle reaches of the Rhine Valley.
We are active tourists but we appreciated that the company provided more gentle excursions for those who are not up for rigorous activity. The food was of a high standard served by friendly and courteous waiting staff, but with the greatest respect lacked the WOW factor of say a Seabourn cruise which is approximately in the same price range.
It’s hard to compete with Budapest, the wonderful 800-year-old Franconian Bavarian villages, and the elegance of Vienna. The itinerary with the peak experiences at the Lichtenstein private Palace concert in Vienna and the dinner recital at Schloss Burg Namedy were memorable. The latter with a live Princess soldering-on, reminded us of the Alan Bennett play "People" about another lady dedicated to the upkeep of a stately old home in the country.
Fellow travellers were mainly Australian and we still not cannot get our head around why gentlemen in their 70s with legs way past their prime and looking like the legs of a queen chair, insist on wearing shorts even when the temperature was hovering around 15 Celsius. It quite put us off our Martinis which were perfect once we had taught Stan the barman how to make a 007 Bond Vesper Martini.
Look forward to travelling with the company again.
The transfers at each end of the trip were read more efficient and seamless. The ship and the crew were first rate and the service unparalleled. We give a special commendation for the cruise director Emma Leslie for both friendliness and she demonstrated the greatest attention to detail with backup plans when because of the river height, when they needed a Plan B. She also gave an excellent on-board commentary while travelling through the castle reaches of the Rhine Valley.
We are active tourists but we appreciated that the company provided more gentle excursions for those who are not up for rigorous activity. The food was of a high standard served by friendly and courteous waiting staff, but with the greatest respect lacked the WOW factor of say a Seabourn cruise which is approximately in the same price range.
It’s hard to compete with Budapest, the wonderful 800-year-old Franconian Bavarian villages, and the elegance of Vienna. The itinerary with the peak experiences at the Lichtenstein private Palace concert in Vienna and the dinner recital at Schloss Burg Namedy were memorable. The latter with a live Princess soldering-on, reminded us of the Alan Bennett play "People" about another lady dedicated to the upkeep of a stately old home in the country.
Fellow travellers were mainly Australian and we still not cannot get our head around why gentlemen in their 70s with legs way past their prime and looking like the legs of a queen chair, insist on wearing shorts even when the temperature was hovering around 15 Celsius. It quite put us off our Martinis which were perfect once we had taught Stan the barman how to make a 007 Bond Vesper Martini.
Look forward to travelling with the company again.
Budapest to Amsterdam River Cruise is a Top Experience 13
Magnificent Europe
Robert & Manuel, Australia, Apr 2019
From day one we enjoyed the welcoming and pleasurable hospitality on board the MS AmaVenita. Every aspect of this trip was executed with perfection and we honestly cannot fault it. The itinerary was well planned with options for guests at each port during the journey. As it turned out every guest's preferences for the on-shore excursions were met.
The read more Cruise Director Emma, kept us all informed and aware of events at every point during the trip. We were also blessed with great weather for the full fifteen April spring days. There was plenty of variety in the choice of excursions and through visiting small towns such as Melk and Miltenberg and big cities like Budapest Vienna and Cologne, guests were given a taste of many different worlds. We did everything from learning how to make Apple Strudel to Beer Drinking to listening to fabulous concerts In the Liechtenstein Palace in Vienna and Schloss Burg Namedy in Germany.
The journey by river in itself is so interesting as the ship travelled through 68 locks. The engineering involved is amazing and to explain it, a university lecturer and Historian specialising in Engineering History gave the most interesting account of the waterway system we were travelling on.
The food was excellent and varied with the menu reflecting the different regions we passed through. The journey was made pleasant through the sheer friendliness of all staff. I fully recommend this trip to anyone looking for a relaxing and yet stimulating journey. Thank you to the team from APT and Global Journeys for making it a seamless experience which now has become a set of the most beautiful memories.
The read more Cruise Director Emma, kept us all informed and aware of events at every point during the trip. We were also blessed with great weather for the full fifteen April spring days. There was plenty of variety in the choice of excursions and through visiting small towns such as Melk and Miltenberg and big cities like Budapest Vienna and Cologne, guests were given a taste of many different worlds. We did everything from learning how to make Apple Strudel to Beer Drinking to listening to fabulous concerts In the Liechtenstein Palace in Vienna and Schloss Burg Namedy in Germany.
The journey by river in itself is so interesting as the ship travelled through 68 locks. The engineering involved is amazing and to explain it, a university lecturer and Historian specialising in Engineering History gave the most interesting account of the waterway system we were travelling on.
The food was excellent and varied with the menu reflecting the different regions we passed through. The journey was made pleasant through the sheer friendliness of all staff. I fully recommend this trip to anyone looking for a relaxing and yet stimulating journey. Thank you to the team from APT and Global Journeys for making it a seamless experience which now has become a set of the most beautiful memories.
Hannah did a great job booking our river cruise (Voyage Through The Balkans) with APT.
If you want a holiday where everything ( excursions nearly every day with guides, drinks all day and night, dining all day / night of the highest quality each day) is paid for and you are thoroughly spoiled, then book with Global Journeys and APT.
If you want a holiday where everything ( excursions nearly every day with guides, drinks all day and night, dining all day / night of the highest quality each day) is paid for and you are thoroughly spoiled, then book with Global Journeys and APT.
It was a great tour and we saw a lot of NZ. Our bus drivers Reece (North Island) and Brownie (South Island) were very polite and Brownie (Maori) gave us an informative and humourous insight into his childhood and that of his father's and grandfather's. Annalise our Tour Director was the best, had such a wealth of knowledge.
Most of the accommodation read more was good but 3 hotels did not have air conditioning and because NZ was having an Indian Summer it was not comfortable for sleeping. We had great weather except on the last day when it rained and we missed seeing Mt. Cook. The meals were all awesome.
The overnight cruise was a highlight for us and of course so was the extra excursion (which everyone should do) taking a helicopter ride on Franz Josef Glacier. New Zealand is a spectacular country, people are so nice. Would recommend this trip.
Most of the accommodation read more was good but 3 hotels did not have air conditioning and because NZ was having an Indian Summer it was not comfortable for sleeping. We had great weather except on the last day when it rained and we missed seeing Mt. Cook. The meals were all awesome.
The overnight cruise was a highlight for us and of course so was the extra excursion (which everyone should do) taking a helicopter ride on Franz Josef Glacier. New Zealand is a spectacular country, people are so nice. Would recommend this trip.
We did the 12 Days of Christmas Tour with APT, this was our first time doing this type of tour and it did not disappoint! It was a very well organised, stress free trip, both the Tour Director (Linda) and our Coach Driver (Lenny) were wonderful, which really made the whole tour perfect. Every hotel and activity was prepared and it was a lovely experience read more for a first timer. It may seem like a lot of money but it was worth every cent! Wouldn’t hesitate to do another APT Tour again!
Definitely a Bucket List Trip! 1
Susan & Tony, NSW, Australia, Dec 2018
This was a special trip with close friends of ours and we couldn't have asked for a more perfect trip. APT were amazing, everything was well organised and our guide was the best. Great group of people on the tour with us and because the numbers were small we got to know each other really well. We had a delay with the train trip through the mountains read more but we were looked after well and the views of the snow made it all the more worthwhile. We wouldn't hesitate to travel with APT again. Well worth every penny spent!
We booked with Yvonne of Global Journeys. Everything was worry free and Yvonne promptly dealt with any questions and was so easy to deal with. When, 10 days out, we were notified that APT needed to change the itinerary because of low water levels in the Danube and Rhine rivers Yvonne was immediately in contact.
We decided to go on the revised itinerary read more and we were not disappointed!
APT went to great lengths to ensure we enjoyed a holiday like no other. The Majestic Imperator was an absolute highlight, four hours of regal luxury from Budapest to Vienna was just bliss. The private charter flight to Rotterdam was another highlight and the unique voyage through The Netherlands and Belgium was full of delightful stops at places like Kinderdyke and Willemstad.
Apparently this itinerary was a first for APT, maybe one they should repeat. We both returned home relaxed, maybe a kilo or two heavier. We thoroughly recommend Global Journeys and APT.
We decided to go on the revised itinerary read more and we were not disappointed!
APT went to great lengths to ensure we enjoyed a holiday like no other. The Majestic Imperator was an absolute highlight, four hours of regal luxury from Budapest to Vienna was just bliss. The private charter flight to Rotterdam was another highlight and the unique voyage through The Netherlands and Belgium was full of delightful stops at places like Kinderdyke and Willemstad.
Apparently this itinerary was a first for APT, maybe one they should repeat. We both returned home relaxed, maybe a kilo or two heavier. We thoroughly recommend Global Journeys and APT.
Amsterdam to Budapest, when the rivers are LOW 49
Magnificent Europe
Nick & Heather, New Zealand, Oct 2018
We booked our APT Europe River Cruise with Global Journeys, we upgraded flights and had a few changes, nothing was a problem and communication was excellent. We planned to be overseas for two months and Global Journeys were able to schedule everything to suit. Recommended.
We arrived at the ship early in the day and the crew welcomed us and were read more happy to store our baggage until loading at 3pm. The welcome when we boarded was impressive as we were personally escorted to our room and advised of all the facilities. We were advised the first night that there were concerns about the river levels being at record low levels. This proved to be the case and the authorities would not allow the cruise ships to pass through sections of the Rhine or Danube. APT through their people on board kept us fully informed of the day to day situation, which was totally out of their control, and provided alternative transport and accommodation where necessary.
In our case we spent three nights in top class hotels. I do not think we missed a great deal on the river and probably visited as many castle/churches, towns as was expected. APT were excellent at all levels, accommodation, meals, staff and organising tours. All the staff were very professional with a sense of humour. I would rate this company very highly, thanks for looking after us all.
We arrived at the ship early in the day and the crew welcomed us and were read more happy to store our baggage until loading at 3pm. The welcome when we boarded was impressive as we were personally escorted to our room and advised of all the facilities. We were advised the first night that there were concerns about the river levels being at record low levels. This proved to be the case and the authorities would not allow the cruise ships to pass through sections of the Rhine or Danube. APT through their people on board kept us fully informed of the day to day situation, which was totally out of their control, and provided alternative transport and accommodation where necessary.
In our case we spent three nights in top class hotels. I do not think we missed a great deal on the river and probably visited as many castle/churches, towns as was expected. APT were excellent at all levels, accommodation, meals, staff and organising tours. All the staff were very professional with a sense of humour. I would rate this company very highly, thanks for looking after us all.
We had a fantastic trip with 24 other passengers in a large coach which enabled plenty of room. APT do an excellent tour and our accommodation and food was great, plus the itinerary was excellent. Our tour guide Jenny was very informative and looked after us well. Ron, our coach driver was also fantastic. Everyone got along well and nobody kept anyone read more waiting. Lots of hugs at the end which symbolises a great trip. Many highlights along the way and to do over 2.5 thousand kilometres we covered a lot of Tasmania in a short time. Very happy with Global Journeys and would use them again when we hope to travel perhaps in 2020.
Fascinating journey through the former Eastern Bloc of Europe 4
Eastern Bloc
Suzanne & Paul , QLD, Australia, Oct 2018
This trip had a focus on the fascinating recent history of these countries including the fall of Communism, however it also covered the highlights of medieval and imperial history and sights of the region. It was our first APT trip, and despite concerns of lots of retirees, the group ended up being a good mix of like minded travellers in their 40s read more to 60s. Both the tour director Nick and all of the local guides were excellent - knowledgeable and friendly. Despite the need to change our initial plans due to circumstances out of our control, Juliet of Global Journeys was constantly helpful and supportive. We would book with both Global Journeys and APT again.
Relaxed river cruising in warm and friendly Cambodia & Vietnam 7
Vietnam and Cambodia Highlights
Norma & Geoff, NSW, Australia, Oct 2018
First impression in Cambodia is the warm and friendly people. In Siem Reap visiting the temples is a snack by tuk tuk. Angkor Wat and surrounding monuments are special highlights providing a glimpse of past civilisations. The Sofitel Siem Reap is a beautiful retreat with top class facilities and wonderful staff. The five hour coach trip from Siem Reap read more to the cruise ship allowed us to take in the country side and way of life. The 8 day river cruise was beyond expectations. The ship was well appointed and spacious, the staff from captain, hotel manager through to ship's crew and tour guides ensured we were well looked after. Nothing was left to chance regarding safety and comfort. A highlight was the special Luke Nguyen - a must.
Shore visits to villages, markets and temples provided a real insight into the way of life of the locals who have been subjected to a horrific history over the past 80 years but who willingly welcomed us into their homes. The Mekong River is massive, well beyond our expectations; the life blood for millions of people in four countries. APT do a great job with this cruise. It is both an educational and very relaxing way to see the region. As usual Georgie at Global Journeys did an excellent job arranging all the details. In an area where things can easily go wrong there was not one hiccup.
Shore visits to villages, markets and temples provided a real insight into the way of life of the locals who have been subjected to a horrific history over the past 80 years but who willingly welcomed us into their homes. The Mekong River is massive, well beyond our expectations; the life blood for millions of people in four countries. APT do a great job with this cruise. It is both an educational and very relaxing way to see the region. As usual Georgie at Global Journeys did an excellent job arranging all the details. In an area where things can easily go wrong there was not one hiccup.
Comprehensive tour of Vietnam and Cambodia 2
Best of Vietnam and Cambodia
Clifton, Jennifer, Adrienne & Graham, New Zealand, Sep 2018
This escorted tour took us to many of the key historical locations and scenic wonders of the former French Indochina region. From the bustle of Saigon and nearby war-time tunnels at Cu Chi to Da Nang and its famed China Beach, Hoi An and Hue and on to Hanoi with its Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and the beautiful Halong bay limestone formations, fish farms read more and cultured pearl production. In Cambodia, the extensive Angkor temples were so impressive before experiencing life along the mighty Mekong River, aboard the beautiful R V Amalotus to the thriving capital Phnom Penh with its nearby "killing fields" memorial site. Finally we had the chance to see life in the great Mekong Delta region.
Highlights were many including Saigon; the many thousands of motor bikes in their organised chaos, the massive Ben Thanh market, the Palaces and parks. Hoi An; the ancient town, festival, and farming communities. Hanoi; visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison.
The one lowlight: was the dinner at the Sofitel Legend where we were served under cooked chicken at the "special dinner". Halong Bay; sadly the rain spoiled this part of the tour, however the fish farms and pearl culturing were impressive. Siem Reap; Angkor Wat at sunrise, and Khmer Cooking class. Phnom Penh; The Killing Fields, though sombre was worth the visit and the Tuk-Tuk ride was a great experience. Tan Chau; the visit to the APT supported village on Evergreen Island was magical.
Highlights were many including Saigon; the many thousands of motor bikes in their organised chaos, the massive Ben Thanh market, the Palaces and parks. Hoi An; the ancient town, festival, and farming communities. Hanoi; visit to the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum and Hoa Lo Prison.
The one lowlight: was the dinner at the Sofitel Legend where we were served under cooked chicken at the "special dinner". Halong Bay; sadly the rain spoiled this part of the tour, however the fish farms and pearl culturing were impressive. Siem Reap; Angkor Wat at sunrise, and Khmer Cooking class. Phnom Penh; The Killing Fields, though sombre was worth the visit and the Tuk-Tuk ride was a great experience. Tan Chau; the visit to the APT supported village on Evergreen Island was magical.
21 Day Best of Vietnam & Cambodia 2
Best of Vietnam and Cambodia
Adrienne & Graham, New Zealand, Sep 2018
We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. Tana our tour guide throughout was just great and all the local guides were fabulous as well. The only meal we did not really enjoy was the dinner put on by the Sofitel Hotel in Hanoi. It was what we would call 'below average'. Also we were disappointed with the breakfast on the Singapore Airlines flight, Singapore to read more Auckland. The flight attendant said they had run out of omelettes so she handed us some awful Asian meal which had an awful smell. We could not eat it. Those flight attendants were not the usual most friendly people.
The hotel in Hoi An was nice but the bathroom set up was rather odd. With a curved shower tiled wall that leaked into the toilet area, a small toilet room with a glass door, the privacy was rather poor. The hotels were of a very high standard and the 2 night cruise on Halong Bay was great. The week long river cruise was fabulous too. Meals were all fabulous apart from the Hanoi Hotel one I mentioned. A great trip thank you.
The hotel in Hoi An was nice but the bathroom set up was rather odd. With a curved shower tiled wall that leaked into the toilet area, a small toilet room with a glass door, the privacy was rather poor. The hotels were of a very high standard and the 2 night cruise on Halong Bay was great. The week long river cruise was fabulous too. Meals were all fabulous apart from the Hanoi Hotel one I mentioned. A great trip thank you.
Absolutely fabulous cruise under the the direction of Daniela Obermeir on board AMA Reina & Venita, couldn't find a fault. One of the most magnificent holidays we have had, if not the best. Lots of laughs with wonderful food and organisation. Will certainly travel with APT again.
Once again APT put a really comprehensive tour together - we feel as though we really saw Tasmania. As usual the accommodation was excellent, and the travel arrangements were seamless. Beautiful scenery, wonderful dinners, good company and a cheerful atmosphere - we would never have seen so much or learned so much about Tasmania if we had done it ourselves. read more Everything from spring flowers to spring snow - we saw it all - and the wildlife was lovely at Cradle Mountain. Thank you Yvonne for arranging our trip through Global Journeys - we are looking forward to our Baltic cruise next year!
Fantastic Canada and Alaska Experience 4
Rockies Odyssey and Alaska Cruise
April & Steve, VIC, Australia, Sep 2018
We thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful APT tour. The booking process with Georgie from Global Journeys was very easy and the communication excellent. The tour presented some beautiful scenery and some wonderful experiences. The early snow at Lake Louise was a highlight! We loved the Rocky Mountaineer's great service, great food and spectacular scenery. read more The Fairmont accommodation at Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff in particular lived up to their icon status.
The coach tour with driver Vic was very enjoyable with ample refreshment stops and opportunities to take in the atmosphere and scenery. Tour leader Rusty was exceptionally well organised, provided excellent support and a very knowledgeable commentary throughout the tour. The Holland America cruise was smooth with great dining, shore and entertainment experiences. The only disappointment was the inability to visit Glacier Bay due to an on-board medical emergency. Whilst this was disappointing we fully understand why this decision was taken and would have appreciated this action had the "boot been on the other foot". Overall this was a wonderful coach, rail and cruise holiday experience to two very beautiful countries presented in a very enjoyable way.
The coach tour with driver Vic was very enjoyable with ample refreshment stops and opportunities to take in the atmosphere and scenery. Tour leader Rusty was exceptionally well organised, provided excellent support and a very knowledgeable commentary throughout the tour. The Holland America cruise was smooth with great dining, shore and entertainment experiences. The only disappointment was the inability to visit Glacier Bay due to an on-board medical emergency. Whilst this was disappointing we fully understand why this decision was taken and would have appreciated this action had the "boot been on the other foot". Overall this was a wonderful coach, rail and cruise holiday experience to two very beautiful countries presented in a very enjoyable way.
Amazing Classic African Safari, 26 days of awesome moments. APT have excelled again with this tour. The beautiful accommodation, the excellent itinerary, the fabulous guides and the sensational memories really make this a true trip of a lifetime. Every detail was taken care of, even when some quick changes needed to be made. The flexibility and diversity read more of the African tours allowed for guests to join in or leave and continue on other tours with such ease. Apart from missing those who left, the transition was flawless.
We have been so enriched by all the different facets of South and East Africa, now imprinted on our souls. Could not imagine how this tour could be improved, just perfect. When dealing with the wonders of nature you have to go with the flow and APT are definitely experts at accommodating. Congratulations once again for an amazing experience, we will definitely continue our relationship with the best tour company in Australia.
We have been so enriched by all the different facets of South and East Africa, now imprinted on our souls. Could not imagine how this tour could be improved, just perfect. When dealing with the wonders of nature you have to go with the flow and APT are definitely experts at accommodating. Congratulations once again for an amazing experience, we will definitely continue our relationship with the best tour company in Australia.
Many great experiences on this tour of the palaces, churches, Kremlin and a lot of places of interest along the way. The ship is Russian and Russian crewed and whilst it was good and the staff were very friendly it was not to the standard experienced previously with the AmaWaterways ships that APT use on their European river cruises. Nor was there the read more flexibility of say just having a snack at meal time rather than formal dining for lunch and dinner. The entertainment was generally good however putting it on at 8.30 and 9.30 at night was getting a bit late for a lot of people. The local guides were excellent with a great command of English and knowledge.
