Travelmarvel Tour & Cruise Reviews
The 411 Travelmarvel Tour & Cruise reviews listed below are from past clients of Global Journeys that have traveled with Travelmarvel. Each review has been individually verified by our team.
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.
What a wonderful Tour of the south of West Australia 1
Wonders of the South West
Paul and Karen, United Kingdom, Nov 2025
Our Tour had so many highlights this was because both the places listed on the itinerary and the extra stops put in by our Tour Manager and the Driver. We picked Travelmarvel over others as their tour happened to avoid some of the places we had already visited. The driver Ash and Sue worked so well as a team and Ash particularly went out of her way read more to enhance our experience for example taking photos of use at certain stops. She always seamed to find the best places to eat and get her coffee from. Sue gave use lots of information on so many things as we progressed through the tour.
There was a lot of driving, but the coach was reasonably modern, as the tour wasn't fully booked there was plenty of space and comfortable. It did have a minor problem with the rear door but as our group was not the whole coach this wasn't an issue. To get the miles needed in needed for some an early start on a number of days and limited time for comfort and viewing stops and Lunch breaks.
The Dolphin feeding at Money Mia has evolved with time, but good photos were got, so many highs and good memories made included Shark bay wildlife Cruise, the Captain was excellent and informative, the Pinnacles, the Wave Rock. The Kalbarri Sky Walk, and the Valley of the Giants tree top walk was just amazing. The food was almost always excellent with the only disappointment was the felling of being rushed as some places (2 of them) by the waiting staff hovering and clearing away our plates the second we had finished. Similarly at the Wine tasting at Margaret River with some not finished sample glasses being whisked away before we had finished. Some of the optional extra experiences were also memorable particularly the Undersea Observatory at Busselton.
Our booking was expertly handled initially by Maise but through time as we had booked over 12 months ahead of our tour, were were seamlessly transferred to Hannah with a proper process of Maise advising us of her move (promotion) and the advice of who our new advisor was going to be. The hand over and Hannah, who swiftly contacted us and has provided timely responses to our subsequent queries. Well done all around this hasn't been our experience at other places. Book with confidence for the most amazing tour and most memorable experiences. We were luck with the weather only 2 days of wet weather and this partly helped.
There was a lot of driving, but the coach was reasonably modern, as the tour wasn't fully booked there was plenty of space and comfortable. It did have a minor problem with the rear door but as our group was not the whole coach this wasn't an issue. To get the miles needed in needed for some an early start on a number of days and limited time for comfort and viewing stops and Lunch breaks.
The Dolphin feeding at Money Mia has evolved with time, but good photos were got, so many highs and good memories made included Shark bay wildlife Cruise, the Captain was excellent and informative, the Pinnacles, the Wave Rock. The Kalbarri Sky Walk, and the Valley of the Giants tree top walk was just amazing. The food was almost always excellent with the only disappointment was the felling of being rushed as some places (2 of them) by the waiting staff hovering and clearing away our plates the second we had finished. Similarly at the Wine tasting at Margaret River with some not finished sample glasses being whisked away before we had finished. Some of the optional extra experiences were also memorable particularly the Undersea Observatory at Busselton.
Our booking was expertly handled initially by Maise but through time as we had booked over 12 months ahead of our tour, were were seamlessly transferred to Hannah with a proper process of Maise advising us of her move (promotion) and the advice of who our new advisor was going to be. The hand over and Hannah, who swiftly contacted us and has provided timely responses to our subsequent queries. Well done all around this hasn't been our experience at other places. Book with confidence for the most amazing tour and most memorable experiences. We were luck with the weather only 2 days of wet weather and this partly helped.
I thought going on this cruise in late October may have been a mistake because of the weather but I was wrong. We had only one day of rain and the rest was fine, albeit a little colder as we progressed to Amsterdam. I loved unpacking in my spacious room and simply relaxing. Having a balcony was perfect and I recommend level 3. The organisation from read more the cruise director was exemplary and daily briefings made things easy. She catered for the very active to those who had decreased mobility. The food was beautiful with three course lunches and four course dinners - different every day. we saw the sights, had great information and were entertained nightly alongside of wonderful people. would I do it again - in a heartbeat because the Danube and the Rhein are spectacular!!
The best of Tasmania in wonderful company 0
Grand Tasman
Jeannette and Lucy, WA, Australia, Oct 2025
Driver Simon and tour director Gordon were an excellent team who shared their local knowledge and passion for Tasmania in a very engaging way. We couldn’t have been happier with the route chosen by them. An excellent time was had. The whole trip was handled smoothly right through from the booking stage with Rachael until the transport back to the airport. Thank you.
Our river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest was brilliant. Everything went seamlessly and Travelmarvel ships are beautiful and probably the best looking out of all the others we passed. Global Journeys did a magnificent job in organising the trip and we would like to send a giant thank you to Grace Enchelmaier for her friendly and professional service. read more Even though we had to change ships due to low water levels, the inconvenience was minimal. We would definitely recommend this trip and dealing with Global Journeys (Grace).
Great cruise, highly recommended! 0
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Leticia, ACT, Australia, Oct 2025
Even if most days were cold, overcast and raining we wtill enjoyed our European Gems Cruise with Travelmarvel. We had a good group so that made all the difference. Only hitch was that after 7 days we had to pack up and swap ships as the water level was too low in one section, but at least we still had 14 days cruising. Food was very good (lots read more of it) and wines were excellent, specially the whites. The staff was charming and engaging, specially in the dining room, nothing was too much for them.
Great trip through Vietnam and Cambodia 2
Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia
Phil and Linda, WA, Australia, Oct 2025
Our first time adventure to Vietnam and Cambodia and our first time travelling with Travelmarvel. Was very impressed with Travelmarvel. Well organised and thoroughly enjoyable trip. Our TD, Mr Thoi, was brilliant. Very professional, nothing was too much trouble for him and always a simile on his face. The local guides were also good. Extremely knowledgeable read more and great sense's of humor. The accommodation throughout the tour was excellent. Pity we did not have a bit more time to enjoy the facilities at some of the hotel / resorts. The dining was excellent, particularly on the Mekong River cruise. Would have no issue to recommend travelling with Travelmarvel through Vietnam and Cambodia. Finally, again, great service from Tracey at GJ. Look forward to booking our next adventure with GJ.
Along the Mekong- Cambodia to Vietnam 3
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
Mandy and Peter, NSW, Australia, Sep 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed our recent rip along the Mekong. There were lots of opportunities to sitesee on set tours or to do what one wished. We love that flexibility, as after all it’s our trip to enjoy! The staff from TravelMarvel and onboard the boat were amazing to deal with, with nothing ever being a problem. And I won’t even talk about the food as read more there was so much choice of excellent quality and quantity. A wonderful trip for an older couple.
Italian Treasures and Budapest to Amsterdam river cruise 0
Italian Treasures and European Gems River Cruise
Alan and Valerie, VIC, Australia, Sep 2025
Global Journeys made the booking easy with many questions answered and good pricing. We have been using them for many years without issues too. TravelMarvel tours were truly wonderful, people, coaches, guides, ships, we had a few issues with a couple hotels particularly in Florence (had to change rooms 4 x!) and the coach tour was busier, as in faster, read more than we anticipated, some of us struggled with the pace but the guides and tour director was always fun and interesting.
Italy was manic with tourists even in this shoulder season, Vatican City particularly was very poorly organised by the venue, then people crammed through. We missed the museum and weren’t allowed to hover around taking pics, the crowds just carried you on! The Rome sites were all like this, so spoilt the tour. Koln was just awful, we visited 20 yrs ago and loved it so really looking forward to seeing it again, but it was horrible all the interesting shops and shopping areas have been replaced with tourist shops and the streets were seething with people, and smoking people at that.
Venice was magical, apart from the crazy way that tourist buses are forced to use water taxis to get to the hotel even though the hotel is adjacent to the bus terminal! Amsterdam’s name of Little Venice is appropriate too, nice place to stay for a few days exploring, but you need to see both sides of the Main Street, one side is quiet and sophisticated the other (red light side) is loud and blustering, both are interesting in their own way though.
We had to swap ships halfway up due to low water levels (they said?) and the difference in the crews was quite obvious, Capella crew was very relaxed and fun, vs Polaris who were quite restrained in approach and function, we felt that maybe the Capella crew was more experienced and comfortable with each other vs Polaris who we thought may have still been “training” a little. All in all it was a wonderfully tiring experience with TravelMarvel - yet very professional too 👍👏👏
Italy was manic with tourists even in this shoulder season, Vatican City particularly was very poorly organised by the venue, then people crammed through. We missed the museum and weren’t allowed to hover around taking pics, the crowds just carried you on! The Rome sites were all like this, so spoilt the tour. Koln was just awful, we visited 20 yrs ago and loved it so really looking forward to seeing it again, but it was horrible all the interesting shops and shopping areas have been replaced with tourist shops and the streets were seething with people, and smoking people at that.
Venice was magical, apart from the crazy way that tourist buses are forced to use water taxis to get to the hotel even though the hotel is adjacent to the bus terminal! Amsterdam’s name of Little Venice is appropriate too, nice place to stay for a few days exploring, but you need to see both sides of the Main Street, one side is quiet and sophisticated the other (red light side) is loud and blustering, both are interesting in their own way though.
We had to swap ships halfway up due to low water levels (they said?) and the difference in the crews was quite obvious, Capella crew was very relaxed and fun, vs Polaris who were quite restrained in approach and function, we felt that maybe the Capella crew was more experienced and comfortable with each other vs Polaris who we thought may have still been “training” a little. All in all it was a wonderfully tiring experience with TravelMarvel - yet very professional too 👍👏👏
Thank you Georgie for arranging such a great trip. This was my first visit to Eastern Canada and it will certainly not be my last. Travelmarvel as usual organised a great itinerary with good hotels, good food and and amazing tour directors. As usual Holland America’s cruise was also great. The tours offered by the cruise liner were great and well organised. read more I did send my review to Travelmarvel recommending increasing the number of days of the tour - one additional day each in both Montreal and Quebec.
This cruise was excellent is many ways - boat was great, rooms good, staff were wonderful. They were extremely attentive and responded to all requests immediately, as well as being pleasant, sociable, and linking well with the group and individuals. The Douro is a wine and port region, so the views were spectacular over the terraced vineyards and Quintas. read more There was a variety of good entertainment in the evenings - Karaoke/Dancing/Singers/ Fado. Staff were active in encouraging all this and participated themselves. The meals were excellent and offered a lot of variety and choice. All wines with dinner were included. The tours were all quite interesting. However, there were no 'active' excursions. There were no hikes/bikes/kayaking, as there are on other advertised Douro cruises. Although you indicated we could get suggestions from the cruise director, there was only one day that he suggested a hike that was well worth doing. Otherwise, we were in ports without interesting hikes, or he had no suggestions. As we are active travelers, often walking/hiking 6-10km a day, or biking, this was very disappointing. Although the cathedrals/castles/wine and port excursions were interesting, they only involved minimal walking - often no more than 1 km. So, if you are not looking for an active tour, this was excellent in all other ways.
What a fantastic tour! Arriving into Barcelona a day early was definitely a good plan enabling me to participate in a couple of additional experiences. The tour through Spain had many highlights. Alhambra Palace and the accommodation we had stand out. I really enjoyed the walking tours in each city and these were balanced with free time providing an read more opportunity to return to attractions. We had two nights in most places and with most hotels well located, it enabled easy access to restaurants, attractions and getting a feel for the city.
The included experiences were fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the flamenco show with dinner in Seville, the olive oil farm with tour, tasting and lunch and the visit to the Royal Equestrian School. The included breakfasts and highlight lunches and dinners were fabulous but it was also great to have the chance to try local restaurants with other tour group members. I would definitely recommend this Travelmarvel tour. The Tour Director Barbara and coach driver as well as all of our local guides were excellent. I was also very grateful to Grace from Global Journeys who booked my trip, made enquiries on my behalf and answered all questions I had throughout the booking process. All went smoothly.
The included experiences were fantastic. I particularly enjoyed the flamenco show with dinner in Seville, the olive oil farm with tour, tasting and lunch and the visit to the Royal Equestrian School. The included breakfasts and highlight lunches and dinners were fabulous but it was also great to have the chance to try local restaurants with other tour group members. I would definitely recommend this Travelmarvel tour. The Tour Director Barbara and coach driver as well as all of our local guides were excellent. I was also very grateful to Grace from Global Journeys who booked my trip, made enquiries on my behalf and answered all questions I had throughout the booking process. All went smoothly.
Travelmarvel Northern Territory and Kimberley Tour - Darwin to Broome 0
Kimberley and Northern Territory Highlights
Viv , QLD, Australia, Aug 2025
The start of this tour began with Tracey - a great beginning for any travel plans! As always, proactive and responsive with any advice or assistance needed.
This was a wonderful tour from the start in Darwin to my finish in Broome. It ticked a number of the wonderful bucket list items Australia offers. The group was a friendly, engaging one and more read more than ably led by Tour Director Sue and Coach Captain Jaime. Apparently the first time they had worked together and certainly an ‘A Team’. Very interested and caring of all on board. The tour was most enjoyable, fun, smooth, with plenty of information provided to make the most of the experiences and areas/places we went through. So many highlights – among them Kununurra, the Durack Homestead and El Questro.
A number of us were unaware of optional tours available. I had privately prebooked the Horizontal Falls tour in Broome before leaving home and was able to get a seat on the Bungle Bungles optional flight. These were not included in the tour and though expensive are a 'must do' if at all possible. This is a tour I would certainly recommend. However more advance information provided re optional opportunities would be very helpful.
This was a wonderful tour from the start in Darwin to my finish in Broome. It ticked a number of the wonderful bucket list items Australia offers. The group was a friendly, engaging one and more read more than ably led by Tour Director Sue and Coach Captain Jaime. Apparently the first time they had worked together and certainly an ‘A Team’. Very interested and caring of all on board. The tour was most enjoyable, fun, smooth, with plenty of information provided to make the most of the experiences and areas/places we went through. So many highlights – among them Kununurra, the Durack Homestead and El Questro.
A number of us were unaware of optional tours available. I had privately prebooked the Horizontal Falls tour in Broome before leaving home and was able to get a seat on the Bungle Bungles optional flight. These were not included in the tour and though expensive are a 'must do' if at all possible. This is a tour I would certainly recommend. However more advance information provided re optional opportunities would be very helpful.
Fantastic Itinerary and Tour Guide 0
Rockies and Alaskan Adventure
Julie and David, QLD, Australia, Aug 2025
We chose this tour based on what was covered in the extensive itinerary, and we were not disappointed. It ticked all the “must do” points of interest in a Canadian west coast tour, and the 7 night cruise and additional few days overland in Alaska were well worth it. We were travelling at the end of the season, with a number of tourist venues and experiences read more actually closing down for the winter within days of our trip. This was not entirely a disadvantage, as we were rewarded with a smattering of snow on some mountain peaks as well as tree foliage turning into autumn yellow. We were slightly disappointed that we did not see a lot of wildlife - bears in particular - but the weather was kind to us and allowed us to see spectacular scenery without it being shrouded in rain, mist or cloud. We had not been on a ship as large as Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam before (2,100 pax) but we were impressed by the quality of staterooms and dining, and the helpfulness and efficiency of the crew.
One disadvantage of the tour was the large group size (49), which is larger than we prefer, but at least the whole group was punctual for the entire trip, which allowed time for some little “extras” along the way. The Travelmarvel tour guide, Ben, was absolutely fantastic – a young 30-something Queenslander who had been living in Canada for 10+ years. He was extremely hard-working, thorough, always cheerful, and with a smile, patiently answered questions from those who should have listened to his briefings in the first place! His quirky sense of humour had the whole bus laughing and added significantly to our enjoyment of the tour.
One disadvantage of the tour was the large group size (49), which is larger than we prefer, but at least the whole group was punctual for the entire trip, which allowed time for some little “extras” along the way. The Travelmarvel tour guide, Ben, was absolutely fantastic – a young 30-something Queenslander who had been living in Canada for 10+ years. He was extremely hard-working, thorough, always cheerful, and with a smile, patiently answered questions from those who should have listened to his briefings in the first place! His quirky sense of humour had the whole bus laughing and added significantly to our enjoyment of the tour.
Rockies and Alaskan Adventure 0
Rockies and Alaskan Adventure
Helen and Meredith, Victoria, Australia, Aug 2025
Georgie Walpole managed my booking very well and special thanks go to her. Ben Direen was an excellent tour guide and made every member of the group feel special. He had a wonderful sense of humour and kept the very busy tour on time. The accommodation was comfortable and well placed. Staffing for breakfast at a couple of the hotels was limited but read more this may have been because of the end of the tourist season and early departure of some of those staff. I would not choose to cruise on such a large ship in the future as my preference is for smaller ships and fewer passengers. Otherwise, everything went as scheduled.
