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.
Lazy & Enjoyable Holiday 7
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Peter & Christine, WA, Australia, Jun 2018
The organisation from both Global Journeys and Travelmarvel was outstanding. The river ship was excellent although the cabins were a little tight for room. The river trip experience is a lazy one with plenty of time on board, lots of food and some varied experiences ashore through large cities and numerous small, historical, gorgeous towns.
Even though we only did most of the included excursions it was still fairly full on with something to see every day. The highlights of the trip for us was cruising the rivers admiring the castles and small towns along the way and to have a room with a view where you could relax on your bed and watch the countryside glide by if you desired. The icing read more on the cake was the night cruise along the river in Budapest seeing the bridges and buildings lit up with lights along with music amplified up on the Sun Deck. It was spectacular.
Our Cruise Director Mr Roland Noordermeer was exceptional with his knowledge of the river and the various points of interest along the way along with history and politics of Europe. There was abundant amounts of beer wine and soft drinks at meal times. When booking a room, I would suggest a room from the middle of the ship toward the rear is the best location as there are less people passing your door.
Our Cruise Director Mr Roland Noordermeer was exceptional with his knowledge of the river and the various points of interest along the way along with history and politics of Europe. There was abundant amounts of beer wine and soft drinks at meal times. When booking a room, I would suggest a room from the middle of the ship toward the rear is the best location as there are less people passing your door.
Great Rail Journey - The Scottish Highlands 6
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
Christine & Rob, NSW, Australia, Jun 2018
This was a well organised trip through the Scottish Highlands commencing and finishing in Edinburgh. The departure date was 24 June and the weather was absolutely perfect all the way through. The highlands are absolutely amazing!
Highlights of the trip were travelling on the Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig, meeting the Chief of the read more Clan McLeod at Duart Castle, eating haggis which I was very reluctant to do at first, and generally travelling by train through the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Although the group was large, we met some fabulous people and all cooperated with the guide's instructions. Grant our guide was very informative, but could have benefited from a head microphone.
It was great that all our luggage was taken care of each stop. Just left the bags outside our room in the hotel and it was collected and was waiting for us in our room at the next hotel.
Highlights of the trip were travelling on the Jacobite Train from Fort William to Mallaig, meeting the Chief of the read more Clan McLeod at Duart Castle, eating haggis which I was very reluctant to do at first, and generally travelling by train through the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Although the group was large, we met some fabulous people and all cooperated with the guide's instructions. Grant our guide was very informative, but could have benefited from a head microphone.
It was great that all our luggage was taken care of each stop. Just left the bags outside our room in the hotel and it was collected and was waiting for us in our room at the next hotel.
Scottish Highlands 0
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
Christine and Rob, NSW, Australia, Jun 2018
This was a fantastic trip by Travelmarvel through the Highlands of Scotland. Everything was well planned and weather was fantastic for this trip. All arrangements went smoothly through Global Journeys. Highly recommend them for any future travel.
Passage through the Rockies and Alaska cruise 7
Passage Through the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
John & Celena, QLD, Australia, Jun 2018
Everything was well planned and organized and the accommodation was perfect. My only criticism would be the timing of arrival at some destinations didn't allow sufficient time to explore ie arrived 4:30-5:00pm quick unpack, look around, tea, then had to be on bus next morning at 7:00. This was the case with most of the coach tour. Spoke to others who read more felt the same realising longer stays equals more expense, however, I doubt we would do another land tour as such if that was the case. Great experiences on the glaciers and small towns, recommend to go outside main tourist areas to eat where the locals eat and experience their lifestyles. Would recommend Travelmarvel to all.
Simply amazing Rockies and Alaska 4
Passage Through the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
David, VIC, Australia, Jun 2018
It all started with Jemma at Global Journeys who was great to deal with and always prompt with responses. The trip using Travelmarvel was just amazing, so many places to see and things to do. We liked the optional extras because we had the choice of doing or not without the obligation of "We better do it we have already paid for it" plus we could get read more a feel from new found travel buddies whether they were going or not.
Our travel guide Natalie was an absolute gem of a person and extremely good at her job - it was truly sad to say goodbye, she felt like an old friend. It was my first guided coach tour, my wife had done an NZ Contiki a number of years back, I found the pace pretty good for the most part. There were a couple of long days of travelling but with the scenery of the Rockies you can't really complain.
We drove through some breathtaking vistas and the accommodation was very clean, comfortable and enjoyable. I have read many times that more 2 night stops would be good and I agree however there are so many places to see and compromises must be made. We did not do the Rocky Mountaineer train and maybe should have, those that did had a wonderful time.
The Alaskan cruise on the Volendam started with meeting our travel guide Glen, again we lucked out there as she was also just wonderful. The cruise was awesome the places we stopped were just spectacular and the on-board experience was a great opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers better. I have been asked "What was your highlight of the trip" and I still can't pick one above the others. We were blessed with great weather for the vast majority of our tour and made some special new friends. A trip we will never forget.
Our travel guide Natalie was an absolute gem of a person and extremely good at her job - it was truly sad to say goodbye, she felt like an old friend. It was my first guided coach tour, my wife had done an NZ Contiki a number of years back, I found the pace pretty good for the most part. There were a couple of long days of travelling but with the scenery of the Rockies you can't really complain.
We drove through some breathtaking vistas and the accommodation was very clean, comfortable and enjoyable. I have read many times that more 2 night stops would be good and I agree however there are so many places to see and compromises must be made. We did not do the Rocky Mountaineer train and maybe should have, those that did had a wonderful time.
The Alaskan cruise on the Volendam started with meeting our travel guide Glen, again we lucked out there as she was also just wonderful. The cruise was awesome the places we stopped were just spectacular and the on-board experience was a great opportunity to get to know our fellow travellers better. I have been asked "What was your highlight of the trip" and I still can't pick one above the others. We were blessed with great weather for the vast majority of our tour and made some special new friends. A trip we will never forget.
Glacier Express & St Moritz 2
Kathleen & Barry, WA, Australia, Jun 2018
Our accommodation was first class all food was excellent, the only glitch we had has been sent to Juliet and we are awaiting for her to hear from Travelmarvel regarding a refund. Juliet's services was to be recommended and we really enjoyed dealing with Global Journeys.
We are experienced ocean cruisers but this was our first-ever river cruise, on the Travelmarvel Diamond. We had an excellent Cruise Director who kept us very busy. It was less relaxing than an ocean cruise.
Wonderful scenery and lovely castles 6
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
David & Jennifer, VIC, Australia, Jun 2018
Overall we enjoyed this tour. The weather was mixed but to be expected in early June. The hotels were very good and having back to back three night stays was great. Very good tour leader who helped us out by arranging for a personal item that my wife left behind to be forwarded to our post tour hotel. Whilst the trip from Glasgow to Fort William passed read more some beautiful scenery the conditions in our carriage were not great - seemed to be quite old and uncomfortable and no trolley service (this was the norm on all the Scotrail train services).
Included meals were all excellent. Post dinner entertainment again was mixed - loved the entertainment at the Isle of Glencoe but felt a bit uncomfortable with some of the comments by the piper at the farewell dinner and his request for us to email a copy of the photo we had taken of one of the younger female members in our group trying to blow a bag pipe. Pleasant surprise was the fact that for most of the hotel to hotel transfers, our bags were taken care of and we did not need to carry them much at all - it was designated as a non porterage tour and we expected to be pulling them ourselves. Castle visits were great but thought the Loch Ness cruise was disappointing - it was really just a shuttle service to Urquhart Castle.
Included meals were all excellent. Post dinner entertainment again was mixed - loved the entertainment at the Isle of Glencoe but felt a bit uncomfortable with some of the comments by the piper at the farewell dinner and his request for us to email a copy of the photo we had taken of one of the younger female members in our group trying to blow a bag pipe. Pleasant surprise was the fact that for most of the hotel to hotel transfers, our bags were taken care of and we did not need to carry them much at all - it was designated as a non porterage tour and we expected to be pulling them ourselves. Castle visits were great but thought the Loch Ness cruise was disappointing - it was really just a shuttle service to Urquhart Castle.
Great holiday! 13
Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Linda & Paul, VIC, Australia, Jun 2018
Our trip was great, the coach portion was tiring with several early mornings. We have not done pre-organised tours such as this before so whilst all the details were taken care of for us it felt a bit rushed at times with little free time. The days on the Rocky Mountaineer were very long due to delays with freight trains but could not believe the generosity read more of the refund we received! Our tour guide, Willo was extremely knowledgeable and competent, as was the driver Claude.
We had stress at the domestic airport at Melbourne as staff are unable to "read" the electronically attached ETA. As I couldn't find a hard copy of my husband's we missed our flight and had to postpone our flight to the next day. The importance of having a hard copy of this needs to be emphasized to future travelers or improved scanning procedures for staff at domestic airports.
When trying to contact Travelmarvel for assistance at the airport early on the day I'd intended departure there was no answer from the assistance line but we were referred to ring during office hours which was useless to us for this early flight. Once contested during office hours the staff were helpful in making the changes to our flights for the next day. Luckily we had a day pre-tour so we didn't miss the start but we did have an extra night booked at Victoria that was not needed.
We had stress at the domestic airport at Melbourne as staff are unable to "read" the electronically attached ETA. As I couldn't find a hard copy of my husband's we missed our flight and had to postpone our flight to the next day. The importance of having a hard copy of this needs to be emphasized to future travelers or improved scanning procedures for staff at domestic airports.
When trying to contact Travelmarvel for assistance at the airport early on the day I'd intended departure there was no answer from the assistance line but we were referred to ring during office hours which was useless to us for this early flight. Once contested during office hours the staff were helpful in making the changes to our flights for the next day. Luckily we had a day pre-tour so we didn't miss the start but we did have an extra night booked at Victoria that was not needed.
Canada & Alaska in June 2018 15
Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Sue & Geoff , VIC, Australia, Jun 2018
Some highlights were seeing Lake Louise in all its morning glory (mirror image) and a bear with cubs near the hotel, sunny Banff, Moraine Lake, the Icefields Parkway and having it snow in summer on Mounts Whistler and Blackcomb on the Peak 2 Peak. Butchart Gardens and Victoria a great start to the trip whilst Glacier Bay was truly amazing. Mount Grouse, read more Gastown and Capilano suspension bridge are must sees in Vancouver and fitting finale.
We were very happy with all aspects of the Travelmarvel service. Our tour and cruise directors were all excellent - friendly, helpful and informative. The attention on the cruise was superb - the meals were amazing and a real bonus for me was the careful attention to making sure all my meals were gluten free - no issue at all. Even the birthday cake read more made for my husband was gluten free so I could share it!
Accommodation on the boat was excellent as was our hotel in Prague. We were a bit disappointed with our hotel room in Paris but understand that Paris accommodation must be very expensive. The only downer for us was once again (as on our trip last year) was the number of people sick with bad coughs and colds - virtually everyone on board. My husband has come back again bordering on pneumonia. The ship was very diligent however in maintaining a really high standard of hygiene - regular wiping down of all surfaces and supervision of use of hand sanitizer before entering dining room and when returning to boat. They couldn’t be faulted in this - just a hazard of being in close proximity with infected people. More than happy overall and would use Travelmarvel again. Also very happy with support of Global Journeys. Thank you!
Accommodation on the boat was excellent as was our hotel in Prague. We were a bit disappointed with our hotel room in Paris but understand that Paris accommodation must be very expensive. The only downer for us was once again (as on our trip last year) was the number of people sick with bad coughs and colds - virtually everyone on board. My husband has come back again bordering on pneumonia. The ship was very diligent however in maintaining a really high standard of hygiene - regular wiping down of all surfaces and supervision of use of hand sanitizer before entering dining room and when returning to boat. They couldn’t be faulted in this - just a hazard of being in close proximity with infected people. More than happy overall and would use Travelmarvel again. Also very happy with support of Global Journeys. Thank you!
The train trips were wonderful. As were the mountain destinations. St Moritz was a desert. Nothing open, all over-the-top expensive and absolutely nothing to do. Like a cardboard movie set before the shoot. Take it off the agenda!
The group size of 31 was too large by about 6. Tour guide was very pleasant and personable - and helpful. He did his read more best but did not need to give us his thought processes about what “might work” and what might not, as it added to confusion especially when he changed meeting times a few times or was a bit vague.
The group size of 31 was too large by about 6. Tour guide was very pleasant and personable - and helpful. He did his read more best but did not need to give us his thought processes about what “might work” and what might not, as it added to confusion especially when he changed meeting times a few times or was a bit vague.
Wonderful experience 4
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Gunther & Catherine, NSW, Australia, May 2018
Outstanding service with Travelmarvel and Global Journeys. Passengers were friendly and happy throughout the tour. A tour NOT to be missed.
Wonderful scenery and weather to match 3
David & Jennifer, VIC, Australia, May 2018
We were blessed with great weather with temperatures reaching 27 degrees during our late May tour. Some wonderful sightseeing in this beautiful country, three course meals for dinner each night and a great tour leader. In the main the hotels were excellent although not all are airconditioned. Highlights were The Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher and farewell read more dinner and show. A great tour.
Best organised tour we have experienced! 4
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Willemina & Elbert, TAS, Australia, May 2018
A very relaxed and organised tour. The Tour Director, Sue was super efficient and lovely. Had not heard of Travelmarvel before, but would certainly travel with them again as the food, program, cabins and service was excellent. The local guides were super and funny. We also had the best weather and a nice group of people on the ship. Thank you to Global read more Journeys for an easy and efficient booking service.
Our holiday was everything we hoped for, and more. Excursions, fine dining, tour guides and the ship were of the highest calibre.
Excellent holiday through the Canadian Rockies and cruise through the Alaskan Inside Passage 15
Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Deanna & Jean-Claude, NSW, Australia, May 2018
Wonderful experience. Excellent organization. We were booked to have two days and one night on the Rocky Mountaineer, but due to no fault of either Travel Marvel or Rocky Mountaineer, one day on the Rocky Mountaineer was cancelled due to a rail strike. This was most disappointing as it was the highlight of our holiday. Rocky Mountaineer coached us read more from Banff to Kamloops and provided lunch and refreshments on the way, however, it was not what we paid for.
Accommodation provided through the Canadian Rockies was good, however Mike Wiegele Resort in Blue River was less than standard. The chalet was dusty, dark, damp and full of mosquitoes. I would not recommend anyone staying at this property.
Accommodation provided through the Canadian Rockies was good, however Mike Wiegele Resort in Blue River was less than standard. The chalet was dusty, dark, damp and full of mosquitoes. I would not recommend anyone staying at this property.
I have had a dream for 30+ years to see the Bungle Bungles in Western Australia. This year I took a bus tour from Perth to Darwin over 18 days and enjoyed every single moment. I urge anyone looking to see W.A. to seriously consider this tour.
1. It was age appropriate and I have made many new friends, whom just made the trip even more enjoyable. read more We became friendly in the first 72 hours and had many laughs over the course of the tour.
2. Accommodations were 4 - 4.5 stars. Only one location was "interesting". The walls were very thin and you could hear someone talking two rooms away. No complaints from me, as it all added to the experience (being only one night that is). The beds in all our accommodations were the most comfortable and were higher off the floor, making it so much easier to get in and out of bed. Great thoughtfulness.
3. Food was fantastic. Breakfast was a big choice buffet, no reason for complaint as catered for gluten free and celiac passengers also. Most dinners were buffet style and a wonderful selection to choose from for all. We did have two dinners with set menu selection, which was mouth watering. Most evenings we met the Chef who was preparing our meals and that was a lovely personal touch for the tour.
4. I can't believe what was fitted into this tour! We saw and experienced so much more than expected. We did 4 or 5 boat tours, visited many environmental centres in the many different environs that make up W.A., saw and experienced the better known tourist attractions, did individual choice tours in Broome, Kununurra and Darwin and loved every minute.
5. We were made feel very welcome on our arrival and departure from our accommodations. Also to any attractions/tours, souvenir shops etc. The staff at Argly Diamond Mine mess deserve a special mention, as we were an extra shift that day and they welcomed us and smiled all the way through our lunch. Such lovely folks.
6. The Big Bus - wow what a beauty! We were a tour of only 16 plus our Tour Director, Kay Chambers, and Bus Driver Extraordinaire, Ian Hunter. We had plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the journey, with onboard loo and TV screens so all could see the road ahead. Fantastic innovation by Adams Coaches. Ian was fantastic and always there to help us embark or disembark the coach, if needed, at the front door. Kay was present at the back entry for the same reason. Travelling on this bus was smooth on sealed roads and Ian took great care crossing water courses and the occasional dirt road. He also has a great repertoire of Dad jokes and a fantastic sense of humour, which kept us entertained. Ian also maintained the coach to perfection, cleaning it and making sure anything left on the coach was returned to the correct owner. I cannot commend this gentleman enough. Ian took time to dine with different folks on the tour each dinner or breakfast, to make us feel welcome and seeing that we were enjoying our bus tour. Great gent.
7. Last but most important is the Tour Director - Kay Chambers. What a wonderful woman! We didn't have to concern ourselves about anything other than getting on and off the bus and what to eat. Kay was so organised and made our tour so enjoyable without all the little irritating inconveniences that may occur. She sang for us (she was trained as an opera singer and what a beautiful voice), she entertained us, but most of all made us all feel as though nothing was a problem for her. What a delightful lady to take care of us all. Knowledgeable, funny, caring and organised. I would like to do this tour all over again with all the same players because I had such fun and met wonderful folks.
1. It was age appropriate and I have made many new friends, whom just made the trip even more enjoyable. read more We became friendly in the first 72 hours and had many laughs over the course of the tour.
2. Accommodations were 4 - 4.5 stars. Only one location was "interesting". The walls were very thin and you could hear someone talking two rooms away. No complaints from me, as it all added to the experience (being only one night that is). The beds in all our accommodations were the most comfortable and were higher off the floor, making it so much easier to get in and out of bed. Great thoughtfulness.
3. Food was fantastic. Breakfast was a big choice buffet, no reason for complaint as catered for gluten free and celiac passengers also. Most dinners were buffet style and a wonderful selection to choose from for all. We did have two dinners with set menu selection, which was mouth watering. Most evenings we met the Chef who was preparing our meals and that was a lovely personal touch for the tour.
4. I can't believe what was fitted into this tour! We saw and experienced so much more than expected. We did 4 or 5 boat tours, visited many environmental centres in the many different environs that make up W.A., saw and experienced the better known tourist attractions, did individual choice tours in Broome, Kununurra and Darwin and loved every minute.
5. We were made feel very welcome on our arrival and departure from our accommodations. Also to any attractions/tours, souvenir shops etc. The staff at Argly Diamond Mine mess deserve a special mention, as we were an extra shift that day and they welcomed us and smiled all the way through our lunch. Such lovely folks.
6. The Big Bus - wow what a beauty! We were a tour of only 16 plus our Tour Director, Kay Chambers, and Bus Driver Extraordinaire, Ian Hunter. We had plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the journey, with onboard loo and TV screens so all could see the road ahead. Fantastic innovation by Adams Coaches. Ian was fantastic and always there to help us embark or disembark the coach, if needed, at the front door. Kay was present at the back entry for the same reason. Travelling on this bus was smooth on sealed roads and Ian took great care crossing water courses and the occasional dirt road. He also has a great repertoire of Dad jokes and a fantastic sense of humour, which kept us entertained. Ian also maintained the coach to perfection, cleaning it and making sure anything left on the coach was returned to the correct owner. I cannot commend this gentleman enough. Ian took time to dine with different folks on the tour each dinner or breakfast, to make us feel welcome and seeing that we were enjoying our bus tour. Great gent.
7. Last but most important is the Tour Director - Kay Chambers. What a wonderful woman! We didn't have to concern ourselves about anything other than getting on and off the bus and what to eat. Kay was so organised and made our tour so enjoyable without all the little irritating inconveniences that may occur. She sang for us (she was trained as an opera singer and what a beautiful voice), she entertained us, but most of all made us all feel as though nothing was a problem for her. What a delightful lady to take care of us all. Knowledgeable, funny, caring and organised. I would like to do this tour all over again with all the same players because I had such fun and met wonderful folks.
Faultless River Cruise 11
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
John & Maureen, NSW, Australia, Apr 2018
The boat was faultless. Staff could not do enough to make it an easy, enjoyable and happy experience. Cabin was roomy enough and spotlessly clean. Little touches such as finding my sunglasses on a dog fashioned from a towel on the bed was indicative how much the staff wanted you to have a good trip. Food did not stop, every meal was a feast of quality read more and variety served by good humoured staff.
Shore excursions were good but we would have liked a little more time in each port to explore on our own. The visit to a private home to meet a typical family was a real highlight. On board entertainment was enjoyable with a good variety of entertainers who suited our age group. Flights organised by Hannah of Global Journeys all went well. We have no reservations in recommending Global Journeys and Travelmarvel.
Shore excursions were good but we would have liked a little more time in each port to explore on our own. The visit to a private home to meet a typical family was a real highlight. On board entertainment was enjoyable with a good variety of entertainers who suited our age group. Flights organised by Hannah of Global Journeys all went well. We have no reservations in recommending Global Journeys and Travelmarvel.
