Travelmarvel Tour & Cruise Reviews

We had a great travel experience with Global Journeys which was a stress free and exciting trip. Thank you and we would travel again with this company.

Enjoyed the Baltics and Russia, the river cruise from Saint Petersburg to Russia was relaxing (not rushed). Particularly thought the local guides were very knowledgeable and quite entertaining. The accommodation on the MS Kronshtadt was compact but comfortable. The lunches and evening meals on the cruise were okay however the breakfasts were lacking ...read more (gave a rate of 2 out of 10). We were spoiled by the excellent breakfasts in the Baltics and Helsinki, they served freshly baked breads with selections of jams plus eggs however you wanted them etc. I think we had the same bread from day one to the end of the cruise, same for pastries, no juices only juice drinks, coffee not hot, forgot to turn the hot water urn on......I could go on.

The staff in the dining areas spoke little English, however they were very obliging. I think we would try another operator instead of Travelmarvel, some of our fellow travellers who have used Travelmarvel in the past said that it was not their usual standard.

We were disappointed in our river cruise because of Mother Nature. The rivers did not have enough water for the ships to get through so we had to change ships. We were unable to board our ship (Jewel, which we loved) at Budapest so had to travel by coach to Vienna. We were put into the Ritz Carlton in Budapest and were able to have a dinner cruise where ...read more we saw the best fireworks display ever.

We travelled to Passau where we had to coach it to Nuremberg where we boarded our next ship (Diamond, even though identical to the Jewel didn't enjoy it as much). Alan was sick when we arrived in Prague, he was able to see a doctor when we finally boarded our ship in Vienna. He was then confined to his cabin for 2 days. Consequentially he did not enjoy the trip as he wasn't feeling well the whole time and the pace was pretty fast.

We heard on the grape vine that the ships had stopped running 3 weeks before our trip if this was correct I think we should have had the opportunity to either cancel or defer our trip. We arrived home completely exhausted not what we had expected on a river cruise.

Jemma from Global Journeys was outstanding as usual, responding quickly and positively with information and actions around our myriad of questions and requests. We couldn't ask for better!!! Unfortunately, the same could not be said about our Travelmarvel trip. Admittedly, things didn't get off to the greatest start with the whole of western Canada ...read more shrouded in thick brown bushfire smoke so that visibility was limited at best to a few hundred metres. At worst we could only see the trees at the edge of the road. This was particularly disappointing as we saw nothing of the Rockies at all and discovered as we travelled along that these conditions are now standard for the summer (May to September) in Canada. Whilst we knew of the fires we would never have dreamt that they would have affected the experience so severely.

Some exceptionally long days (8 - 11 hours of driving) in a rather uncomfortable coach (our guide informed us it was due for replacement!) didn't help the situation - nor did the overall poor standard of accommodation. Advertised as premium 4 star we were shocked that only 3 of the hotels were graded as 4 star with the other 7 graded by Trivago as 3 star. In reality 2 of the latter would have struggled to meet a 2 star rating being 70's style motels with tiny rooms, grubby, worn, mouldy bathrooms, badly maintained and with broken and tired furniture and furnishings.

We were disappointed that so many of the optional excursions were cancelled due to either poor visibility or arriving too late to be able to take advantage of the extra opportunities. Similarly surprising was that our tour with Travelmarvel really was only managed by Travelmarvel until we boarded the ship in Vancouver headed for Alaska. We were to discover that Travelmarvel handed us over completely to Holland America for a Land / Sea package - which meant that our guide played no role in any aspect of the trip to Alaska, including the land component, although she did accompany us all the way. Coaches, hotels, commentary, meals and touring were no longer provided by Travelmarvel but by Holland America. So when we struck problems with hotel rooms, meal requirements or tour components we had to manage these ourselves through either the Holland America representatives in the hotels or directly with the hotels/restaurants concerned.

On the brighter side we enjoyed the Rocky Mountaineer train trip, although we couldn't see much. We were glad we had not upgraded to Gold Leaf as the difference in service, views etc was marginal and not worth the high added cost. Banff was also a highlight with smoke lifting a little to be able to see some of the surrounding hills. We were very grateful for the full free day to explore at our own pace especially after 3 consecutive nights of different (very ordinary) hotels in 3 different locations. The included BBQ dinner with a wagon ride was lovely and a relaxing and enjoyable evening. The ship to Alaska was also great with very comfortable cabins and excellent service. We were SO pleased to have booked a veranda cabin which was worth every extra cent - especially on the starboard side of the ship heading north as public viewing areas became overcrowded during the most scenic parts of the trip.

Alaska was glorious. There was patchy weather but still good enough to be able to take advantage of much of the glorious scenery. Glacier Bay was a standout highlight and we loved spending the day seeing the magnificent glaciers, bird and sea life and mountain scenery. Commentary and information provided by Rangers on the ship was excellent and we learnt about and enjoyed so much of this magnificent place. We enjoyed the McKinley Explorer train and were fortunate to see some great mountain vistas. Denali was a real highlight and not to be missed. The Tundra Explorer trip was very long (8 hours in a crowded old school bus) but still fantastic, taking us deep into the Denali National Park where we saw all kinds of wildlife in their natural environment and learned so much about the amazing country, animals and lifestyles of those who live in Alaska all year round. The Canadian section of our trip may have been disappointing but the Alaskan section was wonderful. It wasn't the trip we had hoped for - but we did have some good times with happy memories.

From the moment we stepped off the plane we were totally looked after. Met by our Travelmarvel guide and quickly settled into our first accommodation. The tours were led by a lovely guide and we were transported around in a very clean and comfortable coach. Our driver made us feel relaxed and safe,

I don’t know which part of the trip was the highlight ...read more as everything was amazing, Niagara Falls, Whistler, Lake Louise, Rocky Mountaineer and the Alaska cruise. It was a very well organised and informative trip with a group of great people. Our accommodation was fantastic in each location with great food to match. Do not have anything negative to say. Amazing adventure!

Our holiday was hassle free thanks to Georgie's organisation. All flights, transfers and tours were as expected. The river cruise was an adventure having to change ships due to river levels - the cruise director had everything under control and the cruise was great. If we were not with Travelmarvel then this would not have been possible as other companies ...read more did not have boats available to enable a switch mid river cruise. Would definitely recommend this company to others. Highlights, Zermatt and the Matterhorn, Vienna especially our free time exploring museums and Time Travel Vienna experience. Thank you again for coordinating a great experience - never to be forgotten.

Very happy with Global Journeys and with Travelmarvel! Very enjoyable experience. Highly recommended. Our highlight was the Rhine Gorge. Not ideal having to do a boat swap from Travelmarvel Diamond to Travelmarvel Jewel halfway along because of low water levels in the Danube. However the ~ 2 hour bus trip from Nuremberg to just south of Passau to join ...read more the new boat was pleasant and the only place we missed seeing was Regensburg.

During our cruise the Danube also became closed for river ships between Bratislava and Budapest so the cruise itself ended in Bratislava. We coached from Bratislava to Budapest for the day (three hours each way) to do the tour of Budapest then had the trip from Bratislava back to Budapest the following day to end the tour. All cruise companies faced the same problems and our cruise director handled the disruptions (clearly beyond his control) and rearrangements well. Weather very hot and dry ( 30-40 everyday) but after all it was July and mid summer!

Only negative comment relates to failure of the air conditioning on Travelmarvel Diamond for the first 48 hours of the cruise. Temperature in high 30s and no fans were available. Faulty unit extremely noisy in our cabin located next to the unit at the back of the boat. Difficult to sleep. Air Conditioner repaired and noise problem disappeared but unit never functioned really efficiently. If this conditioner is not designed for consistent 30-40 degree heat then should be replaced given global warming appears a reality. Air conditioning fine on Travelmarvel Jewel.

We have tripped with Travelmarvel before in WA so we knew what to expect. We are also not so critical to complain about little things that I know others grizzle about. After all, we are on holiday. So long days in the bus looking at scenery is something I am happy with. My ratings reflect that it was a pleasant experience. I have to add that Leanne ...read more from Global Journeys was very efficient throughout the process.

The cruise was conducted on the MS Douro Serenity which was built 2017. Our cabin was 224 which was very noisy - the ship has a vacuum toilet system which echos through the cabin at all hours all day. We asked to be shifted to another cabin and the only other cabin was 101 which meant that our "upgrade" was null and void. The actual cruise, staff, and ...read more the meals etc were excellent. The Travelmarvel Tours, staff etc were all excellent. I would advise anyone who is offered the last cabin in the decks to look at other cabins. It was a shame that this episode with the cabin spoilt a wonderful cruise with wonderful scenery and tours.

The highlight of the trip was the Great Wall, it was wonderful, what a feat of engineering. The down side was an hour free time on the wall. The whole trip was the same, some magnificent things to see but not enough time to see them. The accommodation was very nice, top hotels. But usually not near to shops. The only other thing to comment on is the ...read more guides, our main tour guide (Fred) Mr Fong was marvellous, so helpful, couldn’t ask for better. Some local guides not so good. They need to shorten talks, sometimes I switched off, going on & on about things in Chinese then repeating it in English while we are standing in hot sun.

A very enjoyable river cruise with excellent local guides. Global Journeys had a first rate internet site (easy to navigate with comprehensive information which was presented in a very user friendly manner) all of which was backed up by prompt and excellent service from Yvonne Brooks.

Vietnam and Cambodia are realising the value of the tourist dollar and are becoming the next 'must visit' world tourist destinations. This Travelmarvel tour and cruise package enabled us to experience significantly more of the sights and culture than we could have arranged privately. The day trips from the cruise boats were well organised and the tour ...read more guides were a wealth of knowledge. We would do it again, if the world was smaller.

We had the most wonderful holiday with Travelmarvel. All of their guides were very knowledgeable and approachable, nothing was a trouble. This trip was not like any other coach trip we have been on where you arrive at a place only to find 2 or 3 other coaches already there. Travelmarvel took us to places where we were the only ones there, it was wonderful. ...read more All our accommodation was either 4 or 5 stars, a little out of the city centre which was less hectic. We could not have asked for better weather, not a drop of rain, temp between 25 and 30 most days.

Highlights for us, oh sooo many. Let's start with the helicopter flight over Barcelona, a must do. Then there's the home-cooked meal we had in the kitchen of a local Spanish family on the way to Marbella, just fabulous. Next was the visit to Sintra and Cascais where we had lunch at the seaside. Onwards and upwards to the beautiful Douro Serenity, what an elegant ship with happy and friendly staff.

The Douro river is so beautiful dusted with vineyards along the way and quaint villages which we visited. If you like doing a lot of walking then this is the trip for you as the tours through the different villages take up at least 2 to 2 1/2 hours walking. We have come away from this tour making some wonderful new friends who will we keep in contact with via Facebook.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.