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.
We have just returned from the Travelmarvel 15 day Cape Town to Chobe Adventure & would highly recommend this trip which gave us an insight into the 4 countries visited. Kruger was excellent & game drives were very exciting seeing many animals. Chobe gave us an opportunity to do land & water for game viewing so the best of both of worlds.
Our experience read more with Hannah from Global Journeys was great, she was prompt with communication & very helpful & I would not hesitate to use her again.
Our experience read more with Hannah from Global Journeys was great, she was prompt with communication & very helpful & I would not hesitate to use her again.
Beautiful Canada and Alaska 2
Jacqueline, VIC, Australia, Jun 2019
Only had one really rainy day, travelled 16th June to July 8th. Quite pleasant weather even in Alaska. Accommodation was excellent in every town, a very good standard. Tours were very good, only disappointment for me was the dog mushers camp. Puppies were so cute but ride very short for the price we paid.
Kitt our travel guide was very good, did read more everything right, she was amazing. Banff is a lovely place, Vancouver is a nice clean city. Didn't see much of Jasper, as it rained all day. Rocky Mountaineer was a wonderful experience, it's quite expensive though, plenty to eat and drink on the train.
Ship was smaller than we are used to but very nice, wonderful music, some shows were good. Drinks were reasonable on ship except for red wine which was very expensive.
Kitt our travel guide was very good, did read more everything right, she was amazing. Banff is a lovely place, Vancouver is a nice clean city. Didn't see much of Jasper, as it rained all day. Rocky Mountaineer was a wonderful experience, it's quite expensive though, plenty to eat and drink on the train.
Ship was smaller than we are used to but very nice, wonderful music, some shows were good. Drinks were reasonable on ship except for red wine which was very expensive.
Travelmarvel Reflections tour of Western Canada 3
Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Doug & Alli, WA, Australia, Jun 2019
We've just returned from a thoroughly enjoyable Travelmarvel Reflections tour of Western Canada. Going early June allowed us to still see quite a bit of snow, especially on top of the mountains in Whistler. We were so lucky with the weather (warm) with just a bit of rain one night.
Even though we were a big group of 48 we all got along well. On read more the bus component our roller blading tour director Roneil was friendly and well organised, as was our delightful coach driver Lana. Accommodation was of a high standard, though Kamloops was somewhat basic - our favourite being the log cabins at Blue River.
The Rocky Mountaineer was a delightful experience, we were certainly fed really well. The cruise to Alaska was great with the highlight being Glacier Bay. We are pleased we chose Reflections and would gladly recommend it to our friends. Hannah (Global Journeys) we once again appreciate how efficient you have been in organising our trip and promptly answering any questions.
Even though we were a big group of 48 we all got along well. On read more the bus component our roller blading tour director Roneil was friendly and well organised, as was our delightful coach driver Lana. Accommodation was of a high standard, though Kamloops was somewhat basic - our favourite being the log cabins at Blue River.
The Rocky Mountaineer was a delightful experience, we were certainly fed really well. The cruise to Alaska was great with the highlight being Glacier Bay. We are pleased we chose Reflections and would gladly recommend it to our friends. Hannah (Global Journeys) we once again appreciate how efficient you have been in organising our trip and promptly answering any questions.
Beautiful Canada and Alaska 1
Tony, NSW, Australia, Jun 2019
It was a good holiday. We definitely saw a lot. Great tour guide and coach driver. Canada and Alaska are beautiful places to visit. We would have liked to have stayed longer in several places, especially Lake Louise and Quaaout Lodge, which felt a bit rushed. It cost us approximately $25,000 (for 2), which is very expensive.
Scotland a great way to travel 1
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
Kaye, VIC , Australia, Jun 2019
Loved the train travel, better than on long bus trips all the time. Our tour director took excellent care of us and was very attentive. Hotel in Fort Wiliam a bit average and out of town so couldn't walk to any shops. The itinerary was excellent but thought should have included a visit to the Battle of Cullodenen. A challenge with gluten free diet at read more Fort William. Such great scenery.
Wonderful trip through Canada & Alaska. 1
Rockies Marvel and Alaska Cruise
Barb & Marty, QLD, Australia, May 2019
A wonderful trip. Well organised and thoroughly enjoyable. Plenty of free time and visited all of the key heritage sites. Knowledgeable local guides and tour leaders made it a memorable experience.
Edinburgh, the Highlands & Islands 2
Edinburgh, the Highlands and Islands
Melva, WA, Australia, May 2019
On the whole the trip was good, as a solo traveller I found sometimes I wasn't treated the same as a couple. The train Glasgow to Fort William I had a very small window and I was very upset as I felt I was in cattle class and treated as a second class citizen.
The accommodation. Apex Waterloo my room was nice. My window was facing an alleyway which read more probably couldn't be helped. Isles of Glencoe hotel was nice, the view from my window was not the nice view of the Loch only of a kids playground. Palace Hotel Inverness, well my room was very small with a single bed and not much room for my suitcase. The shower screen fell off the first time I used it (they did fix it) even though I paid extra single supplement. I thought this room was 3 star? Also I was facing the alleyway again, no nice view. At the Radisson Blue I had a lovely room but again facing the alleyway. I didn't have one nice view.
Otherwise the trip was good, Margaret was very nice and tried to keep everyone happy. The meals were all good. I thought a little more history would have been good. I felt as a sole person I wasn't given the same consideration with seating on the train and views from windows in rooms as couples.
The accommodation. Apex Waterloo my room was nice. My window was facing an alleyway which read more probably couldn't be helped. Isles of Glencoe hotel was nice, the view from my window was not the nice view of the Loch only of a kids playground. Palace Hotel Inverness, well my room was very small with a single bed and not much room for my suitcase. The shower screen fell off the first time I used it (they did fix it) even though I paid extra single supplement. I thought this room was 3 star? Also I was facing the alleyway again, no nice view. At the Radisson Blue I had a lovely room but again facing the alleyway. I didn't have one nice view.
Otherwise the trip was good, Margaret was very nice and tried to keep everyone happy. The meals were all good. I thought a little more history would have been good. I felt as a sole person I wasn't given the same consideration with seating on the train and views from windows in rooms as couples.
Research itinerary and fitness required prior to booking 4
Discover China
Jenni, NSW, Australia, May 2019
Very physical tour requiring very good fitness level for long days of walking and luggage handling. Minimal assistance with baggage to and from trains. Food repetitive with Chinese banquet shared meals for lunch and dinner everyday with limited drinks available. Unable to drink tap water, minimal bottles of water provided daily. No free time. Iconic read more sites great to see although limited time as scheduled souvenir stops. Taken to restaurants for lunch with no western toilets. One of the rail legs booked in 2nd class instead of 1st no refund provided.
Hot, dusty and a long way, but well worth it!! 3
Lyn, VIC, Australia, May 2019
I enjoyed this trip from the top end to Perth. It was a long, hot trip but well worth it. We saw some amazing things and some not so good things as far as personnel in the outback goes. The cruising down the gorges is amazing as are the dolphins, stingrays and other sea life we saw.
Glamping at El Questro was interesting but I'm a softie and need read more my air-con. The lovely, warm Zebedee Springs at El Questro were a highlight as were the spitting archer fish at Geiki Gorge. It is amazing how a desert can be transformed when you provide a water supply. The Ord River and Argyle area are a great example of this.
The trip was well managed and the food was varied and plentiful. Pity they didn't think of providing us with water though. It was free on my last 2 Travelmarvel trips, but NOT in the outback. WHAT THE!! Seeing as how I paid over $7K for the trip, water was a basic that should be included.
Glamping at El Questro was interesting but I'm a softie and need read more my air-con. The lovely, warm Zebedee Springs at El Questro were a highlight as were the spitting archer fish at Geiki Gorge. It is amazing how a desert can be transformed when you provide a water supply. The Ord River and Argyle area are a great example of this.
The trip was well managed and the food was varied and plentiful. Pity they didn't think of providing us with water though. It was free on my last 2 Travelmarvel trips, but NOT in the outback. WHAT THE!! Seeing as how I paid over $7K for the trip, water was a basic that should be included.
Fantastic trip both land and cruise 4
Highlights of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Kathy & Robert, NSW, Australia, May 2019
My highlight of this tour was seeing many bears in Canada and for the cruise was stopping at Glacier Bay, so wonderful and unforgettable. I would travel with Travelmarvel again, everything went well, Natalie our tour guide was fantastic. We had only a few issues with the coach but that's okay because that town was beautiful so we didn't mind waiting read more for longer. The driver Darryl was fantastic, always stopped for us take photos of the bears.
Accommodations were good, only one hotel but it didn't let us down. It was a good time of the year to travel for it was not too cold just a good temperature. All travellers were good, we did get along with them. Last thing thanks to Jemma from Global Journeys for helping me with the online booking without her it would be difficult for me. She was so helpful and very quick to respond. Definitely will book with you again.
Accommodations were good, only one hotel but it didn't let us down. It was a good time of the year to travel for it was not too cold just a good temperature. All travellers were good, we did get along with them. Last thing thanks to Jemma from Global Journeys for helping me with the online booking without her it would be difficult for me. She was so helpful and very quick to respond. Definitely will book with you again.
Tour of Canada and Alaska 10
Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Karyn & Emmanuel, NSW, Australia, May 2019
Firstly let me say this has been my second booking with Global Journeys and I cannot fault them. Every email enquiry was answered promptly and to my satisfaction, took some worry out of our journey before we left home. Thanks Georgie.
Our tour from coach to train to ship went smoothly, well organised and I never felt anxious about the next step. read more I have travelled with other companies including Scenic and Insight and would recommend Travelmarvel along with them. I was initially worried about the amount of free time but it really worked with this tour and was possibly needed especially as we were travelling with 2 other couples.
We booked the helicopter and dog sled via Juneau and the crab feast and lumberjack show via Ketchikan... both excellent. Highly recommend going Gold Leaf on the Rocky Mountaineer, the glass roof makes for excellent viewing, the fine dining experience is better than pulling a tray down in front of your seat. Excellent service but patience is required. I would also recommend that on day 1 from Banff you eat before you board or take a snack because breakfast was 10.30 for us and we were first seating.
Accommodation was great, and always well located. Funny enough the only night we went 'umph' was at Lake Louise a premier hotel, great location but the room was not as good as we had through the rest of the tour.
Would also advise if you do the same tour as we did to have alternate plans for the last day, disembarked at 9.30 to rain so really couldn’t do much more than coffee shop hop until coach trip to the airport at 7.30pm. Had it been fine we would have gone to Capillano or walked around Stanly Park, that last day was arduous.
Our tour from coach to train to ship went smoothly, well organised and I never felt anxious about the next step. read more I have travelled with other companies including Scenic and Insight and would recommend Travelmarvel along with them. I was initially worried about the amount of free time but it really worked with this tour and was possibly needed especially as we were travelling with 2 other couples.
We booked the helicopter and dog sled via Juneau and the crab feast and lumberjack show via Ketchikan... both excellent. Highly recommend going Gold Leaf on the Rocky Mountaineer, the glass roof makes for excellent viewing, the fine dining experience is better than pulling a tray down in front of your seat. Excellent service but patience is required. I would also recommend that on day 1 from Banff you eat before you board or take a snack because breakfast was 10.30 for us and we were first seating.
Accommodation was great, and always well located. Funny enough the only night we went 'umph' was at Lake Louise a premier hotel, great location but the room was not as good as we had through the rest of the tour.
Would also advise if you do the same tour as we did to have alternate plans for the last day, disembarked at 9.30 to rain so really couldn’t do much more than coffee shop hop until coach trip to the airport at 7.30pm. Had it been fine we would have gone to Capillano or walked around Stanly Park, that last day was arduous.
Awesome trip through the Rockies & Alaska 9
Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise
Lisa & David , NSW, Australia, May 2019
This was an awesome trip. Would definitely book with Global Journeys & Travelmarvel again. Hard to pick a favourite but our helicopter trip in Juneau to the Glacier and dog sled ride would be close to be the best.
Quite an enjoyable tour, glad we took this. Well organised in Munich with meeting and transfer to the hotel. We met our tour guide and were surprised to meet additional people with him who had started from London. We were incorporated to form the tour group. The tour of Munich was good, however we had to buy a return train ticket to get back to the read more hotel. A change to the accommodation booking in Innsbruck to an alternate location (Kramsgach Weislng) meant we lost our sightseeing time in Innsbruck. Not good.
Arrived in St Moritz, it was really enjoyable. Loved the Bernina Line train to Tirano. Excellent, great day out. Loved the Glacier Express train, including lunch onboard. Unbelievable trip to Jungfrau, very nice and enjoyable. It was very good to have free time, especially without the expectation of added on excursions or group tours. Don't change this feature.
There was confusion at the end of the tour in Interlaken and with the trip to Zurich. Did not visit Zurich other than the airport. The tour guide was not aware that this Zurich trip was included in our arrangements and he was expected to help set it up. He did help us set things up, but left early with the England contingent leaving us to sort out the issues that arose with taxi bookings. Not good.
Note: Regarding the optional excursions star rating, gets 5 stars because there wasn't any, hence good.
Arrived in St Moritz, it was really enjoyable. Loved the Bernina Line train to Tirano. Excellent, great day out. Loved the Glacier Express train, including lunch onboard. Unbelievable trip to Jungfrau, very nice and enjoyable. It was very good to have free time, especially without the expectation of added on excursions or group tours. Don't change this feature.
There was confusion at the end of the tour in Interlaken and with the trip to Zurich. Did not visit Zurich other than the airport. The tour guide was not aware that this Zurich trip was included in our arrangements and he was expected to help set it up. He did help us set things up, but left early with the England contingent leaving us to sort out the issues that arose with taxi bookings. Not good.
Note: Regarding the optional excursions star rating, gets 5 stars because there wasn't any, hence good.
A wonderfully organised and interesting tour run by Travelmarvel, the coach, accommodation, meals, included excursions and optional excursions were all terrific. The Tour Director, Simone, was very professional, had loads of knowledge to share, was witty and fun.
The tour group was a great bunch and we all had a wonderful time and made wonderful read more friendships. Had lots of wow moments throughout the entire tour. Couldn't fault anything, would go with Travelmarvel again.
The tour group was a great bunch and we all had a wonderful time and made wonderful read more friendships. Had lots of wow moments throughout the entire tour. Couldn't fault anything, would go with Travelmarvel again.
An amazing Travelmarvel cruise! 10
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Krissy, WA, Australia, Apr 2019
Well, I can honestly say this was one of the best holidays I have ever had. Everything about the cruise just fell into place, due to the competence of Cherie Cooper, our cruise director! Cherie is a wealth of knowledge and has an awesome sense of humour and is really a wonderful person. I'm sure she is an asset to the company.
We were extremely read more lucky to have been blessed with excellent weather, and although nobody could control this, it worked well in our favour. Marko looked after us in the dining room, even though with open dining it could have been any one of the waiters, but we chose to remain on the same table and it certainly was worth it.
A lot of friendships were made but most of all were the wonderful memories we will all have forever. Thank you Travelmarvel. Hope to see you again sometime.
We were extremely read more lucky to have been blessed with excellent weather, and although nobody could control this, it worked well in our favour. Marko looked after us in the dining room, even though with open dining it could have been any one of the waiters, but we chose to remain on the same table and it certainly was worth it.
A lot of friendships were made but most of all were the wonderful memories we will all have forever. Thank you Travelmarvel. Hope to see you again sometime.
Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia 4
Wonders of Vietnam and Cambodia
Marj & Robin Armitage, NSW, Australia, Mar 2019
Accommodation was really great on this trip with Travelmarvel. Tour Director Mr Tu was first class, the tour guides he had were very informative and also caring.
A Wonderful Combination of Culture, Scenery and Cuisine 8
Discovering Japan
Julie & David, QLD, Australia, Mar 2019
This tour is conducted in partnership with Great Rail Journeys (a British Company) and our smaller than usual group comprised 9 Brits, 6 Australians, a Scottish Tour Director and a Japanese local guide. We travelled by both rail (regional and bullet trains) and bus, giving us a pleasant variety. When we travelled by train, our luggage was transported read more separately by bus so that we didn’t need to struggle with large cases on those journeys.
The tour itinerary had a wonderful mix of culture and scenery, despite Mount Fuji being shrouded in cloud. A bad back dictated that we couldn’t choose a tour that used ryokans and the hotels we stayed in were excellent. While some rooms and bathrooms might be considered a little on the small side by Western standards, they were all a very generous size for Japan.
Electric pots or kettles were provided everywhere, though sometimes only with green tea and no milk. Breakfasts were all quite good, and the included dinners were excellent. They gave us a variety of culinary experiences that enabled us to understand which specific Japanese food we loved and which we might not bother with again. We found the more rustic food just delicious but the “haute cuisine”, though exquisitely presented, was less to our taste.
Our Tour Director was very well organised and everything went exactly to plan. Our local guide was a delightful man with exceptional local knowledge and gave us some wonderful insights and experiences. We would certainly travel with either company again.
The tour itinerary had a wonderful mix of culture and scenery, despite Mount Fuji being shrouded in cloud. A bad back dictated that we couldn’t choose a tour that used ryokans and the hotels we stayed in were excellent. While some rooms and bathrooms might be considered a little on the small side by Western standards, they were all a very generous size for Japan.
Electric pots or kettles were provided everywhere, though sometimes only with green tea and no milk. Breakfasts were all quite good, and the included dinners were excellent. They gave us a variety of culinary experiences that enabled us to understand which specific Japanese food we loved and which we might not bother with again. We found the more rustic food just delicious but the “haute cuisine”, though exquisitely presented, was less to our taste.
Our Tour Director was very well organised and everything went exactly to plan. Our local guide was a delightful man with exceptional local knowledge and gave us some wonderful insights and experiences. We would certainly travel with either company again.
The trip was well organised. All highlights were covered. We could have spent more time in some places, like Port Arthur and Anvers. It was a small group but we all enjoyed each others' company. We were well informed throughout the tour.
Vietnam to Cambodia on the Mekong River 7
Essential Vietnam and Cambodia
Rob & Catherine, VIC, Australia, Jan 2019
All staff on the boat were very friendly and cooperative. We enjoyed their company and service immensely. The guides were very friendly, helpful and personable throughout the trip. The Shinta Mani Shack in Siem Reap is a really nice hotel.
We were first placed on the lower deck at water level. This smelled so mouldy that we knew as soon as we opened read more the cabin that we could not stay there. The atmosphere was dank and frankly toxic. At the same moment, a cabin became available on deck 3 which was immediately taken up by another passenger. This left her cabin available which I immediately requested – at an upfront cost of another $1,000 for the upgrade.
We were lucky. Having spoken to some of the other passengers, I think that may well apply to the rest of the lower deck as well. On returning I put a request for a refund of that $1,000 to Travelmarvel, which they honoured immediately, I am happy to say. Overall, the trip had a good mix of activities both on-board and ashore.
We were first placed on the lower deck at water level. This smelled so mouldy that we knew as soon as we opened read more the cabin that we could not stay there. The atmosphere was dank and frankly toxic. At the same moment, a cabin became available on deck 3 which was immediately taken up by another passenger. This left her cabin available which I immediately requested – at an upfront cost of another $1,000 for the upgrade.
We were lucky. Having spoken to some of the other passengers, I think that may well apply to the rest of the lower deck as well. On returning I put a request for a refund of that $1,000 to Travelmarvel, which they honoured immediately, I am happy to say. Overall, the trip had a good mix of activities both on-board and ashore.
Excellent value for money! Best holiday ever! 12
European Gems - Budapest to Amsterdam
Judy, QLD, Australia, Dec 2018
We have just returned from the Xmas Markets river cruise on “the Jewel” with Travelmarvel. Travel was first class all the way. Plenty of included activities as well as several extra optionals. All the crew were fabulous and our cruise director “Emma” was very experienced and ever so helpful. This truly was a worry free 15 day river cruise. We made read more quite a few new friends that we plan on keeping in touch with. We plan on using Travelmarvel for our next river cruise in Russia. Booking ahead with the fly free offer made this great value for money.
