Home > Compare River Cruise Companies > APT River Cruises vs Travelmarvel River Cruises
APT River Cruises vs Travelmarvel River Cruises
Compare the travel styles, pricing, destinations and popularity of APT River Cruises and Travelmarvel River Cruises.The Low Down
Initially providing coach touring around Australia and NZ to the local market, APT have grown exponentially over the last decade to now offer trips around the world, and are well known for their European river cruises. Over the last few years APT have introduced small ship expeditions that cruise the waters through Asia, Europe, Canada and off the coast of Kimberley. Catering primarily for the retired market, their trips aren't cheap, but in APT's case - you get what you pay for. Look out for their great Fly Free offers, and Earlybird Savings. The team here at Global Journeys have travelled multiple times by coach, cruise & river with APT, and we definitely recommend them as a quality, consistent, reliable Operator, and our past client reviews back that up.
Travelmarvel, is the sister brand of APT. Positioned as a premium Operator, but a step down from APT with regards to pricing, inclusions and the age of it's river ships. After a few years Travelmarvel will inherit APT's ships as newer ones are built. Travelmarvel & APT share the same past passenger Rewards Scheme, and many of our clients like prefer to spend a little less, knowing they are still backed by one of Australasia's premier river cruise operators. As Platinum Partners of APT & Travelmarvel, our consulting team have an in-depth knowledge and have personally experienced travelling with Travelmarvel and would relish the opportunity to help organise your next river cruise. Stats
No. of Trips
61
No. of Departures
210
Avg. Trip Length
13 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$687
Fleet Size
10 Ships
Known For
Aussie Specialist
Ship Styles River Cruises
No. of Trips
39
No. of Departures
389
Avg. Trip Length
13 Days
Avg. Price Per Day
$455
Fleet Size
9 Ships
Known For
Contemporary Cruises
Ship Styles River Cruises
In Their Own Words We asked the travel companies themselves why you should travel with them
Life-enriching, relaxing and unique – an APT river cruise is the ultimate holiday experience. Discover unforgettable destinations as you travel in total comfort and style. From Europe to Africa and the mighty Mekong River, APT has a diverse range of river cruises, and you’ll wake up most mornings in a new location, ready to explore fresh and exciting sights. Timeless luxury, exclusive experiences, life enriching moments and true personalisation. APT offers all-inclusive holidays so everything is taken care of. We invite you to join us; you won’t be disappointed.
Make the most of Europe’s waterways on Travelmarvel’s three new European river ships: Polaris, Capella and Vega. Combining state-of-the-art design with more dining options and social spaces, the contemporary-class ships will offer a relaxed new standard of cruise.
Or perhaps a river cruise on the life-giving Ganges or Mekong to get to the heart of these colourful and spiritual nations. Experience life in their small villages, whose communities have much to teach us about their local culture and customs.
Recent Reviews
4.7
Cruising down the Rhine with APT on the AmaVenita last month, cannot praise the Staff and Crew on their professionalism to make everything a very smooth sailing experience.
We were very glad to have had the opportunity to do this cruise. The staff on the ship were outstanding. Great itinerary, excellent food. We rated APT at mostly 9 and 10 in their assessment form. Our only suggestion was for an option to receive the daily program sheets as pdf a attachment to an email. We photographed them anyway for travel diary ...read more purposes.
Spoilt by too much rain, we didn’t actually cruise - APT and ship’s staff were good but the holiday served its purpose - cruising is not for us. Pick-up and pre cruise arrangements were abysmal - in stark contrast to other cruises doing the same thing. On board we found the food was good (but not brilliant), the cabin excellent but the passengers were ...read more all quite old - we felt a bit out of place. Dining was also necessarily hectic and, if you wanted to dine alone as a couple - it was not possible unless you got room service. Many of the excursions felt too rushed (3-hour coach ride for a 2-hour visit) but weather was largely to blame as we couldn’t dock as planned. We found the flexibility of planning yourself and self-driving enabled better use of time. Some of the exclusive visits were excellent - the Sound of Music Show and the Vienna Recital being extremely worthwhile. Overall, staying twice as long at each stop would be our own preference. Global Journeys support throughout was good and we would consider again - but not for another 10 years.
Amazing to experience so much of the history of Europe as well as beautiful scenery. Spring was a perfect time to travel. Highly recommend APT river cruise - everything included, professional staff and excellent accommodation and meals in the ship and hotels. Global Journeys booked and made changes very efficiently - thanks again Tracey.
Bucket list trip ticked off! Luxury river cruise met all expectations. 1 Marie , NSW, Australia, Mar 2024
We had a perfect trip on APT luxury river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest then on to Prague. From the flight with Singapore airlines, the luxurious accommodation on board the AmaVenita, the delicious food at every meal, the caring service and staff, the meticulous transfers, the amazing signature tours and knowledgeable guides…. And much more, made ...read more this memorable and most enjoyable holiday. Thanks to Global for coordinating our trip as well. Look forward to planning the next one!
Would definitely book again through Global Journeys. The river cruise was good but not quite what we thought it would be. Most day trips were only 2 - 3 hours in length. Fellow passengers were enjoyable company and the entertainment, Tori & Dave, were excellent. Maybe we are too young to be going on river cruises!!
4.7
This was our first river cruise and will definitely not be the last . Travel Marvel was exceptional prior to our trip keeping us informed about any changes and were very informative about any queries we had . The trip was next level in every aspect from the crew to the rooms to the dining experiences. Plenty of excursions and experiences to keep you ...read more constantly occupied. Will definitely recommend to anyone thinking of doing a river cruise. All aspects of our time on the cruise was at 5 star rating,absolutely brilliant.
I could not recommend this cruise enough. The staff were amazing with nothing we asked was too much for them to handle. they were professional, courteous and spoke excellent English meaning nothing got lost in translation. All guides and tours were professionally managed and went into details about the towns and site we passed by. This is definetly ...read more a trip I would do again.
An enjoyable river cruise with everything run well except for how the problems with the boat propella were mismanaged . This ongoing problem impacted on the mid cruise stops in particular we missed seeing Numerburg a high value tour and we sailed almost all the Rhine Valley in darkness.
The trip in total was 7 weeks, with the first 4 and the final week organised independently by my wife and myself. The 15 day Travelmarvel cruise was a great way to relax after 4 weeks of independent travel. We could unpack both suitcases and put everything away in drawers, and get our clothes laundered. I'll summarise my feedback for future travelers:
1. ...read more We travelled Amsterdam to Budapest and I would definitely recommend this direction rather than the reverse. The reasons include the first day or 2 are more grass bank views before the beautiful castles and towns appear, and you also get the mind-blowing view of Budapest at the end of the trip.
2. Take a few days in Amsterdam at the beginning and a few days at Budapest at the end as these are brilliant cities. Be sure to book Anne Frank House in Amsterdam 6 weeks before you arrive (as we did) as it will definitely sell out and every other passenger missed out.
3. Flights were included in the cost, but we paid for a Business class upgrade that was good value and worth every cent.
4. Travelmarvel caters for both independent travellers, and well as those who wish to pay for the extra day trips. We liked this option as well could often "do our own thing" on land and that suited us.
5. The meals on board were great.
6. Drinks at lunch and dinner are included, and we found that refills were regular and plentiful and more than enough for us. You could even get the glass filled before 9pm closure and take it upstairs to the lounge.
7. Rooms are great and second and third floor of the Polaris had large windows that could be lowered for a great view.
Global Journeys were very communicative and our agent Rachael McSorley was excellent in answering all questions and providing all information. Well done Rachael.
1. ...read more We travelled Amsterdam to Budapest and I would definitely recommend this direction rather than the reverse. The reasons include the first day or 2 are more grass bank views before the beautiful castles and towns appear, and you also get the mind-blowing view of Budapest at the end of the trip.
2. Take a few days in Amsterdam at the beginning and a few days at Budapest at the end as these are brilliant cities. Be sure to book Anne Frank House in Amsterdam 6 weeks before you arrive (as we did) as it will definitely sell out and every other passenger missed out.
3. Flights were included in the cost, but we paid for a Business class upgrade that was good value and worth every cent.
4. Travelmarvel caters for both independent travellers, and well as those who wish to pay for the extra day trips. We liked this option as well could often "do our own thing" on land and that suited us.
5. The meals on board were great.
6. Drinks at lunch and dinner are included, and we found that refills were regular and plentiful and more than enough for us. You could even get the glass filled before 9pm closure and take it upstairs to the lounge.
7. Rooms are great and second and third floor of the Polaris had large windows that could be lowered for a great view.
Global Journeys were very communicative and our agent Rachael McSorley was excellent in answering all questions and providing all information. Well done Rachael.
Very friendly thoughtful professional and welcoming crew from the tour director to the cabin staff. Our room was perfect. The food was amazing (the soup could be improved) and the dining room and bar excellent. All tour guides were very knowledgeable and helpful although the audio did not always work. An unforgettable experience. Loved it!
Our river cruise was excellent and met our expectations. The ship was clean & well maintained and the staff were excellent. The food was of very good quality with quite a good choice on the menu, and we even had lamb shanks for dinner one night. Definitely not expected but thoroughly delicious. We have no hesitations in recommending Travel Marvel & ...read more Global Journeys.
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