APT TravelMarvel
River Cruising
Travelmarvel is the smartest way into European river cruising for clients who want quality without the top-tier price tag. The ships are the same build quality as APT's luxury fleet — just positioned at four stars rather than five — and the cabins are surprisingly spacious for the category. You lose the Signature Experiences and some of the premium drinks, but the core product — modern ships, included excursions, solid dining — is excellent. I often recommend it for first-time river cruisers who aren't sure they want to commit to the full APT price.
APT TravelMarvel sits within the APT Travel Group as its premium-value river cruise brand — delivering much of the quality of APT’s luxury product at a more accessible price point. Backed by nearly a century of touring experience from the parent company, Travelmarvel operates a fleet of contemporary four-star river ships across Europe, with additional itineraries on the Douro, the Nile, and Asian waterways. The newest European vessels — Travelmarvel Polaris, Capella, and Vega — are named after luminous stars and were purpose-built with generous cabin sizes, panoramic lounges, and sun decks designed for long days of European river scenery.
The onboard experience strikes a careful balance between comfort and value. Cabins at 172 square feet in the entry-level category are among the most spacious in the four-star river segment, and the Owner’s Suites at 258 square feet rival some five-star competitors. Dining is a strength, with included meals featuring regionally inspired menus, complimentary Prosecco at breakfast, and all drinks included during lunch and dinner. A 24-hour tea and coffee station and half-price Happy Hour round out the beverage offering. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with predominantly Australian and New Zealand guests alongside a growing international mix.
Where Travelmarvel differentiates itself from budget river lines is in the excursion programme. Each itinerary includes a solid roster of guided sightseeing — city walks, cultural visits, and scenic experiences — along with Travelmarvel’s own “Insider Experiences” that offer deeper engagement with local culture, cuisine, and traditions at no extra cost. There is also genuine flexibility: free time is built into the schedule, and the pace never feels forced. For travellers who want to balance structured discovery with independent exploration, this approach works well.
Travelmarvel is ideally positioned for clients who are curious about river cruising but not yet ready to invest in a full luxury product, or for experienced travellers who recognise that the difference between a well-run four-star ship and a five-star one is often marginal. The ships are modern, the service is warm, and the APT Travel Group’s operational expertise ensures that logistics — from airport transfers to guided touring extensions — are handled with a professionalism that smaller operators struggle to match.
Tell us your travel dates and our APT TravelMarvel specialists will create a tailored proposal.