A Taste of the Rhine with Travelmarvel – A Relaxed River Cruise Experience
Travelmarvel is part of the well-known APT Travel Group. While APT offers luxury 5-star river cruises in Europe, Travelmarvel is their more relaxed and affordable 4-star product, offering excellent value without compromising on comfort or service.
The Route: Amsterdam to Cologne The stretch we did was a short but sweet taster. Starting in Amsterdam with its charming canals and finishing in Cologne, famous for its Gothic cathedral. Along the way, you cruise gently through the Netherlands and into Germany, passing quaint villages, historic towns and lovely riverside scenery.
While this was just a two-night familiarisation trip, Travelmarvel offer longer itineraries on the Rhine that go all the way down to Basel in Switzerland. They also operate other popular routes across Europe, including:
The Danube - from Budapest to Nuremberg or all the way to Amsterdam The Douro - a stunning cruise through Portugal’s wine region France - including the Rhône through Arles & Avignon
These cruises include excursions, with plenty of cultural highlights and free time built in – and there are optional tours too, if you’d like to explore a little more.
Life Onboard The ships are modern and well-designed, with a bright and airy feel. You won’t find over-the-top luxury here, but it’s stylish and very comfortable. The lounge is a lovely spot to relax with a drink, and there’s a spacious restaurant where all meals are served.
One surprise was the small jacuzzi on the top deck – perfect for a quiet soak with a view! There’s also a small gym onboard for those who like to stay active.
Cabins are a good size for river cruising. The lower deck has fixed windows, while the middle and upper decks have French balconies - with an electronic window that slides down so you can enjoy the fresh air and river views. Beds are comfortable, and there's plenty of storage space.
Food & Drink Meals onboard are all included - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even afternoon tea with sandwiches and pastries. The food was very good overall - fresh and tasty, with a few local touches along the way. We had one lunch in McGeary’s, the onboard Irish bar, which offers a more casual dining option.
Beer, wine and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner, and the drinks menu is reasonably priced if you fancy something outside of meal times.
The atmosphere is easy-going and friendly. Most guests onboard were from Australia or New Zealand, and the crew were lovely - warm, professional, and always ready with a smile.
If you're looking for a relaxed way to explore Europe, without the need to constantly unpack or rush through airport, a Travelmarvel river cruise could be just the thing. It’s a great option for couples or solo travellers who want comfort, value, and a really well-run experience.
If you're curious about Travelmarvel’s routes or want help choosing the right one for you, I’d be delighted to chat more and help you find the perfect fit.
