We cruised from Amsterdam to Budapest, September 2019, in an Owners Suite. Overall this was a very good trip, but there were a couple of not so good features which could potentially stop us using the Jewel again. First, the positives. The Cruise director Emese was truly excellent, very approachable and hands-on throughout. We can't praise her enough, and the organisation of just about everything was also excellent. The cabin met our expectations, well fitted out and styled, with plenty of storage space for two, and the room attendant was very pleasant and obliging. Shore excursions were very good, with free time usually available to explore alone. Food quality was good, as were the wines offerred at meal times. The majority of onboard staff were also pleasant and helpful. So far so good. Now the negatives, which mostly concern the Restaurant and dining room seating. If, like us, you enjoy tables for two and do not want to share a table, this is probably not the ship for you. In fairness to the staff, when we made our preference for a table for two known, they laid up two for dinner on the first night, but on subsequent nights only one, strictly on a 'first come-first served' basis. Availability of a table for two at lunch varied from day to day, but was never more than one. We were fortunate to secure a table for two on several evenings and lunchtimes, but that involved waiting outside the restaurant door ahead of opening, something we really don't enjoy. It also meant we had to eat earlier than we'd have liked. At lunchtimes in particular, a large number of tables (up to 30 per cent on some days) in the dining room were placed 'off limits' to guests by the staff - leading to enforced sharing of tables. Apart from the customer service considerations of this policy (customer wishes should take priority over staff convenience) it seemed especially ill-advised on this cruise when nearly half of all guests seemed to be suffering from a really nasty chesty cough and/or cold. Another F&B issue concerned the way wines were served, with glasses being filled almost to the brim, something which we find really off-putting. This is a personal preference, and in fairness to our wine-waitress, after a few days she had cheerfully adjusted her pouring style to meet our preference. I appreciate that generous pouring is probably expected by many guests, but a little more finesse would certainly enhance the overall experience. So, the acid test - would we use Travelmarvel Jewel again? This was our second Travelmarvel trip in just over a year, and we've been really impressed by the company's way of organising all the important factors such as embarkation, shore excursions, and the ships themselves. However, until more tables for two are available in the restaurant, we'd probably not use them again. Having said that, we have friends who enjoy sharing tables on cruises, and we'd have no hesitation in recommending Travelmarvel to them. Read Less

Travelmarvel did a great job from start to finish. The Jewel is small but elegant. The whole crew is superbly trained and the desire to please the guests is obvious in everything that they do. The food was first class and the wine plentiful, and good! The cabins are small but perfectly functional. Plenty of storage space for two people. Big thank you to our cabin stewardess, Julia, and our waiter in the restaurant, Pan. Both did a splendid job. Bartel, our cruise director, is extremely knowledgeable about all the areas that we traveled through and forever helpful. The itinerary from Budapest to Amsterdam is action packed with some form of included excursion every day. We did not do any of the optional excursions but did not feel as though we missed out on anything. Some of these involved extensive bus travel that did not sound too attractive. Overall excellent and exceeded our expectations.Highly recommended. Read Less

Having done a number of ocean cruises, we wanted to put a toe in the water with river cruising. Our UK travel agent Iglu Cruise suggested that we try the Rhine and Main cruise as a sensible platform entry. Wow! we were not disappointed. From early on it was apparent that Travelmarvel/APT were a very well organised company. As UK residents we had not come across APT before. If all travel/tour companies were like APT then as far as we are concerned the word "complaint" could be deleted from the dictionary. Their attention to detail was impressive and commendable. From the point of embarkation in Amsterdam to the sad day when we had to disembark at Nuremburg the attention to detail continued and got better. All crew members worked so incredibly hard to make the experience for us all so memorable. The itinerary was planned so that the best sections of the Rhine and Rhine Gorge were traversed when everyone was up and awake to take in the splendour. A nice touch that excursions were all included at each of the ports of call, all sensibly balanced and very informative. The food was wonderful! An excellent choice at all mealtimes with inclusive wine, soft drinks and beer at lunch and dinner which was a bonus. The wines varied each day and were of very good quality. Our Cruise Director, Marion Junker, was an absolute star. So knowledgeable, efficient, approachable and always seemed to be in evidence whenever advice or information was needed. On a river ship you cannot expect a large stateroom - however the planning and layout of our mid-range stateroom had so many nooks and crannies, cupboards and niches that there was somewhere to put just about everything. Our cabin steward Marli kept our cabin spotless with all supplies and accessories replaced daily as needed. A very nice touch to have the small fridge ( continually topped up with bottled water each day). The fridge was totally silent in its operation - so no worries for light sleepers! Travelmarvel/APT are an Australian company, so the majority of passengers were from "down under". On our cruise out of a total of 167 only ten of us were British. However this all added to the fun and sense of occasion of the trip. They were all a great bunch- thank you we thoroughly enjoyed your company! Our only regret being, that, as UK residents/passengers we were not aware that our cruise was the first leg of a two week trip that went on to Vienna and Budapest. Had we known then we would certainly have done the full trip. However we look forward to returning to complete the second part of the journey soon. Read Less

Myself and a good friend recently completed the 15 Day River Cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest with Travelmarvel on the "Jewel". We enjoyed everything about the cruise from the time we boarded to the time we disembarked. Everything was well organized and all shore tours were conducted in a very professional manner. Our Cabin 315 was small but quite sufficient. The shower was unbelievably good. Always hot water and fantastic pressure. The servicing of the cabins was twice a day and very good indeed. The meals on the ship were excellent and plentiful. The real highlight for us was our Cruise Director - "Roland Noordermeer". You honestly couldn't have asked for a better Cruise Director - he really went above and beyond anything that was expected. His general knowledge was mind-blowing and as we came into various towns he would give a running commentary of the various buildings we were passing by. We would both highly recommend Travelmarvel for cruising this section in Europe - a wonderful experience. Read Less

This trip was recommended by friends who had travelled with Travelmarvel on the Rhine-Main-Danube River cruise. As seniors this was to be our last overseas holiday and we could not have picked a more wonderful holiday. The courtesy and warmth of the welcome in Amsterdam continued throughout the cruise. The staff worked so hard to ensure we were spoiled no matter what we were doing or wherever we were on any given day. Our Cruise Director (Roland) was brilliant and no matter how busy he was he always had time to answer a question or make suggestions to enhance our experience. The shore tours were professionally conducted by local tour guides who were very knowledgeable and most patient. There were a number of optional shore tours which generally were centred on locations some distance from the river. Although the live concert in Vienna was just brilliant. The choices in the dining room of the ship were excellent and the beverages flowed freely. We believe the cruise was excellent value for money and would recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty and history of Europe in a most relaxing and pampered manner. Read Less

The river cruise was amazing from the moment we stepped on board to the moment we disembarked. The ship was very well appointed,the staff were wonderful would do anything to make your trip more enjoyable. We had the best tour guide her name was Cherie she was Scottish but has lived in Austria for many years. Cherie looked after us like a mother hen, getting doctors and dentists for guests when needed which was a couple of times. The tours off the ship were so well organised and very knowledgable guides. Great little towns with cobblestone streets and lots of history. The visit with the residents of Wertheim was very enjoyable we were made to feel very welcome. The host we had would not let us go until we had tried all 3 different cakes she had made which were delicious we were then given a small gift. The food on board the ship was very good. Great size servings and quite a few options. The entertainment which was organised was very enjoyable. Another thing to note if you need laundry done there is a cost but it is very reasonable not like on Ocean cruising. Another highlight was the night time cruise down the Danube in Budapest with all the buildings illuminated and wonderful classical music playing. We also did the Mozart concert in Vienna which was certainly worth the money. We had been on a 10 day Swiss Alps tour before with Travelmarvel and met the most wonderful group of people who were with us on the tour and the river cruise. This tour was well organised and we stayed at good hotels. The trip we did on the Glacier Express through the Swiss Alps was amazing. I would have no trouble recommending Travelmarvel and would certainly travel with them again. Read Less

My wife and I thought this cruise was terrific. The ports of call were very interesting and all the local guides wonderful. The ship itself was lovely and the staff just outstanding. It was the little things that happened without being asked that made the difference between this cruise staff and other cruises we have been on. Thought the Travel Marvel level of cruise excellent value as you could choose any of the extra tours as you wished. Would unreservedly recommend this Travel Marvel cruise. Read Less

Travelled on both ships as we were bused between the Danube and the Rhine. This was done smoothly whilst we were on a excursion. The very low water level required this. The tour was very good. POSITIVES Tour leader Herbert was excellent and all tour guides were outstanding. The staff were very friendly and helpful The rooms had more than enough storage, bathroom was big enough and the sliding door was good to watch the scenery and get fresh air. Bed very comfortable and food was very good and seemed endless. The drinks were available for lunch and dinner and were unlimited. Public areas were always being cleaned and the hand hygiene was monitored more on the Diamond than the Jewel. The lounge area was comfortable and upstairs deck good for a walk but was closed for 4 days as apparently is usual for the river cruise due to the bridges - not told about this prior NEGATIVES Fitness area very small Musical evening in Vienna was disappointing for price. Castle and visit to Bonn should be replaced by a stop in Cologne. Overall the cruise was very good and the scenery was excellent and included tours were well planned. Read Less

I have sailed lon ocean cruises many times but this was my first. It was great, all I had to think about was what to have for dinner. Everything was arranged tours etc and I got a call reminder 15 minutes before the tour left. I did not realise how fantastic some places were, like Vienna, Bamberg etc We saw some amazing places and met some great people. The staff of the ship ( we were also on diamond) due to water levels )were awesome. Herbert the cruise director was amazing loved his work. Read Less