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Cruise review: I took a Travelmarvel Capella European Gems river cruise
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. It's rare to be able to check in and join a cruise halfway through its itinerary but that's precisely what I did. It's a point of difference for Travelmarvel, the sister brand to Australian-owned APT. If a cabin is available, anything is possible. This flexibility is a hallmark of the brand, and echoes throughout the ship's laid-back program. There's a modern but relaxed feel to the interiors, food and service, which suits Australian guests, and the pricing is competitive, catering to travellers who may not need all the bells, whistles and pricey all-inclusive drinks packages. Top tips for your first time on a cruise ship Video Player is loading. Play Video This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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We asked experienced cruisers at... more ... more Set the scene We embarked on the Travelmarvel Capella in Melk, Austria, for the final leg of its river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. While Australian guests will usually complete the full 15-day European Gems itinerary along the Rhine-Main-Danube route, European-based travellers are more likely to choose to sail for one week. This leaves a handful of free cabins for a colleague and I to join the fun. The company has four ships sailing Europe's most popular course, and Capella's cruise director Hedleigh Emberson knows the itinerary well. He's been sailing this circuit for years, and rallies the troops each day for shore excursions with good humour and infectious energy. We embarked on the Travelmarvel Capella in Melk, Austria, for the final leg of its river cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest. Picture: Supplied. The itinerary While Capella's 15-day itinerary traverses the Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary, I'm only on board for four nights, covering Melk and Vienna in Austria, Bratislava in Slovakia, and Budapest in Hungary. It's a hit a minute – each day we arrive at a fascinating European city, and the diverse experiences make it clear why many travellers repeat this route. In Melk, we explore its Baroque hilltop abbey, and enjoy the cobblestone streets lined with local distillers. By afternoon, we've reached the idyllic village of Dürnstein. By afternoon, we've reached the idyllic village of Dürnstein for a wander and wine tasting at Weingut Böhmer. The region is known for its grüner veltliner and we settle in for the afternoon at a quirky bar tucked into the city's medieval gate. A full day spent in opulent Vienna passes quickly, touring manicured parks, historical Habsburg palaces and monuments (including many devoted to the Empress Sisi), shopping, and sampling ale and schnitzel at the popular Reinthaler's Beisl. Bratislava in Slovakia is immaculate and affordable, with its historic Old Town a stone's throw from the ship. Our last stop is the highlight, with two days in Budapest, where the finale is a jovial dinner and an evening cruise along the Danube with the magnificent Budapest landmarks alight. I was lucky to score an Owner's suite. It was very spacious, with a generous seating area. Picture: Rob Nijhuis/Supplied. The cabins There are 89 cabins catering to a maximum of 178 passengers and 44 crew, and three categories of rooms. Entry level starts at a Window Stateroom up to a French-style Balcony Suite (with floor-to-ceiling windows, which open), and an Owner's Suite, which I was lucky to score. It was very spacious, with a generous seating area, bathroom with double sinks and plenty of storage, desk and large TV facing the bed. All of the rooms are modern and well furnished. There is a petite whirlpool on the sun deck. Picture: Rob Nijhuis/Supplied. The extras Daily shore excursions are included in your fare, with extension options if you want to pay more. There are bicycles to borrow and I was pleased to find a gym on board, not that I used it after walking so much while exploring different cities each day. There is a petite whirlpool on the sun deck, and a cooktop space on the Sky Deck Terrace functions as an outdoor bar and barbecue, which lends an Australian touch for outdoor entertaining. The main dining room, Constellations Restaurant, serves good, crowd-pleasing food. Picture: Supplied. Food and drink The main dining room, Constellations Restaurant, serves good, crowd-pleasing food, and the comfortable McGeary's Bar (named after the company's founding family) at the rear of the ship, has a more casual pub-style menu. The True North Lounge is an additional bar area for relaxing or evening entertainment. Travelmarvel suits travellers who don't want the expense of an all-inclusive drinks package and prefer to pay as they go. The True North Lounge is an additional bar area for relaxing or evening entertainment. Picture: Rob Nijhuis/Supplied. What's hot Cruise director Hedleigh's sense of humour. 'You'll find me on the mezzanine,' he winks at me, gesturing to his desk upstairs with a cheeky nod to Kath and Kim (who mispronounce it as mezza-noyne). What's not Dark wood panelling within the interiors is polished and cosy but can make spaces feel dark if the weather is overcast. The service was efficient and friendly and the tours of a high standard. Picture: Supplied. The verdict - 8.5/10 Although I didn't undertake the full 15-day itinerary, this is a flexible, good-quality way to pack in the sights. The service was efficient and friendly and the tours of a high standard. The writer was a guest of Travelmarvel. Its 15-day European Gems cruise, sailing Budapest to Amsterdam, is priced from $4995 per person. Originally published as Cruise review: I took a Travelmarvel Capella river cruise, this sets it apart
West Australian
16-07-2025
- West Australian
Short, sharp travel sale is a marvel
Travelmarvel's 'Freedom to Explore Sale' runs from July 15 to 30, 2025, with savings on destinations and tours of eight days or more departing in 2026. It covers destinations in Europe, Asia, Canada and Alaska, Africa, South America and New Zealand. MY PICK + Travelmarvel's flagship 15-day European Gems river cruise has savings now up to $7100 per couple, with prices now starting from $4745 per person. + In Canada and Alaska, there are savings of up to $3500 per couple on the popular 21-day Reflections of the Rockies and Alaska Cruise. Prices now start from $11,545 per person. + With savings of up to $2500 per couple, the 11-day A Taste of Vietnam is now from $2945 per person. Hundreds of tours and cruises are on sale until July 30, or until sold out. See travel agents and or call 1300 208 712.
