Travel Counsellor Claire Bevan shares her transformative experience on APT Travelmarvel’s Delightful Danube river cruise.
- She won the cruise as part of an agent incentive and was intrigued by the modern river cruise ships.
- Claire found the experience both personally uplifting and professionally enriching.
- Travelmarvel’s ambience and the quality of service provided a memorable journey for all on board.
- The blend of formal and relaxation, along with insightful itineraries, left a lasting impression.
Claire Bevan won a cruise for two aboard APT Travelmarvel’s new contemporary river ships through their agent incentive programme. Despite her long career, this was her first river cruise experience, and it was transformative in ways she had not anticipated. The cruise, called the Delightful Danube, was a nine-day journey from Nuremberg to Budapest.
Upon boarding, Claire was surprised to find that the ship’s design exceeded the standard flexible four-star label, offering an elegant and modern aesthetic. The ship, Vega, along with her sister vessels, emphasises space and light, incorporating features like a top-deck whirlpool and highly comfortable cabins.
The level of service on board was exemplary. Staff were both warm and meticulous, eager to personalise each guest’s experience. The cruise director ensured seamless operations, while the culinary team catered to all tastes with enthusiasm, creating a memorable dining experience.
The ship hosted a diverse group of international travellers, including Brits, Australians, and New Zealanders, fostering a community atmosphere with its relaxed dress code and variety of dining options. This informal setting encouraged guests to interact and bond over the course of the cruise.
Travelmarvel’s itineraries were well-crafted to offer comprehensive tours of each destination, encouraging guests to explore independently or with the help of local guides. Destinations like Budapest and Melk provided stunning visuals, while quieter locations such as Durnstein offered unique cultural experiences free from tourist crowds.
Special events, such as a concert at the Vienna Opera House, added an exclusive touch to the cruise, creating unforgettable moments for Claire and other guests. The event featured an eight-piece orchestra, choir, and dance recital, which left a profound impact on Claire’s perception of river cruising.
Claire’s experience with Travelmarvel has reshaped her professional perspective, convincing her of the brand’s value and quality. The cruise demonstrated that Travelmarvel’s offerings are not only competitively priced but also provide a level of luxury that challenges more well-known brand names.
Claire Bevan’s journey with APT Travelmarvel illustrates the brand’s exceptional service and value, making it a compelling choice for future travellers.
