Selena Jones
I was lucky enough to experience a few nights on board APT Travelmarvel Polaris.
I really loved the concept of River Cruising with APT Travelmarvel, the scenery and how relaxing the trip was. Being onboard a smaller ship creates a friendly atmosphere.
The Experience On Board
The dress code on board was very relaxed. However, if you would like to dress up for dinner, then I would say that only wear what you would typically wear to a restaurant. There is also a gala meal onboard, but again it is smart casual.
Daytime cruising on the Danube was incredibly relaxing. I would recommend having a Prosecco in hand, finding yourself a lounger on the Sun Deck and taking in the scenery as you sail down the Danube. You may even get to experience the ship going through a lock! Locks are human-made devices in rovers that help ships move from one water elevation to another.
Tipping is included for all tours. If you would like to tip any crew member extra, you can in your own discretion. The currency onboard is euros, your final bill will be settled in euros.
I personally feel that River Cruising with Apt Travel Marvel is excellent value for money. All meals are included, drinks are included with lunch and dinner. Live entertainment is also performed by local acts to suit different tastes.
Excursions
Docking in the very heart of cities or towns is pretty special (with the exception of some ports, which the ship provides shuttle buses which take you directly to the city centres) enabling you to step off the ship & explore the beautiful ports hassle free.
We were lucky enough to experience a few excursions during our stay on board Polaris. We had a full day tour in Budapest by an escorted guide who was so knowledgeable – I learned that Buda and Pest are two parts of the same city. Buda occupies the west side of the city and Pest occupies the east. Both areas have developed very independently of each other and although they share similarities, each has its own distinct flavour.
We also had a full day tour of Vienna – this was a walking tour. We visited the likes of Hofburg Imperial Palace, Museo Sisi, St. Stephens Cathedral and Stephansplatz which is a square in the centre of Vienna. We ended our night by visiting the opera house to see the Sound of Musical Ballet which was an incredible experience.
Why Choose an Apt Travelmarvel River Cruise
✨ Contemporary River Ships – Launched in 2022, these stylish vessels have been custom designed specifically for Europe’s waterways featuring modern decor as well as a host of spacious public areas.
✨ Dedicated staff & excellent service – The staff & Cruise Director are always available to provide personalised information and suggestions, they ensure you enjoy a holiday experience you simply could not have on your own. A high staff-to-guest ratio onboard each ship guarantees you’ll be well looked after whilst on Europe’s rivers.
✨ Flexible dining options – Enjoy more dining options. Whether you feel like a 4 course meal in the ship’s fine dining restaurant, a more relaxed pub-style setting such as McGeary’s Bar, or something a little lighter in the Lounge, the decision is yours.
✨Travel to suit you – They offer both Included & optional tours throughout the itinerary, allowing you to tailor your experiences to suit your preferences. ✨ Scenic sailing – Embrace the freedom to discover the quaint villages, riverside paths and delightful countryside. You’ll see the icons of Europe as well as the hidden gems that many miss.