I first fell in love with river cruising on Portugal’s Douro River, so stepping on board this Travelmarvel European river cruise on the Danube River felt like being reacquainted with a wonderfully warm, calming and welcoming friend.
[sponsored by Travelmarvel]
From the moment I stepped on board the contemporary river ship Travelmarvel Capella for the 8-night Highlights of the Danube cruise on board Travelmarvel, I immediately relaxed into the ease that is this mode of travel. A European river cruise offers such a different perspective when travelling. The ever-changing scenery from the water is something that feels less hurried and stunningly beautiful at every twist and turn.
I sailed mid-November from Budapest to Nuremberg, through Hungary, Austria and into Bavaria in Germany, visiting towns and cities that were new to me just as Central Europe was magically lighting up for the festive season. Day and night temperatures varied from mild and cool to just below freezing but with light, warm layers days exploring off ship were still comfortable.
I was one of 150 guests on board and was travelling solo but at no time did I feel overwhelmed or unsafe thanks to the attentive staff meeting your every need. I never felt lonely either. Fellow guests were always happy to offer a seat at their table at meal times. Meeting people this way only enriched the overall travel experience.
I wasn’t the only female guest travelling solo on this tour and there were also women travelling together. I met couples travelling solo and couples who chose to holiday with other couple friends this way. The ease of this way of travel was also appealing for midlife adult children wanting to holiday with their parents. The predominant age demographic of guests was 50 years and up. And, yes, this style of travel very much appeals to retirees.
A big plus about river cruising with Travelmarvel is that you can choose your own adventure every day, whether that’s joining an organised excursion (many are included in the cost of the tour; some are optional paid extras), exploring a destination on your own or simply staying on board to relax and enjoy everything the ship has to offer. I mixed it up each day, depending on how I felt that day or what was on my list of things to do and see at that day’s destination.
5 reasons to book a Travelmarvel European river cruise
1. Ease of travel
A European river cruise is an incredibly easy way to travel. You’re sailing on calm river waters where everything has been thought of for you. You don’t have to wrangle your own luggage with airport and hotel transfers pre-organised and included. And unpacking once means you are settled and relaxed from day one.
2. Modern ship
Travelmarvel Capella is a contemporary modern river ship. I loved my French Balcony Suite, a cleverly designed cabin where you can sit and just watch the ever-changing scenery. The queen bed? SO comfy.
The views are even more stunning from the thoughtfully-designed communal spaces – the lounge, the restaurant or up on the sky deck. I’ll never forget seeing Budapest illuminated at night from this vantage point.
3. Attentive staff
Staff on board genuinely make you feel so welcome – EVERY single day. It’s the big things like always smiling and helping with inquiries but it’s also the small things, like my omelette and coffee orders being remembered that I will remember for years to come. Special shout-out to our cruise director Thomas and hotel manager Daniel, who not only kept us informed and looked after but did so with grace and humour.
4. Locally inspired food
There is no danger of you going hungry with breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner included. I loved that each night there was a focus on locally inspired dishes using the freshest produce available paired with local wines.
5. Diverse experiences
The reason why we choose to travel is to experience and get a taste of different countries. Boy on boy have I had a taste in the past week, from Budapest, to Austria and into Germany. Glorious memory after glorious memory locked in, thanks to both to local guided tours and having the choice to wander and explore on my own.
What to pack for a winter European river cruise
Travelmarvel did a Q&A with me that you can read HERE for more information. Plus click below to read my Substack post for tips.
