Travelmarvel Diamond Review

4.0 / 5.0
12 reviews
See all photos
Editor Rating
4.0
Very Good
Overall
Louise Goldsbury
Contributor

Travelmarvel Diamond is aimed at the laidback traveller who doesn't want to pay extra for luxuries such as butlers and unlimited drinks. But don't let the price or classic design suggest this is anything but a premium experience. The crew, food and itineraries are of a similar standard to other cruise lines, delivering remarkable value by comparison.

Refurbished in 2018, the entire ship received new carpet and other subtle enhancements. New block-out curtains were hung in all cabins and suites, while the furniture in the lounge was reupholstered. Dominated by darker shades of brown and blue, the decor is not very modern, but it's in excellent condition.

The onboard atmosphere is casual and friendly; a solo traveller would have no trouble meeting people. Evenings are lively, with most passengers going to the bar to dance or socialise, largely thanks to the generous refilling of free wine at dinner. On the downside, there's nowhere quiet to relax or chat at night as the ship lacks a second bar and the sun deck is often closed to allow safe passing under Europe's low bridges.

There is only one restaurant, which gets noisy, but the dining is superb and offers a choice of dishes for each course. Passengers can opt to eat in the lounge, where a self-serve buffet offers a smaller selection, and conversations are easily heard; however, you'll miss the amusing antics of the waiters, who are a highlight of the trip.

Cabins are comfortable, if a little tight, with most featuring floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors known as French balconies. There are no step-out balconies on the ship, which may be a dealbreaker for some, but the deck at the bow and the sun deck on the roof have plenty of seating for panoramic views of the European scenery in fresh air.

Travelmarvel Diamond does not have an elevator so it is unsuitable for people with mobility issues.

Pros

Great service and dining, free drinks at meals

Cons

Lack of quiet spaces for evening relaxation

Bottom Line

Lower fares cover the essentials on a no-frills, friendly ship

About

Passengers: 170
Crew: 40
Passenger to Crew: 4.25:1
Launched: 0

Inclusions

Included with your cruise fare:

  • Meals and snacks in main dining room and lounge

  • House wine, beer, soft drinks and water during lunch and dinner

  • Juice, water and sparkling wine at breakfast

  • Tea, coffee, hot chocolate and bottled water at all times

  • Shore excursions, except for some optional extra tours

  • All daily activities unless noted below

  • Use of the gym and stretch classes

  • Wi-Fi

  • Use of bicycles

  • Gratuities for crew and local guides

  • Airport transfers on the first and last day of the cruise

  • Airfares -- only during 'fly free' promotions

Not included with your cruise fare:

  • Drinks not mentioned above

  • Optional excursions

  • Hair salon services

  • Laundry

  • Airfares (except during 'fly free' promotions)

  • Passport and visa fees

Fellow Passengers

As an Australian company, Travelmarvel attracts a lot of Australians and a few New Zealanders. However, it's also marketed in the United Kingdom, so 20 to 30 percent of passengers are British; sometimes more in the off-peak season. The cruise line caters to English-speaking passengers over 60 -- mostly retired couples -- along with solo travellers and groups of friends. Younger people could also enjoy the sociable days and lively vibe at night. Australians tend to book the 14-night European Gems itinerary, sailing on the Rhine, Main and Danube rivers, while some Brits just do a seven-night sector from Amsterdam to Nuremberg, or Nuremberg to Budapest (or reverse). There is no elevator so guests need to be capable of walking up and down stairs.

Travelmarvel Diamond Dress Code

Daytime: Casual and comfortable is the norm during the day, with good walking shoes, hat, sunglasses and possibly a poncho or raincoat. A small backpack is recommended for carrying water, cameras, phones and other necessities.

Evening: There is no strict dress code but most people change into something 'smart casual'. Women tend to wear a nice dress or pants and dressy top; men wear good trousers and collared shirts but a nice T-shirt is fine. Jackets and ties are rarely seen, except some make an extra effort for the captain's welcome and farewell evenings. The cruise has no formal nights or theme nights.

Not permitted: Shorts and swimwear are not permitted at dinner.

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River cruise convert. No more big ships for us.

This of course was in no way Travelmarvels fault, and they made the change from the Travelmarvel Diamond to the Travelmarvel Jewel as painless as possible.Read More
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Louise Kearney

many10+ Cruises

Age 60s

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BIGGS-G

few6-10 Cruises

Age 70s

Back home after two days!

We hope to re-book a river cruise sometime next year with APT/Travelmarvel. Hopefully the rivers will not be either in flood or dried out!Read More
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Tanya Jane

few6-10 Cruises

Age 60s

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Is Travelmarvel Marvelous Not as much as they would like to think !Read More
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many10+ Cruises

Age 70s

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