A well-oiled machine
Fresh contemporary style, interesting port stops and inclusive tours … no wonder this ship is consistently booked out, writes Sheriden Rhodes.
The ship: Travelmarvel Vega. Built in 2021, launched in 2022. Length 442.9 ft (135 metres) The cruise: Amsterdam to Budapest (14 days)
Passengers: 182 Crew: 44
Cabins: 91
Ship shape
Travelmarvel Vega is one of a trio of identical new ships custom-designed by parent company APT for the Australasian market.
The Vega and sister ships – Travelmarvel Capella and Travelmarvel Polaris – are named after stars. They share a contemporary sleek design and features aimed at maximising enjoyment of those gorgeous European river vistas.
There’s plenty of outdoor space on the Sun Deck and Sky Deck Terrace and Bar, which is built half a deck lower to make it accessible when passing through locks and under low bridges.
As a nod to its Australian roots there’s a pub, McGeary’s Bar (named after APT founder Geoff McGeary), while Vegemite takes pride of place on the breakfast buffet.
Boarding
My teenage daughter and I sail Vega on its classic European Gems cruise. We barely have to wait to board as passengers embark at different times of the day.
Before we know it, we have lanyards around our necks, bubbly in hand (mocktail for my daughter) and are chatting to blearyeyed passengers who’ve been up since the sparrows travelling to join the ship.
We spend our first night in port and do a short dinner sailing taking in Budapest’s impressive historic buildings.
The design
Given the Vega has operated only since 2022, it still has that new-ship feel. It’s more akin to a boutique hotel than a river ship with a contemporary palette of neutral colours, a hotel-like reception area and a stylish lounge offering floor-to-ceiling windows, comfortable lounges and table seating for enjoying a barista-made coffee, casual bites or afternoon tea.
Bi-fold doors open on to a covered veranda so you can sit outside in the fresh air and watch the ever-changing scenery or see the ship go through one of the 68 locks (spoiler alert: the novelty wears off).
The spaces
With just four decks, it’s easy to get your bearings. On the upper deck is the True North Lounge (the main hub of the ship and home to the busy tea station and main bar), Alfresco Lounge and McGeary’s Bar, which is particularly popular at happy hour.
Constellations Restaurant is on the lower deck for fine-dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner), along with a small (underutilised) fitness centre. The Sun Deck and Sky Deck Terrace and Bar are on the top deck and offer a whirlpool and putting green.
The stateroom
Vega sleeps 182 passengers in 91 cabins, ranging from Window Staterooms at 14.2 square metres (with a small window) through to the spacious 24sqm Owner’s Suite cabins. The latter includes a separate lounge area and beds facing out to the water.
We’re in a French Balcony Suite on the upper deck with floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening to a French Balcony (there’s no balcony as such, but an electronic window slides down to chest height) for taking in scenery along the Danube, Rhine and Main Rivers.
While cabins aren’t huge, their clever design makes them feel luxurious and spacious. Each stateroom or suite offers blackout curtains and blinds, ensuite, TV, hairdryer, two small armchairs, personal climate control, a decent amount of storage, safe and mini-fridge.
Self-shutting drawers mean you don’t hear noise from the next cabin and beds are high enough to store large suitcases underneath, freeing up floor space – a popular feature with Australian and New Zealand passengers who are typically away from home for at least two weeks.
The food
While there are only three dining options on board – four-course fine-dining in Constellations Restaurant, True North Lounge for relaxed bites, or casual pubstyle fare at McGeary’s Bar – onboard chefs do a fantastic job of incorporating local cuisine into the menu and keeping things fresh.
Lunch and dinner are accompanied by local wine and beer, as well as soft drinks. Highlights include a welcome dinner featuring a seafood buffet and a barbecue on the Sun Deck while sailing through the picturesque Rhine Valley.
My daughter and I often opt for McGeary’s Bar with its dark-wood panelled walls adorned with memorabilia – choosing from hot soup, ribs or a pint and chicken parmigiana – over a multi-course dinner. Often, we’re the only ones there.
Wellness
Vega offers a small gym with hand weights and a rowing machine, but few passengers make use of it. There are complimentary bikes available if the ship is docked along the river, which is a great way to get exercise and see the local surroundings. The Sun Deck walking track is popular for strolling and soaking up Danube vistas.
Entertainment
The ship picks up a talented male and female duo en route, who entertain passengers with everything from live traditional folk music, song and dance to popular disco nights. Some passengers comment that entertainment is limited compared to ocean cruising but, given the size of the ship, they do a great job.
Thecrew
What makes the Vega particularly memorable are the attentive staff, who hail from various countries including Hungary, Myanmar and Indonesia.
Each morning, wait staff greet you by name at breakfast and remember your preferences (egg-white omelette for me).
Special mention to Marius, who chased after me offboard when I forgot my boarding pass, and affable, multilingual cruise director Andrew Masters, who kept everything rolling like a well-oiled machine.
The verdict
Fresh contemporary style, interesting port stops and talks, inclusive tours and exceptional value. No wonder this ship and its popular European Gems itinerary is consistently booked out.
The details
Travelmarvel’s 14-night European Gems cruise sails from March to December (you can cruise in either direction). Alternatively, sail seven-nights Amsterdam-Nuremberg and Nuremberg-Budapest. Fares from A$4995 a person. Pre and/or post-trip extensions to Prague available from A$316 a night or Paris from A$550 a night.
Swell
Sailing through the Wachau Valley and soaking up vistas of terraced vineyards tumbling down to the riverbanks.
Not so swell
If they could get the coffee right, you’d have the perfect ship.
Sustainability
Ocean and river cruising have an impact on the Earth’s waterways. To reduce your impact, consider offsetting carbon emissions and booking with cruise lines that use cleaner fuels and adopt recycling practices. – traveller.com.au
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