After a long and unexpected hiatus, Travelmarvel has made a triumphant return to European sailing, with two major milestones in one; launching a brand-new ship and cruise route.
On 21 March 2022 the brand-new Travelmarvel Vega commenced her maiden voyage on the Danube River from Budapest through to Bucharest.
It had been 826 days since the last APT Travel Group ship has cruised the European waterways, and guests and employees alike were eager to celebrate the occasion.
Across the globe, ATG staff have been raising a toast to the successful departure of the season’s first sailing, a launch which has been made even more special as it is also the first voyage of ATG’s brand-new ship, Travelmarvel Vega.
ATG employees marked the occasion with celebrations across the globe, including the Melbourne office with some nautical themed frivolity.
As part of Travelmarvel Vega’s debut, the new ship played host to 250 delegates attending the CLIA RiverView Conference in Budapest.
In groups of 60, agents conducted a site visit to explore the new ship, followed by cocktails on the Sky Deck and a presentation by Travelmarvel UK MD Paul Melinis.
“Without doubt, this is one of the most exciting and celebratory days for the company in a long time,” said APT Travel Group COO Lorna Heyward.
“After the last couple of years, it is so great to have such positive travel news. We are so proud of our new Travelmarvel ships and pleased to have Vega the first of the three on the waters this month with her sister ships, the Polaris and the Capella set to sail soon.
“We can’t wait to welcome our guests back on board so they can experience Travelmarvel’s brand-new contemporary river ships themselves as they explore Europe’s waterways.”
This cruise will also be the first time the company has ever offered a tour exclusively through the Balkans.
Guests will journey from Budapest to Bucharest, stopping at the regions most revered and beautiful locations including Iron Gates gorges, Heroes’ Square and Belgrade Fortress.
For those who truly want to immerse themselves in local culture, Travelmarvel offers a range of exclusive experiences; including a to visit a traditional Serbian small holding to witness the brewing process of the national drink of choice ‘slivovitz’ – a sweet plum brandy. Živeli!
For more information visit www.travelmarvel.com.au.