Relaxing holiday cruise - a lifetime dream?

Tess Ellis has spent almost a lifetime in travel - much of it through her mobile travel agency based out of Violet Town. Now working in the industry for some 40 years Tess has advised people from all walks of life on the best holidays. "A lot of the senior farmers quite often book Australian Pacific Tours for river cruises, and after all this time, I know what our area and clientele want," Tess said. "So, if you went with another brand, the introduction for example would be in six different languages, so I have got the local touch in knowing what people want and AP tours know the Aussie and New Zealand market so when you are going abroad they know what Aussies like with their food, their activities and entertainment all in English on board. "For example snails may be served and not for the entree either, and that won't serve the Australians well." Tess is a high achiever for a mobile travel agent. "Because I have done [experienced] one of the river cruises with my farmer husband... we would go back in a heartbeat," Tess said. The good thing about river cruises, is they depend on the product but say for Budapest to Amsterdam cruises they are smaller numbers and are catered for guests' requirements. Numbers are kept small and often only take 130 passengers. The ships have upper deck bars and pools for passengers to enjoy. Guests are met and collected from airports, helped to board the ship, everything is included... all drinks with meals... everything cooked to order. "Because you're always down the Rhine or Danube rivers you are always close to the shores, the villages, cities and the landscapes, you can physically see the sights and the landscape within 200metres. "When the river cruiser pulls into port, subject to where you are, there are bikes on board and even e-bikes allowing you to see the towns and the gardens at your leisure and pace. "I have had clients in the area go on it and they have done nothing but rave about it," Tess said. "With coach tours, you have to get up at 5am in the morning, whereas with river cruises you unpack once and everything, even the gratuities, are all included. "When you pull in to one of the ports, they bring on local musicians and they will play and they get off down the river and then another group is brought on board. "Clients often send me photos of their trips - this is phenomenal," she said. "Tours are very interesting - it's all about the service, the food the destination - and it's the small boat that gives it a holiday to remember. "When I speak to people about where they have been it is exciting and rewarding for me that I have helped in organising their holiday. "In the seniors' market you would have a lot of clients who have already done some of Europe, or all, but they have done it in different ways, flights, bus tours or cruise with up to 4000 people. "For cruises specials with flights can be included from Australia." Tess indicated that there are bookings still available now for next year. "If you are a single occupancy these are fantastic for you. "You make so many friends. The staff make sure you don't sit alone at meals, regardless of age. Mobility wise you need to let them know at time of booking, but the ship does have a lift and APT will accommodate for that. Slower folk get their own bus. One of the cruises that Tess recommends is on the boat called the APT Solara which carries 154 guests with ratio of 60 crew to 154. Launched in April this year with a champagne christening in Rotterdam is the newest in the Australian owned fleet. Tess said the most popular tour is the 'Magnificent Europe' - Budapest to Amsterdam or in reverse. Also tack on options, for those who might want to have three days in Prague as an extension for example. Best to book an appointment with Tess as she's popular - phone 0432 218 668.

Relaxing holiday cruise - a lifetime dream?

New speed limits bring good and bad

Hired for the right reasons

New Rotary member installed

Arb' angling adventure

Soaring together

Rufous Whistler – arrival of a summer songbird

Bombers go back-to-back in A grade

“No stone unturned” – Police committed to the long-haul in manhunt

Start your engines, Wilby Drags are back

Most popular stories