Marco Polo – Oh No No No…..

So I had the opportunity to hop aboard Cruise & Maritime’s Marco Polo Ship, when she docked in Avonmouth recently.

I was curious to see how she compared to the Magellan, a ship I have spent time on, and on which I have booked to visit the Baltics later on in the year.

I know the Marco Polo has an extremely loyal clientbase and was keen to take a look inside to see what all the fuss was about, and also see what the Avonmouth Cruise Terminal looked like.

I’m afraid I was disappointed on both counts.

As I approached Avonmouth, my heart sank. What a dismal looking place it is! Looks deserted, or as my colleague observed, ‘A good place to commit a murder and dump the body’! As we approached, it wasnt very well signposted, and for a small terminal, we still managed to get lost.

Disembarking passengers seemed to be milling about on the concourse, whilst vehicles were narrowly missing them. Pieces of luggage all over the place and not much organisation could be seen.

Never mind, I thought, I’m looking forward to seeing the ship so will overlook the less than picturesque terminal building. I’ve got to say on a positive note however that the Cruise & Maritime Staff, (as always) were extremely polite, friendly, and helpful.

So to the ship. (I’m sighing as I write this, because as I walked on board into the main Reception Area, it was very underwhelming…..) For instance, as I looked around, I saw the display of what I presume was Artwork, which looked more like a pile of used towels ready to be taken to the laundry. No really! Here’s what I mean…. Now this is the first image passengers see, and I have to say it isnt impressive.

Still….. onward. I wanted to get a ‘feel’ for the ship, walk the corridors, see the public areas, inspect the cabins, taste the food, etc etc. All important activities to accurately and objectively report back to potential passengers who may be thinking of booking a cruise.

Whilst the Magellan is light, airy, open, bright, and welcoming, I found the Marco Polo to be dark, dull, in places especially along the corridors and stairs. I felt ‘closed in’ and a little claustrophobic. Perhaps it was the dark blue painted walls, the small and narrow staircases. I couldnt really put my finger on it.

The restaurant, was very well designed and decorated, food was delicious, and the staff very attentive. The public areas like the Palm Garden looked a haven of peace and quiet where you may like to sit and enjoy the views or read a book, or just have a quiet chat. Very nice. As was the Colombus Lounge, which looked like it would be the ‘hub’ of the ship in the evening. Warm and inviting.

PALM GARDEN

RESTAURANT

To the Cabins. Ok I know its a small ship, but… Some of the Inside Cabins and Lower grade Oceanviews were ‘bijou’, and again I felt claustrophobic inside. The bathrooms were basic, with my old favourite the plastic looking shower curtain. Its only when I got to the Superior Deluxe Oceanview with the Marble bathrooms that I felt I could relax in, if I was on board as a passenger.

INSIDE CABIN

ACCESSIBLE CABIN

ACCESSIBLE BATHROOM

SUPERIOR DELUXE OCEANVIEW BATHROOM

The accessible cabins however, looked very spacious with more than enough room to navigate a Wheelchair or Scooter, and a had large bathroom.

Here’s a few pictures I took, see what you think. For me, its the Magellan every time. We all have our favourites, likes and dislikes and I’m grateful for the opportunity of spending time on board the different cruise ships to see which ones ‘suit’.

POOL AREA