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First time cruisers on Marco Polo
 
Reviewed By: lavington, Cliftonville on 2nd Feb 2010
Cruise Line: Cruise & Maritime Voyages Times cruised before: 0
Cruise Ship: Marco Polo Sailed: January, 2010
Destination: Caribbean Age: 56-65
Cabin: Outside Occasion: Came into some money
Just returned (yesterday 1st Feb 2010) from a cruise on the Marco Polo. We were cruise virgins and didn't know what to expect. Although there were a few things to criticise I think overall on the Marco Polo you received good value for your money. Most of the people on board that we met were experienced cruisers and told us that this was fairly poor compared to other ships but they agreed that value for money the Marco Polo was pretty good. The cruise itself took us to the Caribbean although I have to say it was more of an Atlantic cruise as it took a week each way before we actually got to the Islands. The food was quite acceptable and the staff were excellent. They were mostly from Russia and Romania but were very friendly and you felt that they actually wanted to please everybody. The entertainment man, Richard Sykes, was outstanding and all agreed that the shows and music on board were as good or better than any other ship. My only gripe was that there was a lot of penny pinching policies i.e charging for a bottle of water in your cabin. Drinks were not that cheap and they did run out of decent red wine. The excusions they laid on were a bit varied. One was a beach 'extravaganza' - but this consided of dumping us on a frying hot beach for two hours and then driving us back. I think management realised it was a mistake. Having said that, though, the three other excusions we went on were very good, informative and excellent value. Our cabin on board was mid range and very comfortable. Overall the ship was kept spotlessly clean and they paid particular attention to making sure hands were santised before going in the restaurants. The restaurants consisted of a self serve and waiter service. The serving staff were excellent at all times. One final point that caused a lot of discussion was the tipping policy. Having booked at the agreed price they slapped on a £240 charge to cover tips. I can see their point but it was obvious the staff knew nothing about this and it was difficult to decide how much extra to hand out as tips. I'm sure management will think again on this. Overall I would recomment the Marco Polo but it isn't the height of luxury but it seems a happy and well run ship. I would be very happy to cruise again with this ship but there are things I know now and be ready for them.
Quality of Food3
A bit bland but mostly of good standard
Entertainment3
Not particularly interested in shows but other passengers rated them highly
Shore Excursions3
Best - Madeira Worse - St Vincent
Staff3
Entertainments man
Children's Facilitiesn/a
Onboard Activities4
Cabins4
Overall Rating4
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Comment by Gabb, Christchurch (06 Feb 10 17:01) about this REVIEW
I agree with most of Lavingtons comments. The Highlight of the cruise was undoubtably Richard Sykes an excellent Cruise Director with some talented hosts as back up. The tendering operation needs to be improved as it took too long to get ashore but by taking the catamarran betwen St Kitts and Bequia we took advantage of the whole day off the ship to swim on two beaches (Blanck and Sandy sands), see where Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed and a very nice lunch on board together with Rum Punches. The inside smoking in the Captains Club was a pain as it spread caross the whole lounge to the discomfort of many. Iagreee also that even though the drinks were very expensive it did not stop some getting exceedingly drunk, Congratulations to the Captain for chucking the one couple off after the incident as we were about to leave Antigua. Although there were some medium swells Iwas surprised that the doctor was bust setting brocken wrists sprained ankles etc, probably due to the high number of first time cruisers. These incidents appart it was good value for the money paid and a welcome escape from the frosts and snow we left behind
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Comment by Ramsay, CHIPPENHAM (14 Feb 10 19:32) about a COMMENT by Gabb (06 Feb 10 17:01)
have cruised for many years, on various cruise liners, and we can honestly say that the cruise we had on the marco polo, from the 2nd january-- 1st february 2010, was overall fantastic. we cruised on this ship in the 70's when it was the Alexander Pushkin. and it was lovely to return. the staff were marvellous, and i got my regular latte, just how i like it from the columbus lounge bar i.e. very hot. the shows were very good, much better than on other cruise ships. the shops could be improved, and the tendering does have to be quicker. we hope to cruise again with the marco polo at the end of the year.
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Opinion: Agree Comment by Beveridge, Colne (06 Feb 10 15:41) about this REVIEW
I think that I have read somewhere that Cruise And Maritime are the renamed Transocean Tours, it does seem to be the same East European staff, with Richard Sykes as CD.
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Comment by Duncan, Oswestry (03 Feb 10 09:46) about this REVIEW
Thank you for your review of your cruise,its nice to know how the new company Cruise&maritime are running things.
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