Berlitz Guide to Cruising

Overview

This ship was built as one of five almost identical sister ships for the Russian/Ukrainian fleet (it was originally constructed to re-open the Leningrad to Montreal transatlantic route in 1966, after a long absence since 1949). The ship has a fine, traditional “real-ship” profile, an extremely strong ice-strengthened hull and huge storage spaces for long voyages. After being completely refitted (from the hull and engines up) and refurbished, the ship now features well-designed destination-intensive cruises, at realistic prices.

Orient Lines, and its single ship Marco Polo was bought by Norwegian Cruise Line in 1998 (and then by Star Cruises in 2000), but continues to operate under the Orient Lines brand name. A second ship (Crown Odyssey) was added to the fleet in 2000, but in 2003 it was transferred to the NCL fleet.

Marco Polo is fitted with the latest navigational aids and biological waste treatment center, and carries 10 Zodiac landing craft for in-depth shore trips in eco-sensitive areas.

This is a comfortable vessel throughout and, because it has a deep draft, rides well in unkind sea conditions. There are two large, forward-facing open-deck viewing areas. There is also a helicopter-landing pad atop the ship. The wood decked aft swimming pool/lido deck area is kept in good condition. Joggers and walkers can circle around the ship – not on the promenade deck, but one deck above, although this goes past vast air intakes that are noisy, and the walkway is very narrow.
As soon as you walk aboard, you feel a warm, welcoming, homely ambiance that is instantly comforting. There is a wide range of public rooms, most of which are arranged on one horizontal deck. A sense of spaciousness pervades, as most have high ceilings. The interior decor is very tasteful, with careful use of mirrored surfaces, as well as colors that do not clash and are relaxing but not boring; the subdued lighting helps maintain an air of calmness and relaxation.

Although this ship is more than 35 years old, it is in remarkably fine shape – a tribute to the management and crew. Indeed, it’s in better shape than many ships only 10 years old, and its interiors are constantly being refurbished and refreshed.
All in all, Marco Polo has well-planned destination-intensive cruises, and offers really good value for money in very comfortable, elegant but unpretentious surroundings, while a friendly and accommodating Filipino crew helps to make a cruise a pleasant, no-hassle experience. Despite the fact that the ship is beautifully maintained, the slightly lower score than it was given in last year’s edition reflects changing times (there’s a lot of new tonnage around), less crew training in service areas, and other items.

There is no observation lounge with forward-facing views over the ship’s bows. There is a little too much use of plastic and Styrofoam cups when glass would be much better for presentation. There are many “lips” or raised thresholds, so you need to be on your guard when walking through the ship, and particularly when walking up or down the exterior stairways. This could prove difficult for wheelchair passengers. Many of the Filipino crew speak Tagalog in public areas (they should be speaking in English). Drinks prices are high.