Marco Polo – a Beautiful Small Cruise Ship… ?

I have recently had the opportunity to enjoy a lovely visit on the Cruise & Maritime Voyages small ship the Marco Polo.. I have never cruised with them previously, or been on board one of their ships so I went with a completely open mind to Avonmouth docks last week to take a look for myself.

Marco Polo is an extremely small ship in relation to any other I have been on and this was evident from the moment I stepped on board – only 2 small lifts and fairly narrow stairways, no large glitzy atrium.  However she did have a lovely character to her and I must say that she did feel very homely.. If you like  huge Casino’s, water park with slides & amazing children’s facilities – then this is NOT the ship for you… some may say that she has a bit of a luxury Ferry feel to her – but she really is about “destination cruising” and has the ability to get in to lots of small ports that your larger more modern cruise ships can’t… also when you look at some of the prices then for the standard of Food and service, transportation & accommodation provided you really can’t go wrong – cheaper than a low cost airline to an overseas Travelodge !!..

Not many cruise ships would fit in to Avonmouth Docks through this little loch… The narrow metal fronted staircases.

The day started with coffee served in Scott’s Bar – one of the evening (and daytime) entertainment lounges looking out to the back of the ship, before taking a tour of the ship to see the different cabins on offer. From my many years in the Travel & Cruise Industry I am well aware that there is not a “One ship fits all” and I know that this ship would not appeal to some people, but Cruise & Maritime Voyages do have some absolutely fantastic deals, do great deals for Solo travellers and also have a large amount of regional departures… They are more about the itineraries and destinations.  The standard cabins were however of a good size, with wardrobe space, built in mini safe and shower facilities. The ship offered a range of cabins through to the absolutely beautiful Deluxe Suite.

Standard cabin facilities – fairly basic but adequate..

Our tour continued to the open deck area by the swimming pool, where a snack service was being served to embarking guests.  As well as the Main Dining Room (Waldorf Restaurant) there is also the Marco’s Restaurant which serves a self service buffet and leads out on to the pool deck to dine alfresco.

Beautiful pool deck area at the back of the ship

The ship also has a lovely Show Lounge, Library and the Captain’s Club Lounge Bar… off of the main lobby area were the Reception, Tours Desk and a few Boutique shops

I was extremely impressed with the food served for Lunch – an amazing 5 course lunch, obviously not compulsory to have all courses but I had to try it !!.

My absolutely beautiful lunch, very generous portions and all very tasty

Drinks prices were also very reasonable and a good value All Inclusive Drinks package at £ 17 per person per day.

Bar Price list..

Not many ships you can get so much in 1 picture – lovely also to catch up with a couple of Cruise.co.uk colleagues Jodie & Edward. 

Overall my impressions of the ship were very different to what I had expected, and given the right itinerary, she is certainly a ship that I would not hesitate to cruise on myself..