Focus on the Marco Polo Cruise Ship

27 June 2014
Written by: Jo - Cruise Expert

Get a Marco Polo Cruise Ship Quote HERE

The Marco Polo cruise ship is the most well known in the Cruise and Maritime Voyages fleet. This line has become very popular with UK cruisers and those from further afield with their high quality service, interesting ports and concepts.

The Marco Polo provides a warm and comforting feeling which is due to its relatively small capacity of only 800 passengers. One will be reminiscent of the golden age of cruising with this ship which is designed for adult passengers only.

The Bahamian flagged mv Marco Polo is like a fine bottle of wine that has truly what it takes to be called a cruise liner.

Cabins

The cabins onboard the Marco Polo are a selection of 15 different types in total, ranging from deluxe suites and premium ocean views to smaller inside standard cabins. There are no balconies on the Marco Polo, but all of the outside cabins have either a large window or a porthole to gaze out into the sea.

The cabins come equipped with hairdryers, electric safes, telephones and televisions that offer international programming, as well as British shows. Deluxe and Junior Suites also have refrigerators and enormous marble bathrooms amongst other additional perks.

Dining

The intimate ship contains two restaurants. Located in the main dining area on Atlantic Deck 6, you will find the Waldorf Restaurant. The other option is Marco’s Bistro, a casual buffet that can be found on Magellan Deck 8. Both restaurants are functional for all meals and both of them use the dress code as mentioned below.

The Waldorf contains two seating’s for supper at 18:00 and 20:00 and has open seating for breakfast and dinner. Both restaurants serve British cuisine as well as local fare from the ports on route. The Waldorf also features both vegetarian and healthy-choice on their menus.

Dress Code

The Marco Polo cruise ship dress code is a question that’s on a lot of peoples minds before booking. Casual is acceptable for day wear, but at night, you should smarten up a bit. Satisfactory dress is both smart casual on casual dining evenings, and semi-formal or formal when indicated on the daily agenda.

Activities

You will never be bored on the Marco Polo and there really is something for everyone. During the daytime when at sea, the ship offers a wide variety of enrichment programmes, ranging from lectures on destinations to ballroom dance lessons.

At night, the ship’s entertainment can be found in the Marco Polo Lounge where there are two production shows every evening. You can also head to the Captain’s Club Lounge where the ship’s pianist plays soft tunes. There is also a nightclub and an internet café, library and card room.

There is an outdoor swimming pool on Magellan deck with three whirlpools and on the deck above it’s possible take a long stroll around the promenade.

The Jade Wellness Centre on the ship offers a full service menu of hairdressing and beauty treatments as well as sauna and massage services that will relax and reduce stress. Passengers can also use the modern fitness and exercise equipment at the centre.

Destinations

The great thing about cruising on the Marco Polo for UK passengers is that they don’t have to travel far to board her. The main departure point is Tilbury, London and there are also a few itineraries that depart from Newcastle.

There are various sailings that range from 3-day breaks to Amsterdam and Antwerp, 7-day Fjords and 9-day British Isles itineraries. Another itinerary that gets booked up fast is the Land of The Northern Lights and the search for the green and pink lights that dance across the night time sky.

The highlight to start the year off is their celebratory cruise of 42 nights from Tilbury to Amsterdam, Lisbon and Madeira. The Marco Polo then continues across the Atlantic to Brazil and the West Indies and Caribbean before crossing back to Europe.

The former Orient Lines ship has been reconditioned and refitted with all the modern conveniences required to satisfy her loyal band of repeat customers.

The Marco Polo Cruise Ship Video

The Marco Polo cruise ship is fully stabilised and air-conditioned with eight passenger decks and three dedicated to public areas. With British and International staff, she is easily identifiable as a grand lady by her distinctive dark blue hull.

Look at the cruises available and you will see that not only are fine service and interesting ports of call the norm, but a flight to reach the ship is not necessary.