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Orient Lines

MV Marco Polo

Your Rating:
Reviewed by: Michelle Duval
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: September 7, 2001
Itinerary: World Cruise Segment

Cruising from Athens, through the Aegean, to Istanbul aboard MV Marco Polo was delightful. Having cruised the same route aboard the MV Jupiter in the 70s and 80s, I have an appreciation for advantages like better, more personalized service, friendlier crews and, easily, the best organized shore excursions of the traditional smaller ships. The MV Marco Polo provides an that reminds one of how "cruising used to be" before frenetic singles cruises with rock climbing walls and high intensity sports music took to the high seas. It is more like Titanic without the crystal chandeliers, than like Die Hard on the water. Highly recommended for a relaxing,romantic vacation, with just the right amount of scholarly pursuits to keep the days interesting.

Public areas aboard the ship are pleasingly decorated and comfortable. The best feature is that during the day they are frequently sparsely populated and quiet enough to sit and talk to fellow cruisers while enjoying a drink and a wonderful sea view. There is plenty of room aboard to walk, but the ship was not designed to provide unbroken promenades and passing through some areas can be similar to visiting the Battleship Alabama, with noise, wind and narrow passages. The pool is small and, like the casino, not the focus of the experience that is presented. The ship is a first choice of many experienced and higher income travelers who would like to read a good book on deck rather than play Blackjack. One excellent feature is the on-board television channel that provides historical information about next ports of call.

Dining on the ship can provide any type of experience you choose. Food in all the restaurants is equally good, with a very reliable variety. Casual or Formal dining selections will both be very pleasant. Best of all, most guests aboard this ship are interesting and one will undoubtedly be able to enjoy good food and good conversation equally.

Cabins aboard the vessel are the single challenge. Select a cabin with care and stay away from cabins on decks with names that sound like exotic destinations or developing nations. Remember that unless you want to relive the safari sleeping conditions in "Out of Africa", you must choose a cabin on a deck above the bottom 4.

Count on high quality, knowledgeable local guides and a pleasant, not too strenuous itinerary.

During a cruise aboard MV Marco Polo, take advantage of all the shore excursions! The choices are many and each is good.

Fellow passengers were delightful and certainly consisted of more scholarly types. The cruise attracts upper income bracket, middle aged travelers whose standards are a bit demanding and honeymooners whose parents donated the cruise. There were almost no children, which was very agreeable with everyone, and few very elderly travelers, since the shore excursions were invariably involving long walks through ruins.