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Orient Lines

MV Marco Polo

Your Rating:
Reviewed by:Lydia Payne
# previous cruises: 10+
Date of Trip: February 16, 2000
Itinerary: South Pacific

I've been on several cruise lines, and I fell in love with the Marco Polo 4 years ago on my first cruise on her. It was from Athens to Mombasa. The people are incredible, from the moment you step on board they really do make you feel like you're family that has come home - it's not just hype! I've done 6 cruises on the Marco Polo in 4 years (Passage to Africa, Antarctica - TWICE, Auckland to Sydney, Sydney to Singapore, and New Zealand Splendors) and I'm trying the Crown Odyssey in December - that'll be #7 with Orient Lines. I've never repeated, or had any desire to on any other line.

The public areas are gracious and comfortable. The only problem child was the Ambassador Lounge - where they put on shows. The site lines used to be horrible, but they raised the stage, and now everyone can see. Best place to be leaving port - The Jacuzzi's. They're at the top aft of the ship, and the best view there is.

The food is wonderful, both in the dining room and the frequent optional dinners in the informal, and usually al fresco Raffles (normally used for lunch and breakfast buffets).

The Marco Polo is an older ship - an ocean liner and very solid. My kind of ship. Most cabins are typical of the older style ships. Small bathrooms, and not exactly spacious, but adequate. I would advise not booking the outside cabins mid-ship on the Pacific Deck, they can be very noisy (engine noise), and have your travel agent ask about square footage - not all cabins in all categories are created equal.

The cruise staff and the entertainment is wonderful, and if you're really lucky David Lawton (the head of Orient Lines Entertainment, and relief Cruise Director) will be on board. He's is a wonderful entertainer. The Filipino Crew show is absolutely fantastic too - don't miss it!

This is a "Destination" cruise line, not a party barge. The stops are usually wonderful, and the tours well organized. They also give out excellent port info for every stop incase you want to do it yourself! The pool is saltwater and unheated, the Jacuzzi's are always wonderful (especially in Antarctica!). When children are on board they are treated like royalty, however there are no special services for them. If there are several on board they will put together activities for them on sea days.

I've made some very good friends on board that I have not only stayed in touch with but visited. I've also made friends with crew, and it's not unusual for passengers to have lasting friendships with fellow passengers and crew members. It tends to be a social bunch, that loves travel.