Marco Polo Review

3.5 / 5.0
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'Marco Polo' April 2012 Cruise. French Coast.

Review for the British Isles & Western Europe Cruise on Marco Polo

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Sail Date: Apr 2012

Disovering that 'Marco Polo' was still operating as a cruise ship, having last seen her as 'Alexander Pushkin',under the Soviet flag, in Gran Canaria in the late 60's, I was not expecting anything great when my wife booked us onto the Easter cruise from which we have just returned. Travelling without expectation often brings nice surprises however and this cruise was no exception to that curious rule. A spacious, tidy and spotless cabin, two large windows, compact but very serviceable shower room, loads of storage space and a delightful Cabin Steward, Yuiry (his spelling)greeted our arrival on board. Departing from Tilbury made for a convenient drive for us and the secure parking is indoors so, apart from the usual queue to get aboard, the whole transfer was easy and unstressful. Free magazines whilst waiting were a welcome extra. Good start.

In 'Marco Polo's extensive public spaces there is no apparent hangover from the Soviet years except for the fact that she feels well found and seaworthy - a real, traditional ship with a proper funnel, a secure draft and an amazing sea range due to her outsized fuel tanks - the latter not an issue on an eight night trip! Knowing that she was built well and has a great pedigree (check the Wikipedia entry)all adds to a real sense of safe, steady voyaging in a near historic vessel. April and the Bay of Biscay invite lively weather as a near certainty and we rode out some rough stuff without discomfort on our way South and homeward bound. She has effective stabilisers and rides a swell easily.

The decor throughout is comfortable, light and modern. Public spaces are smart, well organised and in good condition. With the possible exception of Marco's Bistro (sometimes chaotic - heavily used at lunch and teatimes, long queues for tea and coffee, some unsuitable behaviour by fellow cruisers) she feels quite classy throughout in an understated way. Most of the furnishings around the ship are crisp and feel new. There is plenty of seating - a bit of a squash when it's raining and everyone's inside - but given a touch of sunshine people spread out and you can then find a quiet corner. Her beautiful exterior teak decks are spacious and there is room to sit outside or promenade and some excellent vantage points eg below the bridge looking for'ard and from the upper deck at the aft end where you look down on the small swimming pool and the sun decks. (Smokers congregate here too!) The small Games Room is rightly popular, the Library seems well stocked.

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