We were really looking forward to our first cruise with friends who had done loads of cruises. The smaller ship appealed and the fact that it was "adults only". The previous few days had been appalling weather in UK so we were looking forward to some winter sun. We had some trepidation about crossing the Bay of Biscay, but nothing could have prepared us for Gale force 9 and storm force 10 with 10 metre waves! Other cruise ships had decided not to cross in this weather, but Marco Polo carried on. After 3 days of relentless battering by the winds and waves we got into Coruna port in Northern Spain for Christmas Day. Ambulances were waiting for several people who had injuries. The respite was welcome, but everyone were pretty jaded by this time, including the crew.

The food on board was pleasant, but not what we had been told to expect. The staff were a mixed group. Some were very good and others quite surly and unhelpful. We cruised on to Tenerife, missing out Gibraltar and Lanzarote. Trips were organised for this island and La Palma & Madeira. We enjoyed the trips we did. The only saving grace was the fireworks display on Madeira on New Year's Eve. However, it seemed odd that party food was not made available for the deck party.

The returning journey was also difficult with worsening weather conditions and people being confined to cabins. It wasn't really our idea of a relaxing cruise. Read more