Cruise Talk: Back From Marco Polo

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Author

Topic: Back From Marco Polo

Malcolm @ cruisepage
Cruise Director
Member # 301

posted 12-27-2011 08:24 AM

Just before Christmas I did a three nignt mini-cruise to Antwerp & Amsterdam on-board the Marco Polo, from Tilbury.

Now given the fact that this was the cheapest cruise fare that I've ever paid (£150pp each for three nights in an inside cabin) and the many mediocre reviews on this site, I was not expecting very much. However what a surprise!

The inside of the ship was well refitted, stylish in many areas, and spotless. (Better than Thomson's ships)
The cabin as very clean and adequatey adequte in size.
The food in the buffet area was plain and simple, being British in style (Bread & Butter Pub etc.) and although it lacked the variety of a mega-ship, it was very edible.
The evening meals in the main restaurant were EXCELLENT and NEVER luke warm. (Food was better at times than food I've had with Cunard, RCI, NCL, and Olsen).
The entertainment was lively, exclusively provided by the onboard troupe (Similar to Thomson's in style).
Many of the staff were Russian, rather serious, but NOT unfreindly as such.
The onboard experience was well organised. The small woman on the pursers desk was the most friendly that I've ever encounterd in that position.

Of course it was NOT a five star cruise, but the standards of food and service were well above what I expected and what I had paid for.

(Unlike Thomson you do not have to pay for room service, you do not have to pay to use the safe.)

I'd fully recommend the Marco Polo for those who like charming-intimate ships (such as Olsen fans) and those who would enjoy a good-value 'British' style experience.

[ 12-27-2011: Message edited by: Malcolm @ cruisepage ]

Posts: 19210 | From: Essex (Just Outside London) | Registered: A Long Time Ago! | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 12-27-2011 12:43 PM

Malcolm, thanks for the glowing review of MARCO POLO. I'm booked on her for the "Britain's Maritime Cruise" from Tilbury on April 10th -- really looking forward to it!

Rich

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

Frosty 4
First Class Passenger
Member # 5826

posted 12-27-2011 01:27 PM

Is this a safe in your cabin? Or at the purser's office? Most room service is free on most cruise lines that service the US market.
I wonder on a percentage basis how many US citizens cruise on the European Market cruises??
I would venture to say it is small with most going on the big ones like,RCL , and the Carnival group
of cruise lines.
Anyone know??
frosty 4

Posts: 2531 | From: Illinois | Registered: Jul 2005 | IP: Logged

Linerrich
First Class Passenger
Member # 4864

posted 12-27-2011 02:09 PM

CMV (Cruise Maritime Voyages) is only beginning to market themselves to North Americans, albeit very carefully. As Malcolm mentioned, this product is not for everyone, and someone looking for all the bells and whistles of a modern American-style resort cruise is going to be disappointed.

I've been presenting the product to people that I know to be real shiplovers and will understand and appreciate the British style of cruising. You must understand that this is a small ship, with very traditional ways of doing things (two set seatings for dinner, no round-the-clock buffet offerings, no casino on board, no children allowed, etc.)

It's for a select market if North Americans are to be properly introduced to the product. Count me in!

Rich

Posts: 4210 | From: Miami, FL | Registered: Jul 2004 | IP: Logged

Johan
First Class Passenger
Member # 4458

posted 12-27-2011 04:23 PM

glad you enjoyed the "Marco Polo".
I saw her full alight in the morning moored.

How did you like antwerp ?

It is pity we didn't met, or you didn't warn you were coming, we could have give you some tips ;-)

Posts: 1895 | From: Antwerpen, Belgium | Registered: Feb 2004 | IP: Logged

Ernst
First Class Passenger
Member # 5369

posted 12-28-2011 07:15 AM

Thanks for the report. Good to know that she is doing fine. Any photos?

quote:
Originally posted by Malcolm @ cruisepage:
[...]Food was better at times than food I've had with Cunard, RCI, NCL, and Olsen[/i][...]

Well, you already said before that the food was edible.

Posts: 9746 | From: Eindhoven | Registered: Jan 2005 | IP: Logged

dougnewman
First Class Passenger
Member # 11349

posted 12-28-2011 04:49 PM

I'm glad to hear this delightful ship is doing well. I have very fond memories from the Orient Lines days and always wondered how it would be to return.

Posts: 2072 | From: Long Island, NY, USA | Registered: Sep 2007 | IP: Logged

Midshipcentury
First Class Passenger
Member # 12190

posted 12-28-2011 09:23 PM

This is excellent news -- thank you for the report! I had some preliminary chats with the CMV people about doing the April 10 trip as an additional guest lecturer but in any case, hope to sail in the MP soon. Did a cruise on her in 1998 and enjoyed the ship very much.

Peter

Posts: 303 | From: USA | Registered: Dec 2007 | IP: Logged

PamM
First Class Passenger
Member # 2127

posted 12-31-2011 05:46 AM

CMV have launched a new dedicated TV video channel. Watch "Our Ships" - quite refreshing with rare comments [these days] about the distinctive looks of their ships with blue hulls etc.

Pam

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Willem
First Class Passenger
Member # 3005

posted 12-31-2011 08:50 AM

quote:
Originally posted by dougnewman:
I'm glad to hear this delightful ship is doing well. I have very fond memories from the Orient Lines days and always wondered how it would be to return.

Doug,

You better do not compare with Orient Lines as by then you will be disappointed.

The ship is still the same, the casino has disappeared, the food is 'good' but with OL it was better. The main-restaurant is still o.k., but in the buffetrestaurant there is a lack of variety.

We did the Around the British Isles in 2010.

Posts: 1469 | From: In the namesake city of Cape Hoorn. | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

Namlit
First Class Passenger
Member # 1940

posted 01-16-2012 07:51 PM

A delightful ship with an interesting history! My wife and I enjoyed her in the mid 90's when she was with Orient lines, and her officers were mainly Greek. Malcolm, you mentioned Russian crew people, were they hotel staff or officers, or what? As a kid I sailed on her sister, MIKHAIL LERMONTOV, transat from NYC to Bremerhaven. I sure remember the Russians from that cruise...they made up the entire crew! The cold war was in full swing, but the Russians were actually quite friendly, and funny! (too bad about what happened to the Lermontov)
Anyway, it's cool to hear that MARCO POLO is still cruising. Too bad CMV doesn't allow kids, or I'd seriously consider cruising on her again.
Are any of the other "Poet Series" East German-built liners still afloat, anyone know?

Posts: 309 | From: Greene County, Indiana, USA | Registered: Apr 2001 | IP: Logged

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