MV Marco Polo Cruise Ship: Full Guide & Tour Highlights

MV Marco Polo Cruise Ship

Introduction

The MV Marco Polo cruise liner has impressed UK and USA holidaymakers with its traditional charm, diversified itineraries, and friendly service. From first voyage to ship comparison like-for-like, we’ve compiled this guide for all your needs from cabins and things to do onboard to dining, accessibility, and FAQs. Stay ahead of the game with expert-level content, voice-search-friendly answers, and authority-approved advice—ideal for booking your next cruise.

Why Cruise the MV Marco Polo Cruise Ship?

• Timeless elegance with contemporary amenities – Launched in 1965, the ship blends timeless elegance and contemporary amenities.
• Mid-scale friendly ambiance – Accommodating approximately 800 guests, the ambiance is mid-scale friendly, casual, and ideal for those who love ship societies that are not excessively large.
• Characterful itinerary – Cruises visit the Baltic, Mediterranean, Russia, and far-flung ports such as the Canary Islands and the Arctic.
• Trusted operator – Being owned by Cruise & Maritime Voyages, Marco Polo still offers quality UK departures.

Itineraries: Where Can the Marco Polo Take You?

Northern Europe & Russian cruises

• St Petersburg, Helsinki, Stockholm, Tallinn
• Ideal for history buffs and culture vultures

Mediterranean highlights

• Barcelona, Rome, Naples, Dubrovnik
• A mix of sun-weather ports and UNESCO sites

Canary Islands & Atlantic passages

• Lanzarote, Madeira, Gran Canaria
• A winter-sun break no matter what time of year

Arctic & Northern Lights

• Norway fjords, Greenland, Iceland
• Ideal for adventure travelers with stunning scenery and Aurora Borealis

Cabins & Accommodation Selection

Comfortable and convenient in all categories of cabins, but choosing the right one is your preference and budget.

Inside Cabins

• Most budget-friendly option
• Small with limited storage, TV, and semi-ensuite facilities

Outside (Porthole) Cabins

• Ocean view with natural light
• Some with full bathrooms

Outside with Balcony

• Best for fresh-air experience and ocean view
• Few on board—reserve early

Suites & Mini-Suites

• Spacious suites on Promenade Deck
• More lounge room and large windows
• Allocated to loyal travellers first

Pro tip: Choose a forward-facing cabin to avoid exhaust fumes, and avoid deck 2 starboard if you’re sensitive to noise.

Onboard Amenities & Facilities

Dining & Beverage Options

• Main dining room (two sittings)

A la carte menus, British classics, themed evenings

• Casual buffet

Breakfast to afternoon tea – great for self-service flexibility

• Bar & lounge

Light snacks, cocktails, live music, dance floor including cabaret performances

• Complimentary coffee & biscuits available all day

Tea is served free to the passengers throughout the day

Entertainment

• Cabaret nights, quizzes, bingo, dance nights
• Enrichment lectures by guest lecturers on history, culture, wildlife
• Library and card room for quieter times
• Deck shuffleboard & walkway

Wellness & Recreation

• Solar-heated pool, gym with cardio machines
• Spa with facials, massages, hairdresser
• Small jog track, putting green
• Daily well-being sessions: yoga, stretching
• Note: no hot tub or sauna on ship

Eating on board the MV Marco Polo: What to Expect

Culinary Style

• British comfort food emphasis
• Seasonal menus with new local produce, i.e., British lamb or Mediterranean seafood

Sample Menus

• Traditional Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding
• Fish & Chips on selected sailings
• Theme nights: Italian, Caribbean, or Formal Gala Dinner

Special Dietary Requirements

• Vegetarian, vegan, and some gluten-free dishes are easily available
• Book special meals at booking or prior to each cruise
• Special diets accommodated, though very specialist diets can require guest-prep

Shore-based Activities & Onshore Excursions

Onboard Activities

• Theme nights: Pirates’ Night, Tropical Night, 70s Disco
• Expert lecturers-led guided tours
• Amateur talent nights: watch or accompany other passengers

Shore Excursions

• Book on cruise or independently

Highlights are:

• Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg with skip-the-line admission
• Vasa Museum and royal warship in Stockholm
• Arctic hikes with local guides to cross the glaciers

Accessibility: A Cruise for All

• Most decks covered by wheelchair-accessible corridors and lifts
• Two fully wheelchair-accessible cabins with en suite toilets
• Embarkation/disembarkation assistance by the crew
• Book in advance for personalised organisation

Cost Breakdown and Value

The following are the major price components:

• Fare inclusions: Cruise fare, basics drinks, meals, entertainment
• Optional extras: Excursions on shore, spa, laundry, tipping (£7–£9 per guest per day)
• Flights or transfers: Sold typically in packages; can purchase separately to save

Approximate cost per person:

• 7-night cruise inside cabin: £700–£900 / $900–$1,200
• Outside cabin: £900–£1,200 / $1,200–$1,600
• Single supplements for round Europe or UK sailings

Save money tips:

• Book in advance for cheap prices
• See repositioning cruises (lower demand, reduced prices)
• Do your own tours instead of cruise-organized excursions

Reviews & Reputation

TripAdvisor overall rating: around 4.0–4.2 out of 5

Praise for:

• Friendly, one-to-one staff
• Nostalgic ambiance
• Good value for money

Most complaints are:

• Smaller cabin accommodations than on newer mega-cruise ships
• Less entertainment range
• Fewer youth facilities (more adult and over‑50 centered)

What to Pack on an MV Marco Polo Cruise

• Smart formal evening wear for gala and formal nights
• Formal raincoat and separates for cold climates
• Travel adapters, binoculars, pocket camera
• Power strip—cabin outlets limited
• Alert EU passenger locator? not sure since UK exit, still look for COVID/no longer working.

Casual footwear for:

• Onboard walking, deck walking
• Shore shoreling

Voice‑Search Optimised FAQs

Is the MV Marco Polo cruise ship suitable for seniors?

Yes. Its small size, relaxed pace, fewer stairs, and enrichment activities make it ideal for 50+, particularly from the UK and USA.

Does Marco Polo have Wi-Fi?

There is only limited Wi-Fi on public lounges and cabins. The speeds are low—there is largely data use for email and messaging; streaming is not advisable.

How strict is the dress code on Marco Polo?

Smart casual. At least a formal night per cruise per week with gala dinner—men wear jackets, women dress up or use smart trousers.

Are there family facilities on board?

They are limited. There is no teens’ lounge or children’s club. There are a few holidaying families, but it is more geared towards older travelers.

How big is the pool?

There is a shallow sun-heated pool midships. Perfect for sunbathing and cooling off refreshing swims, but not for serious lap swimming.

Can I reserve one cabin?

Yes, although single supplements are usually applied. Watch out for special deals that include solo fares in shoulder season.

Safety & Sustainability Standards

• Complies with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations

New-generation safety

• Drills conducted regularly
• Smoke and CO detectors within all cabins
• State-of-the-art fire suppression systems

Green initiatives

• Recycling onboard
• Energy-efficient lighting
• Carbon offset partners on all UK departures

Health & Medical Protocols

• Medical centre onboard with trained doctor and nurse
• No full hospital treatment—serious treatment transferred ashore
• NHS and Medicare are not applicable; travel health insurance mandatory
• Basic medicines aboard; carry personal medicines

Booking Advice for UK & USA Visitors

UK visitors

• Local departure points: London Tilbury, Liverpool, Newcastle, Dundee
• Passport not necessary on cruises to UK or Ireland; passports necessary elsewhere

US visitors

• UK/Europe cruises need passport
• Arrange airport transfers and flights ahead of time

Want group flights? Most UK–USA holidays booked as packages

General Advice

• Book within 24 hours of release for best cabin location
• Loyalty will be rewarded with priority suite reservation and onboard credit
• Deposit + balance or interest-free payments for settlement

Traveller Tips

• Opt for Promenade Deck at forward end to minimize engine noise
• Rise early: reserve morning deck chairs
• Use your own binoculars for port and wildlife spotting
• Even the shows do overrun—check the programme for performance times
• Water in ports: bottled is safest, particularly in Southern Europe

Other Ships Worth Looking At

If you dislike MV Marco Polo facilities or amenities, try:

• MS Borealis (Fred. Olsen Cruises)
• Similar size, contemporary furnishings, UK-only cruises
• MS Artania (Phoenix Reisen)
• Classic decor, German clientele, often cruises Arctic seas
• Pacific Eden (P&O Australia)
• Circumferential capacity, renovated interior space, easygoing atmosphere

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)

Do I pay tips?

Outside and suite accommodation has full private en-suite bathrooms; inside accommodation uses semi-ensuite facilities.

Optional. Crew depend on tips—around £7 – £9/night is standard but not obligatory.

Is the pool heated?

Sun-heated; available on temperate and warm cruises.

May I bring my own liquor?

No prohibition; all beverages must be bought onboard, although with exceptions for special diets or cultural requirements—enquire in advance.

May I have laundry onboard?

Yes—full laundry and pressing service at additional cost.

Final Why: Is MV Marco Polo Suitable For You?

Select MV Marco Polo if you:

• Enjoy nostalgic, small-ship, classic cruise vacations
• Miss elaborate European, Russian, or Arctic itineraries
• Relish peaceful ambience, British comfort fare, and evening cabaret
• Are 50 years or older or simply like older cruise atmosphere

If you find yourself drawn to mega-ship luxuries such as waterslides, Broadway productions, or casinos—but are willing to put up with crowds—then you’ll be looking for a large, contemporary liner.

Short Summary (Featured Snippet Format)

Ship style: Classic, small, retro-chic

Capacity: ~800 passengers—well suited for experienced travelers

Itineraries: Baltic, Mediterranean, Arctic, Canaries

Cabin arrangements: Inside, outside, balcony, suites

Diet: British food and specialty meals

Facilities on board: Spa, pool, entertainment, lectures

Cost range: £700–£1,600 per person (7 nights)

Well-suited to: Singles, couples, adults; not well-suited for children with parents

Planning Your Trip?

• Book itinerary & dates early to book your cabin type
• Book cabin on forward Promenade Deck if at all possible
• Book flights and transfers in advance for UK/US passengers
• Pack sensibly—smart casual, layers, and must-haves
• Buy health and itinerary travel insurance

Conclusion

In Conclusion, the MV Marco Polo cruise liner provides a cultured, comfortable, and sophisticated experience. From plush cabins to diverse itineraries and exemplary service, the liner is an upper-class favorite among UK and USA visitors looking for a traditional cruising experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (Expanded)

1. Why is the MV Marco Polo cruise liner famous?
Primarily its old-world ambiance, Euro and Arctic cruises, and personalized service by a British-owned cruise line.

2. Do the kids get to sail on board?
Yes—there are families on board—but it’s not family-focused. Anticipate mostly adults.

3. How is Wi‑Fi on board?
Available but not fully loaded. Great for texting and calling; not great for high-end streaming.

4. What kind of cabin should first-timers reserve?
Porthole outside cabin is an excellent middle ground between light and cost. Split-accessibles if mobility is an issue.

5. How busy is life on the ship?
Very laid back: fitness center, pacing the deck, spa, walking clubs, craft classes, and gentle entertainment.