Brenna Catts

My boyfriend and I would like to take this cruise in Jan/Feb 2001. The ship is the Marco Polo. Has anyone taken this Antartic Peninsula cruise or ridden on the Marco Polo? I'd like to hear your good/bad experiences. This cruise includes landings on the Antartic peninsula by Zodiac inflatable expedition boats.

Marvin

We cruised the Marco Polo in the Greek islands . The ship is a converted troop ship and leaves lots to be desired when compared to luxury cruise ships. But it is comfortable,the food is above average, and has good service.We would choose it again if the destination was right. (would love to talk my wife into the cruise you are taking!)

mm

I'm also interested in going to the Antartic and came close two years ago when we got down to Punta Arenas, Chile but could not get a booking. I've never been on any of the Orient cruises so I don't know what they're like but I've looked at the Orient Lines brochures. I have also checked out other outfits that specialize in trips to the Antartic. About one or two tour operators actually have their own ships. Most act as trip organizers and reserve berths for the ships, usually retrofitted Russian ice breakers. I would say that most of the operators have enough expertise in arranging these trips. Some are even signatories to an agreement on travel to the South. I would search the internt for "cruises to Antartic" or "Antartic tour operators" to get more information. Some web pages give you information on the ships including layouts, size of cabins, etc. We're also planning on going in 2001, but need to see if we will be doing it in Jan/Feb or Nov/Dec. Good luck on your trip and let us know.

Kelley

My husband and I sailed the dreadful Marco Polo in Jan '97. It was a nightmare I shall never forget. Three weeks from Singapore to Sydney was absolute hell. The food, the service, the attitude of staff, the godawful cabin, and on, and on. Five people died on that cruise. If you do decide to risk them, do not book through Orient Lines. They use every trick in the book. If you must go with them to see Antarctica, be sure to use a large, reliable travel agency that might be able to bail you out of the trouble Orient is sure to give you. I am sorry this old, rusty, obnoxious tub with her impossible staff and crew is still afloat. Another word of warning...the Marco Polo never enters an American Port and consequently does not have to conform to American laws regarding health and hygiene.

Marcie

Yikes, I'm sorry to hear the "bad" things about the Marco Polo. We went on a Mediterranean cruise on the Marco Polo in 1997 and loved every minute of it. We've been on many cruises and this was one of our favorites. The Fillipino staff could not have been anymore wonderful. Marco Polo cruises are port-intensive which we loved. We were literally a traveling hotel waking up at a new port each day. We had a huge cabin with a sitting area and floor to ceiling glass along one whole wall so we had lots to see. The bathroom was oversized with all the ammentities. We didn't spend a lot of time watching the shows each night (more likely we were either in the casino or the piano bars or strolling the deck under the stars)so can't give much opinion there. We were at a table for 8 and met so many interesting people. I would consider the Marco Polo at least a 4 star cruise line with many, many repeat sailers. I'd highly recommend it and would go again in a heart beat!! Marcie

jill

I too had a great cruise on the Marco Polo. (Greek Isles) I found it to be a perfect size ship, not too large but still lots to do (I got a bit bored once on a small ship). I personally don't look for a huge "floating amusement park". I'd highly recommend this ship and it's wonderful staff. Your itinerary sounds fabulous. Unfortunately, they do not have verandah cabins. <BR>P.S. I went on my cruise 2 years ago so I hope this is still the same ship???

Kelley

There are many aspects to what would become our cruise from hell..I began to write just about the cabins, but it would take so much room on Fodors. Please E Mail me direct if you really want the entire awful story. Five months later we enjoyed "The Fantasy"...we sailed Royal Carribean's"Rhapsody Of The Seas" on her inaugural through the Panama Canal. RC GAVE US OUR MOST BEAUTIFUL CRUISE out of the 10 we had take at that point...RC restored our faith in cruising. From Orient Lines we learned to be very, very careful in our choices. A $6,000 mistake is a very big mistake....and a nightmare... when happy anticipation becomes a sickening horror.

John

My wife and I sailed the Marco Polo from Barcelona to Istanbul in June '99. <BR>No complaints and we would definitely sail her again. <BR>I can reassure jill that there has been no change.

Louise

Had to add that we cruised the Greek Islands with the Marco Polo just over a year and a half ago and had a fabulous time. The crew could not have been more wonderful. The couple we travelled with and us had no complaints whatever.

Ann Leeson

Feb 2001 I was lucky enough to visit the Antarctic Peninsula with Orient Line's Marco Polo. Can't say enough good things about both the trip and the ship. Most impressed by the friendly Fillipino staff and certainly enjoyed the food. I had an outside cabin on the Pacific deck which was very comfortable. We had four landings by zodiac's to visit the penguins up close and it was very well organised. I highly recommend this exciting trip and would certainly go again in a heart beat. <BR>Let me know if you want more information.

Dick

My wife and I took the Marco Polo in January 2000 to antartica and loved everything about the cruise. food good , lectureres were great, highly recomend this cruise.