Marco Polo www.cruiseandmaritime.com

Just back after 10 days on the Marco Polo FIORDS CRUISE. Brilliant time had. Nervous as I had read very negative reviews. Happy to say all incorrect. Staff friendly . Efficient and hard working. Good plentiful hot food. Clean ship. a big thank you to all staff on the Marco Polo who worked incredibly hard.

My friend and I booked a Cruise with Cruise and Maritime Voyages aboard the Marco Polo. We didn't know what to expect but it surpassed all our expectations.

When we received our tickets, we were surprised to find that we had been given a free upgrade. Our cabin 821 was on Navigator deck and was very comfortable. It had two large windows and although there was a partially obstructed view, we still enjoyed views of the magnificent scenery.

Cleanliness of the ship was paramount. Hand sanitizers were used throughout the ship, especially before entering the restaurants.

Everything from start to finish was very professional. The staff were very helpful and pleasant and nothing was too much trouble.

The food was excellent and varied and standards were high.

The entertainment/shows were also excellent and professional.

We went on trips independently and thoroughly enjoyed them. Our cruise took us to Ulvik, Eidfjord, Flam, Geiranger and Bergen. This really was a wonderful holiday. We had lovely weather too. Norway is a very beautiful country but expensive.

When we arrived at Tilbury, our luggage was taken by a crew member and left outside our cabin. It was so easy and very well organised.

When we arrived back, it was equally as well organised,

I would like to thank Cruise and Maritime Voyages and their staff and crew aboard the Marco Polo for making this a holiday that we will remember always. I can highly recommend this holiday and the Marco Polo.

We travelled on the Marco Polo to the Baltic capitals and St Petersburg. The itinerary and entertainment were good. The cabin was clean and the crew, on the whole, were polite. However, there were serious problems with the food, which lacked variety, wasn't appetising and was served cold, particularly in the buffet restaurant. Worse, the early dinner sitting was advertised as starting at 6.30pm, but in reality started at 5.45 or 6pm - like nursery tea-time, and not acceptable. Marco Polo staff refused to alter this despite complaints from many passengers - they said they had a right to hold mealtimes whenever they chose to, despite what the guests might want. It felt as if, having got our money, they weren't that concerned about our comfort - disappointing. We are experienced cruisers - this was our first and definitely our last trip on the Marco Polo or with Cruise and Maritime.

Just back from the Baltic cruise today. I am 46 and my wife is late thirties. Food excellent and a good choice of being served by waiters or not. Everywhere was spotless, there were good shows at night and interesting lectures. Notably, a former soldier that patrolled the former Eastern block during the cold war and did a bit of spying. The staff couldn't do enough for you. It's saddening having read other reviews that people are put off as most of the passengers are older people. We met very nice and interesting people on board.

First cruise --not sure if we would like it, but loved every minute and are booking another on the Marco Polo.

I can honestly say this was a holiday of a lifetime, the Baltics cruise on the Marco Polo was the most amazing experience I've ever had. The Captain and crew were outstanding, every last one of them. the food was fantastic, with a choice of buffet or more formal meals in the restaurant. All staff were chatty, helpful and attentive without overcrowding you. The cabin was cleaned twice a day and our cabin attendant Leonid was exceptional. All the receptionists were friendly and informative, daily itenaries and world newsletters were printed daily, the waiters and bar staff were very attentive, always approachable and willing to have a chat when possible. The Jade Wellness centre was clean and very professionally run, the therapist I had for a massage and facial was very highly skilled. The pool, gym and hot tub facilities were excellent. The excursion staff and volunteers were very efficient, somehow returning back to the ship with the correct number of people each time despite peoples' best efforts to get lost! The entertainment was second to none, what a great performace of Joseph, and the Abba tribute on the last night was a great success. Prices were acceptable drinkswise, a large glass of wine was around £3, same for a beer. Tea and coffee was free, breakfast had a good variety of continental or cooked with fruit availble, lunch was superb - buffet, restaurant or pizza/bar-b-q outside and a new choice of soup every day and vegetarians (ie us) were very well catered for both at lunch and dinner. There was afternoon tea with sandwiches and cakes galore. There was plenty of room to move about both indoors and out without having to meet up with the same people unless you wanted to. The shop had a good selection of goods, the photo shop displayed pictures taken regularly and there was a chance to buy a DVD of the cruise. The itenary was absolutely fantastic - Warnemunde (we didn't take an excursion for this as Berlin seemed a long way away to travel on a coach in the heat) so we wandered around the town and took an hour river cruise for 6 euros. All the other excursions we took were for 3-4 hours which was just right for us and great value for money. We took a boat to a fortress island when we visited Helsinki which I would recommend due to time restrictions. We went on a cruise at every destination giving us a chance to see a different view of the cities. I would thoroughly recommend this cruise to both novices and experienced travellers. We certainly hope to return to the Marco Polo and to repeat this wonderful experience. Couldn't rate this highly enough. Thank you to all the dedicated staff for making this the most wonderful holiday ever.

I hd never been on a cruise before,and after the sad eves of June/July 2009 on the previous cruise tHe Marco Polo hd mad,I wasnt to sure. However after going on board,mand a war an cheerful welcome by al staff,it soon became evident that this was a happy ship and a wonderful and professional crew. The Captain,his Officers and all the Crew worked hard to give us an unforgettable time. All the facilities were as described in the brochure,in fact th brochure doesnt do the ship justice.The Entertanment was Top Shelf,and the Cruise Director designed a programme to suit all taste,ages and abilities. If this is what cruising is then book me on the Marco Polo again and again. In fact when we got off the ship in Copenhagen I looked back to see her berthed beside a big gleaming monster(no names !)and felt proud of the fact that she 'was my ship'. Yes I know thats a bit schmaltzy but I am a' virgin cruiser' God Bless her,and all who sail on her.

Just survived the PLAGUE SHIP. Sad that the holiday was ruined by sickness among the Marco Polo passengers and crew. Spent 4 days in one port and was confined to cabin for 48 hours. The crew that were well were fantastic, absolutely nothing was too much effort, all of the communal areas of the ship were really in good condition as were the cabins. Does not appear to have stabilisers fitted to the ship

We went on the Fjords cruise at the end of April with Transocean Tours and it was wonderful. It was great being able to stay on board the ship instead of transferring to a smaller ship to see the Fjords, as you have to with some of the other cruise liners.

I cannot disagree more with the previous review. We have just returned from the Witsun Fjords cruise on Marco Polo and were impressed with every aspect. The crew and staff, mostly from Eastern Europe, all spoke excellent English, and went out of their way to be extremely helpful and polite. We found the food to be very good with plenty of choice. The whole ship was spotless. The embarkation went very smoothly. We will definitely go again and would recommend it to our friends.