Cruise Talk: Marco Polo Cabins

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Topic: Marco Polo Cabins

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-11-2002 12:51 PM

Hi all!
I am new to cruising and to this list. My husband and I will be taking our first cruise next spring. We will be booked on the Marco Polo for their repositioning cruise on April 7,2003 from Ft. Lauderdale to Rome - 22 days. I am very excited and have a million questions but will try to keep this short. I see from other posts on this list that there is a problem telling cabin size from the deck plans and was hoping someone would be able give us some idea which the better cabins might be. We are going for a "C" level cabin which are found on the Main Deck, the Promenade Deck and the Upper Deck. I am very tempted by the four forward cabins on the Promenade Deck (601-604). Can you see well forward out of these or is the view obstructed by the deck railing? Would it make more sense to be on the side of the ship, the port side, the Main Deck? Any help anyone can give us on this would be greatly appreciated. And if you have any other advice, tips and/or hints they would be greatly welcome.
Thanks so much!
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

Willy Paul
First Class Passenger
Member # 473

posted 09-11-2002 01:00 PM

Nice to see someone else on this cruise. I have tried a few sites for information and have not met anyone going.

Our travel agent called Orient directly and got the room size for the cabins we were interested in.

See you on board.

Posts: 151 | From: Auburn, Ma. | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 09-11-2002 03:23 PM

Hello Sharon, welcome to travelpage !
The cabin-category you've mentioned is well choosen. The cabins are a bit more spacious than the regular ones, What I can tell you about numbers 601 to 604 is that you might not see too much for two reasons: There is a deck in front which has a rail. This rail will obstruct views to the front. Further more, the ship is a classic ship with traditional lines. That means in the front it will go up so you will not see much of the sea but more the deck and the bow.
As well, there can always be other passengers around on the deck (as well on the Upper Deck) and you might have to close your window-courtains to not feel disturbed.
I would suggest you to take (if still available) the 608 or 607 or one of the Main-deck cabins. In this case you have a guarantee to see the sea.

Now about the ship itself:
As I already said, it is a classic ship build in 1966 at the german MTW yards as the ALEKSANDR PUCHKIN. It is one of a series of 5 identical sisterships built for different Russian cruiselines. Already that time it was very popular, especially cruising with German passengers, offering a great value-for-money.
In 1993 it was completely refurbished (means none of the original interiors were kept. All (except the ice-hardened hull and the engines) is brandnew (designed by the greek architect Kazourakis).
The ship has a very good reputation and Orient Lines is known for an excellent cruise-product.
The crew is very friendly and professional. The food is of an excellent quality and there is lots of choice. Beside the Seven Seas Restaurant you'll find the Raffles which is the place for informal dining.
You did a very good choice. Especially for your transatlantic-cruise the ship is very good. Due to a draft of 8,17 m the ship will stay quite stable in rough sea.
Have a very nice cruise !

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-11-2002 11:05 PM

Thanks Willy and Patrick, for such speedy and helpful replies! Here's my dilemma, this question is for Patrick who seems to know this ship pretty well, which of these two cabins would you reserve if this was your cruise, 607 in the bow on the starboard side of the Promenade Deck with 130 square feet of space or 542 the last cabin aft on the port side of the Main Deck with 158 square feet of space. Keeping mind that I am an avid if very amauter photographer and that I think most of the land will be on the port side on this cruise. In other words, should I go for a big window high up but on the "wrong" side or should I go for the extra space? I do appreciate your expertise! Thanks! Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-12-2002 01:43 AM

Hi!
I have been reading posts on another site and have come up with another cabin question. Someone just back from a MP cruise complained of excessive vibration on the Main Deck from about cabin 490 back. My question is, was this person just being overly sensitive to what would be a normal condition aboard a ship under power or am I totally nuts to book the rear most cabin? Will we be shaken about back there?
Thanks for your help!
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 09-12-2002 06:05 AM

I was just going to say that I would prefer to book the cabin 607 which is in front because in the rear you will feel some vibrations from the engines. Remember that the ship is from 1966 and vibrations there are always stronger than on newer ships. But for sure you won't be shaken out of the cabin !
Another hint: Do not judge too much about the windows. Normally you only stay in your cabin to sleep. For taking pictures you'd better go to the upper outside-decks because the windows are never so clean to have perfect pictures taken. Remember that you can't open them. Further more the ship cruises mainly in the night and rather far away from the coasts so you won't see to much of it anyway.
Enjoy your cruise !

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-12-2002 06:31 PM

Thanks Patrick!
You really helped me make up my mind and I am now quite happy with the decision to take the higher deck cabin even if it is a smaller space. As you say we won't be spending all that much time there anyway. And we will have good access to a variety of decks for picture taking purposes. Thanks also for your good wishes on the cruise. We are really excited about taking a "big" boat as all our cruising in the past has been done on narrowboats, a totally different experience!
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 09-12-2002 08:04 PM

Sharon....you're in for a good trip on a 'REAL' ship. We've done several long ones on the MP including the Ultimate cruise - the long Antarctic. She is easily our favourite of all.

So, to cabins, being a real ship the cabins even in the same category come in different shapes and sizes. If you get one facing on an outside deck then you will be looking at people going past.
The for'd ones you mention not only have that but there is solid rail across the deck so all you'll see is sky.
Right back aft you are going to get a lot more movement if there is even a bit of a swell and she pitches.
Midships on Bali & Pacific you'll get some engine noise adjacent to the casing.

As for the "Excessive" vibration aft of 490. Well our cabin usually is aft of that and one deck down and we've NEVER had any vibration at all, and that has included ice-breaking and bad weather as well. I think it must have been echoes in the open spaces between the ears.

You'll find the crew keep the ship immaculate and they're very proud of her, A happy crew. Whilst the windows are cleaned at every opportunity they do get dirty with salt spray which is sticky so if you aim on getting pictures thro' them - make allowances...we've got some good shots and a bit of the frame or porthole adds to the story.

Some of the sound insulation between cabins is not the greatest so one little tip if that can bother you - get a cabin with one side a fire bulkhead. We had a couple of old girls next to us for part of one trip and they used to shout at each other so loud we could hear practically every word. We sent them a little note mentioning that and both came to see us seperately to say it couldn't have been her because she never spoke to the other silly-old-so-and-so!! They were sisters and a bit deaf.

There you are, you're welcome to E-mail me if I can help.
...peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-12-2002 08:53 PM

Hi Peter,
Since I am new to cruising I have been reading all the chat rooms I can find and I have enjoyed reading your posts. Thanks for taking the time to discuss this with me. My husband, Pieter, and I decided to try the cabin that was available in the "C" class on the Promenade Deck. It looks to me from the Deck Plans that the "promenade" doesn't actually go all the way around the outside of the cabins in the front but that a person would have to go inside in order to get to the very front deck. Is that correct? If it is then our starboard facing cabin should have neither deck nor railing in front of the windows. But that also means I won't be able to get out there with my bottle of Windex! There are cabins on either side but looking at the deck plans that seems pretty much unavoidable. I will bring my earplugs, just in case! Do you think that we will find 130 squ. feet a bit too small? We figured that was the size of our dorm room when we were in college and it didn't bother us any for 3 years, of course that was 30 years ago!
I am looking forward to sailing on a REAL ship, as you say. We chose MP on purpose for that. We thought we could cruise on a big glitzy boat anytime but this type of vessel might not be around too much longer. We very nearly went on Olympia Countess but then read so many bad things about her we went looking for another cruise line with the same type of offering. I was delighted when I found the Orient Line and Marco Polo, they seemed like the answer my needs and dreams.
We will be traveling with my folks, we are in our early 50's and they are in their early 80's. This ship sounds like it will be fun for both of us.
What do you like best about Marco Polo?
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

Patrick
First Class Passenger
Member # 364

posted 09-13-2002 08:14 AM

The MARCO POLO is at least 2 classes better than the OLYMPIA COUNTESS even if she is older. So you have chosen the right ship.
I like the most her interior style which was perfectly combined with her classic outside lines. You always find an easy contact with the water on each of the outside decks (on newer ships, outside decks are often enclosed by windows). As well, with 20502 grt the ship is spacious but not too large. It is the perfect size.
Further more, she can sail to almost every region due to her ice-hardened hull. Special equipment makes it possible to reach and visit places which a normal cruiseship cannot go to (Zodiacs, Helicopter, etc.).
Last but not least: her fantastic crew - friendly, professional, always taking care about details, with pleasure doing their work ! This is one of the most important things on a cruiseship. The hardware can be very good but if the software doesn't fit, the cruise will never fulfil your expectations. On MARCO POLO, the software is excellent !

Posts: 1680 | From: OSC Luxembourg | Registered: Nov 98 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 09-13-2002 08:26 AM

Sharon...sounds like you've done your homework. A couple of things...remember that even on a calm day there is a strong breeze on those for'd decks caused by the ship's speed alone.
Packing.We have one 26" hardside each -the sort with good wheels and a handle. We work on the principle that if it doesn't go in, we don't need it and it doesn't go. We have a nylon case that folds flat in the bottom of the suitcase for anything extra coming home- in fact the dirty laundry goes in there as that can't get damaged.
We have a shoulder bag each for carry-on that complies with the 45" requirement - they're Polo Club bags and you'll get one for your next trip.

Why do we like the MP. Well, it's a ship, it's a good size and it has an excellent crew. We like the food and service and we like the type of passengers, which all adds up to a certain ambience you don't get on the Hyatts. Even after a month on board we always feel like we'd like to stay longer.
...peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Willy Paul
First Class Passenger
Member # 473

posted 09-13-2002 10:41 AM

Traveling on the same cruise we appreciate all the informatiuon. My wife and I are looking forward to returning to a "real" ship.
thanks to all.

Posts: 151 | From: Auburn, Ma. | Registered: Jul 99 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-13-2002 12:03 PM

Thanks guys!
I thought I was excited when I started planning this cruise but your postings have made it all real for me and brought the excitement level up a notch or two. I don't know how I am going to get through the next 7 months!
The Art Deco interiors sound just perfect. From what you are saying this will be a truely elegant experience. Speaking of which, and maybe I should start another thread here, what to wear and how much to bring is my next concern. Three weeks is too long to go without doing laundry. Are the laundry services on board good, expensive? Thanks for the suitcase advice, that at least gives me an idea of how much I can fit in and a person can get a lot in a 26" suitcase. You may not be able to lift it but you can get a lot in! Your thoughts on this would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 09-13-2002 12:33 PM

Sharon...i'll try to answer again. My wife's secret is mix-and-match separates which can be switched for formal/informal nights. I take a tux and a blazer + pants of course. Shirts/underware for 7 days and that all goes in the laundry - which does an excellent job, same day service usually. I started doing my own dhoby at sea when I was a boy so I never had a problem with it but one day a long time ago I was doing some on a cruise and I thought'how stupid can I be, I've just spent $1000s on this and I'm trying to save just a couple of $s' That was the last time.
You'll find plenty of storage space and the suitcases fit under the beds -if it's too fat leave it open and it'll go.
Sure it'll be heavy, but that's where the proper wheels and a handle come in. Another tip...get some 2" wide bright orange ducktape and put it around the case on the edge, that way you'll save a lot of time looking for them or other people taking them by mistake. Never put a label on there with your home adress visible - nasties go to airports to read those and hit empty houses.
Of course there's a lot more but there you are for now.
...peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-13-2002 02:03 PM

Peter,
So you do wear a tux! Pieter has a very nice bespoke suit we got in Hong Kong, navy with a fine pinstripe but it is wool, light weight but wool. I thought that it might be too warm for this trip. Perhaps the air conditioning makes this less of a problem. He does look very nice in it!
How many formal and/or informal nights might we expect on a 21 day cruise like this. We will be at sea for most of the first week or so and will be stopping in ports every day of the last week. I understood from something I read that they don't do formal nights on evenings when there are shore excursions during the day but that may have been another cruise line. Should I expect at least 3 formal nights or more?
I just read an hysterical series of posts on packing shoes for a cruise on the Cruising 1.0 section of this forum. I guess even long time cruisers have differences of opinion on what and how much to bring!
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 09-13-2002 02:32 PM

Sharon...the suit would be fine. I would guess 3 formals.You got to get dressed up and have your pix taken with the Captain!!
As for shoes, your most important is a pair of good comfortable walking shoes for going ashore- plus they're good for travelling to & from. Don't forget to wear the pressure stockings - also your BH. A pair of sandals for daytime on the ship (they pack small)A pair of court-type to wear for dinner... there you are all fixed.
...peter

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-13-2002 02:48 PM

Peter...
"Don't forget to wear the pressure
stockings - also your BH."

I know about support hose for the plane but, excuse my ignorance, what is or are BH?
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

gohaze
First Class Passenger
Member # 586

posted 09-13-2002 04:34 PM

your "Better Half"
BTW..here if you get your Doc to write a prescription we can claim for them on insurance
...peter.

Posts: 1909 | From: Vancouver.BC | Registered: Sep 99 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-13-2002 05:11 PM

Wow!
I never thought of claiming insurance on my better half. What malady do you think I should tell my doctor to write the prescription for?

Sorry, Peter, I couldn't resist...
I will check with my insurance company on the pressure stockings.
Thanks so much!
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

James
First Class Passenger
Member # 1351

posted 09-14-2002 04:39 PM

Hi Sharon, we have cruised on the Marco Polo twice and really like her. The prom deck does go all the way around the ship. One caveat I would suggest is not take a room in the forward 1/4 or 1/3 of the ship port side - the odor from the fryer in the galley is constant and unremitting there. We know because we were there on our last voyage on her!

Posts: 202 | From: Illinois, Home of Lincoln and great graft | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

Sharon
First Class Passenger
Member # 3337

posted 09-14-2002 04:55 PM

Thanks James!
That is the kind of specific advice all of us newbies need. We did chose the starboard side, out of default as the port side was taken, but there we are none the less! Are the cabin windows on the Prom Deck mirrored so it is difficult for people to peer in as they walk by or will we have to keep our curtains closed in the daytime?
And what is your favorite thing about the Marco Polo?
Sharon

Posts: 12 | From: Upstate New York | Registered: Sep 2002 | IP: Logged

James
First Class Passenger
Member # 1351

posted 09-20-2002 01:24 PM

Hi again Sharon, Favorite thing about the Marco Polois her nice small size, and her interesting itineraries. The crew and staff are very friendly and everything just works well. I haven't had a room on the prom deck, but walking around I do not remember being able to see into the cabins - I didn't try, of course!
An aside - on our recent trip with Quark on the Kapitan Khlebnikovone waitress had been a bartender on the Alexandr Pushkin[ [I]Marco Polo'sprevious name when she cruised all over the world in Soviet days

Posts: 202 | From: Illinois, Home of Lincoln and great graft | Registered: Jun 2000 | IP: Logged

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