Marco Polo to Norwegian Fjords

The Marco Polo was actually built in the 1960's, and she looks the part. Small and sleek, the adults' only ship has been constantly upgraded over the years. She looks- and feels-like a floating time capsule; a ship that takes you back into cruising's past while, at the same time, showing you some amazing places along the way.

Carrying 800 passengers, Marco Polo can feel crowded when the ship is full, and you'll find lines at the lunchtime buffet, as well as at the various ports, waiting to get on and off the ship. A bit of patience goes a long way here.

But the ship herself is lovely. Art Deco touches make the interior bars and lounges feel very comfortable and welcoming to relax in, though entertainment is not the strong point of this ship. It needs more live music, especially at night.

Especially nice is Scott's Bar, a big, aft facing lounge that opens onto a beautiful curved terrace that can still be full of people drinking at two in the morning. On the decks below there is a lovely pool and lido while, two decks up, there are three hot tubs that offer fantastic views out over both sides. These are the best located that I have ever seen on any ship.

The main, Waldorf dining room offers dinner in two sittings. The food is well prepared and presented, if not great in terms of imagination. But, to be fair, it is very much appreciated by the ship's older, mainly British clientele.

Cabins have plenty of storage space and some lovely wooden trim, right across all grades. There are no balcony cabins on the Marco Polo.

Marco Polo is ultimately a sprightly, tidy little ship with a friendly crew, and a lovely on board vibe. She is also immaculately clean despite her age; a ship that has definite 'star quality'. If you want rock climbing walls, multiple entertainment venues and slick floor shows, she may not be for you. But that would be your loss.