This was our first Cruise (if you excuse many Nile Cruises).as a retired Travel Agent who has visited over 100 countries in 46 years I can only state that our Baltic Cruise on the Marco Polo lived up to all our expectations for the superb service provided by the staff. Food was excellent. The standard of accommodation was very good. All in all for what we paid I could not fault any aspect of the services provided.Richard Sykes was a real star as were Julie and Susanah who salvaged the passengers who went adrift in Stockholm.

Alas there are several "Extras" which should be avoided because of the extortionate cost. as soon as we entered our cabin we found 2 bottles of water available for £2.20 each. Strange as free drinking water was available in the Marco Polo Bistro as well as being served with dinner in the Waldorf. Wine in the Waldorf was pricey except we found out that if we bought 6 bottles it cost only £80, otherwise £18.90/£22.50 a bottle.

The Internet cabin was invariably empty-no wonder at the astronomical charges using satellite. Wi-fi was free in some of the ports or the coach excursions. A 2 day tour of st Petersburg for 2 persons would cost £540 if booked with the ship. Much less £368 if you booked a local operator, Tour de Force, who used smaller 15 seater coach, providing free mineral water plus other extras with Wi-Fi!! Finally we were more than happy to pay £5 each per day for tips.as well as personal tip for personal services such as cabin steward and waiter but why have box clearly marked "TIPS" on the reception desk?