We chose this cruise to the Baltic to St Petersburg because - we wished to visit St Petersburg, it sailed from Hull port and it was an adults only cruise. It does need to be pointed out that there is no control over the average age of the passenger! And that a ship such as the Marco Polo will attract the older generation because she is an elegant old lady, small liner and doesn't cater for children. Our cabin (489) had 2 large windows, plenty of wardrobe and drawer space, good lighting and mirrors, TV which had daily choice of 3 up to date films, current news programmes and the bathroom with a very good shower and plenty of hot water. Linen and towels were changed on a regular basis and the cabin was kept spotlessly clean by Hendry our steward. Great attention to cleanliness and hygiene is made by the crew. I saw shower heads being cleaned and the cabin walls washed down - no sign of mould in the bathrooms let alone a spec of dust in the cabins or fluff on carpets. All common areas on the ship were also kept in a similar state - Karcher machine cleaning carpets during the trip. There was no early morning or late evening noise to disturb passengers. The food and service in the Waldorf restaurant was 5* fine dining. Breakfast was buffet style service with every food imaginable served - from porridge - fruit cereals, fruits of all sorts, cold cut meats, cooked breakfasts, pastries and breads. Lunch and dinner was waiter service - 5 courses each and delicious.

The tours and efficiency of organising all the passengers worked like clockwork. Shuttle buses were arranged for passengers doing their own thing. Embarkation and disembarkation was superb - and fast,. Yes there is an age factor to passengers so be prepared for walkers, some wheelchairs and sticks. Overall everyone enjoyed themselves because of the service from a delightful staff, good range of activities and very good and interesting lectures and above all fabulous food of a very high quality and standard.