The 22,080-ton Marco Polo was originally built in Germany in 1965 as the ice-strengthened passenger ship Alexander Pushkin.. But under the supervision of naval architects Knud E Hansen of Copenhagen she was rebuilt and completely refurbished in 1993.

On her eight spacious passenger decks are four lounges, a piano bar, casino, nightclub, three boutiques and two restaurants. The split-level Seven Seas Restaurant is the main dining room, while Raffles, which serves light meals in the daytime, turns into a restaurant serving Oriental specialities on selected evenings.

For quieter pursuits there is the card room and the library, or afternoon tea in the colonial-style Palm Court. For the more energetic, the excellent leisure facilities include a swimming pool, three outdoor jacuzzis and a health club and beauty centre.

The large public areas have been decorated with charming Art Deco touches by the renowned ship design team of A&M Katzourakis to recall the gracious days of the great ocean liners.

Of her 425 cabins, 70 per cent have outside views. The 286 outside and 131 inside cabins are furnished to the highest four-star standards with warm woods and tasteful fabrics. All have TVs with in-house movies and three-channel music system, individual climatic control, personal safe, hair dryer and bathroom with shower.

Staterooms include six suites of above average size with panoramic windows and a separate sitting room and with deluxe outside cabins with queen-size beds and separate sitting areas. Suites also have fridges and bath tubs.

The ship is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation, communications and safety equipment, including Denny Brown fin stabilisers and the latest in waste disposal equipment, for environmentally sound and stable cruising. Ten inflatable Zodiac landing craft are carried on board for expedition use, with a helipad on the top deck for 'flightseeing' tours.

Scandinavian and European officers ensure skilful seamanship. Cruise staff are British and American and attentive service is provided by the Filipino crew.