MARCO POLO

Orient LinesOcean LinersCruise Ships
Written By Sean Glumace

July 15, 2004 | Geirangerfjord, Geiranger, Norway


On July 15, 2004, the Marco Polo (Orient Line) graced the majestic Geirangerfjord and the town of Geiranger, Norway, providing a picturesque scene captured from the deck of the Queen Mary 2. The photographs depict a serene encounter between these two grand ocean liners, set against the stunning backdrop of towering cliffs and lush greenery. This rare moment, where history and natural beauty intertwine, highlights the dramatic scale of the fjords and the elegance of the vessels, creating a timeless memory in one of the world's most spectacular maritime settings.

The fjord, famous for stunning waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, provided a perfect, picturesque backdrop, highlighting the grandeur of these visiting liners and the dramatic landscape that surrounds them.

The MS Marco Polo, a classic ocean liner renowned for its traditional maritime charm and intimate atmosphere, offers a unique cruise experience reminiscent of the golden age of sea travel. Launched in 1965 and originally named the Aleksandr Pushkin, this vessel was designed for deep water cruising, well-suited for navigating through challenging sea conditions. Throughout its service, the Marco Polo has been praised for its sturdy construction, elegant design, and comfortable accommodations, providing a cozy yet refined setting for voyages.

Information List

  • Name: MS Marco Polo

  • Previous Names: Aleksandr Pushkin

  • Operator: Orient Line. Previously operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages

  • Year Launched: 1965

  • Shipyard: Mathias-Thesen-Werft, East Germany

  • Service Period: 1965 to 2020

  • Left Service: 2020, scrapped due to the insolvency of the operating company during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Length: 578 feet (176 meters)

  • Beam: 77 feet (23.5 meters)

  • Draft: 25 feet (7.8 meters)

  • Speed: 19.5 knots (36 km/h; 22 mph)

  • Tonnage: 22,080 GT

  • Capacity: 800 passengers

  • Facilities Include: Restaurants, lounges, a theatre, and a swimming pool

  • Unique Features: Originally built for the Soviet Union as an ice class liner, capable of navigating through icy waters

  • Refits/Upgrades:

    • 1975 & 1991: Major rebuilds and modernizations to enhance passenger facilities and update navigational systems

    • 2015: Refurbishment to refresh interiors and improve guest amenities

Sean Glumace

Sean Glumace, Chief Operating Officer at 2CPR Group, possesses over 25 years of experience in industry and education advocacy, pathway creation, curriculum, industry certification, and content for the classroom.

Having taught at the high school, college, and university levels, he also played an instrumental role as one of the Statewide K-14 Pathways Technical Assistance Providers in driving the success of the Doing What MATTERS initiative under the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

https://www.glumace.com
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