Orient Lines resumes service with the 650-passenger Marco Polo II, a new ship, 11 to 37-day 2009 itineraries and and mid-priced fares that include airfare, overnight stays in home ports and a complimentary shore excursion.

Long popular with cruisers seeking more in-depth itineraries aboard a small ship with single, open seating and guest lecturers, Orient Lines has announced that 2009 itineraries range from 11 to 37 days in duration are priced from $2,399 per person, double occupancy, including free air from selected North American gateway cities.

2009 Itineraries

Highlights for 2009 include cruise-tours which begin or end with an included hotel stay in Berlin, plus calls at the lesser-known ports of Szczecin, Poland; Villagarcia and Bilbao, Spain; Bordeaux and Hornfleur, France; Murmansk, Russia; Sarande, Albania; and Barrow-in-Furness in Cumbria, England. New itineraries will include overnight stays on board ship in selected ports. With two full days, passengers have time to see the pyramids from Port Said, shop for bargains in Istanbul and Lisbon, explore the classical treasures of Rome and Athens, or visit St. Petersburg and Copenhagen.

In the fall, Marco Polo II will be deployed to South America and Antarctica.

Marco Polo II

Orient Lines was founded in 1992 and offered cruises to exotic locals for over a decade with the Marco Polo until the ship was sold last March. The company was purchased in June, 2008 by Wayne and Judy Heller who acquired a new flagship, Marco Polo II

Built in 1969 as the 24,981- ton Maxim Gorkiy, the ship has been refurbished and will receive further enhancements before her re-christening as the Marco Polo II in April, 2009.  With a total passenger capacity of 788 passengers, the ship has an ice-class hull for polar cruising and staff comprised of European officers, American and British social staff and Filipino hotel staff. 

Enrichment lecturers and gentlemen social hosts are also on board to enhance each voyage. The ship will offer single seating dining in the main dining room as well as a French and Italian brasserie.

Of the 325 staterooms, 65% are outside and 35% inside (22 suites; 188 oceanview and 155 inside cabins).  All accommodations have two lower beds; mini bar; satellite TV; safes; hairdryers and private bathrooms.  Some 158 staterooms are triples and four cabins hold four passengers. Suites also feature sitting areas, twin sinks, bidets and terry cloth bathrobes.

Passenger facilities include swimming pools (one indoor, one outdoor); a cabaret; cinema; gym; piano bar; self-service laundry; massage therapists and yoga plus enrichment lectures. 

To make a reservation on Orient Lines’ new Marco Polo II see a travel professional or call toll-free 800-333-7300. For more information visit the Orient Lines’ web site.