ORIENT CRUISE LINES

From the antiquity of the Aegean to the ice cliffs of the Antarctic Peninsula, the elegant Marco Polo is cruising into its sixth year of offering exotic destinations - the Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Africa, India, Egypt, Australia, New Zealand, the Far East and Antarctica -- at affordable prices.

 
It is also celebrating some important accolades.  The 1997 readers' poll by Conde Nast Traveler names Orient lines one  of the top 10 cruise lines in the world and, even more, rates it "number one" of itineraries.  In addition, the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society names the Marco Polo "Best Cruise Value" for the third straight year.

 More Time in Ports of Call
Strong emphasis on the land experience distinguishes an Orient Lines cruise vacation.   In addition to visiting fascinating ports, passengers have more time to explore them; usually a full day or overnight stay.

In fact, some Orient Lines cruise-tours spend as much time on land as at sea.  "Spain & The Rivieras", for example, combines a seven-night escorted land tour of Madrid, Granada, Seville and Lisbon with a five-day cruise to Riviera resorts.

These "cruise-tour" vacations usually include hotel stays and sightseeing  in embarkation and disembarkation cities, plus detailed port lectures.   Often on-board cultural performances showcase the customs and ceremonies of the places visited. 

Prices range from just $1,550 for a minimum inside cabin on a 12-day Greek Isles vacation, to $22,500 for the top suite on an 37-day Antarctica expedition across the bottom of the world to the magnificent fjords of New Zealand.

Passengers cruise aboard Orient Line's flagship, the Marco Polo.   This 800-passenger luxury liner is classically elegant, with every four-star comfort, but not a bit stuffy.  Many voyages feature guest lecturers and gentlemen hosts for unescorted female guests.  All have a spirit of friendship and discovery that draws passengers back time and again for the Marco Polo experience.


Itineraries

button.gif (2427 bytes) Safaris, Eclipses and Tasmania -- In fall Marco Polo charts a course for Africa and island-hopping in the Seychelles, then cruises down South Africa's coat to the magnificent Cape Town - fabulous itineraries that all include a three-day Kenya safari.

button.gif (2427 bytes) Daylight Passage through the Suez Canal -- These voyages feature Athens, the Holy Land, the Pyramids and Luxor in Egypt, Jordan's hidden city of Petra, and either a three-day land tour to Delhi and the Taj Mahal or a safari.  Passengers see most of the ancient world in one incomparable vacation.  The 700th anniversary Route of Marco Polo voyage in March is an epic passage from Singapore to Istanbul honoring the ship's 13th century namesake.

button.gif (2427 bytes) From May to October the Marco Polo cruises the Mediterranean.  Sailings depart from Athens, Istanbul, Rome or Barcelona to dazzling ports in the Greek Isles, Italy, Spain and the Riviera.