Marco Polo Cruises

Never book this cruise company. If I could give it less than 1 star, I would. My party booked tickets for the Paddle Wheel Queen and it was a horrendous experience. The booking information said to be there promptly at 9:30pm to begin boarding, as the boat would be leaving by 10pm. In reality the boat didn't even get there until 10pm, after we had been standing in -6 degree temperatures since 9:24. By 10:10 the boat was docked but the crew had to load whatever passes for dinner and drinks on this cruise. By 10:20, we still had not boarded. It was becoming a health hazard to remain outside in subzero temperatures so we left without getting on the boat. In addition to the unsafe conditions outside, we had zero confidence in the rude, unprofessional, uninformed, and unhelpful staff who were working at the Marina and "managing" the line for the boat. We had no desire to get on a boat with a staff that could not manage a queue line. We complained to one employee about how we had been standing in the cold for an hour and he said "I'm standing out here too." This rude staff member was at least being paid to stand out there, whereas we had wasted nearly $200 each to freeze for nothing. By the time we got home, members of our party were still shivering for several hours. The ticket brokers at iEvents refunded the cost of the ticket, and we are grateful for that. But I encourage people reading this to never use this dangerous cruise line.
1 7 years ago (03-01-2018)

We've been using Marco Polo cruises for company parties for over 10 years. They have been reliable and our guests have always had a great time dancing and taking in the views. We took the Jewel for a party of 100, which had more than enough room. The staff was friendly and the boat was clean. If you are looking for a luxury experience, I would say this is not really that, but it is more of a glorified water taxi with dance floors and bars. With a party planner it could be more lux, but really, if you know this going in, you won't be disappointed. We love them, and will use them again for future company parties.
5 8 years ago (15-06-2017)

Horrendous!! The Independence Day fireworks cruise was supposed to be the highlight of our trip to New York from the UK It turned out to be the greatest disappointment. Disorganised, unprofessional and a complete con that was interested in only one thing, making money out of unsuspecting tourist , It set off late but got back even later We appeared to sit aimlessly for at least an hour after the fireworks when every other boat had disappeared . The promised American food was horrid and the entertainment a poor singer was embarrassing BUT worse of all the boat which we were told would be for 200 was massively over booked. It was frightening when everyone went to the only part on the upper deck at the back which was open to see the fireworks There had been no safety advice !!! And then when you thought it couldn't get any worse half way through the fireworks they turned the boat around !!! So you could not see anything from the open deck. The boat was completely unsuitable for purpose The staff were rude and unprofessional not in the least bothered about the bad experience we were all having. Shouts of are you having fun were met with silence and a women taking pics for the cruise line had to ask people to smile. Everyone was just so relieved when we finally got off !!! Please DO NOT TAKE THIS CRUISE !!! It cost almost £300 for 2 . Bottled lager was $8 a bottle and the food was awful What should have been a once in a lifetime experience was a complete nightmare!!!!
1 8 years ago (09-07-2017)

Worse experience ever. I was charged for extra guest then counted for and was never told until the day of the party on the boat. Had to pay $1,670 out of pocket or the boat wouldn't leave. They even cut everything off by 5 even though i had the boat until 6pm. I will never use their services ever again. I DO NOT RECOMMEND MARCO POLO CRUISES AT ALL. Very very very unprofessional.
1 8 years ago (17-07-2017)

Excellent Value for Price. Rented a Private Yacht for a Family Affair and the Captain and crew were phenomenal. Haven't gone to their boat parties, but, I may just check out a few of the Live Band events!
5 8 years ago (02-05-2017)