Is the Ship Marco Polo Still Sailing?

If you remember the Marco Polo ship from its years with Cruise & Maritime Voyages, you may wonder whether this classic cruise vessel is still carrying passengers today. The short answer is no. The cruise ship known as MS Marco Polo is no longer sailing as a passenger cruise ship.

The vessel had a long history that stretched back several decades and became particularly well known among travelers looking for traditional, smaller-ship cruising. However, its cruise career came to an end after Cruise & Maritime Voyages entered administration in 2020.

The ship was subsequently sold, taken to India, and ultimately scrapped in 2021. That means travelers cannot currently book a cruise aboard the original Marco Polo.

What Happened to the Marco Polo Ship?

The Marco Polo ship was one of the best-known vessels in the Cruise & Maritime Voyages fleet. It was an older ship with a distinctive character and a loyal following among passengers who preferred a more traditional cruise experience.

When Cruise & Maritime Voyages collapsed in July 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, its ships were placed into the hands of administrators. Marco Polo was later sold at auction.

There were initially hopes that the vessel might return to service or be converted for another purpose. Those plans did not materialize.

Instead, the ship was eventually sold for recycling and headed toward Alang, India. It arrived there in January 2021 and was subsequently dismantled.

When Did Marco Polo Stop Sailing?

Marco Polo effectively stopped operating as a cruise ship in 2020.

Its final period in passenger service came during the difficult period when the global cruise industry was severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Cruise & Maritime Voyages subsequently entered administration, bringing the ship's cruise operations to an end.

Although Marco Polo later sailed away from the United Kingdom after being sold, this was not a return to regular passenger cruising. Its final voyage was connected with its disposal rather than a new cruise itinerary.

Was Marco Polo Scrapped?

Yes. The original cruise ship was scrapped in India.

After being sold following the collapse of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, the vessel sailed toward the ship-breaking facilities at Alang, India. It was beached there in January 2021 and later dismantled.

This is important because there are occasional online references to a ship named Marco Polo that can create confusion. The former cruise ship and other vessels carrying the same or similar name are not necessarily the same vessel.

Why Was the Marco Polo Scrapped?

Several factors contributed to the ship's end.

1. Cruise & Maritime Voyages collapsed

Cruise & Maritime Voyages entered administration in July 2020. Without the cruise company operating its fleet, Marco Polo was no longer being used for its normal passenger program.

2. The ship was relatively old

Marco Polo had an exceptionally long maritime history. Older cruise ships can become increasingly expensive to maintain, particularly when compared with newer vessels offering larger cabins, more facilities and modern environmental systems.

3. The pandemic changed the cruise market

The COVID-19 pandemic created an unprecedented disruption for cruise operators. Ships were left idle for extended periods, companies faced major financial pressure, and some older vessels never returned to passenger service.

4. Plans to reuse the ship failed

After its auction sale, there were reports of possible alternative uses for the vessel, including charter operations and a potential hotel conversion. Those plans did not ultimately bring Marco Polo back into commercial passenger service.

How Old Was the Marco Polo Ship?

The Marco Polo was an old ship by modern cruise-industry standards.

It began its life as Aleksandr Pushkin, entering service in the 1960s. Over the years, the vessel underwent major changes and eventually became known as Marco Polo.

Its long career was one of the reasons the ship developed such a strong identity among cruise enthusiasts. Rather than resembling today's enormous resort-style cruise ships, it represented an older generation of ocean liners and smaller cruise vessels.

What Was the Marco Polo Cruise Ship Like?

The Marco Polo offered a very different experience from the huge cruise ships that dominate the industry today.

Passengers were attracted to its:

• Traditional cruise atmosphere

• Smaller size

• Classic ship design

• More intimate onboard environment

• Familiar, old-school cruising style

• Itineraries aimed at travelers who preferred a quieter experience

For many former passengers, the ship's age was actually part of its appeal.

Instead of massive waterparks, dozens of restaurants and enormous entertainment complexes, Marco Polo offered something closer to the traditional idea of cruising.

Could Marco Polo Return to Service?

No. The original cruise ship cannot return to service because it was dismantled after being sent to the Alang ship-breaking facilities.

There is therefore no realistic possibility of booking a future cruise on the original vessel.

If you see a website advertising future passenger cruises aboard the original Marco Polo, it is important to check the information carefully. The vessel that formerly operated for Cruise & Maritime Voyages no longer exists as an operating cruise ship.

Are There Other Ships Named Marco Polo?

Yes, and this is where some confusion comes from.

Marco Polo is not a unique ship name. Different vessels can carry the same name, including cargo ships and passenger vessels.

For example, current maritime tracking data can show vessels with Marco Polo in their names that are completely unrelated to the former Cruise & Maritime Voyages cruise ship. A vessel named MARCO POLO with IMO 9019080 is currently listed as a Ro-Ro/passenger ship operating in Northern European waters, while CMA CGM also operates a container ship called CMA CGM MARCO POLO.

These ships should not be confused with the former CMV cruise ship.

Why Do People Still Search for the Marco Polo?

There are several reasons the ship continues to attract attention.

A memorable cruise ship

Marco Polo developed a loyal passenger base during its years in cruise service. Its classic appearance and smaller size made it quite different from modern mega-ships.

Nostalgia among former passengers

People who sailed on the ship often search for old photographs, deck plans, itineraries and information about its final years.

Confusion caused by the ship's name

Because other vessels have subsequently used the name Marco Polo, searches can return information about completely different ships.

Interest in classic cruise ships

Cruise enthusiasts frequently research older vessels that have disappeared from the modern cruise market. Marco Polo is particularly interesting because of its long history and eventual scrapping.

What Happened to Marco Polo After Cruise & Maritime Voyages?

After CMV entered administration, the ship was sold at auction in October 2020 for approximately US$2.77 million. There were attempts and proposals concerning the vessel's future, but none resulted in a successful return to passenger service.

The ship eventually continued toward India. It reached Alang in January 2021 and was beached for dismantling.

This marked the end of the Marco Polo's long career.

Is There a Marco Polo Cruise You Can Book Today?

No. You cannot book a cruise on the former CMV Marco Polo.

If a cruise listing uses the name "Marco Polo," check the ship's IMO number, operator and vessel history before assuming it is the historic cruise ship.

This is especially useful because modern vessel-tracking websites may display several different ships with Marco Polo in their names.

What Made Marco Polo Special?

The appeal of Marco Polo was largely about character rather than size.

Modern cruise ships are designed to provide an enormous range of activities and facilities. Marco Polo belonged to a different generation. It was comparatively small and had an atmosphere that many traditional cruisers found more personal.

For passengers who valued classic ocean travel, the ship could feel more like a genuine voyage than a floating resort.

That distinctive personality is one reason the vessel remains memorable even years after its final cruise.

Conclusion

So, is the ship Marco Polo still sailing? The answer is no. The historic cruise ship that many travelers remember from Cruise & Maritime Voyages ended its passenger career in 2020. After its sale following the company's collapse, the vessel was taken to Alang, India, where it was ultimately scrapped in 2021.

Although the original Marco Polo is gone, its long history makes it an interesting part of cruise-ship history. And because other vessels still use the Marco Polo name, it is worth checking the ship's identity carefully when researching current sailing information.

For former passengers and cruise enthusiasts, Marco Polo remains a memorable example of the classic smaller cruise ships that once offered a very different style of ocean travel.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Is the Marco Polo ship still sailing?

No. The former Cruise & Maritime Voyages Marco Polo is no longer sailing. It was sold after CMV entered administration and was subsequently sent to Alang, India, where it was scrapped in 2021.

When was the last Marco Polo cruise?

The ship's cruise career ended in 2020 amid the collapse of Cruise & Maritime Voyages and the wider disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Where is the Marco Polo cruise ship now?

The original cruise ship is no longer in existence. It was taken to Alang, India, in January 2021 and dismantled.

Was Marco Polo a real cruise ship?

Yes. MS Marco Polo was a genuine passenger cruise ship and operated under Cruise & Maritime Voyages for many years.

Who operated the Marco Polo?

In its later cruise career, Marco Polo was operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages, commonly known as CMV.

Can I book the Marco Polo today?

No. The original Marco Polo was scrapped and is not available for passenger cruises.

Are there other ships called Marco Polo?

Yes. Other vessels have used the Marco Polo name, including ships that are unrelated to the former CMV cruise vessel. Always check the vessel's IMO number and operator when researching a particular ship.

Why was Marco Polo scrapped?

The ship was sold after the collapse of Cruise & Maritime Voyages. Plans for returning it to passenger service or converting it for another use did not succeed, and it was ultimately sold for recycling and dismantled in India.