The vessel is ice-strengthened and was built by VEB Mathias-Thesan Werft of Wismar, Germany in 1965 and re-built during 1991-93 under the supervision of Knud E. Hansen, naval architects, and A. & M. Katzourakis, ship designers. Call letters of the vessel are C6JZ7 and it is registered in the Bahamas. The MARCO POLO is 176.28 meters (578.4 feet) in length, 23.6 meters (77.4 feet) in breadth, has a draft of 8.2 meters (26.9 feet), and is 20,502 tons GRT. Power is provided by 2 Saulzer 7 RND 76 diesel engines with power output of 10,500 bhp each. The vessel has twin-screw propellers and is fitted with Denny Brown (UK) fin stabilizers. There are 6 SKL diesel generators capable of producing approximately 3,500 kw. The MARCO POLO is equipped with the latest radio and satellite communications systems (INMARSAT 330869310) and state-of-the-art navigation equipment. The vessel was redesigned to comply with all 1992 "Marpol" rules for waste disposal including an onboard biological treatment plant with a liquid waste disposal system, refuse sorting, pulping and a treatment plant, in addition to a modern refuse incinerator. All lifeboats are semi-enclosed, engine propelled and capable of saving 1,200 persons. The vessel is also equipped with two high-speed all-purpose passenger tenders and 10 inflatable zodiac landing craft. The staff and crew capacity is 350, whereas the passenger capacity is 850. However during cruises to the Antarctic Treaty area, Orient Lines only intends to carry 400-450 passengers.