Columbus explores the globe
Tilbury to welcome its biggest ship so far
BIG things are happening in Britain, with the largest ship so far to make Tilbury on the Thames its home arriving in time for summer, bringing an equally expansive array of European cruises. Columbus joins the growing fleet of Cruise & Maritime Voyages, a company that proudly offers stylish cruises without all the fuss of waterparks, climbing walls and other things now found on the mega ships.
For while Columbus takes historic Tilbury into a new era, she carries a comfortable 1,400 passengers which means there’s no rush or push on the classic ship.
Columbus, formerly Pacific Pearl, sailing for P&O in Australia, was refitted in 2015 and is being given a new maritimethemed Columbus Lounge & Library (with fine views over the front of the ship), Taverner’s Pub and Trumps & Aces, a calm retreat devoted to bridge and other card games. Columbus, with 775 cabins (including 150 singles, available at very competitive rates), will be CMV’s new flagship, alongside 1,250-passenger Magellan, Marco Polo (800 guests), Astor (600) and Astoria (550). Columbus arrives in the UK for a big party at Tilbury on June 8. On June 11 she makes her maiden voyage, a charming three-night visit to Amsterdam and Antwerp, a trip that reinforces CMV’s great value, with prices from £299pp. On June 14 she heads off on a six-night Majestic Fjordland cruise calling at Eidfjord, a little town at the end of Hardangerfjord, Flåm, at the head of Aurlandsfjord, and the medieval city of Bergen, with prices from £749.
COLUMBUS then sets of on a what’s what of cruising (the Canaries, Baltic, UK and Spain and Portugal) before an autumn Caribbean jaunt. She’s back for Christmas market season before embarking on a 121-night world cruise (January 5, 2018). Do it all, from £8,699pp (less than £72 per night, including all your food) or pick part of the trip from as little as 14 nights. Columbus, with its impressive three-deck atrium, caters for the adult market, although this August it will head out on two trips that are multi-generational.
British-based CMV offers a very British experience but with plenty of choice. The Waterfront will serve a full English breakfast, leisurely lunches and a five-course dinner. There’s plenty of choice with the Fusion and Grill speciality restaurants, extra special options at the Chef’s Table and casual buffet style breakfast, lunches and dinner at the Plantation Bistro, and the Alfresco Grill.
There are a total of seven bars, six entertainment areas, a library and wellness centre with spa and gym.
On deck there are two heated pools and a cinema screen showing films and sport.
Columbus discovered the New World in the 15th century, now it’s possible to discover the world anew with Columbus. INFORMATION: 0844 998 3927/cruiseandmaritime.com