Cruise and Maritime Voyages: Columbus
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She may have been called a few names in
her time but Cruise & Maritime Voyages' latest ship Columbus, christened on 8 June 2017 by Angela
Rippon, is still a lovely lady.
Launched in 1987 as Sitmar Fair Majesty,
she was re-named Star Princess in 1989 by Audrey Hepburn. She later became the
old P&O Arcadia, then Ocean Village and more recently Pacific Pearl.
It was great to be on a ship with real
character rather than an identikit version of so many modern ships. The new
Taverners Pub has some lovely old knick-knacks and a collection of different
shaped decanters in a central area. In all the public areas the lighting is
both unusual and appropriate, once again marking a difference between a ship with
its own character and one following the modern trend. There are relaxing bars
and lounges, a library, card room, internet cafe, and shops around the
three-deck high atrium, all with their own unique character.
Unlike modern long, narrow cabins, our
ocean view cabin was square with a dressing area and a large space for hanging
clothes. The cabin also boasted an amazing 24 drawers for further storage. The
bathroom was efficient, although perhaps a little dated with just a fixed head
shower and shower curtain; but with two mirrors that opened up to reveal even more
storage space there were no complaints there either.
Before the christening ceremony we were
offered drinks and canapes, amongst the best I’ve had. It was hard to turn down
more but dinner beckoned in a couple of hours. Then we all popped off to the
comfortable and spacious show lounge where, after a few short speeches, the
ship’s godmother, Angela Rippon, was introduced. She drew similarities with
Columbus and her other, human, god-children in a warm address before naming the
ship to much applause.
The evening’s dinner consisted of six
courses – too many for me, although one friend did try them all, simply in the
name of research (well, that was her story!). I had Surf and Turf for my main
course and it was great, as were the Prawn Cocktail and Caesar Salad I had from
earlier courses, having passed on the soup and sorbet. Previous guests will not
be surprised to learn that the main dish for pudding was Baked Alaska, carried
in by the waiting staff in traditional parade style. However, other puddings
and cheese were also available. Then we all went up on deck to enjoy a firework
party.
After a good night’s sleep I headed to
breakfast in the Plantation buffet. Again the design and decor has its own individual
and charming character and the food was as good as that we had enjoyed the
previous day. When it comes to Columbus’s good food I suspect guests will have
to be conscious of the old saying, “Embark as passengers, leave as freight!”
Columbus' itinerary takes it all around the world. See this link for up to date calendar info on where it can be found in the next two years!
Columbus is yet another step up for Cruise & Maritime Voyages and this ship will set its own standard in the UK no-fly cruise market.
Please be advised that Cruise & Maritime Voyages has
now ceased trading. For more information, please visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com
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