Cruise and Maritime Voyages: Amsterdam and Hamburg on the MV Columbus
159 people found this feature helpful
Amsterdam and
Hamburg as Christmas approaches become magical cities taking on new sets of
winter clothes and there is no better way to see them than over a long weekend
by cruise ship. Columbus, no not the explorer, Cruise & Maritime Voyages new flagship recently re-named by Angela Rippon as MV Columbus at Tilbury, proves to be an excellent choice. The sun has set and
at 4pm we move quietly away from the quayside to begin our journey down the
River Thames to the open sea, passing fields cloaked in mist, riverside towns
and villages displaying their Christmas lights and decorations that twinkle in
the darkness as we glide silently by.
Before dinner
there is time for a quick tour of what will be my home for the next 4 days. Columbus
boasts 20 grades of well-appointed inner and ocean view cabins plus 28 deluxe balcony
cabins and 36 junior balcony suites ensuring there is
something to suit everyone’s pocket. 597 have ocean views with an average size
of almost 190 sq. ft. so no one will complain about lack of room. Cruise &
Maritime Voyages recognising the needs of solo passengers have allocated 150
cabins for their use. All cabins are tastefully furnished and come equipped
with air conditioning, private en-suite facilities, shower, ample hanging and
storage space, flat-screen television, fridge, personal safe and that all
important item, a hairdryer. Electrical sockets are of the continental type
plus in my cabin there was an English style 3 pin socket.
Next morning sees
us transiting the locks, Zider Zee and Amstel River leading to Amsterdam where
we arrive at 8am. Time for breakfast, fruit, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs
washed down by hot coffee, finished and set up for the day its off the ship and
onto a canal boat for a sightseeing trip through the canals of Amsterdam.
Passing house boats of all shapes and sizes that together with the cost of
purchase and mooring can set you back an eye watering €450,000, churches,
official buildings, the Anne Frank Museum where even at this early winter hour
queues have formed, houses dating back centuries whose original owners were
ship brokers and traders but now occupied in the main by insurance companies,
lawyers etc. The history of the area is fascinating as told by Derek our very
knowledgeable captain and guide as we pass under low bridges, wave to other
river tourists and marvel at the mass of bicycles chained to railings along the
walkways. Next stop, the Hermitage Museum overlooking one of the boats landing
stages, the museum features various exhibitions and currently until May 2018 is
exhibiting ‘Treasurers of the Tsars', an exhibition including 63 famed
paintings by Dutch artists including 6 by Rembrandt loaned from the Hermitage
in St. Petersburg along with other precious artefacts including beautiful vases
and urns. The ground floor book and souvenir shop will delight enthusiasts for
hours as they scan the multitude of books on the subject.
Time now for
shopping and sightseeing before returning to the ship for our 3pm departure to Hamburg
where we are due at 1pm the following day. Time for a quick snooze before tea
time in the Plantation on deck 12. Finger sandwiches of salmon, cucumber,
cheese, ham, rolls filled with prawn and shrimp, fresh warm scones accompanied
by traditional jam and cream, the choice is excellent all washed down with a selection
of teas from around the world. Time for a nap prior to dinner at 8.30pm.
The main dining
room, the Waterfront Restaurant on Deck 7 has been decorated for the Christmas
Season. The entrance sporting a large Christmas tree adorned with lights,
baubles and presents at the base set the scene. Windows on three sides
affording spectacular sea views for most diners who occupy tables of 4, 6 and
8. Dinner is served in the classic two seating system that is much favoured by
the British traveller whilst breakfast and lunch are dealt with on an open
seating basis. For those wanting something different why not try one of the
speciality restaurants, The Grill with mouth-watering steaks or the Fusion
Restaurant on Deck 12, something more casual, try the Plantation Bistro also on
Deck 12 with its al fresco area, imagine breakfast in the sunshine whilst
surrounded by a calm blue sea. For that special occasion book Chef’s Table on
Deck 7 for an evening to remember. This evening I decide to explore the 6
course menu and my choice is: Appetiser; smoked salmon with spiced avocado.
Soup; cream of potato and leak. Main course; grilled pork tenderloin with Calvados
sauce and vegetables. Dessert; After Eight mint and chocolate delight with vanilla
sauce, all washed down with a delightful rose wine. The salad course and cheese
board I decided to leave for another night.
Suitably fed and
watered time to take in some of the entertainment provided at one of the six
entertainment venues. For shows by the resident song and dance group
accompanied by the Columbus Orchestra visit the two-deck, tiered, Palladium
Theatre with its retractable stage providing a large area for those wishing to
trip the light fantastic. For something more gentile try The Atrium, Dome
Observatory or to be really British relax in one of the comfortable chairs at
Taverners Pub with its large traditional wooden bar and sing along with the piano
player. For the more energetic, or those who are just young at heart there’s
the Night Club where you can enjoy the sounds until the wee hours.
Next morning, I
awake as we are making our way up the River Elbe towards Hamburg. Blue sky, the
sun is shining so a visit to the promenade deck is required to admire the view
but not for long as I discover it may look like a beautiful summers day but is
in fact only 1c so I beat a hasty retreat back into the warmth of the ship. The
ship boasts a proper library, something many of the latest ships seem to have
forgotten. Large internally lit glass fronted book cases set in a quiet area
elegantly furnished with Chesterfield style settees and arm chairs, a wonderful
setting for you to enjoy that quiet time with a book away from the hustle and
bustle of the everyday world and that is exactly what I did for the next couple
of hours.
Arrival in Hamburg,
Europe’s 2nd largest port, is greeted by a fire tug saluting us, plumes
of water cascading from its monitors firing high into the air as we slowly ease
our way onto the berth. Leave the ship, enter the arrival hall to the singing
of the Shanty Choir, 20 plus men, all ex dockyard workers, accompanied by
accordion players and directed by the choir master. A coach is waiting to
unfold to our view the city delights and history. The ‘Counting House’ area
where the old counting house has been transformed to offices and apartments, the
Chilehaus building, famous for the similarity of a ships prow, Hafen City the
largest building development in Europe that will eventually house 10,000
residents and become the workplace to another 40,000. This is a city that
boasts the old and new standing beside each other, iron bridges crossing the
canals and waterways to connect the various sections of the city. The
magnificent 360ft high Elbphilharmonie concert hall completed in January 2017
on the banks of the River Elbe is claimed to be one of the most acoustically
advanced concert halls in the world, its roof structure resembling water waves.
Travel by escalator to the viewing walkway on the 8th floor known as
the Plaza, encircle the building from where panoramic views create a vista from
every point.
Dusk is fast
approaching so time to visit the Christmas Market where stalls are illuminated
by twinkling lights, Christmas trees are showing off their finery, crowds of
people mingling with friends, admiring the goods on offer, many just drinking
hot chocolate or mulled wine in the chill winter air, enjoying an atmosphere of
happiness and goodwill. A short walk takes us to the quayside to board one of
the glass topped boats for a tour of the waterways, the banks lined with
apartment stores still busy with shoppers and then leaving the city behind as
we steam under illuminated bridges, past large houses, apartment blocks and
restaurants on the water’s edge, all displaying coloured twinkling lights, illuminated
shapes of Reindeer and other Christmas symbols before returning to the quayside
to board the Metro. Where are we going, the Reeperbhan, no not to see that for
which it is famous but to follow a journey, a journey taken by others, The
Beatles. The Beatles began their main career in Hamburg, their first show being
17th August 1960 at the Indra Club. For anyone who is a Beatles fan
this tour is a must and operated by Stefanie Hempel whose knowledge of the
Beatles Story is simply mind blowing.
Back to the ship
just in time for our departure and the last leg of my journey. How different
the river looks at night, water traffic is negligible, buildings, houses and
piers illuminated for Christmas with their lights reflecting on the water, a
stillness fills the air creating a feeling of peace and tranquillity.
Sunday is a sea
day so what is there to do, a great deal is the answer. For the energetic,
morning walk and stretching on the open deck, body shaping, for the less
energetic a quiz, lectures, craft classes, demonstrations and that’s before
lunch. 2pm and the Show Lounge is standing room only as Reverend Phil conducts
a Carol Service. Back to cabin and unfortunately time to start packing.
So much
accomplished in such a short time but who will this ship appeal to. This is a
ship that will appeal very much to the British market. It was a favourite when
sailing as Arcadia for P&O and again as Ocean Village 1 which is still
fondly spoken of by many seasoned cruisers. This traditional ship of classic
design with teak decking has much to offer and will surpass the expectations of
many, food, service, cabins and general ambience will not disappoint.
More information
Please be advised that Cruise & Maritime Voyages has
now ceased trading. For more information, please visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com
159 people found this feature helpful
Read more
What are your thoughts?
To leave a comment, please Sign inOther Members' Thoughts - 3 Comment(s)