Cruise and Maritime Voyages has taken delivery of its new flagship Columbus as the former Ocean Village and Pacific Pearl completed a farewell voyage from Australia to Singapore.
The 1,600-passenger vessel is now in the Sembcorp Marine Shipyard for the start of work to adapt her for the new operators.. Contractors will continue refurbishment and design changes during a re-positioning voyage that will bring the ship to the UK in June.
More than 300 crew members and 100 specialist outfitters have already joined Columbus, which will remain in Singapore until April 19 in order to complete maritime formalities including re-classification and provisioning works before embarking on a ballast voyage via the Suez Canal to the Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam. During the voyage the refurbishment works will continue with completion in Europe including re-painting in CMV livery.
Columbus is scheduled to arrive in Tilbury on June 5 ahead of a naming ceremony and overnight gala dinner on June 8. VIP lunches and overnight consumer and trade showcase events are planned for June 9 and 10 before Columbus sets out on her CMV maiden cruise season with a 3-night cruise to Amsterdam and Antwerp.
Chris Coates, Commercial Director at CMV said “We are delighted to have taken delivery of this fine traditional cruise ship and look forward to commencing cruise operations under the CMV flag.”
The lounge adaptation works include the existing children’s areas and teenage centre being converted into the Columbus Observation Lounge, Trumps & Aces Card and Bridge Room, the Ship’s Library and a Crafter’s Studio. The existing large casino is being scaled down into a combined Captain’s Club and Casino, while the existing Captain’s Lounge will become the Taverner’s Pub.
PICTURE by JAMES MORGAN shows the ship in P&O Australia livery, celebrating Australia Day
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