Columbus…A Great New Addition

Last week I attended the launch party of Columbus in Tilbury. She is Cruise and Maritime’s latest member of the now 5 strong fleet and what a great new addition she is.

In my last blog, I wrote about the history of this lovely vessel originally launched in 1988. As she is not a newly built ship, the occasion was a relaunch and so a Naming Ceremony by her new Godmother, Angela Rippon, and a blessing.

 

Despite the ship having the capacity for 1900 guests, Cruise and Maritime are limiting it to 1350 with a crew of 700. I sailed on her for two weeks in 2004 as Ocean Village so a lot of places felt familiar and she has been beautifully refurbished with a good variety of restaurants and bars and plenty of space for everyone. The various areas previously dedicated to children have been replaced to suit CMV’s more mature clientele.

After an easy embarkation in Tilbury, we were treated to a delightful afternoon tea and then went off to explore. Everywhere we went, the staff on board were very welcoming and friendly.

All too soon it was time to head back to the cabins to change for the ceremony which was in the Palladium Show Lounge. I had an ocean view cabin with plenty of space and storage even behind the bathroom mirrors!

After Ms Rippon had performed her duties, we enjoyed some amazing Latin American dancing and opera singing before heading off to the Gala Dinner in the Waterfront restaurant.

Six courses later, we staggered up to the top deck for fireworks on the Thames. The entertainment then continued with music, look-alikes, palm reading and a very clever caricaturist.

Of course, this was a very special occasion but i have cruised with Cruise and Maritime before and have always found a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere on board.

Columbus will be based from Tilbury for the summer and has sold really well. As usual, their prices are excellent value so if you fancy giving her a go call me 0330 303 8292.

 


About Me

Hi, I'm Alison. My passion for travel really started after training as an interpreter in Spanish, Italian and French. After living in Italy for a year, I started working in the Travel Industry as a reservations consultant for a large Tour Operator nearly 30 years ago and have been addicted…

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