Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ newest ship  was officially launched on June 8, 2017, at its homeport of Tilbury in Essex, christened by Angela Rippon

The ship has had many owners since first launching in 1987 as Sitmar Fair Majesty, then in 1989 Star Princess, then P&O Arcadia, Ocean Village, then finally P&O Australia

Columbus is the largest in CMV’s five-strong fleet in terms of passenger numbers and before launching  underwent an extensive refurbishment,  including the introduction of 150 single cabins, reducing the ship’s capacity from 1,800 passengers to around 1,400. Columbus also has deluxe balcony cabins, and 75 percent of its cabins offer an ocean view. Many new features were added during the ship’s refurbishment.

Cabins range from Inside Twin and Inside Singles to the Junior Balcony Suites, with a total of 20 cabin categories onboard. The majority of cabins are made up of Superior Single, Superior Twin and Superior Twin Plus, with accommodation graded according to cabin size and position on the ship.

All the cabins are generous in size and have a fantastic amount of storage space and many have walk in dressing areas. Despite the ship’s recent updates, cabin furniture is a little tired and dated with a lot of dark wood, though brand-new soft furnishings give a fresh look. All cabins are equipped with a small fridge, hairdryer, kettle, tea and coffee, and a shampoo dispenser and soap in the bathroom.

Columbus offers limited cabins with facilities for the disabled and some interconnecting cabins.

The ship’s main dining room is called Waterfront Restaurant, located at the aft of Deck 7. In the centre of the restaurant is a unique Chef’s Table, set in an enclosed space surrounded by wine cabinets. The restaurant serves a mix of traditional British and European dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast and lunch are served on an open-seating basis, while two meal time options are available for dinner.

Three additional restaurants complement the ship’s main dining room. The Grill is a fish and meat restaurant, while Fusion by Chef Michael Shaji, located in a separate section of the buffet restaurant, is the ship’s signature Indian restaurant — both are offered at an additional fee. There’s also the free-dining Plantation Bistro, serving buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There’s also Cappuccino’s coffee bar, Gelato’s Ice Cream Shop and Hemingway’s, serving a variety of snacks and drinks throughout the day.

Bars include the Oval Pool Bar for daytime only, plus the British-themed Taverner’s Pub, Connexions Bar and Palladium Bar.

During the day, passengers can spend their time in the brand-new  bridge and card room, the Crafter’s Studio and the elegant library.

The ship’s Palladium Show Lounge is the main entertainment hub in the evenings. There’s also the Captain’s Club and Casino and Dome Observatory and Nightclub

The ship’s Jade Wellness Centre, located on Deck 2, features a thermal suite, day spa, hair and beauty salon and a fully-equipped gym.

There are  two heated swimming pools, a hot tub and a large outdoor movie screen.

An impressive 3 deck atrium is home to plenty of shops and a coffee and cake bar

There’s also a medical centre, internet cafe, guest services desk, shore excursions desk, cruise sales desk, photo and video gallery and a self service laundrette.

This is not a family ship, there are no facilities for children, the former kids club has been removed and replaced with adult focused facilities.

Columbus will have a variety of itineraries from 3 night mini cruises to 121 night round the world voyage, most departing from Tilbury