The very British cruise company Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) is known for its reasonably priced itineraries on smaller ships that forgo the current cruise industry’s gimmicks.
Columbus, the largest ship in the fleet, can carry 1,400 passengers since the policy is successful.
This past week, the largest cruise ship to ever dock at the Essex port of Tilbury on the Thames was christened, with TV personality Angela Rippon serving as godmother and fireworks lighting up the night sky.
Columbus, The Ship
An old-school ship for individuals who prefer a relaxing cruise experience to the hectic atmosphere on board the new megaliners. She was first launched in 1987, and after being christened as Star Princess by Hollywood star Audrey Hepburn in 1989, she went on to serve as P&O’s old Arcadia, Ocean Village, and most recently, P&O Australia’s Pacific Pearl.
Teak decks and all, a multi-million-pound refurbishment has preserved the classic look while adding a contemporary twist.
The Low down
Not many cabins have balconies, but those that do are generous in size (with plenty of closet space) and tastefully updated in style. Capacity has decreased due to the addition of 150 single cabins, so there isn’t a mass exodus to Columbus. Both the Trumps & Aces, a tranquil refuge with lots of card tables, and the nautically-themed Columbus Lounge & Library (with ocean views over the front of the ship) are brand new additions.
Waterfront is the primary restaurant. Planters with extremely modern-looking synthetic grass divide the tables perfectly. The Chef’s Table (at additional cost) is nestled in the middle, surrounded by wine cabinets.
The city’s steakhouse-style Grill (Scottish prime rib-eye or scallops with fois gras butter) and the fusion curry restaurant both include menu items that cost extra. Plantation, the buffet with a decor that is part English seaside elegance, half Caribbean, and an on-deck eating space that curves around the rear of the ship, is a great spot to be at any time of day.
The Facilities
Two separate spaces, one with a pool in each, are separated by an outdoor performance platform on the deck, which is an open-air area with a green carpet of synthetic grass. There are seven bars (like the Victorian-themed Taverner’s Pub and the green-and-cream-themed Connexions next door) and six entertainment areas, including the two-level Palladium for nightly live shows like ballroom dancing extravaganzas and classical singers, and the circular Dome, an observatory by day and a nighttime haunt with a stage and dance floor.
A pint of London Pride bitter is £4.50, a brandy is £3, and a cappuccino is £1.60, so the prices are pretty affordable. Visit the Jade spa and gym, take a class at the Crafter’s Studio, or peruse the many retail options available throughout the day.
The Clincher
This is the perfect cup of tea for any tea lover. As a result of upscale tea merchant Whittard’s first deal with a cruise line, passengers will find high-quality breakfast blend teabags next to their cabin’s kettle, a full range of teas (including Marrakech Mint and others) in a charming wooden chest at the Plantation self-service, and the option to purchase a cup of tea to enjoy in one of the ship’s bars or lounges for an additional fee.
The Cruises
From a 2-night Amsterdam Break (from £299, departing October 2) to a 46-night Cuba, Central America, and Caribbean Experience (from £2,799, departing October 29), and even a 4-night Christmas market getaway (departing December 14, from £729, but with a buy-one-get-one-free deal) that includes stops in both Amsterdam and Hamburg, you can find exactly what you’re looking for.
