The two vessels will transfer from P&O Cruises Australia's fleet and start service in 2021
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise & Maritime Voyages is pay homage to two of the world’s most famous female adventurers by naming its newest ships Amy Johnson and Ida Pfeiffer when they join its fleet in 2021.
Currently sailing as Pacific Dawn for P&O Cruises Australia, the 1,400-guest Amy Johnson will become CMV’s new flagship when she starts sailing year-round itineraries from London’s port of Tilbury in late May 2021.
Born in England, Johnson became the first woman to fly solo from London to Australia at the age of 27 in 1931. Following this flight, she also became the first woman to fly from London to Moscow, Russia in one day and set record flying times from Britain to Japan and Cape Town, South Africa. In addition, she was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Aero Club and joined the Air Transport Auxiliary in World War 2.
A second P&O Cruises Australia ship named Pacific Aria will join CMV’s Germany-based TransOcean Kreuzfahrten fleet and be rechristened Ida Pfeiffer after the 19th-century Austrian explorer, travel writer and ethnographer. One of the world’s first female travellers, Pfeiffer made various pioneering trips through Southeast Asia, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. She also undertook two world voyages.
The 1,100-passenger vessel will sail alongside Vasco de Gama and replace the 500-guest Astor, which will be renamed Jules Verne and be transferred to the French market in May 2021.
“We are delighted with the chosen names and the opportunity to recognise two outstanding female adventurers and pioneers,” said Christian Verhounig, CEO of CMV. “Most of all, we are pleased to confirm that Amy Johnson will take over from Columbus as the fleet’s new flagship.”
Both names were chosen from shortlists by the brand’s loyalty club members and social media followers.