By
Rebecca Gibson |
Damen Shipyard in Rotterdam, the Netherlands has started refurbishment work to convert P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Pearl into Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) new flagship Columbus.
CMV took delivery of Columbus in Singapore on 12 April, before the ship went into Sembcorp Marine Shipyard to undergo re-classification and provisioning works. More work was completed during Columbus’s ballast voyage from Singapore to Rotterdam.
On 13 May, Damen started a three-week dry dock project to completely repaint the ship’s hill and superstructure and add CMV’s livery. Renovation tasks include converting the existing children's areas and teenage centre into the Columbus Observation Lounge, Trumps & Aces Card & Bridge Room, the Ship's Library and a Crafter's Studio. The existing large casino is also being scaled down into a combined Captain's Club & Casino, while the existing Captain's Lounge will be changed into the Taverner's Pub.
“After over a year of meticulous planning this impressive traditional cruise liner is coming back home to British waters where she was once adored by many passengers and proved a firm favourite with the UK cruise market,” said Chris Coates, CMV’s commercial director. “The extensive upgrade works are taking shape nicely and we are confident that our passengers will like what they see and the upgrades that we have implemented and Columbus will prove to be a great addition to our fleet.”
Columbus is scheduled to arrive in Tilbury in London, UK on 5 June ahead of her naming ceremony and an overnight gala dinner and launch party on 8 June. The ship will also host luncheon and overnight consumer and trade showcase events on 9-10 June before commencing her three-night maiden cruise to Amsterdam and Antwerp on 11 June. This will be followed by a six-night voyage to the Norwegian fjords on 14 June and then a year-round schedule of sailings from Tilbury.