CMV Columbus

CMV Columbus cruise ship was launched in 1988 as "FairMajesty". As "Pacific Pearl", the vessel was the smallest and oldest in the P and O Australia's fleet. The ship was previously operated as part of Princess Cruises fleet under the name Star Princess (1989-1997). Pacific Pearl was last drydock refurbished in 2015 and transferred to CMV-Cruise Maritime Voyages in May 2017 as "MV Columbus".

History - construction and ownership

The 63,786-ton, 1,817-passenger cruise ship for P&O Australia debuted in December 2010. The vessel was re-designed specifically for the Australian budget cruising market. It continued a number of innovations represented by the sisterships Pacific Dawn (CMV Amy Johnson since 2021) and Pacific Jewel (Karnika since 2019) but also introduced few, like the swim-up bar. All cabins are with new LCD screen flat TVs, with a few TV channels and 2 film channels. Cabins' bedding was upgraded. Other amenities include handheld hairdryers, mini-fridges, electronic safe boxes.

After its launch and christening in 1989, the FairMajesty’s shipowner Sitmar was acquired by the P&O company and the ship was renamed "Star Princess". In 2003, the shipowner Carnival Corporation created the Ocean Village Holidays brand and the ship became “Ocean Village”.

• During the 2003 refit (done by Lloyd Werft, Bremerhaven Germany) before the transfer from P&O UK, the ship was upgraded with a larger casino, a buffet restaurant, a steel arch over Lido Deck 12, for acrobatic shows), crew cabins were transformed into passenger staterooms.
• The Ocean Village 1 ship operated Caribbean cruises from Barbados and Mediterranean cruises from Palma de Mallorca, with Transatlantic repositioning crossings.
• The second member in the fleet was named Ocean Village 2 (Pacific Jewel / MS Karnika).

In March 2016 was announced that Pacific Pearl was sold and would be farewelled to CMV in 2017. A commercial arrangement was reached to transfer the vessel, as part of the ongoing fleet expansion and renewal program of the CMV company.

The 1987-built Pacific Pearl left P&O in April 2017, after completing 294 cruises for the line. The older ship had to make room for P&O's newest additions, Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden, as well as Pacific Explorer (former Dawn Princess), which joined the P&O AU fleet in 2017. After the launch in December 2010, Pacific Pearl became New Zealand's first super-liner. The inaugural itinerary was an 8-night cruise to the South Pacific from Auckland.

In March 2016 was announced that Cruise and Maritime Voyages would raise its fleet's UK capacity by 25% (to 95,000 passengers in 2017) with the addition of Pacific Pearl as Columbus. The former Ocean Village cruise ship was launched in 1989 and since then was operated by Princess Cruises. The ship started its CMV service with year-round itineraries leaving from Tilbury UK (maiden voyage June 9, 2017) under the new name "MV Columbus". The redesigned 1,400-passenger Columbus ship has 150 single cabins. It became CMV fleet's flagship, joining the mates 550-passenger Astoria, 600-passenger Astor, 800-passenger Marco Polo, and 1,300-passenger Magellan. The adult-only Columbus offered 2 promo cruises in August 2017 for all age groups.

Cruise itinerary program

CMV Columbus itinerary program is based on UK cruises leaving roundtrip from Tilbury-London. Among the visited destinations and cruises are short breaks to Europe, British Isles, Madeira and Canary Islands, Iberia (Atlantic ports of Spain and Portugal, with Gibraltar UK). Also roundtrip from UK (London) Columbus offers cruises to the Caribbean and South American ports, also visiting Havana Cuba. Columbus cruises also include roundtrip itineraries from Amsterdam Holland.

Cabins

Most Columbus cruise staterooms are 190 ft2 Oceanview cabins (total number 533). The total number of cabins is 775 (of which 36 Suites, 28 Deluxe Balcony rooms, 150 single cabins) in 23 categories. Of all cabins, only 8% are with a private balcony. The largest onboard accommodations are the Mini Suites (370 ft2).

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The main dining room onboard CMV Columbus is called Waterfront Restaurant. In the center of the restaurant is the line's unique Chef's Table, which is set in an enclosed space that is surrounded by wine cabinets. Waterfront Restaurant serves traditional British and European cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A couple of mealtime options are available for dinner, while breakfast and lunch are open-seating.

Three additional restaurants complement the main dining room. The free-dining Plantation Bistro serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Grill is a fish & meat restaurant. Fusion by Chef Michael Shaji is the signature Indian restaurant.

Follows the complete list of CMV Columbus restaurants and food bars.

• The Waterfront Restaurant is the main dining room which operates with open-seating and a la carte menus (“Your Choice Dining”) for breakfast and lunch and offers a 4-course dinner menu. Part of the Waterfront Restaurant is the Wine Room. It serves the CMV line’s “Chef’s Table” dinner package.
• Plantation Restaurant (with its own bar) is the Lido buffet restaurant.
• The Luna room is an Asian-cuisine specialty restaurant annex (cover charges PP apply).
• Salt Grill is a specialty restaurant (surcharges PP) run by celebrity chef Luke Mangan.
• The Cafe Bar serves the pool area with light snacks and drinks.
• Hemmingway’s Bar (portside lobby bar serving the foyer).
• Raffles Bar serving specialty cocktails.
• The Connexions Bar serves the two open-air Promenade deck areas.
• Captain’s Club is an English pub bar with a nice selection of local and international beers.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

During the day, CMV Columbus cruise ship passengers can spend time in the Trumps & Aces bridge and card room, Crafter's Studio and the stylish library. The expansive 2-tiered Palladium Show Lounge is ship's main entertainment hub for the evenings. There is also Captain’s Club, Dome Observatory and Nightclub.

Jade Wellness Centre features a day spa, thermal suite, hair & beauty salon plus a fully-equipped gym. The ship is also home to a pair of heated swimming pools, a hot tub, and an outdoor movie screen. The 3-deck central atrium offers retail opportunities. There is also an internet cafe, shore excursions desk, guest services desk, cruise sales desk, photo & video gallery.

Follows the complete list of CMV Columbus lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• The Palladium Show Lounge is a 2-deck high theatre hosting large-scale show productions in the evenings with live music, magic and comedy performances by guest entertainers. The Palladium Bar serves the theatre and the foyer area.
• The Dome – an indoor observation lounge.
• Wellness Centre includes Thermal Suite (Sauna, Steam Rooms); Day Spa consisting of massage rooms (for reflexology, acupuncture, facials, scrubs), plus a couples massage room (with shower and 1 whirlpool).
• Fitness Center consisting of a 2-leveled Gym (with modern equipment, has no windows) and a separate Aerobics Room (for Yoga and Pilates classes /at a surcharge). Personal trainers for Fitness, Pilates and Yoga classes can be provided.
• Hair & Beauty Salon offers hair cutting-styling-coloring, manicure-pedicure, waxing, teeth whitening, botox, barber services.
• Internet Center (inside Hemmingway’s) has 7 PC stations.
• Photo & Video Gallery; Art Gallery.
• The Taverner’s Pub & Casino offers off-shore gambling on roulette/blackjack tables and poker machines, and complimentary casino gaming lessons for beginners.
• Tax & Duty-Free Shops / Shopping Galleria; PANDORA shop (luxury jewelry boutique).
• The Oasis retreat, served by Oasis Bar (adults-only outdoor relaxation area).
• Trumps & Aces club (kids 3-6 yo); Crafters Studio club (kids 7-10 yo).
• V8 Simulators room has high-speed car racing simulators.

MV Columbus was launched in 1988 as Sitmar FairMajesty. Initially ordered for Sitmar Cruises, in 1989 it was sold and entered service for Princess Cruises as Star Princess. From 1997 to 2003, the vessel (as MV Arcadia) was operated by P&O Cruises UK. In 2003 Arcadia was renamed to "Ocean Village", the sole cruise ship of Ocean Village brand, and later transferred to P&O Cruises Australia as "Pacific Pearl".

In 1997 (as P&O Arcadia), vessel’s flag-state (registry) was changed from Monrovia (Liberia) to London (UK). In November 2010, the vessel was drydock refurbished in Singapore (at Sembawang Shipyards) and renamed “Pacific Pearl”. The inaugural voyage started on December 22.

On March 3, 2016, P&O Australia announced that in March 2017 Pacific Pearl leaves the fleet, having completed 294 voyages for PandO, and carrying more than 500,000 passengers over a period of 5 years. On March 7, 2016, was announced that in June 2017 the ship will be transferred to CMV, renamed "MV Columbus" and becoming the fleet's new flagship.

Homeported in London-Tilbury, CMV Columbus targets the adult-only (16-yo +) cruising market. Still, in summer 2017 the ship operated a couple of selected August school holiday cruises for all age groups. Early booking deals on CMV Columbus offer special discount prices plus 25% single supplement promotion on booking the ship's 150 single occupancy cabins. Group booking deals provide additional discounts. The addition of the adults-only cruise ship in 2017 increased the CMV's UK capacity by 25%, (up to 125,000 passengers) or with additional 95,000 passengers. Columbus is operated as an adults-only cruise ship, with selected itineraries themed for all age groups.

The vessel entered drydock in Rotterdam in May 2017 for a 3-week refit. An amount of modification and refurbishment works previously took place during the transfer of the ship from Singapore. The refurbishment of the former P&O Cruises Pacific Pearl ship saw the kids and teen areas converted in order to suit the more mature passengers onboard. The 1,400-passenger Columbus gained a new livery with the painting of hull and superstructure. Technical aspects comprised maintenance of the main engines, thrusters, and generators as well as polishing of the propellers. Numerous pipelines and valves were maintained and modified or renewed. The work also included maintenance of tenders, lifeboats, and davits in addition to repair and cleaning of ship’s tanks.

On June 5, 2017, the ship arrived in Tilbury-London from Rotterdam, where was drydock refurbished by DSR (Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam). On June 8, 2017, was vessel's christening ceremony held at homeport Tilbury. The ship's godmother is Angela May Rippon - British TV journalist, newsreader, and presenter. On June 11 started the ship's Inaugural season with departing from UK roundtrip cruises.

Fun fact is that this CMV ship has a namesake - the 2010-launched "CMA CGM Columba". The vessel is among the world's largest container ships (capacity 11,388 containers) and operated by CMA-CGM Line.

Ship's relocation itinerary (16 days in length) was scheduled for March 27 (2017) leaving from Auckland NZ to Singapore (Southeast Asia). The last cruise for P and O was the 4-day roundtrip from Auckland to Bay Of Islands (March 23 to 27, see below).

CMV Columbus refurbishment 2017 review

During the ship's 3-week drydock refurbishment (May 13   -June 5, 2017, done in Rotterdam Holland at DSR / Damen shipyard) the Pacific Pearl vessel was transformed into the New Columbus. The list of modification works and changes done to the ship before entering the CMV's fleet, included:

• Repainting was done to the hull and superstructure. New livery and the new shipowner's (CMV) logos and markings were added.
• Redesigned were the existing youth areas / converted to adult facilities. This added the new "Columbus Lounge" (Observation Lounge & Library/aft on deck 14) and the new "Trumps & Aces" (kids area/aft on deck 11).
• Most of Pacific Pearl's other venues were renamed, redesigned and extensively refurbished.
• Columbus is CMV's first vessel to offer "Whittard of Chelsea" (UK brand) specialty tea and chocolate beverages, plus gift collections on sale at the onboard shop.
• Technical maintenance works included main diesel engines, ship's propulsion units (thrusters, generators, propellers were polished), pipelines and valves (some were modified or renewed), tender boats, lifeboats, davits (crane devices), fuel and water tanks (repair and cleaning).

CMV World Cruise 2021

In early-June 2019, CMV announced, "Grand Round the World Cruise 2021" (booking code C106). The 120-night voyage departs roundtrip from Port Tilbury-London (January 6, 2021) and features 34,770 NM (40,000 mi / 64,400 km) of navigation across 5 continents, visiting 24 countries, calling at 38 seaports. Signature destinations include Caribbean, Panama Canal (transition), South Pacific Ocean, Australia New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Indian Ocean, South Africa, South America (Brazil).

Prices started from GBP 9000 per person (double occupancy cabin rates).

CMV World Cruise 2020

In 2019, CMV offered on Columbus company's (and industry's) first "best-priced world cruise" (2020 voyage). Early booking fares started at ~USD 100 pp per night for the 120-day itinerary - or just USD 12,700 for the entire voyage (interior cabin price based on double occupancy). All bookings made by March 30 (2019) also received up to USD 3000 in OBC (onboard credit per person). Next table shows the itinerary as destinations, ports and port times.

120-day "Grand Round the World Cruise 2020" roundtrip from Tilbury

For Columbus World Cruise 2020, CMV for the first time offered free flights (fly-cruise deals) from several Canadian and US port cities (for embarkation). By October 2019, voyage's lowest pricing was USD 14,000 pp (interior) and USD 18,670 pp (oceanview), inclusive of taxes and port fees.

CMV Columbus inaugural cruise itineraries

The below tables show ship's Inaugural Cruise itineraries (maiden voyages) for CMV by destination. All listed prices are the cheapest rates per person (pp) and based on double occupancy (inside cabin rates).

MV Columbus' "Inaugural Cruise" for CMV was on June 11, with the following 3 nights / 4 days short-break itinerary (roundtrip UK to Holland and Belgium). Prices started from USD 590 pp.

The ship's "grand maiden voyage" was 12 nights / 13 days, roundtrip UK to Iceland and Northern Isles. Prices started from USD 2540 pp.

The ship's "Canaries maiden voyage" was 14 nights / 15 days, roundtrip UK to the Canary Islands and Madeira. Prices started from USD 2740 pp.

The ship's "British Isles maiden voyage" was 9 nights / 10 days, roundtrip themed "British Isles Discovery". Prices started from USD 1900 pp.

The ship's "Norwegian Fjords maiden voyage" was 7 nights / 8 days, roundtrip themed "Majestic Fjordland". Prices started from USD 830 pp.

The ship's first "Transatlantic cruise" (the UK to the Caribbean) was 46 nights / 47 days, themed "Cuba, Central America & Caribbean Experience". Prices started from USD 8060 pp.

The ship's first "World Cruise" was 71 nights / 72 days, from Australia to the UK. Prices started at just USD 8850 pp.

P&O Pacific Pearl ship review

• Cabin grades number: 22
• A total number of cabins: 773 (of which 36 Suite, 28 Balcony, 176 Inside rooms).
• Dining Rooms: Waterfront Restaurant
• Restaurants and food bars: Plantation Restaurant (buffet), Salt Grill (by Luke Mangan), The Grill (lido BBQ), Wine Room (wine & Chef’s Table), Luna (Asian).
• Lounges & Bars: Marquee (theater), Dome (observation & nightclub), Charlie’s (lobby), Marquee, MIX (cocktails), Orient (pub), Connexions (promenade), Players (casino & sports), teen & kids lounges (Turtle Cove, Shark Shack, HQ, HQ+), poolside bars (The Cafe, NZ Natural /ice cream).
• Entertainment - adult-only retreat (Oasis), Aqua SpaFitness, Casino, Promenade (deck 7), outdoor movie LED screen, 2 pools, 4 jacuzzis, duty-free shops, deck games (chess, shuffleboard, golf putting).

P&O Pacific Pearl ship started its carrier under the name "Star Princess". She was operated by Princess Cruises from 1989 to 1997. Then for six years (1997 to 2003), the vessel was operated as "Arcadia" by P&O UK, and for another seven years (2003 to 2010) as "Ocean Village I" (by the Ocean Village line /former Carnival brand). In 2010, the ship was finally transferred to the P&O Cruises Australia fleet, named "Pacific Pearl" and homeported in Sydney.

Vessel's design is similar to the P&O AU fleet mates Pacific Dawn (CMV Amy Johnson since 2021) and Pacific Jewel (Karnika since March 2019). Pacific Pearl's godmother was Barbara Anne Kendall - boardsailor, a medalist from 5 Summer Olympic Games.

Pacific Pearl used to cruise mostly on roundtrip Australia and New Zealand itineraries departing from Sydney and Auckland. On its South Pacific Islands routes ("Pacific Island Hopper") the ship visited Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Santo, Tonga), also Papua New Guinea. On cruises to Queensland include stops at Willis Island (the Coral Sea, beyond the Great Barrier Reef). On short breaks, the ship sailed exclusively to Mooloolaba ("Sunshine Coast", located about 60 ml / 100 km north of Brisbane) or to Moreton Island (the world's 3rd largest sand island).

Pacific Pearl's Cruise to Nowhere deals was on specially themed Australian roundtrip voyages (with no additional ports of call along the route). These short breaks were usually themed "Food and Wine", "Music" (various styles/performers), "Comedy", "Sports". P&O Australia "cruises to nowhere" prices are also inclusive of all special activities and themed entertainment on the ship, including classes and workshops, lectures, presentations, guest performances, theme parties.

MS Pacific Pearl - dining

The primary dining venue on Pacific Pearl was the Waterfront (Deck 7 aft), which looks more like a contemporary restaurant, rather than a traditional dining room. The line recruited its first ever celebrity manager, Luke Mangan, to add his touches to the menu in the Salt Grill (steakhouse and seafood restaurant with an a la carte priced menu).

Follows the complete list of Pacific Pearl restaurants and food bars.

• Waterfront Restaurant (open-seating dining room; each of all three dining rooms on Pacific Jewel is operated with “Your Choice Dining” (a la carte) menus for breakfast and lunch, and offers a 4-course dinner menu. Tables seat up to 10 guests. Dining times vary according to sea/port days)
• The Luna room (Asian-cuisine banquets; features Japanese and Thai specialties)
• Salt Grill (reservations-only specialty restaurant via a partnership with Australian celebrity chef Luke Mangan)
• The Pantry (self-service buffet restaurant with an open-air terrace)
• Chef’s Table (14-seat private dining room, located in the Wine Room / gourmet private dining and tour of the galley)
• New Zealand Natural (ice cream bar)

MS Pacific Pearl - entertainment

Pacific Pearl was created for family fun. The atrium was converted into a multipurpose cafe lounge, bar, and retail shopping space. The vessel had an awesome 2-level amusement venue, The Marquee. Daytime activities included karaoke, bingo, and trivia. The pool deck's big LED screen proved to be a huge hit and was largely used for broadcasting full-length concerts, live sports, movies, shows. Evening entertainment was standard cruise ship fare, with a mix of guest entertainers and Broadway-style production shows. For kids, innovative activity clubs included Turtle Cove (ages 3-6-yo), Shark Shack (ages 7-10-yo) and HQ (teens facilities).

Follows the complete list of Pacific Pearl lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens, and adults.

• Atrium (3-decks central open floor area and social hub)
• Charlie’s Bar; The Orient bar (English pub); MIX (specialty cocktails bar); Connexions Bar; The Cafe
• Essentials Store; Tax & Duty-Free Shops; PANDORA shop (jewelry); Aqua Hut (snorkeling equipment)
• The Marquee Theatre (2-decks, for large-scale shows, magic and comedy acts; during the day, the theater hosted Jackpot bingo games and trivia quizzes)
• Wine Room (boutique winery)
• The Big Screen (outdoor LED screen for movies, show programs, sports games)
• The Dome (indoor observation lounge with floor-ceiling windows, large dance floor, full-service bar; transforms into a disco nightclub in the evenings)
• Players Bar & Casino
• Expressions Studio (Photo Gallery & Shop); Art Gallery; The Lounge (Internet computers)
• The Oasis (adults-only relaxation complex)
• Aqua HealthSpaFitness (Wellness Centre with Day Spa, Thermal Suites, Fitness Centre with a separate room for classes, Massage Rooms, Aqua Beauty Salon)
• Fun Zone (kids’ center); Teen- and Kids club lounges (complimentary activities by P&O youth program)
• “Turtle Cove”; “Shark Shack”; “HQ” lounge; “HQ+” teen lounge)
• P&OEdge Adventure Park experience (“high adrenalin” program with 20 different activities, such as climbing, jumping, racing, flying on ropes); V8 Simulators room (high-speed car racing simulators)
• Jogging Track; Traditional deck games area (Deck Chess, Deck Quoits, Shuffleboard); Sports Court (basketball, volleyball, tennis); Table Tennis; Golf Putting Green.

Pacific Pearl's itinerary program was based on South Pacific Ocean cruises from Sydney Australia and Auckland New Zealand, including roundtrip “South Pacific Islands” itineraries to Fiji, Vanuatu, Santo, New Caledonia. The ship used to operate also on Cruises to Nowhere and short break (mini) voyages, Queensland cruises (to Great Barrier Reef and Papua New Guinea) and roundtrip NZ itineraries. The last New Zealand cruise on Pacific Pearl was a 4-night to Bay of Islands from Auckland (March 23, 2017). The ship's last P&O cruise was a 16-day repositioning itinerary to Singapore from Auckland (March 27, 2017).

Pacific Pearl ship's last PandO cruises were in March 2017. The following tables show their itineraries as ports of call sequences and port times (arrival/departure). Tickets prices started from around AUD 100 pp (double occupancy inside cabin rates).

10 nights / 11 days, round-trip (themed "Kiwi Explorer")

3 nights / 4 days, Cruise to Nowhere (themed "Comedy")

10 nights / 11 days, (themed "Discover Vanuatu")

4 nights / 5 days, (themed Bay Of Islands")

16 nights / 17 days, (repositioning from Auckland to Singapore)

P&O Pacific Pearl refurbishment 2015 review

During Pacific Pearl's last drydock refurbishment (in August 2015, done in Sydney NSW) was installed PYO AU's signature P&O Edge Adventure Park. The outdoor facility serves 15 open-air activities on the top deck, including surfboard simulator, bungee trampoline, walk the plank, flying fox. Another new feature was the Pandora outlet (selling top Australian brand jewellery).

• The ship’s decor was changed after the refit, with new furniture, fresh colour palettes, and artworks for the Atrium, Mix bar, Orient bar, Connexions bar, Luna restaurant.
• The Plantation buffet restaurant was redesigned.
• General renovation works were done to all public areas and all cruise cabins (including new carpeting), also to the Spa/wellness complex, The Dome (disco nightclub) and the Waterfront restaurant.
• The Orient bar received 2 grand pianos.