Columbus

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

Last week the new CMV flagship Columbus called into Bergen.

This is a ship that has never really settled into a role; originally built in 1988 as FairMajesty for Sitmar Cruises, she in fact entered service in 1989 as Star Princess following a takeover by P&O during construction.

Following 8 years of service as Star Princess (which unfortunately included striking a rock in Alaska in 1995, causing major damage, a 3-month break from service, and a $7million repair bill) she was transferred to the P&O brand in 1997 as Arcadia.

In 2003 she was used to launch the now-defunct Ocean Village cruises as (you guessed it) Ocean Village. When this venture failed in 2010, she was transferred again to sail as Pacific Pearl for P&O Cruises Australia.

Most recently, in mid-2017, she became Columbus, and took the role of flagship for the expanding British cruise line Cruise & Maritime Voyages, whose approach of buying up slightly older tonnage is satisfying an increasing demand for their popular low-cost, mid-size-ship cruises.

History would suggest that in another 6-8 years Columbus will be ready to move again, but with 28 years of service already behind her, this may be the final role for this handome and well-traveled ship.

Also in port, and visible alongside Columbus, was Thomson Celebration.

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

CMV Flagship MV Columbus in Bergen, Norway; Cruise ships in Bergen

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