Cruise & Maritime adds Magellan to fleet

By Cruise Adviser Last updated Nov 7, 2014 0

Cruise & Maritime Voyages is adding a fourth vessel to its ex-UK fleet, growing its capacity by 40% according to its commercial director.

The 1,250-passenger Magellan, formerly Ibero Cruises’ Grand Holiday, will begin sailing under the CMV flag in spring 2015.

The new vessel will be strictly adults only, with details of its first sailings having been released in a new brochure.

Chris Coates, commercial director commented: “We are delighted to have secured this excellent addition to our fleet which we believe will be very well suited to our core British market.

“The introduction of Magellan will increase UK capacity by 40% increasing carryings up to 74,000 passengers. Having already sold 65% of capacity for next year we remain confident that Magellan will help satisfy the growing demand for our product.”

The company will be offering introductory fares with savings of up to 50%, plus a 25% single supplement deal for solo travellers.

The first voyage will be a 12-night Northern Lights sailing from Tilbury on 15 March. Other cruises will depart from both the Port of Tyne and Dundee.

Christian Verhounig, CEO and chairman of CMV explained” “The introduction of Magellan to our growing ocean fleet is another important milestone in the expansion and strategic development of the group’s presence in the UK and wider international markets which will increase overall capacity to 115,000 passengers.

“The CMV brand is now creating much wider recognition and we remain confident that our medium to longer term growth objectives will be achieved.”

It has also been reported that the holding company for CMV’s 600-passenger chartered vessel, Astor, has filed for insolvency in Germany.

However, bosses at CMV, have assured the trade that the troubles for Premicon Hochseeschiff will not impact the charter of Astor.

Mr Verhounig explained: “The liquidation concerns the ownership company of Astor and have no ramifications for Cruise & Maritime Voyages, or Astor, which is under a long-term bareboat charter for CMV.”