CMV announces further suspension of cruise operations until June 30 2020

Due to the continued global pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus), government restrictions still in force, and the lockdown of many countries and ports around the world, Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has taken the decision to further extend the suspension of all of its worldwide cruises, from May 25 to June 30 2020.

CMV announces two additional cruise ships for 2021

British-based Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced the acquisition of two more cruise ships to join its expanding ocean fleet – increasing to eight cruise ships in 2021.

The independently owned CMV Group will take delivery of P&O Australia’s Pacific Dawn and Pacific Aria in Singapore on 2 March and 2 May 2021 respectively, increasing CMV’s capacity to 9,000 berths and an increase in passenger capacity by 30% in 2021.

The duo will be officially re-named in mid-2021, following dry docking in Singapore where some minor upgrades will be completed, and the ships’ livery updated. The vessels will then embark on maiden positioning voyages via the Suez Canal to Northern Europe.

Pacific Dawn (to be renamed) at 70,285grt, with 798 passenger cabins and carrying around 1,400 passengers, will be deployed to the UK market in late May 2021, bolstering much-needed capacity and cruising year-round alongside Columbus ex-London Tilbury.

Pacific Aria (to be renamed) at 55,819grt, with 630 passenger cabins and carrying around 1,100 passengers, will be deployed to the German market under the TransOcean Kreuzfahrten brand with a much-needed increase in capacity, cruising alongside Vasco da Gama and replacing the 580 passenger Astor. Astor is being re-named Jules Verne and will be re-deployed to the French market in May 2021.

CEO Christian Verhounig commented, “The introduction of two more ships to the global ocean fleet is the next exciting chapter of our strategic growth objectives. This will enable us to service increasing market demand for our traditional brand of cruising, generated by our expanding international network of in-house sales offices and developing source markets. We have now acquired five cruise ships in just five years and are firmly on course in carrying 200,000 passengers in 2021.”

The new ship names will be unveiled later in December 2019 under CMV’s explorer theme, providing a more traditional cruise experience that can access harder-to-reach ports.

Chris Coates, Group Commercial Director, added, “As the CMV brand continues to evolve, the growing popularity of our traditional product, classic ships and destination-focused cruise programs has encouraged us to accelerate plans to add capacity to the two top European cruise markets in the UK and Germany, which represent 85% of our business.

“These two fine cruise ships perfectly complement our existing fleet, providing trade partners and consumers alike with much needed extra capacity. For 2020, we expect close to 70% of capacity to be sold by the year end, in line with expectations. This provides an ideal platform for the early introduction of new tonnage and opportunities for 2021.”

CMV Australia’s National Sales Manager, Darren Chigwidden, said, “We’re so excited to welcome these new vessels in joining our fleet. We look forward to discussing this soon with our trade partners at the upcoming inspections and events onboard as we welcome our newest ship, Vasco da Gama. Her arrival into Australian waters for the first time with CMV on Sunday marks our growth and commitment to the Australasian market.

“This growth has not only been in domestic cruising, but also in CMV’s international voyages with our small to mid-size ship offering. Having Pacific Dawn among our fleet is a great opportunity for our travel agents – who are key to our ongoing success – as they are already familiar with the unique selling points of the ship itself.

“Combined with Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ reputation for friendly, traditional service and value for money, we believe this presents a fantastic proposition for agents and their clients to venture to new destinations aboard vessels they already know and love.”

The inaugural 2021 programs will go on sale via travel trade and CMV’s international sales offices and websites during Q1-2020, with special 2021 launch incentives planned to encourage early bookings.

www.cmvaustralia.com

Cruise & Maritime Voyages itineraries for new ship launch

Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) today announced its new ship Vasco da Gama will sail from Singapore to London and London to Sydney in 2019 before launching its inaugural Australian cruise season. Passengers can choose from a range of options along the routes of up to 55 nights with bookings open from Thursday 17 May 2018.

The ship's exciting 44-night Maiden Voyage from Singapore to London will include Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Jordan, Egypt and the iconic passage through the Suez Canal. The cruise will continue to Israel and around the best of the Mediterranean, finishing with Morocco and Portugal before docking in London. Guests wanting more can stay aboard and disembark in Amsterdam (Netherlands) or Bremerhaven (Germany).

Vasco da Gama's 53-night Inaugural Southbound voyage will depart London on 9 October 2019. The Southbound cruise includes 16 ports of call in countries such as Morocco, Barbados, Mexico and New Zealand before arriving in Sydney.

"Our special Southbound voyage will appeal to cruise devotees and discerning travellers alike; we've had unprecedented interest in the new Vasco da Gama from our customers and agents since announcing the acquisition in March," said Dean Brazier, Managing Director of CMV Australia.

"Passengers will have the opportunity to transit the Panama Canal and cross the equator in an experience reminiscent of the grand days of cruising – but with all the mod cons of a contemporary ship.

"Vasco da Gama offers two gorgeous pools, the state-of-the-art Jade Wellness Centre and Spa, a two-tiered theatre, and five inviting bars and lounges. Six dining venues feature cuisine from around the world – The Grill's succulent steaks are expected to be a hit with passengers, and the 'Chef's Table' will provide a degustation menu plus an insight into the workings of the galley.

"The ship's country club ambiance will be suited to couples, groups and solo travellers wishing to explore some of the most fascinating cities in the world while enjoying the comforts of a quality cruise – all among good company. These voyages should be on everyone's bucket lists and we expect them to sell-out quickly," said Mr Brazier.

CMV has launched a 'SELL & SET SAIL' promotion for travel agents. The winner and a friend will spend five nights aboard Vasco da Gama during its inaugural Australian Season in 2019/2020.

The agent who books the highest number of cabins on Vasco da Gama's Maiden Voyages or Inaugural Southbound Voyages by 30 June 2018 will be selected. Register at CMVAustralia.com/SailFree.

Vasco da Gama compliments CMV's Astor, which has been in the Australian market for six years. The new ship will offer more onboard facilities and increased passenger capacity with CMV's hallmark personalised service, while the Astor will maintain its appeal as a boutique and intimate cruising experience.

Cruise & Maritime Voyages will acquire Pacific Eden from P&O Australia in April 2019 and the ship will be dry docked in Singapore before beginning its maiden voyage on 23 April. The vessel will be refreshed while in Singapore and undergo its Vasco da Gama 'makeover' (named after the famous Portuguese explorer and navigator).

London to Sydney cruise-only fares start from AU$6,899 per person twin share for an inside cabin (53 nights), which includes up to AU$2,200 free on-board credit per cabin – for bookings made up until 31 July 2018 – to allow guests to experience even more of the new ship. Singapore to London cruise-only fares start from AU$5,399 per person twin share (44 nights).

Vasco da Gama will be deployed and dedicated to both the German and Australasian cruise markets. During the European summer (May-October) the ship will operate under CMV's German brand, TransOcean Kreuzfahrten, homeporting from both Bremerhaven and Kiel; and during the Australian summer season (December-March) will sail from Fremantle and Adelaide.

For further information, customers can contact their travel agent or register their interest at CMVAustralia.com/Register. To begin selling the cruises, agents can contact their local CMV Sales Representative.

Astor's back for another summer of fun

Fourth season based Down Under and she's still proving popular



The cruise ship Astor arrived safe and sound into Fremantle Port on Friday morning to commence her fourth summer based in Australia.

There is no rest for her though. After 54 nights of sailing from London to Perth, via the iconic Panama Canal, she headed off for a fun-filled weekend off the West Australian coast.

Astor has 16 return itineraries planned from Fremantle this season and then she will head to Adelaide for three return cruises departing from the City of Churches.

This addition to her regular schedule is already proving popular, as are the two relocation cruises to/from Adelaide and Fremantle.

Cruise and Maritime Voyages is proud to be able to base the 620-passenger Astor in Australia again this summer, where she will remain until she leaves Fremantle on her 39-night journey back to the UK, via South Africa, departing 15 March 17.

Astor offers comfortable and traditional cruising and enjoys an extremely high satisfaction rating and return booking rate. Astor offers short cruises for those who are unable to escape their normal lives for too long; return cruises that for many removes the extra financial burden of flights; and overnight in port events where potential passengers can check out Astor's features, or find out first hand what cruising is all about.

Astor's schedule