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CRUISING ... with CMVCRUISING THE CANARIES ...

partitioning selectively placed gives a moreintimate feel to the area. Quality of foodand service as I was to find out, wereexcellent.

Sailing at 3pm we retrace out steps backto the open sea for our next port,Gibraltar, 3 days away. What is there to doon sea days I hear you ask, the answer is agreat deal. Weather allowing, takeadvantage of the spacious deck areas, relaxin the sun on comfortable loungers, swimin one of the two pools or sample a jacuzziat the stern whilst enjoying 270 degree seaviews. For others, take in a lecture, watcha film, test your general knowledge againstfellow passengers in a quiz, feelingenergetic, try your hand at line dancing,keep fit in the gym, take part in a craft classor attend one of the many other activitiesgoing on about the ship, the list is endless.

As we sail south the temperature risesuntil arrival in Gibraltar sees the mercuryhitting 26c in the bright sunshine.Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, ahome from home but in the sun. Red pillarboxes, police officers with British stylehelmets, Marks and Spencer, Debenhams,Holland and Barrett and even a Morrisonstogether with electrical and photographicshops selling top quality items at tax freeprices. For many it will be a trip to thesummit by cable car to watch the antics ofthe famous Barbary Apes. Make sure youhave a tight hold of cameras, phones andbags and don’t wear loose fitting jewellery. From here take in views of the Spanishmainland to the north and Africa to the

Alan Fairfax reviews his Canaries cruise lastAutumn on CMV’s flagship Columbus ... Days become shorter, the sun gets weakerdropping lower on the horizon andtemperatures begin to fall, Autumn hasarrived and thoughts turn to warmerclimates bringing forth questions, wheredo I go, how do I get there, can I afford it?There is an endless choice but one toconsider is Columbus, no not the explorer,Cruise and Maritime Voyages flagship,home ported at Tilbury, could be agood choice.

The sun is starting to set as we movequietly away from the quayside to beginour journey down the River Thames to theopen sea, our first port of call, Amsterdam.Next morning sees us transiting the locksand Amstel River leading to Amsterdamwhere we berth at 9am. The sun shinesfrom a clear blue sky and the mercury issteady at 20c. With most passengers off onexcursions to explore the city, ancientsights and buildings it affords a goodopportunity to explore the ship, my homefor the next 14 days.

Columbus boasts 17 categories of wellappointed cabins. 597 have ocean viewswith an average size of almost 190 sq. ft.so no one will complain about lack of spaceplus 28 De Luxe Balcony cabins and 36Junior Balcony suites ensuring there is something to suit everyone’s pocket.

Cruise and Maritime recognising theneeds of solo passengers have allocated150 cabins for their use. All cabins aretastefully furnished coming equippedwith air conditioning, private en-suitefacilities with powerful shower, amplehanging space plus 18 drawers,flat-screen television, fridge, personalsafe and that all important item, ahairdryer. Electrical sockets are of thecontinental type plus in my cabin anEnglish style 3 pin socket. Waterfront, themain dining restaurant is set out to tablesof 4, 6 and 8 settings with some for 2, and

Cruise Ship Columbus

The Atrium

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south together with 360 degree views overthe Rock of Gibraltar.

Early evening sailing on a South Westcourse and time to dine in Fusion, thespeciality Indian Restaurant served bywaiters in authentic Indian costume. Dishesof chicken, lamb, lentils, spinach followedby a selection of deserts are a delight.

Following a day at sea it’s a midday arrivalin Lanzarote and the capital Arrecife. Asexpected, the sun is shining on this islandwhich boasts a desert like climate with verylittle rain. The day is spent exploring the seafront area whilst others visit the home areaof César Manrique, a famous Spanish artistand architect who set up the ManriqueFoundation for the improvement ofLanzarote art. Visit the grounds and largevilla that was built for Omar Sharif butwhich he lost over a game of Bridge priorto moving in. The stakes were high and hedid not realise he was playing the worldBridge Champion. After losing he neverreturned to the island. The gardens arenow home to the Lagomar Restaurant, oneof the islands most exclusive.

Sailing early evening we set a southerlycourse to the island of Gran Canaria andthe port of Las Palmas. The port certainlylives up to its name ‘The Palms’, tastefullydesigned buildings, the waterfront, awonderful park area boasting bars andrestaurants, sun shining from an azure bluesky causes the mercury to hover on 29c.Yachts, sleek cabin cruisers mingle withships of the Spanish Navy and a sea goingCustoms Cutter. A wonderful port to sit,relax, take in the sun and watch the worldgo by.

11pm and the deck party is in full swing aswe say farewell to Las Palmas and headwest to our last port in the Canaries, SantaCruz de Tenerife, a port well known tothose who transit the Atlantic on cruises.Unfortunately, arrival is on a Sunday whenmost shops are closed but considering it isonly a half day stop it’s not that importantto many. What is important is the sun is stillshining from a crystal clear sky. Tenerife, anisland to which the British flock 12 monthsof the year and many have made it theirhome. Boasting a tropical climate, it comesas no surprise the island produces tropicalfruits such as the famous Canary Banana,the plantations of which litter the landscape

and are exported all over the world.Tenerife is home to Mount Teide, Spain’shighest peak, at 3,718 metres set in theTeide National Park attracting visitors intheir thousands each year who transit thecable car to watch the sunset over theocean from its summit. At 2pm we slip our ropes and many guestsenjoy a deck BBQ as we head north toFunchal the capital of Madeira anautonomous region of Portugal in theNorth Atlantic. Arriving at 9am thefollowing morning two other cruise shipsare already in port. From Funchal thevisitor is spoilt for choice on what to do.Apart from the ships tours there is thebonus of two hop on–hop off bus routes,one travelling inland exploring the interior,the other covering the coastal routes as far as Cámara de Lobos, the village madefamous by Winston Churchill in 1950

Dining in style

One of the relaxing lounges

where he completed a painting of thevillage whilst staying at Reids Hotel inFunchal. Something unique, a cable car toMonte Municipal Park here to changetransportation to a traditional wickertaboggan and slide down the streets backto Funchal.For the less adventurous visit the beautifulCathedral of Funchal finally completed in1518 and fronted by the statue of PopeJohn Paul ll commemorating his visit in1991, the interior with its striking highaltar, walls adorned with paintings andmurals by Flemish artists turn this into aplace of beauty. Step out into the sunshine,take a leisurely stroll around Santa CatarinaPark, gaze upon the selection of plants andshrubs from all over the world and finallyno visit would be complete of coursewithout sampling a glass of Madeira Wineat one of the local bars.

“11pm and the deckparty is in full swing”

Show time in the theatre

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At 4pm, everyone onboard and we headfor our last port, Leixöes on thePortuguese mainland. This evening it’stime to sample the second specialityrestaurant, The Grill, tastefully furnishedand serving steaks cooked to your order,tender succulent and accompanied by achoice of vegetables. Time for desert, forme just ice cream, the steak was thatlarge.

The following day, another sea day, soagain many opportunities to take ineverything the ship has to offer or justrelax in a lounger with a glass of chilledRosé and watch out for the occasionaldolphin or whale that make these waterstheir home. Leixöes, a port unknown tomany including myself but what adelightful town.

A new cruise terminal, 5 floors high ofintricate design housing an outdooramphitheatre, exhibition centre, seating,shops, reception area and a cruiseturnaround area capable of dealing with2,500 passengers and their luggage. Thenew quay capable of handling ships up to320 metres in length ready to acceptsome of the largest in the world. Ride theshuttle to the port gate and stroll 50 yards

to the magnificent golden sands of Praiade Matosinhos Beach, relax in a beach barsipping a cool drink out of the hot sun.Time for lunch, a short stroll through thesmall park housing the NationalMonument of the Lantern Tower ofSenhor de Padr o into Rua dos Heróis deFrança to be greeted by small pavementrestaurants, tables covered in pristinewhite table cloths, shining cutlery, glassessparkling in the sun light, mouth wateringmenus of fish, meats and local dishes, amemorable finish to the visit.

All too soon it’s back to the ship ready tocruise back to the UK arriving in 3 daystime. At 4pm we slip our ropes for thelast time, Columbus glides into the mainchannel heading for the open sea asthe captain gives 3 long blasts on the shipshorn, good bye Leixöes and Portugal. Thatnight at dinner the mood is a mix ofhappiness and sadness. Happy thateveryone has enjoyed the ports of call buta sadness that we are on our way home.

Columbus is a mid-size ship and willappeal very much to the British marketand in particular the mature traveller,those over 50 years of age who appreciatehow cruising used to be.

It was a favourite when sailing as Arcadiafor P&O and again as Ocean Village 1which is still fondly spoken of by manyseasoned cruisers today and many ofthose who sailed on the ship under thosenames are now back again on Columbus.

At every port crew members would beseen painting, washing, cleaning, keepingthis traditional ship of classic design withteak decking in pristine condition. Cruiseand Maritime have bucked the currenttrend of all casual attire and have retainedthe traditional Formal, Informal andCasual on-board dress code so loved bythe passengers. There is something specialto see passengers entering the diningareas well attired for dinner. Unlike manyother cruise lines, the Gala Buffet,Chocoholics Buffet has been retained tothe delight of passengers, late nightwaiters wander the public areas with traysladen with canapés.

This is a cruise line that has much to offerand will surpass the expectations of many,food, service, cabins, general ambience,entertainment and destinations will notdisappoint.

For further information:

www.cruiseandmaritime.com

Britain’s leading independent cruise line presentsBritain’s leading independent cruise line presents

Offers subject to availability and may be withdrawn without notice. Terms and conditions apply visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a twin cabin. � Land by launch or tender. Excludes gratuities at £7pp per night. Calls cost 5p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. Operated by South Quay Travel & Leisure trading as Cruise & Maritime Voyages.ABTA V9945. G021/G025/C023/G048. 5007

0844 998 9384 www.cruiseandmaritime.com or see your ABTA Travel Agent

Cruise the Canary Islands & Madeira

Traditional British cruise experience

Buy One Get One Free

Christmas & New Year Cape Verde, Madeira & Canaries Canary Islands & Madeira

Canary Islands & Madeira

Grand Canary Islands & Madeira, Iberian Treasures & Morocco

What’s Included

London Tilbury - Rotterdam (Netherlands) -Vigo for Santiago de Compostela (Spain) -Lisbon (Portugal) - Christmas Day at Sea -

Mindelo (Cape Verde) - Praia Santiago (Cape Verde) - Santa Cruz (Tenerife) - Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) - Arrecife (Lanzarote) - Funchal (Madeira) - Leixões for Oporto (Portugal) - London Tilbury.

London Tilbury - Rotterdam (Netherlands) - Gibraltar - Arrecife (Lanzarote) - Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) - Santa Cruz (Tenerife) - Funchal (Madeira)

- Lisbon (Portugal) - London Tilbury.

London Tilbury - Rotterdam (Netherlands) - Gibraltar - Arrecife (Lanzarote) - Las Palmas (Gran Canaria) - Santa Cruz (Tenerife) - Funchal (Madeira)

- Lisbon (Portugal) - London Tilbury.

Bristol Port - Cobh for Cork (Ireland) - La Coruña for Santiago de Compostela (Spain) - Cádiz for Seville - Gibraltar - Casablanca for Marrakech (Morocco)

- Lanzarote - Tenerife - Madeira - Lisbon (Portugal - Bristol Port.

Wednesday 18th December 2019 21 nights aboard Magellan

Monday 16th March 2020 15 nights aboard Magellan

Sunday 4th October 2020 15 nights aboard Columbus

Monday 5th October 2020 16 nights aboard Magellan

Twin Ocean View from

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£ 2999

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£ 2759

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1st Adult 2nd Adult

Twin Ocean View from

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£ 3099

£ 2239

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1st Adult 2nd Adult

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From £1599pp From £1089pp From £1119pp

From £1089pp • Comfortable cabin accommodation

• Delicious full board cuisine

• Afternoon teas and late night snacks

• Big show entertainment, cabarets and classics

• Self service tea & coffee from 6am to midnight

• Wide range of leisure facilities and activities

• Porterage of luggage from port to cabin

• Port taxes