As the ship’s godmother Gloria Hunniford hinted, the Queen, who had been godmother to P&O’s Britannia just two days earlier, is a hard act to follow.
Of course, no-one expected the thirty-year-old Magellan to compete with a brand new ship, but it has had a complete refurbishment and now proudly carries the Cruise & Maritime Voyages flag, with an exciting programme of cruises ahead to satisfy the demands of loyal cruisers and to tempt those trying it out for the first time.
Sporting the winged funnel of Carnival cruise lines, the ship is traditionally elegant and, without balcony cabins, avoids the look of a floating block of flats.
Her 726 cabins hold 1250 adult-only passengers who are catered for in two elegant dining rooms, Waldorf and Kensington, and the more informal Raffles Bistro. The public areas are open and spacious and the spa is particularly attractive with peaceful treatment rooms, including one for couples.
There is a good selection of entertainment venues, the centre piece being the two deck high Magellan show lounge – really more a theatre. Guests just need to take a little care when selecting where to sit as there are a number of pillars which could partially obstruct the view.
The Captain’s Club is a wide and spacious bar with a small stage for musical performances and there are other venues such as Hampton’s and Sinatra’s Lounge Bars, plus Scott’s nightclub.
The ship also boasts a library, casino and an internet cafe for those who just have to keep in touch with the folks back home – perhaps to tell them what a good time they are having on board!
Out on deck there are main and lido pools and three jacuzzis with spacious areas to relax. Feeling thirsty? No problem, the Eros and Lido bars are not far away and, for a drink with a view, try the Neptune observation bar.
Of course the ship’s facilities are important but the itineraries are what attract passengers and here Magellan punches well above its weight.
Whilst Magellan’s home port is Tilbury, she will also offer cruises from Newcastle and Dundee, a great boon to those living some distance from London.
Magellan’s itinerary takes it all around the world. See this link for up to date calendar info on where it can be found in the next two years!
Ferdinand Magellan was a great Portuguese explorer, and nearly 500 years later the ship bearing his name, and her passengers, are following in his footsteps.
Please be advised that Cruise & Maritime Voyages has now ceased trading. For more information, please visit www.cruiseandmaritime.com
