Magellan on the Mersey

Cruise line operator Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has unveiled its “largest ever” cruise programme out of Liverpool next year including a “spectacular” 28-night voyage to Canada.

CMV is offering new sailings on its Magellan and Marco Polo vessels throughout June, July, August and September.

The news comes just weeks after Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson said there were plans to more than double the number of passengers arriving in the city on cruise liners.

On June 15, Magellan sails on a 12-night cruise to the Shetland Islands, the Faroes, and four Icelandic ports returning to Liverpool. The vessel departs again on June 27 on an 11-night cruise to Spain, Portugal, France and Gibraltar.

Marco Polo sails on a 28-night voyage to Canada on September 1 from Liverpool with 17 days spent exploring Eastern Canada.

The vessel will explore more of the UK from Liverpool in August 2017 with the Scottish Islands and Faroes itinerary on August 15 for five nights or the Grand British Isles Discovery sailing August 20 exploring some of the more remote corners of the UK and calling in Honfleur for “a touch of French flair”.

The introduction of new flagship Columbus to the CMV fleet in 2017 will mean the cruise line is able to offer more cruises from more ex-UK regional departure ports than ever before.

The Columbus, arriving in June 2017, will expand CMV’s fleet to five traditional cruise ships, joining Magellan, Marco Polo, Astoria and Astor.

Mayor Anderson says he wants see 250,000 visitors as the council pushes ahead with plans for a new cruise liner terminal.

He said last month: “The river is at the heart of many of our biggest economic projects, and Liverpool has been spectacularly successful as a cruise ship destination.

“Which is why cruise companies are telling us that if we invest and build the right facilities they will bring more ships to our world-famous city.”