by Donald Wood
Last updated: 9:30 AM ET, Tue March 8, 2016
Photo via Wikipedia
Just days after P&O Cruises Australia announced it was removing the Pacific Pearl from its fleet in 2017, Cruise & Maritime Voyages revealed it will be the company to add the cruise ship to its fleet of ships.
The Pacific Pearl will be renamed the Columbus.
According to Adam Coulter of CruiseCritic.com, the Pacific Pearl will undergo a major transformation once it joins the Cruise & Maritime Voyages fleet, including a reduction of the ship's passenger capacity due to the addition of more singles cabins.
READ MORE: Cruise & Maritime Voyages Christens New Flagship
When the Pacific Pearl becomes the Columbus on June 9, 2017, it will take on the role as the flagship of the cruise company's four-ship fleet and will carry around 1,400 passengers in 775 cabins.
Starting in April and May 2017, the Pacific Pearl will go through a dry dock for a thorough inspection and a full interior upgrade. Some of the changes include the HQ Teen Center being transformed into the Columbus Lounge and Library, and the Shark Shack & Turtle Cove Children's Center being revamped as a Bridge and Card Room area.
When it is renamed the Columbus, the cruise ship will be based out of Tilbury, England, and will be used primarily for the British cruise market. In addition, the ship will now be targeted at adult-only cruisers, with only two all-age departures in 2017.
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