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Welcome aboard the MS Columbus 2 -
Palma de Mallorca to Malta
COX1203 | April 16 - 28, 2012 |
A magnificent christening and a festive atmosphere on board - the premiere cruise of
the COLUMBUS 2 takes you to the most beautiful locations and islands in the Mediterranean. A very
special debut!
Highlights of your cruise
• Christening ceremony of the COLUMBUS 2
• Enjoying the beauty of the Balearic Islands on Mallorca, Formentera, Ibiza
and Menorca
• Gaudí's masterpieces in Barcelona - imagination manifested in stone
• St. Peter's Basilica, Colosseum, Spanish Steps: Rome's treasures
• Sea of lights in the Strait of Messina
• Two sunny days on Sicily's coasts |
| Day |
Date
|
Destination |
| Mon |
16-Apr-12
|
Embarkationon the COLUMBUS
2 |
| Tue |
17-Apr-12
|
Palma de Mallorca - Christening of
the ship |
| Wed |
18-Apr-12
|
Palma de Mallorca, 4.00
hrs.
La Savina, 12.00 - 19.00 hrs |
| Thurs |
19-Apr-12
|
Barcelona, 8.00 - 24.00
hrs |
| Fri |
20-Apr-12
|
Ibiza, 12.00 - 18.00 hrs |
| Sat |
21-Apr-12
|
Mahon, 8.00 - 17.00 hrs |
| Sun |
22-Apr-12
|
Monte Carlo, 12.00 - 24.00
hrs |
| Mon |
23-Apr-12
|
Ajaccio, 11.00 - 18.00
hrs |
| Tue |
24-Apr-12
|
Civitavecchia (Rome), 7.00 - 20.00
hrs |
| Wed |
25-Apr-12
|
Olbia, 7.00 - 18.00 hrs |
| Thurs |
26-Apr-12
|
Palermo, 12.00 - 18.00
hrs |
| Fri |
27-Apr-12
|
Passage through the Strait of
Messina. Syracuse, 9.00 - 19.00 hrs |
| Sat |
28-Apr-12
|
Valletta, 6.30 hrs -
Disembarkation |
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Palma de Mallorca/Balearic Islands
Welcome to the christening cruise of the
COLUMBUS 2!
Following your first overnight stay on board, you will enjoy your time on the beautiful Balearic
island in the morning. On the excursion tour of / guided walk through the island's capital*,
fascinating views from Bellver Castle, the treasures of the mighty cathedral La Seu and the
labyrinth-like alleys of the historic district await you. Or would you like to visit Fornalutx, one
of Spain`s most beautiful mountain villages in the valley of Soller*? In Soller, the "Red
Lightning", Mallorca's venerable narrow-gauge railway, passes the beauties of the little town at a
leisurely pace.That evening, it will finally happen - experience the christening of the COLUMBUS
2 and look forward to a long party night with a brilliant show programme
La Savina/Formentera/Balearic Islands
With pristine nature and magnificent
beaches, Formentera invites you for a leisurely walk. Follow your own compass, perhaps to the top
of La Mola, Formentera's highest mountain, which rewards you with a fantastic view of the
neighbouring island Ibiza.
Barcelona/Spain
Until midnight, the COLUMBUS 2 will be lying off the coast of
the buoyant Catalan metropolis. The city's beach or the elegant pedestrian street Las Ramblas
invite you for a relaxed stroll. On the trails of Gaudí*, you will find masterpieces of the
Spanish art nouveau style throughout the city, among them the unfinished cathedral Sagrada Familia.
A serpentine road takes you up to the sandstone mountains to the monastery Montserrat*. Way
back in the 10th century, Benedictine monks founded the monastery, which is perched on the rocks
like an eyrie. Today, it is also home to the legendary Black Madonna statue.
Ibiza/Balearic Islands
A café con leche at the port, a detour to the popular
beach Las Salinas - have some lovely hours on Ibiza. The guided walk around the historic
district* in Eivissa takes you up to the fantastic Dalt Vila. The Emperor Charles V initiated
the construction of this mighty castle way back in the 16th century. Its walls are several metres
thick and offered the inhabitants reliable protection against hostile neighbours and pirates.
Mahon/Menorca/Balearic Islands
Nature and tranquillity await you on this
Balearic island, which is fringed by more than 100 beaches. The island tour of Menorca*
takes you to the top of Monte Toro and to a cheese dairy, where you can sample the typical Mahon
cheese. Fragrant macchia and a species-rich flora and fauna accompany you on the hike in
Albufera National Park*.
Monte Carlo/Monaco
The sophisticated principality is a popular haunt of the jet
set. Enjoy the panoramic tour along the French Riviera* with magnificent views across the
coast. In the evening, when the city shines and sparkles like a large jewel, you can try your luck
at the roulette tables of the casino of Monte Carlo and immerse yourself in the glamorous world of
international celebrities. An unforgettable experience!
Ajaccio/Corsica
Where Napoleon Bonaparte played as a child, you can take off on
the fabulous helicopter flight over the Gulf of Ajaccio*. The views of the Capo di Muro and
the Genoese Tower are simply breathtaking. For a rustic experience, you may wish to join the
excursion through the mountain world to Vizzavona*, which takes you across the Corsican
mountains with their unique flora. The little farming village Vizzavona is located amidst a pine
forest and welcomes you with local specialities and fresh Corsican wine.
Civitavecchia (Rome)/Italy
Thousands-of-years old history, art, culture and
lifestyle - let yourself be inspired by fascinating Rome*. Discover the treasures of the
Catholic church in St. Peter's Basilica, Roman relics, the mighty Colosseum and pulsating life at
the Spanish Steps. The drive to Viterbo and Tuscania* takes you to enchanting palaces,
mediaeval churches and the heritage of the Etruscans.
Olbia/Sardinia
Stroll through the port city or experience the charm of the
nearby Costa Smeralda* with its hidden bays and fine sandy beaches. The beauty of the
landscape with its rugged granite rocks and beaches will also overwhelm you on our visit to the
neighbouring island La Maddalena*.
Palermo/Sicily/Italy
Today, you can experience highlights of Italy's mediaeval
art in Palermo and Monreale*. You will be thrilled by Monreale's cathedral with its
Byzantine mosaics, its gold-adorned roof truss and the elaborately decorated cloister.
Syracuse/Sicily
Past the coasts of Sicily and Calabria, the COLUMBUS 2 takes
you through the Strait of Messina to Syracuse. Explore one of the most enchanting cities of the
island on your own or on the excursion tour of / guided walk through the city*. Baroque
Noto* with its churches and monasteries is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and at the
same time a wonderful setting for strolling and indulging.
Valletta/Malta
Do not miss out on the moment when the COLUMBUS 2 reaches the
natural port of Valletta in the early morning light. The island of the Knights of Malta bids you
farewell as you embark on your return voyage.
*These arrangements are not included in the cruise price. The shore activities listed here are
in the planning stage and are subject to changes.
**Due to the flight schedule, the transfer will take you directly from the airport to the ship or
from the ship to the airport. In the case of an early arrival or a late departure, the transfer
initially takes you to a lounge with a subsequent transfer to the ship or the airport.
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The COLUMBUS all-inclusive package is offered at a surcharge to complement the
advertised cruise and can only be booked prior to the beginning of the cruise. The package price
includes a credit for the shore excursions of your choice, beverages with the meals and free
selection from 81 beverages on the bar menu of the COLUMBUS 2. The mini bar as well as a selection
of other beverages, for example champagne, are not included in the COLUMBUS all-inclusive package.
The credit for your shore excursions worth € 60 will automatically be credited to your on-board
account.
¹ You pay only the guaranteed price for double occupancy shown here. Accommodation will be provided in
an inside cabin of Category 1 or an outside cabin of Category 3 to 4, subject to availability. If you
book a combination of several cruises in a guaranteed two-berth cabin, we cannot promise that you will
be allocated the same cabin throughout your whole stay. You will receive your cabin number with your
final travel documents (limited allotment).
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Each month our cruise experts select great itineraries that will be sailing within the next
6-8 months.
Check back next month to see what itineraries have been added to our 'top picks' list.
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