#VisitOnboard - Afloat took the opportunity to visit on board Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) Magellan during a recent call to Dublin Port, writes Jehan Ashmore.

Upon embarking the gangway it was pleasing to see crew members giving a fresh coat of paint on the bow to the customary white hull that the majority of cruiseships have.

The call by Magellan to the capital was part of an 8-night packed-out 'Rock the Boat' private based charter cruise of the 1,250 passenger capacity ship. The cruiseship which only two years ago underwent a major refurbishment to meet the levels of CMV's 3 star service.

This season was the first for the UK operator's to offer 'home-porting' cruises out of Dublin, from where Irish passengers took direct non-fly cruises which by the way are also adults-only. In fact of the 9 cruises operated, almost all the Dublin departing holiday cruises were sold-out.

Following the success of this home-porting season out of Dublin, CMV are to repeat in 2018 but with increased cruises and adding another Irish departure port out of Cobh.

In total Magellan has 11 cruises on offer in 2018 and available through CMV's Irish agent JMG Cruise.com There will be 7 cruises operating from Dublin and 4 cruises departing Cobh.

In terms of accommodation there are 756 cabins (456 Ocean View / 270 inner) where the average size of Ocean View cabins are 13 sqm and for Inner are 12 sqm. At the higher end there are 14 Ocean View Suites, they average at 27sqm and come with balconies located on the Navigator Deck.

Among the cruises out of Dublin will be the season's opening Iceland & Northern Isles cruise (12 nights) departing in early July, a Spain, Portugal & Gibraltar cruise (12 nights) in the following month of July. A more leisurely Baltic Cities & St. Petersburg (17 nights) takes place in early September.

As for Magellan's Cobh cruises this will begin with a Meditterranean Odyssey (15 nights) in September and followed by a Canary Islands & Madeira cruise also of the same duration but taking place in October. During that month a further two cruises take in European cities and as far as the Northern Lights.

The mid-sized cruise ship has 9 passengers decks served by a UK and international crew in addition to on board entertainers taking centre-stage of the ships two-deck high 'Magellan Show Lounge'. This is the most impressive space given the two-deck high facility along with windows stepped down either side towards the stage, a design feature of this Danish built ship.

On board the overall impression of interiors were tasteful, airy and so easy on the eye. No doubt the ambiance was toned down to reflect her European market compared to starting a career in the US, where the ship's audience was targeting a younger profile with brash deco and bling.

Among the amenities firstly beginning with the dining options are the Kensington Restuarant & Waldorf, the latter restaurant has two-sittings in addition there's the choice of the Raffles Bistro.

As for some of the shipboard services, there's the relaxing ambience of the Hampton's Lounge Bar, the stylish gift shop -duty free, a hair & beauty salon, fitness centre, spa and 3 Jacuzzis, 2 swimming pools (outside) though not heated.

So what about evening entertainment, there's the Captain's Night Club, a Casino and the aforementioned Magellan Show Louge offering a wide range of entertainment.  

With all these facilites and entertainment, should you wonder as to the dress code? On formal nights (there is one in general each week) leaving the rest to informal and casual nights.