#NewCMVflagship- Magellan which was named by TV and radio personality Gloria Hunniford earlier this year, made her maiden call to Dublin Port this morning for UK based Cruise & Maritime Voyages, writes Jehan Ashmore.

The 46,052 tonnes Magellan is on charter from Carnival Corporation to CMV as their new flagship for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Carnival, the US cruise giant operator commissioned the Danish yard of Aalborg Vaerft to launch her as Holiday in 1985 as part of new generation of cruiseships that began with Tropicale. In 2010 the 9 passenger decked Magellan had a rebuild but still she retains her distinctive winged funnel design.

Magellan is marketed for adults-only (16 years plus) cruises. She has a capacity for approximately 1,250 passengers accommodated in 726 cabins. Among these cabins are 14 featuring balcony suites.

When it comes to dining options, there is the Waldorf and Kensington Restaurants offering two sitting dining or the more informal Raffles Bistro. Throughout the intimacy found on Magellen are comfortable lounges and for entertainment is the two-tier theatre style Magellan Show Lounge.

As Afloat reported back in November, Magellan offers expansive timber deck areas not to be found on 'mega' cruiseships. Also on these outside decks are two swimming pools and a choice of three whirlpools.

For the two seasons CMV are to have Magellan based out of Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Tilbury. The port on the Thames estuary is where as previously mentioned Gloria Hunniford had the honour as the ships Godmother by naming the new CMV flagship in March.

Today her fleetmates Marco Polo, Azores and Astor in that order are visiting the following locations Leith, Scotland, Lerwick in the Sheltand Islands and Kristiansand in Norway.

The crew of Magellan are British officers and deck ratings are international personnel. The 222m cruiseship docked in Alexandra Basin and is scheduled for a departure later this afternoon.