Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has announced plans for its first ever special fleet parade and regatta event which will be held in Rotterdam on Saturday 28 August 2021.

The entire CMV seven ship fleet will join together for a special parade and regatta in Rotterdam on Saturday 28 August 2021. This is part of a unique maritime celebration of CMV’s traditional style of cruising, the introduction in 2021 of the latest classic ships to join the fleet Amy Johnson and Ida Pfeiffer, and to celebrate Cruise Port Rotterdam’s 25th Anniversary. CMV’s classic and traditional ships will sail in convoy in both directions, up and down the Maas River for twenty-eight nautical miles.

The iconic Marco Polo (22,080grt, 800 guests) has been chosen to spearhead the parade in recognition of being CMV’s first ever deployed vessel and her illustrious maritime career spanning over half a century. Following in her wake will be CMV’s new flagship, Amy Johnson (70,285grt, 1,500 guests) followed by Magellan (46,052grt, 1,300 guests), Columbus (63,786grt, 1,400 guests), Astor (20,606grt, 570 guests) and sisterships, Vasco da Gama (55,877grt, 1,220 guests) and Ida Pfeiffer (55,819grt, 1,100 guests).

Chris Coates, CMV’s group commercial director said: “This unique maritime celebration and event will bring together over 8,000 cruise passengers onboard our fleet of seven cruise ships sailing from four British, two German and one French home port to Rotterdam, Europe’s largest commercial and growing cruise port. We were looking for a North European port with a rich maritime heritage and seafaring tradition, an impressive river transit to the heart of a city and the berths to support such an event. Rotterdam was the clear winner and we are delighted to be working with such a great team at Cruise Port Rotterdam.”

Mai Elmer, executive director Cruise Port Rotterdam said, “We are delighted that CMV is joining in the special celebrations for Cruise Port Rotterdam’s 25th Anniversary with such a significant maritime event. We are expecting thousands of passengers and tourists to join in with the festivities and enjoy the facilities that Rotterdam has to offer.”

The CMV ships will be arriving in Rotterdam between 0900-1000hrs, stay in port all day and depart early evening between 1700-1800hrs. Complimentary shuttle buses will operate between the ships to transport local residents and tourists alike to view the ships and join in the fun and celebrations, with quayside folkloric events planned. Special celebratory events are also planned in the city of Rotterdam with complimentary shuttle buses available for the passengers.