Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ (CMV) ship Columbus is sailing on a 7842 nautical mile repatriation voyage directly back to the UK, with 907 passengers including 602 British nationals and 619 crew members onboard.

The voyage included a technical call in Colombo, Sri Lanka and is now heading for the Suez Canal with a final technical call in Malta. It is scheduled to arrive at the London Cruise Terminal, Tilbury on 14 April.

Christian Verhounig, chief executive at CMV said: “CMV is working with the UK Department of Transport, Border Force, UK Public Health, the Port of Tilbury, as well as the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), to confirm details of Columbus’ arrival into London and the disembarkation process that will take place. Remained under heightened levels of hygiene protocols and all passengers screening, it has recorded no COVID-19 symptoms or health issues onboard Columbus.”