The new sailings will depart from Newport and Cardiff, as well as Belfast and Dublin.

Columbus will become CMV’s new flagship, joining Magellan, Marco Polo, Astoria and Astor, which will all sail form ports around the UK.

The 64,000-tonne Columbus spans 13 decks and carries 1,400 guests at double occupancy plus 150 cabins at solo occupancy and features 64 deluxe balcony cabins and junior suites.

Magellan will operate a programme from Newcastle and Dundee plus five cruises from Liverpool in Summer 2017 with pick-ups in Dublin.

Marco Polo will sail from Liverpool with pick-ups in Belfast. The ship will also cruise from Bristol 13 times in 2017 in addition to sailings from Hull, Edinburgh Rosyth and Glasgow Greenock.

Head of trade sales Lisa Jacobs said: “We will continue to offer 12.5% enhanced basic commission to agents booking our cruises, promotional support and the guarantee that CMV do not offer book-direct discounts.”

Columbus will also offer two multi-generational cruises in August with no age restriction. A seven-night cruise to the Norwegian Fjords will offer child fares from £99pp and a 14-night Canary Islands & Madeira trip offers has child rates from £199pp.