The "Columbus" is operated by Hapag-Lloyd Kreuzfahrten and carries mostly German passengers. She was built in 1997 and is 468 meters long and 1,400 tons. She has 210 cabins carrying 420 passengers.

Her moderate size allows her to specialise in expedition cruising to Patagonia, the South Atlantic Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Note: The "Columbus" is a German Registered vessel and hence able to use German stamps under the paquebot system at her first port of call in a new country. The German stamps used show old and modern German Antarctic expedition vessels.

Note: This cover differs from the previous one in that postage has been paid by Chile stamps. Backstamped in Christchurch 30 December, 2002.

The view at left shows the "Columbus" tied up alongside at punta Arenas on 7th December, 2002.

The Blue and Orange hull banding distinguishes the vessel as belonging to hapag-Lloyd.

Note: The above postcard is a official Hapag-Lloyd postcard. The scene shows "Columbus" in a Fiordland fiord in New Zealand.

Note: This postcard has the identical view on the picture side as the previous item.

The postcard above has the multiple scenes back as shown at left which depicts various scenes on Pitcairn Island.

The postcard after being posted on Pitcairn Island on 3rd january, 2006 had to wait until the next official mail boat heading towards New Zealand to be taken from the island. 

Backstamped on arrival in New Zealand at Christchurch 21st March, 2006.