CMV Astor

Launched in 1987, MS Astor currently operates for Cruise & Maritime Voyages. The vessel was built in 1987 by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), in Kiel Germany, ordered by the Mauritius-based Marlan Corporation. The vessel was planned to be part of the fleet of South African Safmarine as a combined ocean liner/cruise ship for voyages from Southampton to Cape Town. MS Astor is a property of the German company Premicon.

History - construction & ownership

The 20,704-ton, 600-passenger cruise ship Astor was sold to the Soviet Union company Black Sea Shipping just a year after entering service, and her name was changed to Fedor Dostoevskiy. The cruise ship was transferred to the Soviet Union firm and was chartered to West German cruise lines. The vessel was renamed again Astor in 1995 and in 1996 remained under charter to Transocean Tours.

Whilst onboard Astor, guests are recognized by name, so they are able to enjoy familiarity which is not offered by many cruise lines. Astor provides fine cuisine, comfortable accommodation, and outstanding experience.

On November 28, 2008, in the Gulf of Oman, pirates made an attempt to seize the vessel. The attack over Astor was stopped by the German frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Cruise itinerary program

For the past ten years, CMV Astor has cruised in Europe during northern summer, predominately for the demanding market of Germany. Previously, during Round World voyages, Astor has visited East Coast Australia, and now the vessel is of such high standard, ready to homeport in Fremantle.

Cabins

MS Astor has a total of 289 cabins (of which 42 Suites, 3 Balcony, 198 Oceanview, 91 Inside) in 16 grades. Astor provides a very good selection of modern cabin accommodation - from Standard to De Luxe and 70% of cabins have an ocean view and individually controlled air-conditioning. All comforts of home are offered. All cabins onboard Astor are serviced twice a day and there is nothing but enjoy the holiday, while CMV take care of you. Standard, superior, premium categories provide a wide range of cabin features that are standard, but if you book a Senator Suite, De Luxe Suite, or Astor Suite you take advantage of amazing extra benefits. Treat yourself to upgrade and enjoy extra space and added value benefits complimentary.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The Waldorf Restaurant is too impressing and offers traditional fixed time, two sitting dining option. The alternative is the more informal, but also stylish Übersee Club Bistro, along with the Commodore's and Admiral's. All meals are included in Astor cruise fare - breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, 5-course dinner, even late night snacks. Cruise and Maritime Voyages cruising is really value for money. The moment guests board Astor they are tempted by culinary delights. More casual or a la carte buffet for breakfast and lunch - you choose. Food is among the highlights of cruising with CMV Astor, and her chefs won’t disappoint you. Evening meals start with an appetizer followed by delicious soup - with lots of options to choose from, the meal is among the most difficult decisions of CMV cruise.

Astor main courses range from seafood, rack of lamb, escalope of veal, beef medallions, chicken chasseur, Asian stir-fries, Italian pasta, traditional roasts - all available for guests to savor. Vegetarian meals are available to tantalize taste buds, featured on every menu together with health-conscious dishes - if you are able to resist temptation. Light salads to refresh are offered before you finish meals - fresh fruit, international cheese platter, or delicious desserts, including English trifle, apple strudel, blueberry cheesecake, Baked Alaska, Peach Melba, strawberry tart, crème caramel, or the famous among cruisers Astor chocolate mousse. The variety onboard Astor is endless. In all Astor bars, Australian draught beer is also offered. Fine European and Australian red and white wines collection is available to complement guests’ meal.

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

Astor is a fully stabilized and air-conditioned stylish four-star cruise liner with 7 passenger decks. Five lounge areas are available onboard Astor - Astor Lounge, theatre style for truly sparkling entertainment; Captain’s Club, perfect for pre-dinner cocktails with resident pianist; intimate Hanse Bar leading on the stylish Sun Terrace Bar with wonderful panoramic views; Overseas Club.

Other Astor facilities include the Library & the Card Room, internet café, and a shopping arcade with a jeweler, photoshop, boutique, perfumery, Oasis Wellness Centre, with hairdressing & beauty treatments, ocean view fitness & exercise equipment, indoor swimming pool, sauna, and massage facilities. An outdoor swimming pool and two whirlpools with a traditional walk around the promenade deck are offered too. Another outstanding feature onboard Astor is the sports deck so you can enjoy a jogging track, volleyball, table tennis, big board chess, half court tennis, golf, and yoga. The ship also has a Conference Room and a gallery.

MS Astor was built in 1987 by a German shipbuilding company for Marlan Group (Mauritius-based corporation). The ship was ordered by Safmarine (South African company) as a passenger ocean liner serving the route between the UK and South Africa (Southampton - Cape Town).

In 1988, the liner was sold to Black Sea Shipping Company (Soviet Union company), renamed to Fedor Dostoevsky, and operated under charter by various cruise line operators from West Germany. The vessel was operated under charter by Transocean Tours since 1996. The last shipowner is Global Maritime Group (shipping company).

CMV Astor is among the World Cruise ships, operating once per year an Around The World Voyage. On its world itineraries, the ship visits ports in Africa, Asia, Australia, also small islands in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.