CMV Astor

The 1987-built MS Astor cruise ship was last operated by CMV UK (Cruise and Maritime Voyages). The vessel was built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) in Kiel Germany, ordered by the Mauritius-based Marlan Corporation. The liner was originally planned to be part of the fleet of South African Safmarine as a combined ocean liner/cruise ship for voyages from Southampton England to Cape Town South Africa. before joining CMV, Astor was owned by the German company Premicon AG. The German company TransOcean Tours purchased the ship in 1996. In 2013, Astor was chartered by CMV for deployment in Australia. Later, CMV acquired TransOcean Tours and with MS Astor targeted the German source market.

For CMV, the vessel (IMO number 8506373) was Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 308214000) and registered in Nassau. Unfortunately, in November 2020 this classic liner joined CruiseMapper's Scrapped Cruise Ships hub.

History and ownership

The 650-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.

In April 2021, CMV Astor was to be renamed to "Jules Verne" and transferred to CMV-France (Croisieres Maritimes et Voyages) - new cruise brand dedicated to the French-speaking market. The cruise liner had to be homeported year-round in France (Marseille and Le Havre-Paris). CMV Jules Verne was to be operated as an adults-only ship, excluding only the family-themed cruises during school holidays.

Ship's inaugural season (April 2021 through May 2022) included 18 itineraries (France roundtrips to the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Northern Europe, Canary Islands) plus a 123-day World Cruise 2021 leaving from Marseille (January 8) and ending in Le Havre (May 11).

On July 20, 2020, the CMV's parent company SQTL (South Quay Travel & Leisure Ltd) was placed into administration / filed for bankruptcy. The UK-based company traded as "Cruise and Maritime Voyages" (trademarked brand). In June, SQTL-CMV entered into emergency talks with potential investors and lenders. Unfortunately, the company's efforts to secure funding and stay afloat during the Coronavirus crisis failed.

All CMV cruise ships were placed on the secondhand market and open for sale. In October was planned the vessels to be auctioned via the London UK-based company CW Kellock & Co Ltd (Ship Auctioneers, Brokers and Valuers). Biddings (deadline in brackets) opened for Vasco Da Gama (Oct 8), Columbus (Oct 12), Astor (Oct 15), Magellan (Oct 19) and Marco Polo (Oct 22).

• (October 8) The 27-year-old CMV Vasco Da Gama was sold to Mystic Invest (Portugal) for USD 10,187 million.
• (October 12) The 31-year-old CMV Columbus was sold to Seajets Ferries Greece for USD 5,321 million.
• (October 15) The 33-year-old CMV Astor was sold to an undisclosed buyer (sales price USD 1,71 million) and resold for scrap metal to Aliaga Ship Breaking Yard (Turkey, near Izmir).
• (October 19) The 35-year-old CMV Magellan was sold to Seajets Ferries Greece for USD 3,431 million.
• (October 22) The 55-year-old CMV Marco Polo was sold to an undisclosed buyer/private investors (sales price USD 2,77 million) who first offered the vessel for charter (cruiser or hotel ship) but in December sold it for scrap metal to Alang Shipbreaking India.

MS Astor was last refurbished by CMV in 2020. On November 7, the vessel left Port Tilbury-London en route to ALIAGA (shipbreaking yard near Izmir Turkey). The ship was beached on November 23.

Cruise itinerary program

For 10 years, CMV Astor has cruised in Europe during northern summer, predominately for Germany's source market. Previously, during Around World voyages, Astor visited ports in Australia and was seasonally homeported in Fremantle-Perth.

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 shipboard facilities include Library and Card Room, Internet Cafe, Shopping Arcade (with jeweler, photoshop, boutique, perfumery), Oasis Wellness Center (hairdressing-barber services, beauty salon, Fitness / indoor Gym with exercise equipment, indoor swimming pool, sauna room, treatment rooms for massages). An outdoor swimming pool, two whirlpools and Promenade Deck are also offered available. On Sports Deck are located jogging track, volleyball-basketball court, table tennis, Giant Chess Board, half-court tennis, golf simulator, yoga area. The ship also has a Conference Room and Gallery.