CMV Astoria

The 1948-built / 2025-scrapped cruise ship Astoria (formerly "MV Azores") was launched as "MS Stockholm" for the Swedish America Line on September 9, 1946. At the time, she was the largest Swedish passenger vessel (Transatlantic liner) and became best known for her collision with SS Andrea Doria in 1956, which resulted in the sinking of the Italian ocean liner.

Shipowner Grand Circle Corporation announced the vessel would leave CMV's fleet at the end of 2018. However, in April 2019, CMV introduced the 2020 "Baja California and Mexican Riviera" itinerary program, homeporting in Puerto Penasco. In January 2020, CMV confirmed it would end the charter deal for Astoria in October 2020.

CMV Astoria entered technical drydock for the last time in June 2020 at Naval Rocha Shipyard in Lisbon, Portugal.

For CMV, the vessel (IMO number 5383304) was Madeira-flagged (MMSI number 255801380) and registered in Funchal. In July 2020, charterer CMV filed for bankruptcy.

In mid-February 2021, the 73-year-old Astoria was listed for sale on Lloyd's List. After leaving Port Tilbury, she was rerouted to Port Rotterdam, Holland, where she was arrested under insolvency law following the bankruptcy of her Madeira-based owner, Transportes Marítimos Unipessoal Lda. The ship was auctioned at a minimum price of EUR 10 million (~GBP 8.72M / ~USD 12.135M), free of debts.

Astoria's last owner was The Roundtable LLC, a Puerto Rico-based engineering and consulting company (founded in 2018), specializing in renewable energy, project management, and equipment manufacturing.

For five years (2020–2025), the vessel was laid up in Rotterdam, Holland. On June 17, 2025, the 77-year-old Astoria—the world’s oldest operational cruise ship—was sold at auction for dismantling and recycling. Belgian company Galloo NV (aka Galloo Recycling, founded in 1939) was the sole bidder in the court-ordered auction. The ship was sold for EUR 200,000. Per EU regulations, she was selected for scrapping at Galloo Recycling NV's facility in Ghent.

History - construction and ownership

The 600-passenger ship Astoria was originally named "MS Stockholm" and constructed by Gotaverken in Goteborg, Sweden for SAL (Swedish America Line). She later joined the fleet of Classic International Cruises (founded in 1985, defunct in 2012) and operated as "MS Athena" until 2012. In 2013, she was acquired by Portuscale Cruises (founded 2013), the first Portuguese cruise shipping company.

Over the years, the vessel sailed under numerous names—Volkerfreundschaft, Volker, Fridtjof Nansen, Italia I, Italia Prima, Valtur Prima, and Caribe—and gained fame as Stockholm due to her 1956 collision with Andrea Doria, which sank as a result of serious damage. The incident remains one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.

Stockholm (later Azores), with a length of 525 ft (160 m), was at the time the smallest passenger vessel operating on the North Atlantic route. Interestingly, she was also the largest passenger ship ever built in Sweden. Initially designed for 395 passengers, her maximum passenger capacity was increased to 548 after a drydock refit.

MV Azores entered service for CMV in 2015 under a long-term charter from Portuscale Cruises and was aimed at the English-speaking cruise market. She operated as an “adults-only” (16+) ship. CMV later announced that after the 2015 summer season, the vessel would be renamed “Astoria.”

In July 2016, CMV announced Astoria would leave the fleet in 2018. Following the spring 2017 season (Tilbury roundtrips from March 9 through April 27), she was chartered for one year by the French company Rivages du Monde.

All CMV 2017 bookings featured “buy one get one free” cruise deals if booked by the end of July 2016. Bookings made by August 31, 2016, included free or half-priced car parking at Port Tilbury, free cabin upgrades, and up to GBP 1000 in onboard credit.

CMV cruise itinerary program

CMV Astoria's itinerary program included cruises from UK ports to destinations in Europe such as the Mediterranean, Iberia (Portugal and Spain), the British Isles, Norwegian Fjords, and Iceland. Departures were roundtrips from Hull and Tilbury-London.

During her final CMV season in 2016 (2 months), the ship operated roundtrips from Bristol (Avonmouth) following winter docking in Greece. On March 11, she sailed to Avonmouth. On March 21, she began a 7-day "Scottish Islands and Emerald Isle" itinerary, followed by a 15-day "Azores, Madeira and Portugal" cruise on March 28, visiting Oporto-Leixoes, Lisbon, La Coruna, and two Azorean islands.

Astoria's 2020 itinerary program was based on roundtrips to Baja California and Mexican Riviera ports, departing from Puerto Penasco, Mexico. The 12-day "Treasures of the Seas of Cortez" itinerary visited Topolobampo, Mazatlan, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz, Loreto, Santa Rosalia, and Guaymas (San Carlos). CMV targeted the Arizona market due to the port’s proximity to Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma.

In mid-July 2019, CMV offered free roundtrip bus travel to Puerto Penasco from the US (Phoenix and Tucson), plus USD 200 in onboard credit for all Sea of Cortez bookings made by July 30. The promotion also included onboard gratuities and free drinks (house beer and wine by the glass at meals). Cruise fares started at USD 1600 per person (double occupancy).

Decks and Cabins

CMV emphasized guest comfort, and Astoria offered a wide selection of well-appointed cabins graded by size, amenities, and location to accommodate various preferences and budgets. The ship had 277 cabins in 17 grades, including 9 Suites, 43 Balcony, 229 Oceanview, and 49 Inside. Each stateroom was air-conditioned and featured a private en-suite bathroom with marble flooring, bath and shower, ample wardrobe/storage space, music channels, in-house movies and information on TV, a minibar fridge, hairdryer, and personal safe. The owner’s presidential suite, junior suites, and balcony suites also featured a jacuzzi and seating area.

Shipboard facilities and amenities (Astoria ship review)

The Olissipo Restaurant served gourmet meals with attentive service. Dining was a highlight, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner offered in the Olissipo or at the Lotus Buffet, which also provided al fresco options on the Pool Deck.

Astoria offered a traditional maritime experience in a comfortable and elegant atmosphere, with numerous lounges and stylish leisure facilities.

On sea days, guests could attend craft sessions, enjoy lectures by guest speakers, work out in the gym, or relax with a book. The Calypso Show Lounge hosted evening cabaret performances, musical shows, and guest entertainers. For night owls, there was dancing in the Night Club, while the Sirenes Bar provided mellow live music. Guests could also try their luck in Circe's Casino or enjoy a card game in the Card Room.

Other lounges and bars included the Astoria Lounge, Captain’s Club (live music), and Aeolos Bar. Additional onboard facilities featured a Beauty Salon, Sauna, Fitness Centre, swimming pool, Internet & Library, Auditorium (conference room), Chapel, Boutique, Shop, and Photo Shop.