MV Corinthian

MV Corinthian is currently owned and operated by GCCL-Grand Circle Cruise Line. The shipowner is Grand Circle Corporation, via its subsidiary Grand Circle Travel USA, a Boston MA-headquartered travel agency.

The cruise ship Corinthian is a passenger vessel (IMO number 8708672), built in 1990 in La Spezia, Italy. She was initially operated by Great Lakes Cruise Company (as Orion 2) and Renaissance Cruises (as Renaissance 4). After Renaissance Cruises (1989–2001) ceased operations (see scrapped ships and defunct lines), the vessel was renamed Clelia 2.

On December 27, 2009, while under charter to Travel Dynamics International (New York-based cruise operator), Clelia II ran aground off the Antarctic Peninsula. The accident caused starboard propeller damage, loss of the starboard engine and electrical power. The fleet mate Corinthian 2 (now Hebridean Sky) assisted and escorted the vessel back to Ushuaia (Argentina).

On December 8, 2010, Clelia II was partially disabled by a rogue wave while transiting the Drake Passage. The Navigation Bridge sustained damage. The nearby Lindblad vessel National Geographic Endeavour provided assistance.

During the vessel’s 2018 drydock refurbishment at Naval Roche Shipyard in Lisbon, Portugal, the shipowner contracted Scanship Holding ASA to supply and install a Scanship AWP (Advanced Wastewater Purification) system. This technology fully purifies the ship’s grey and black water.

Cruise itinerary program

MV Corinthian’s schedule includes Mediterranean itineraries (from Bordeaux, Lisbon, Rouen), Baltic Sea voyages (from Copenhagen) and Antarctica cruises (from Buenos Aires in winter).

Following the Coronavirus crisis, the vessel was chartered by Overseas Adventure Travel in 2021 and began operating in July 2021 in the Mediterranean. Other notable destinations in the schedule included Suez Canal transit and Antarctica (December 2021).

Decks and cabins

The all-suite Corinthian has 50 staterooms (minimum size 215 ft2 / 20 m2), all equipped with modern hotel amenities. Cabins feature individual climate control, CD/DVD player, TV, king-size bed (convertible to twins), iPod docking station, personal safe, clock, refrigerator with soft drinks, a full-size shower and more. Guests in Penthouse and Veranda Suites enjoy a private balcony, butler service and enhanced in-suite amenities.

The vessel has 7 decks, of which 5 are passenger-accessible and fitted with cabins.

Shipboard facilities and amenities

Complimentary beverages—including bottled water, tea and coffee, soft drinks, premium spirits and select fine wines—are served throughout the vessel. Corinthian has one restaurant operating with single, unassigned seating. Vegetarian, wellness-focused and special dietary menus are available upon request.

Public areas include two bar lounges, a library (Internet café), a wellness complex (spa, beauty salon, gym), boutique shop, Jacuzzi, swimming platform and ample deck space for sunbathing and relaxation. One passenger elevator serves all decks. Interiors are warm and elegant, featuring rich fabrics, polished brass, fine woods, rare antiquities and artwork. Gratuities are included in the cruise fare.

The 100-passenger vessel has an ice-strengthened hull, retractable stabilizers and a fleet of Zodiacs (high-speed boats used for shoreside cruising and landings).