World Travel Reviews: CRUISE & MARITIME VOYAGES

ASTORIA

Since its launch in September 1946 as the Stockholm, Astoria has had many names and many owners. Originally owned by the Swedish American Line (SAL), the Stockholm was one of the smallest passenger ships operating on the North Atlantic route, designed to carry just 395 passengers, until a refit in 1953 increased the capacity to 548.

In July 1956, off the coast of Nantucket, the Stockholm and the luxury Italian Liner Andrea Doria collided. Most passengers and crew survived the collision, however, the Andrea Doria capsized and sank the following morning. Although crippled and having sunk about three feet, the Stockholm helped in the rescue, carrying 327 passengers and 245 crew from the Andrea Doria, in addition to her own crew and passengers, sailing under her own power to New York City. The original Stockholm bell was recently found and is now proudly on display aboard the Astoria.

In 1960 the Stockholm was sold to the East German Government, who renamed her Volkerfreundschaft. She was sold again in 1985 to a Panamanian company who shortened her name to Volker. After being laid up in Southampton for a while she was used as a barracks ship in Oslo for asylum seekers, having again been renamed, this time to Fridtjof Nansen.

Sold in 1989 to an Italian company, the ship was rebuilt from the waterline up and given a modern cruise ship design. Named the Italia 1, then Italia Prima, then Valtur Prima. Finding herself, once again, laid up, this time in Cuba, she was acquired by Festival Cruise Line in 2002 and renamed Caribe. By 2005 she had been renamed Athena and operated under Classic International Cruises.

Having already had an extraordinarily, interesting history, Athena was attacked in 2008 by pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Reportedly, 29 pirate boats surrounded the ship. The crew prevented the pirates from boarding by using high pressure water cannons. A US Navy P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft circled above, leading to the pirates fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no-one was injured and the ship continued onto Australia. In 2013 Athena was purchased by Portuscale Cruises and renamed Azores.

Finally, bringing her story up to date, Azores was taken over and renamed Astoria by Cruise & Maritime Voyages in 2016. Cruise & Maritime Voyages are specialists in no-fly cruising and use small to mid size ships. Astoria can accommodate 550 passengers over 8 decks, and there are 17 cabin grades, ranging from Standard Twin Inner to the Owners Presidential Suite (which features a private dining area).

All cabins feature a private bathroom with bath, wash basin, wc and bidet, some cabins also feature a Jacuzzi bath. There is also a TV and tea/coffee making facilities. The size of cabins vary, depending on the cabin grade and position on the ship, but I found most of the cabins that I saw to be of a reasonable size, some extremely generous.The bed configuration varies also, with a mix of twin or double bed, and four berth cabins incorporating pull down upper bunk beds. Some outside cabins have portholes rather than windows, and some have restricted views due to the position of the lifeboats.

Deck 4a is where you will find most of the public areas on the ship. Starting from the rear of the ship you will find the Calypso Show Lounge and bar, where all the main shows are held, featuring singers, dancers, and cabaret acts. Next up is the Library and Internet room on the port side, and the Captain's Club (formerly the cigar lounge) on the starboard side. Continuing along the starboard side you will find the Photo Shop and Boutique, and on the port side the Astoria Lounge and the Casino. Passing through the Sirenes bar area you then enter the Buffet Restaurant (this is where embarking passengers can enjoy an excellent hot or cold meal as soon as they board the ship). From the restaurant you can then make your way outside to the swimming pool and Elpinor Bar area, where there is ample seating. Here, you will also find a ping pong table, dart board, and showers for pool use.

Other facilities to be found on-board, include the Medical Centre on deck 2, Olissipo restaurant (355 covers with 2 sittings for dinner, and features a private steakhouse for 50 guests) on deck 3, The reception desk, tour desk, and the chapel on deck 4, The Auditorium and night club on deck 5 (this is the Promenade Deck with a complete walk around promenade). Aeolos Bar is on deck 6, and finally on deck 7, guests can indulge themselves in the Sauna, Fitness Centre, and Aphrodite Spa & Beauty Salon.

With all these wonderful facilities there is certainly no reason to be bored, although the beauty of a cruise is that you are free to do as much or as little as you please. The fact that you have the opportunity to visit many different places, only having to unpack once, is a big draw for people wishing to cruise, and it can be as restful or energetic as you choose.

I boarded Astoria at London Cruise Terminal at Tibury, this is London's only purpose built, deep water cruise facility. Just 22 nautical miles from Tower Bridge and within easy access to the M25, and Tilbury Town Railway Station only 1 mile away, London Cruise Terminal is ideally situated for a no-fly cruise from the UK.