Following an eventful start, the market for secondhand cruise ships continues to pick up pace.
Cruise Industry News looks at some of the transactions that took place recently. For a full account of the market, see the new Secondhand Market Report.
Aegean Myth
Capacity: 1,258 guests
Tonnage: 55,451
Year built: 1993
Former names: Maasdam
Fate: Reportedly for a French Startup Cruise Line
Date: August 2022
After being bought by Seajets during the early stages of the pandemic, the former Maasdam was recently resold.
According to industry reports, the 1993-built vessel – which was last operated by Holland America Line – is now heading to a new French cruise line. Named Compagnie Française de Croisières, the start up reportedly paid $30 million for the ship.
Ambition
Capacity: 1,428 guests
Tonnage: 48,200
Year built: 1999
Former names: Mistral, Costa neoRiviera and AIDAmira
Fate: Chartered to the Scottish Government
Date: August 2022
Earlier in August, Ambassador Cruise Line announced a deal to charter the Ambition to the Scottish Government.
Set to debut for the British brand in 2023, the 1,428-guest vessel is already sailing to Glasgow – where it will remain docked while being used to house Ukrainian refugees.
Costa Luminosa
Capacity: 2,260 guests
Tonnage: 92,700
Year built: 2009
Fate: Wrapping up its Costa Cruises’ sailing career
Date: August 2022
The Costa Luminosa recently embarked on its last cruise for Costa Cruises ahead of being handed over to Carnival Cruise Line. Set to debut for the U.S.-based brand in November, the 2009-built vessel will be adapted for the new phase of its career over the next two months.
According to Carnival, the soon-to-be Carnival Luminosa will undergo a drydock to receive the company’s new livery, in addition to signature features such as the Alchemy Bar, the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat and more.
Golden Iris
Capacity: 1,000 guests
Tonnage: 16,852
Year built: 1977
Former names: Cunard Princess and Rhapsody
Fate: Beached for scrapping
Date: July 2022
After spending several years laid up in Greece, the Golden Iris was beached for scrapping in July.
Wrapping up a five-decade career, the 1977-built vessel is now being dismantled at the Aliaga Ship Breaking Yard, in Turkey. Formerly operated by Cunard Line, MSC Cruises and Mano Cruises, the vessel also sailed as the Cunard Princess and the Rhapsody.
Pearl II
Capacity: 446 guests
Tonnage: 18,627
Year built: 1981
Former names: Astor, Arkona, Saga Pearl II and Quest for Adventure
Fate: Beached for scrapping
Date: July 2022
Another classic cruise ship being recycled, the former Saga Pearl II was beached in Aliaga, Turkey. Out of service since early 2019, the 1981-built vessel spent the last few years docked in Greece before departing on its last voyage this July.
With a colorful history, the 446-guest ship operated for several brands, including Saga Cruises, TransOcean Tours, Safmarine and Seetours.
Horizon
Capacity: 1,442 guests
Tonnage: 47,000
Year built: 1990
Fate: To be beached for scrapping
Date: August 2022
After two years laid up in Greece, the Horizon recently departed the Elefsis Bay on its last voyage. Last operated by Pullmantur Cruceros, the vessel is now on its way to Aliaga, where it will be beached for scrapping.
Built in the early 1990s, the ship debuted as Celebrity Cruises first newbuild before being transferred to Island Cruises in 2005. A few years later, it was once again transferred, debuting for Pullmantur in 2009.
