Seajets, a Greek ferry operator, has been busy buying up cruise ships since the pandemic started.
With the recent addition of the ex-Costa Magica, the Greek shipowner has now acquired a total of eight vessels of different types and sizes. Cruise Industry News looks at all of Seajets acquisitions and their subsequent fates.
Queen of the Oceans (ex-Oceana)
Transaction Date: Mid 2020
Previous Operator: P&O Cruises
Year Built: 1999
Capacity: 2,000 guests
Tonnage: 90,000
Status: Laid-up in Greece
Back in mid-2020, the former Oceana became the first cruise ship to be acquired by Seajets.
Previously operated by P&O Cruises, the 1999-built vessel was renamed Queen of the Oceans and remained laid up in Greece ever since.
Aegean Majesty (ex-Veendam)
Transaction Date: Mid 2020
Previous Operator: Holland America Line
Year Built: 1996
Capacity: 1,350 guests
Tonnage: 55,819
Status: Laid-up in Greece
The former Veendam was also bought by Seajets in mid-2020. Leaving the Holland America Line fleet, the 55,819-ton cruise ship was renamed Aegean Majesty.
As most of Seajet’s cruise ships, the 1996-built vessel is currently laid up in Greece.
Aegean Myth (ex-Maasdam)
Transaction Date: Mid 2020
Previous Operator: Holland America Line
Year Built: 1993
Capacity: 1,258 guests
Tonnage: 55,451
Status: Sold for further service
Bought along with the Veendam, the ex-Maasdam joined the Seajets fleet in mid-2020. Renamed Aegean Myth, the vessel spent two years laid up in Greece before being sold for further service.
Acquired by a new cruise line named CFC, the 1993-built cruise ship is currently being prepared to welcome guests back in May as the Renaissance.
Aegean Goddess (ex-Pacific Aria)
Transaction Date: Late 2020
Previous Operator: P&O Australia
Year Built: 1993
Capacity: 1,258 guests
Tonnage: 55,819
Status: Laid-up in Greece
The former Pacific Aria became the fourth ship acquired by Seajets in late 2020. Built for Holland America Line in the early 1990s, the vessel was operated by P&O Australia before joining the Greek shipowner.
Renamed Aegean Goddess, the 1,258-guest cruise ship remains laid up in Greece.
Magellan
Transaction Date: Late 2020
Previous Operator: Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Year Built: 1985
Capacity: 1,452 guests
Tonnage: 46,052
Status: Sold for scrapping
The Magellan was acquired by Seajets at an auction in late 2020 for just $3.4 million. Previously operated by Cruise & Maritime Voyages, the 1985-built vessel was resold by the Greek shipowner just a few weeks later.
Originally ordered for Carnival Cruise Line, the former Holiday ended up beached for scrapping at the Alang Shipbreaking Yard in January 2021.
Columbus
Transaction Date: Late 2020
Previous Operator: Cruise & Maritime Voyages
Year Built: 1988
Capacity: 1,400 guests
Tonnage: 63,500
Status: Sold for scrapping
The Columbus was also sold for scrapping by Seajets in early 2021. As the Magellan, the 1988-built vessel was acquired by the company at an auction in late 2020.
A few weeks later, the ship – which sailed for several brands, including Princess, P&O and Cruise & Maritime during its long career – was beached for dismantling in India.
Majesty (ex-Majesty of the Seas)
Transaction Date: Early 2021
Previous Operator: Royal Caribbean International
Year Built: 1992
Capacity: 2,354 guests
Tonnage: 73,941
Status: Laid-up in Greece
Operated by Royal Caribbean International until 2020, the former Majesty of the Seas is another ship sold to Seajets.
Bought by the Greek ferry operator early 2021, the 1993-built vessel saw its name shortened to Majesty and remained laid up in Greece ever since.
Mykonos Magic (ex-Costa Magica)
Transaction Date: February 2023
Previous Operator: Costa Cruises
Year Built: 2004
Capacity: 2,720 guests
Tonnage: 103,000
Status: Laid-up in Italy
After sitting in limbo for nearly three years, the former Costa Magica recently became Seajet’s latest acquisition.
Bought from Carnival Corporation’s Costa Cruises brand, the 103,000-ton vessel was renamed Mykonos Magic and became the largest ship in the fleet of the Greek shipowner.
