MV Astoria

Astoria in Thames Estuary, 7 March 2017
History
Name
  • 1948–1960: Stockholm
  • 1960–1985: Völkerfreundschaft
  • 1985–1986: Volker
  • 1986–1993: Fridtjof Nansen
  • 1993–1994: Italia I
  • 1994–1998: Italia Prima
  • 1998–2002: Valtur Prima
  • 2002–2005: Caribe
  • 2005–2013: Athena
  • 2013–2016: Azores
  • 2016–present: Astoria
Owner
Operator
Port of registry
OrderedOctober 1944[3]
BuilderGötaverken, Gothenburg, Sweden
Yard number611[2]
Launched9 September 1946[2]
Christened9 September 1946[3]
Acquired7 February 1948[2]
In service21 February 1948[2]
Out of service2020
Identification
StatusLaid up in Rotterdam.
General characteristics (as built)[2]
TypeOcean liner
Tonnage
Length160.08 m (525 ft 2 in)
Beam21.04 m (69 ft 0 in)
Draught7.90 m (25 ft 11 in)
Installed power
Speed17 knots (31 km/h; 20 mph)
Capacity390 passengers
General characteristics (currently)[2]
TypeCruise ship
Tonnage15,614 GT
Installed power
  • 2 × Wärtsilä 16V32
  • 10,700 kW (14,300 hp) (combined)
Speed19 knots (35 km/h; 22 mph)
Capacity556 passengers

MV Astoria is a ship that was constructed as the transatlantic ocean liner Stockholm for Swedish American Line, and rebuilt as a cruise ship in 1993. Ordered in 1944, and commenced service in 1948, at 76 years old, she is the oldest deep water passenger liner still around in a non retired status. As Stockholm, she was best known for an accidental collision with Andrea Doria in July 1956, resulting in the sinking of the latter ship and 46 fatalities off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, United States.

During her seven decades of service she has passed through several owners and sailed under the names Stockholm, Völkerfreundschaft, Volker, Fridtjof Nansen, Italia I, Italia Prima, Valtur Prima, Caribe, Athena, and Azores before beginning service as Astoria in March 2016. Astoria sailed with Cruise & Maritime Voyages until 2020 when the company suspended operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and has been laid up since.

  1. ^ a b c "Stockholm (5383304)". Miramar Ship Index. Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i Asklander, Micke. "M/S Stockholm (1948)". Fakta om Fartyg (in Swedish). Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  3. ^ a b "SAL Timeline". A tribute to the Swedish American Line. Archived from the original on 2008-03-09. Retrieved 2008-02-27.