By
Rebecca Gibson |
Global Maritime Group, the parent company of UK-based cruise operator Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), has acquired the 21,000gt Astor.
The 600-passenger ship originally joined the CMV fleet in December 2013 as part of a bareboat charter arrangement with full ship management services provided by Global Maritime Group. Astor will operate under long-term charter to CMV.
“The acquisition of the Astor is another important milestone in the strategic development of the group’s presence in the international markets,” said Christian Verhounig, CEO and chairman of CMV. “Astor has a fine pedigree and provides an important smaller ship premium option within our cruise portfolio.”
Astor arrived in Fremantle in Perth, Australia, on 13 December following a 38-night re-positioning voyage from London Tilbury, UK. The ship will continue to operate a dedicated programme of ex-Fremantle cruises under the CMV brand during the Austral summer season. In spring 2015, Astor will re-position to Europe and operate a summer season of ex-Kiel and Bremerhaven German market sailings under the TransOcean brand.
“Astor has added 22,000 passengers to our global carryings and since her introduction, has proved a firm favourite with high levels of customer satisfaction and repeat business being achieve,” said Chris Coates, commercial director.“Next year we have programmed a special eight-night, ex-London Tilbury Round Britain cruise before Astor starts her German market season and forward booking levels are very encouraging.”