Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), the UK based destination focused cruise line, said it would not renew the charter for the 16,844 gross ton Astoria after this season.

“With two new larger ships joining the CMV fleet in 2021, we have taken the difficult decision not to renew the charter contract for Astoria. Sadly, Astoria will be leaving the CMV fleet and 2020 will be her Farewell Season,”the company said in a statement.

The ship joined the CMV fleet in 2015 and in the following year it commenced a summer charter to French tour operator Rivages du Monde with CMV operating spring and autumn sailings from the UK, which has continued for five years.

Chris Coates, Group Commercial Director said in the statenment: “Although we will be sad to say farewell to Astoria, especially as she has built up a strong and loyal following, we are excited at the prospect of Pacific Dawn (to be renamed) joining the fleet in 2021 and another traditional-style ship for the British cruise market.”

Astoria was built as Stockholm for the now defunct Swedish America Line in 1948 and eight years later collided with the Italian liner Andrea Doria that sank. A total of 52 persons died in the accident.

Renamed Italia Prima in 1994, the ship was totally rebuilt and received e.g. new engines. The new interiors were designed by Studio de Jorio, the Italian architects who have since gained reputation for extensive work for MSC Cruises.