Historic Cruise Ship MS Astoria Auctioned for €200,000 – Uncertain Future

Since December 2020, the MS Astoria has been anchored without passengers in Waalhaven, Rotterdam. Following CMV's insolvency during the COVID-19 pandemic, the ship remained idle for an extended period. Speculations about its potential scrapping began circulating in early 2023, though these have not yet been confirmed. The new owner's plans are currently undisclosed, but according to media reports, the ship is expected to depart from Rotterdam's port soon.

A Storied Past: From Stockholm to Astoria

The MS Astoria boasts an eventful 77-year history. The ship gained particular notoriety due to a tragic incident in 1956. At just eight years old, the then-MS Stockholm collided with the Italian passenger ship Andrea Doria in dense fog off the U.S. coast near Nantucket. While the Stockholm sustained significant damage to its bow, the Andrea Doria was severely ripped open on its starboard side and sank eleven hours later. The collision resulted in the deaths of 46 people aboard the Andrea Doria and five passengers from the Stockholm.

After rescuing numerous survivors, the Stockholm returned to New York, where it received a new bow. Throughout its long service life, the ship underwent several refits and renamings. From 1960 to 1985, it operated under the name Völkerfreundschaft (People's Friendship) for the German Democratic Republic (GDR). These voyages were primarily reserved for loyal SED party members. Nevertheless, some passengers occasionally used the opportunity to flee to the West. The ports of call were almost exclusively within the communist bloc, including destinations in the Soviet Union and Cuba.