The End of an Era: Astoria’s Final Journey
The Astoria, a legendary name in cruise history, is set to be dismantled. Belgian recycling firm Galloo has acquired the 76-year-old vessel, marking the end of its storied existence. The ship, known as the world’s oldest surviving cruise liner, was sold at a public auction in Rotterdam on 17th June 2025.
A New Chapter Begins
Galloo’s winning bid of €200,000 secured the 16,144-gross-ton ship. Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the Astoria has been docked in a Dutch port. Galloo plans to recycle the ship at their specialised facility in Ghent, Belgium.
A Storied Past
Originally built in 1948 as the Stockholm for the Swedish America Line, the ship has a rich history. It was involved in one of the 20th century’s most notorious maritime disasters. On 25th July 1956, the Stockholm collided with the Andrea Doria near Nantucket. While the Andrea Doria sank, the Stockholm managed to reach New York, carrying many survivors.
Over the years, the ship underwent numerous transformations. It served as Volkerfreundschaft, a holiday ship in East Germany, and later as Italia Prima, a luxury cruise liner. Eventually, it became Astoria, operating under UK-based Cruises & Maritime Voyages (CMV) until early 2020.
A Final Farewell
Despite hopes of preserving the Astoria as a museum or hotel, Galloo’s purchase confirms its fate. The ship will be dismantled and recycled in Ghent, at one of Europe’s most environmentally regulated facilities. The auction in Rotterdam saw no other bids, underscoring the challenges of maintaining such an old vessel.
While the Astoria’s cruising days are over, its legacy endures. As the last surviving ship from the Andrea Doria disaster, it remains a significant piece of maritime history. Its journey through seven decades is a testament to its resilience and historical importance.
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