It would seem the days of the trusty older vessels may be nearing the end. As maritime regulations tighten around safety, environmental concerns and maintenance, the ships of our past are slowly disappearing from expedition itineraries.
We can recall the sad tale of the Lyubov Orlova and learn that the 57yo Ocean Majesty is now forbidden to sail from the Swedish port of Karlskrona due to a long list of deficiencies. Add to this list the 1985-built Ocean Atlantic (pic above), operated by Danish company Albatros and managed by Florida-based CMI, now detained on Svalbard by Norwegian maritime authorities for its own failure to meet safety regulations.
Ten ageing vessels have already been slated for scrapping this year including the once regal, Black Watch from Fred. Olsen. The UK-based, Norwegian-owned line also scrapped Boudicca last year, while Albatros from Phoenix Reisen was also dismantled.
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| A firm favourite among many small ship cruisers, Marco Polo is no more (Wikipedia) |
One of the saddest recent losses was certainly the classic cruise ship, Marco Polo, which was sent to the smelters following the demise of Cruise & Maritime Voyages during COVID.
As you read this several more vessels are surely reaching their own 'best before' dates as travellers are drawn to the many new vessels entering the market, especially the avante-garde X-Bow designs so popular with polar operators.
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