Global Maritime Group, the Athens based majority shareholder of Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV) in the UK, has acquired the1987 built cruise liner Astor of 21,000 gross tons, CMV said in a statement.

“Astor originally joined the CMV fleet in December 2013 under a bareboat charter arrangement with full ship management services provided by CMV’s majority shareholder, the Global Maritime Group who has acquired the vessel. Astor will operate under long term charter to CMV,” the company said.

The previous, German  owner of the ship became insolvent earlier this autumn

Christian Verhounig, CEO and Chairman of CMV commented, “The acquisition of the Astor is another important milestone in the strategic development of the Group’s presence in the international markets. Astor has a fine pedigree and provides an important smaller ship premium option within our cruise portfolio”.

Astor arrived in Fremantle (Perth) on Saturday 13th December following a 38 night re-positioning voyage from London Tilbury and will continue to operate a dedicated programme of ex-Fremantle cruises under the CMV brand for the Australian market during the Austral summer season. In spring 2015, Astor re-positions to Europe and will continue to operate a summer season of ex-Kiel and Bremerhaven German market sailings under the CMV group’s TransOcean brand.

Chris Coates, Commercial Director added, “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 achieved. Next year we have programmed a special 8 night ex-London Tilbury Round Britain cruise before Astor starts her German market season and forward booking levels are very encouraging”.