Cruise & Maritime Voyages (CMV), the destinational British cruise line, said the 15,614 gross ton Astoria would leave its fleet next year after the company will have introduced the 63,500 gross ton Columbus, currently trading as Pacific Pearl for P&O Cruises Australia.

Astoria has been operated by CMV on charter from Portuscale Cruises, the Portuguese company that was set up in the wake of Classic International Cruises a few years ago. The ship currently trades on the French market, on charter by a local tour operator.

Astoria was built as Stockholm of the now defunct Swedish America Line in 1956. It made headlines a decade later, when it collided with the Italian liner Andrea Doria, which was lost.

Astoria has undergone several changes of name and ownership during its long career. In 1994, the ship was completely rebuilt and re-engined. The work helped Studio de Jorio, the Italian interior design company today used by MSC Cruises, to establish itself in the cruise industry.