Legendary cruise ship Astoria: auction in Rotterdam in June!

Legendary cruise ship Astoria: auction in Rotterdam in June!

On June 17, 2025, the legendary cruise ship Astoria will be auctioned in Rotterdam. This auction will take place at the courthouse at Wilhelminaplein 100-125 and could mark the beginning of a new chapter for what was once the oldest active cruise ship in the world. The Astoria completed its maiden voyage from Gothenburg to New York in 1948 and is best known in shipping history for the collision with the Andrea Doria on July 25, 1956. In this tragic accident, the Andrea Doria, which was carrying 1,706 passengers and crew at the time, lost 46 lives, while five crew members of the Stockholm, the other ship involved, also died.

The Astoria, then operated as a people's friendship, played an important role in the travel offer for comrades loyal to the GDR line. However, the ship's significance extends beyond political contexts. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, it sailed through the US naval blockade and was rammed by a German Navy torpedo boat in 1968.

The loss of Andrea Doria

The Andrea Doria, one of the most famous Italian passenger ships, was caught in thick fog when it collided with the Stockholm, which was sailing against the recommended course. The two ships met in July 1956 when the Andrea Doria was traveling at a speed of 21.8 knots while the Stockholm only reached 18 knots. The collision created a significant hole in the Andrea Doria's hull, causing extensive damage and causing the ship to begin to sink heavily.

The Andrea Doria's captain, Calamai, ordered the evacuation within 30 minutes of impact. Although several lifeboats were ready, many could only be partially manned due to the ship's severe inclination. A comprehensive rescue operation ultimately brought 1,663 passengers and crew members to safety. Nevertheless, 51 people, including 46 passengers from the Andrea Doria and five crew members from the Stockholm, died in the turbulent waters.

The History of the Astoria

After its time as a friendship between nations, the Astoria experienced numerous renamings and uses. In 1983 it was sold and operated under various names before finally reverting to the name Astoria. Memorable moments include the use of the ship as accommodation for participants of Germany's Next Top Model in 2016. However, the corona pandemic led to the cessation of trips and the ship has been in Rotterdam ever since.

The original value of the 160 meter long and 10,000 tonne ship is around 2.75 million euros. In the last auction, no one offered the minimum amount of 10 million euros that was previously required. It is about to be shipped to the scrap dealer after it was initially intended for another use.

In a final opportunity for those interested, the June 17, 2025 Astoria auction may represent the final chance to continue this fascinating story. The extraordinary connection to the Andrea Doria and the ship's historic voyages will be remembered as she awaits a new owner.