The End of an Era: World’s Oldest Cruise Ship Arrives for Scrapping After 77 Years

The Astoria, known as the world’s oldest cruise ship, has officially reached the end of its journey, arriving at the scrapyard after 77 years of storied service. Weighing in at 15,614 gross tons, the ship had been dormant in Rotterdam since the closure of Cruise & Maritime Voyages in 2020 due to the pandemic. On June 17, 2025, Astoria was auctioned for €200,000 (roughly $235,600) to Galloo, a recycling firm. Its final voyage spanned just over 100 miles, sailing from Rotterdam to Ghent, Belgium on July 3, 2025.

Fans and maritime enthusiasts gathered to witness Astoria‘s last journey, marking the quiet conclusion of a ship with a history full of memorable moments. After its arrival in Ghent, the ship will undergo scrapping, with significant components being removed for recycling.

A Remarkable History

Originally launched in 1948 as Stockholm for the Swedish America Line, the ship could accommodate 390 guests. Over the decades, Astoria sailed under various names and served different purposes, with notable experiences including:

• As Volkerfreundschaft, it safely navigated through the US blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, facilitating travel to Havana.
• As Fridtjof Nansen, it was repurposed as a barracks ship for asylum seekers in Norway during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
• Under the name Athena with Classic International Cruises, it famously thwarted a pirate attack in December 2008 using high-pressure water cannons.

One of Stockholm‘s most infamous moments occurred on July 25, 1956, when it collided with the luxury liner Andrea Doria off Nantucket, leading to the latter’s sinking. Despite significant damage, Stockholm remained on the scene, rescuing 572 passengers and crew before making its way to New York City. This incident led to extensive media coverage and a later inquiry that cleared the ship’s captain of wrongdoing.

Potential for a New Life

In the aftermath of the global cruise shutdown, there were hopes that Astoria might be repurposed as a hotel ship or inspire a maritime museum. However, these plans did not come to fruition, and the ship remained untouched for over four years. The challenges of retrofitting older vessels to comply with contemporary safety and environmental standards ultimately contributed to its demise.

While it is a poignant farewell to a maritime icon, the legacy of Stockholm/Astoria will endure in the hearts of those who admired its storied past.

Set sail on a voyage of discovery with CruiseShip.net – your ultimate destination for all things cruising! Explore the latest news, insightful reviews, and thrilling cruising adventures from around the globe. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or a first-time traveler, CruiseShip.net is your go-to source for expert advice, insider tips, and inspiring stories to fuel your wanderlust. Embark on a journey like no other with CruiseShip.net – where every wave brings new excitement and endless possibilities on the high seas.