The iconic cruise liner Astoria, originally known as the Stockholm, is set to be auctioned on 17 June 2025 at the Rotterdam District Court. The auction aims to cover the vessel’s accumulated dockage fees during its five-year layup in Rotterdam.
Built in 1948, the Astoria is renowned for its involvement in the 1956 collision with the Andrea Doria, one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history. Despite extensive renovations over the decades, including a significant rebuild in the early 1990s that transformed her into a cruise ship, the vessel has been out of service since early 2020, when current owners Cruise & Maritime Voyages ceased operations.
The ship’s most recent owner, The Roundtable LLC, had plans to return her to service. However, after a storm in February 2022 caused her to break free from her moorings and collide with a container ship, those plans were abandoned.
The upcoming auction marks a pivotal moment for the Astoria, with industry experts speculating that the highest bidder may opt for scrapping due to the vessel’s age and deteriorating conditions.
Prospective bidders can participate in the auction at the Rotterdam District Court or submit advance offers through the overseeing law firm, Hoek Sinke Ten Katen.