Lives of the liners: The former astor

[Doc Vernon]

Attachment 24177
Lastweek, while on the SILVER MUSE, Howard & I recalled our cruise to Scotland,Iceland & then still remote Greenland (and to obscure places like Nuuk& Disko Bay) on the ASTOR, then operated by Safmarine Lines ... It was July1985 and I joined in Kiel in Germany, Howard at Leith (Edinburgh) ... itwas a 3-week trip ... Howard returned to Leith; I debarked in Cuxhaven (forHamburg) ...

Thesedays, the 500-passenger ASTOR (built in 1981) is still about. First, she was the West German-flag ASTOR, then sailed for Safmarine and thenslipped (later in 1985) under the East German flag as the ARKONA. In 2007, she changed to ​ASTORIA for mostly charter cruising until going overto UK-based Saga Cruises, becoming their SAGA PEARL II, in 2010. But thentwo years later, the 18,500-tonner was transferred yet again -- to Saga'sSpirit of Adventure division to become the QUEST FOR ADVENTURE. But by2013, it was back to Saga Cruises itself and reverting to SAGA PEARL II.

Thephoto (from our French friend Philippe Brebant) shows the ship at Dunkirk.

[j.sabourn]

I was tying to find out about the Eastern Queen which was purely for my own curiosity. At the time was told it was an ex China steam navigation vessel. As this post is on passenger vessels thought it the appropriate place to ask. Rather to open a new post about passenger vessels, and was answering someone's query. If you think inappropriate please go ahead and remove. Is immaterial to me. Whether on here or not. If upsetting the gist of the post please do so. Cheers JWS. Ps sorry just re read Ivan's. Post and thought it was referring to post about cropping off accomodation. Have just got in from tests for blood pressure and eyesight not too good. Tests are for the next 3 weeks or so , so had better follow doctors orders and get back on sleep abpnia machine, will be no more of getting mixed up with posts. Will look in again much much later. AR AR AR JS

[Bryan Portwig]

astor.jpg i hears she - astor was headed for the breakers - not sure which forum i read this on though - as my memory is on slow mode - my image is of her in safmarine livery

[Bryan Portwig]

Jules-Verne.jpg and in a new vein - she has been sold to become the jules verne !