MV Porto
- Istra (1965-1991)
- Astra (1991-1996)
- Astra I (1996-1999)
- Arion (2000-2013)
RINAVE Portuguesa
IMO: 6419057
The cruise ship Porto was built as Istra in Brodogradiliste Uljanik shipyard in Yugoslavia for the shipping company Jadranska Linijska Plovidba.
History
The first 28 years
The Istra was launched on July 12, 1964. Almost a year later launched on 30 May 1965, the maiden voyage. She was the sister ship of Dalmatia, which was built at the same time. The Istra offered 52 passengers in first class and 165 in economy class. With two ships cruises between the Mediterranean and the Middle East were offered, which had a duration of 14 days. During this two-week route following ports was started: Venice, Trieste, Rijeka, Split, Dubrovnik, Piraeus, Alexandria, Port Said, Beirut, Limassol, Heraklion. Then the return trip via Piraeus and Dubrovnik carried back to Venice. At the outbreak of the 6-day war, these routes have been greatly changed. The Istra was at that time in Germany very popular and was booked by various charter companies. These were Seetours Gastager, Touropa and Inter Maris. Despite the great success and the booking the ship after 28 years was advertised for sale by the owner. In the years 1974 and 1975 the " Istra " continued in the Caribbean and ran among others ports: Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Venezuela (La Güira ) Curacao, Trinidad, Santo Domingo, St.Juan (Puerto Rico), St. Thomas, Grenada.
Russian owner
In May 1993, the Russian Goring Shipping Company purchased the ship and renamed it in Astra. It was re-registered in Ukraine. The management took over the Russian travel and shipping companies Caravella Shipping Company Ltd, based in Moscow. On the ship, some reconstructions were performed. It was given a blue stripe around the entire hull and a blue painted chimney with the logo of Caravella Shipping Company Ltd. in red and white. By ship the new operators aimed again at the European market and chartered it to Euro Cruises and mono Company. After a short time took Neckermann voyages on the Astra in your catalog. Again, it was a great success, as the size for many guests was very appealing.
Name changed to Astra I
In 1996, the Astra voyages was formerly replaced by the larger Astra II, Golden Odyssey at Neckermann. Thereafter, the Astra was registered in Panama and renamed Astra I. The name change brought the ship no success. The marketing of the Astra I was carried out exclusively on the Russian cruise market, which led to financial difficulties. During a cruise in 1997, the ship in Haifa in Israel was laid on the berth at the chain because the Goring Shipping outstanding invoices had not been paid. As a result, the Astra I is scheduled for auction and sold in 1999. After a transfer to Lisbon took place.
Use from 2000 to today
In 2000, 15 million U.S. $ were spent on a total renovation of the ship and a radical overhaul. The bridge and the boat deck were moved towards the bow, the front windows of the promenade decks were changed and partially removed to make room for the main lounge, bar and casino. A large part of the glazed promenade but was received on both sides of the ship and called the conservatory. The new high-quality interior has been designed by Arminio Lozzi and George Potamianos, which special emphasis placed on light effects and soft colors. The Astra I was renamed Arion and marketed by Arcalia management. Until September 2012 the ship sailed for Classic International Cruises. These marketed and operated several classic cruise ships worldwide. After the ship was decommissioned, as the shipping company had filed for bankruptcy. Beginning of 2013 it was sold to a shipping company ( Portuscale Cruises) in Portugal, which they want to run again as a cruise ship. In May 2013, the ship was renamed in Porto.