"Recreational voyages company, 'Black Sea Cruises', is offering the historic vessel, 'Prince Vladimir', for sale"
Get Ready to Ride the Sea Giant Again! "Knyaz Vladimir" Heads for Another Auction
All hands on deck! The legendary nine-deck passenger liner, "Knyaz Vladimir," is gearing up for another auction in the third quarter of this year. preparations are in full swing, as reported by the CEO of FSUE "Rosmorport," Sergei Pylin. Reminisce the memories or get on board for the first time, 'cause this beauty is sailing again!
The ship attracted attention during its debut at the open auction in February, with a starting bid of 595 million rubles. However, the auction didn't sail as smoothly as planned, with no bids coming in. Now, it's a second chance to cast your anchor and lay claim to the "Knyaz Vladimir!"
This majestic ship, originally named "Roy Star," was constructed in the '70s and had a glorious run, providing cruise services between Sochi and Crimea for years. In 2019, the route was extended to Abkhazia, and the following year, Rospotrebnadzor halted cruises due to an expired sanitary certificate. Since then, the liner has been resting in the port of Novorossiysk.
The operator, LLC "Chernomorskie kruizy," has been floundering for the past five years, recording a net loss of 224 million rubles last year, according to SPARK-Interfax data. But don't let that discourage you! The "Knyaz Vladimir" is a grand dame that warrants a second life. Many experts believe she's prime pickings for foreign investors or local entrepreneurs, who could transform her into a floating hotel, entertainment center, or even an attractive spot for cruises.
In the less likely but still possible scenario, the ship could end up on the scrapheap—but that's a fate we don't want this majestic vessel to suffer. The competition will be fierce, and the outcome will hinge heavily on the starting price, conditions, and prospective investors.
What makes "Knyaz Vladimir" a candidate for resuscitation is her size, character, and iconic status in the Russian maritime world. The ship, which features 300 cabins and can accommodate 800 passengers and 250 crew members, is one of the few Russian liners on the Black Sea. Its historic charm could charm potential investors, making it a contender for a comeback as a cruise liner.
As a matter of fact, the ship embarked on a trial run from June 29 to September 11, 2023. However, in May 2024, ship operator "Black Sea Cruises" announced that the liner would not set sail again. The question now is, who will take the helm and steer "Knyaz Vladimir" into a new era?
Experts monitor the situation closely, keeping an eye on the competitive bidding landscape, the ship's technical condition, and the prospective market for cruise liners on the Black Sea. We might not have a crystal ball, but the chances are high that this older but still golden ship will find a new use and a new lease on life. So, keep your fingers crossed, and stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling auction adventure!
Experience the allure of a reimagined lifestyle as the historical vessel, "Knyaz Vladimir," sets sail once more for a new adventure. Prepare for unforgettable journeys across the seas as tourist attractions or cruises, or visualize the ship transformed into a floating hotel or entertainment center in your next travel plans.
