News

Sold to Alang Breakers

The new shipping company Alma Cruceros lost its only ship just two weeks after launching operations and canceled all departures. The luxury cruise operator ran into financial difficulties due to outstanding creditors' claims. The 'Ocean Victory' was detained in Málaga after its rrival on May 11, 2025, and left the port on May 26, scheduled to be auctioned in Gibraltar, where it dropped anchor on May 27 in pos. 36° 07' N 005° 18' W. The shipping company's debut took place on April 18 with a first voyage from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Málaga. As early as May 9, the company informed travel agencies of the cancellation of the next departure, scheduled for May 11. The 'Ocean Victory' remained berthed in port since arriving in Málaga. On May 20, the ship was finally seized by the authorities. The reason for this is an outstanding claim by the port agent Lantimar Group, which has filed a lawsuit with the court. The court set a bail, which Alma Cruceros failed to post. As a result, the ship was ordered to set course for Gibraltar. It will now be auctioned there to meet the creditors' claims. Alma Cruceros was positioned as a premium brand and belonged to the Premium group of companies owned by Elisardo Sánchez, who previously worked in the hotel industry. Sánchez offered only brief comments on the ongoing proceedings. They said they were working on a solution and would provide information soon. It is currently unclear whether the company will still be able to realize its plans for the cruise market. Since the foreclosure auction, there have been no new public statements regarding future strategy or possible replacement ships.

Sold to Alang Breakers

Sold to Breakers as is Singapore 435 USD/TO

MOL Cruises, the leisure operation for the Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, plans to retire the 'Nippon Maru' in Yokohama on May 10, 2026. The ship consistently operating in the Japanese market over her 35-year career, offering cruises around the Japanese islands reaching smaller ports not accessible to larger cruise ships. She offered a focus on cultural enrichment and traditional Japanese culture. Itt was decided to retire the ship for operational and economic reasons. To date, the 'Nippon Maru' has traveled 2,877,642 nautical miles during over 2,000 cruises, hosting more than 600,000 passengers, and visiting over 400 ports in and out of Japan. In addition to the domestic cruises, she operated longer voyages including nine world cruises. The legacy of the 'Nippon Maru' and her contribution to the Japanese cruise industry will be honored during her final season between February and May 2026, with several cruises and events, featuring special commemorative gifts and menus.