The Azur, once a simple car-ferry, has evolved into a distinguished cruise ship with a rich history. Its journey from its initial days to present adventures across the Black Sea encapsulates resilience, transformation, and innovation. Let’s explore the fascinating tale of this iconic vessel.
The Birth of the Eagle
Launched on October 16, 1970, the vessel we now know as the Azur began its journey as the car-ferry Eagle. Constructed at the Dubigeon Normandie shipyard, this ship was a robust creation with a gross tonnage of 9,159 tons, designed to serve the route between Southampton, Lisbon, and Tangier. Eagle’s early journey was not without its challenges, including an encounter with a massive wave in the Bay of Biscay, which led to some damage that was expertly repaired.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch Date | October 16, 1970 |
| Original Name | Eagle |
| Gross Tonnage | 9,159 tons |
| Initial Route | Southampton – Lisbon – Tangier |
The Azur’s Transformation
Despite its initial success, the Eagle was disarmed after three years due to insufficient freight. In December 1975, Nouvelle Compagnie de Paquebots (NCP) stepped in to give the vessel a fresh lease on life, transforming it for the burgeoning cruise market. Renamed Azur, it was renovated in Marseille to accommodate 560 passengers and launched into a new era of cruising, starting with its maiden cruise through the scenic vistas of Italy and Greece on April 3, 1976.
Challenging Times and Resilience
The Azur’s crew opposed changes in 1978, halting operations temporarily; however, the ship quickly returned to its Mediterranean routes. Another test of its resilience came in 1980 with a kitchen fire in the Aegean Sea. This incident underscored the crew’s dedication and ability to manage crises effectively.
Extensive Overhauls and Expansion
By 1981, a major overhaul at the Mariotti shipyard in Genoa saw the Azur evolve from a car-ferry to a cruise ship devoid of its original car-carrying capacity. The renovation involved the conversion of its garage into cabins and other leisure amenities, achieving a fusion of functionality and luxury unmatched in its class.
Completed Modifications
- Car garage transformed into passenger cabins.
- Installation of a second swimming pool.
- Overall modernization of interior facilities.
From Azur to The Azur
The Azur’s story took another turn in 1987 when it was disarmed in Lisbon, prior to Paquet’s acquisition by Costa. It sailed under the name ‘The Azur’ when Medov acquired it, entering service for Greek Chandris and further enhancing its prestigious reputation in the cruising world. Nevertheless, its journey was far from over.
Festival Days and Mano Cruises
The Festival company incorporated the vessel in 1994, marking its entry as the fleet’s premier ship. However, Festival’s eventual bankruptcy led to its disarmament at Gibraltar. Thereafter, Mano Cruises of Israel acquired and renamed it Eloise, shortly thereafter rechristening it as Royal Iris. With its vibrant hull and renewed spirit, Royal Iris proudly navigated the waters between Israel, Cyprus, and Turkey until 2014.
Renaissance as Knyaz Vladimir
Following a period of dormancy in Chalkis, Greece, the vessel was rejuvenated by Sovfracht and Rosmorport units for €11.2 million. Renamed Knyaz Vladimir, she was propelled onto the Black Sea under a Russian flag, becoming a cornerstone of Black Sea Cruises and connecting Novorossiysk, Yalta, Sevastopol, and Sochi with family-oriented cruising experiences.
Current Technical Specifications
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Name | Knyaz Vladimir |
| Length | 142.12 meters |
| Width | 22.64 meters |
| Draft | 5.5 meters |
| Engine Output | 21,800 horsepower |
| Crew | 278 personnel |
The Azur’s legacy continues to unfold, promising new adventures and sustained success on its enduring journey across the seas.
