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MS Astor
MS Astor
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Astor in Fremantle Harbour in 2016
History
Name
  • 1987–1988: Astor
  • 1988–1995: Fedor Dostoyevskiy
  • 1995–2020: Astor
NamesakeFyodor Dostoevsky (2nd name)
Owner
  • 1987–1988: Marlan Corporation
  • 1988–1991: Black Sea Shipping Company
  • 1991–1996: Fedor Dostoevskiy Shipping Co
  • 1996–2008: Astor Shipping Co[1]
  • 2008–2014: Premicon[2]
  • 2014–2020: Global Maritime Group[3]
Operator
Port of registry
Ordered1985[1]
BuilderHDW, Kiel, West Germany[1]
Cost$65 million[6]
Yard number218[1]
Launched30 May 1986[1]
Acquired14 January 1987[1]
Maiden voyage14 January 1987[1]
In service14 January 1987[1]
Identification
FateScrapped in January of 2021
General characteristics [1]
TypeCruise ship
Tonnage
Length176.25 m (578 ft 3 in)[7]
Beam22.60 m (74 ft 2 in)[7]
Draught6.15 m (20 ft 2 in)[7]
Decks7 (passenger accessible)[6]
Installed power
PropulsionTwo propellers[6]
Speed18 knots (33 km/h; 21 mph)
Capacity650 passengers
Crew300[6]

MS Astor was a cruise ship that most recently sailed for Cruise & Maritime Voyages' Transocean Cruises subsidiary, under which she operated voyages to Europe, South Africa, and Australia.[2][8]

The ship was originally built in 1987 under the name Astor by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW), Kiel in West Germany for the Mauritius-based Marlan Corporation, although originally ordered by the South African Safmarine as a combined ocean liner/cruise ship for the Southampton-Cape Town service.[4][9]

In 1988, she was sold to the Soviet Union-based Black Sea Shipping Company and renamed Fedor Dostoevskiy[7][10] (some sources spell the name Fedor Dostoyevskiy,[6] Russian: Фёдор Достое́вский), but spent her time under charter to various West German cruise lines. In 1995, she reverted to the name, Astor. From 1996 until 2020, she operated under charter to Transocean Tours.[1]

After Transocean Cruises' parent company, Cruise & Maritime Voyages, entered administration in 2020, Astor was sold at auction by C.W. Kellock London Ltd. on 15 October 2020 for US$1,710,000.

Concept and construction

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The South African Safmarine had restarted ocean liner service between Southampton and Cape Town in 1984 by acquiring the 1981-built cruise ship Astor from the West German Hadag Cruise Line.[9] In service the first Astor's engines proved too underpowered to maintain liner service.[4] As a result, Safmarine decided to order a new ship in 1985 from the HDW shipyard in Kiel, based on the same design as the 1981 Astor (which had been built at HDW's yard at Hamburg) but with additional facilities and more powerful engines, making her better suited for liner operations as well as cruising.[4][9] Confusingly the new ship was also decided to be named Astor. Even though the second Astor was not to be delivered until 1987, the first Astor was sold to the East German Deutsche Seerederei (via a West German intermediary) in 1985.[9] Soon after this Safmarine decided to abandon their passenger operations, and in January 1986 the second Astor's construction contract was sold to the Mauritius-based Marlan Corporation. The ship was launched from dry dock on 30 May 1986 and delivered to the Marlan Corporation on 14 January 1987.[1]

Service history

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1987–1988: Astor

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Astor at Molo Beverello, Naples in October 1988

Immediately following delivery on 14 January 1987, the Astor set on her maiden voyage from Hamburg to Genoa and from there further to South America. After this she was used for cruising on the Caribbean and to other destinations around the world.[citation needed]

1988–1995: Fedor Dostoevskiy

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Fedor Dostoevskiy in c.1990

On 3 October 1988 Marlan Corporation sold the Astor to the Soviet Union-based Black Sea Shipping Company. Renamed Feodor Dostoevskiy and re-registered to the Soviet Union, the ship was chartered to the West German Transocean Tours in December 1988. She stayed in Transocean Tours service until March 1990, when she was chartered to Neckermann Seereisen.[1][4] Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Feodor Dostoevskiy's ownership was transferred to Fedor Dostoevskiy Shipping Co., a Bahamas-based company, and re-registered in the Bahamas. Apart from the change of flag, this had no effect in her operations.[1]

1995–2020: Astor (again)

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Following the end of Feodor Dostoevskiy's charter to Neckermann Seereisen, she was chartered to Aquamarin in December 1995 and reverted to the name Astor. In 1996 the ship was sold to Astor Shipping Co., and again chartered to Transocean Tours.[1][4] At some point prior to 2008, she was acquired by Germany-based Premicon, but continued to operate for Transocean under charter.

On 28 November 2008, the German Navy reportedly prevented Somalian pirate speedboats from attacking Astor. She was sailing in the Gulf of Oman en route from Sharm-al-Sheikh in Egypt to Dubai, when the German Brandenburg-class frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern detected pirate speedboats apparently attempting to attack Astor. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern entered the path of the oncoming speedboats while they were still some three miles from Astor. Warning bursts of machine gun fire were used to ward off the threat without those on the cruise ship becoming aware of the situation.[11]

In February 2013, Astor was chartered for three years, commencing in 2013, by Cruise and Maritime Voyages (CMV) in a bid to fill the "gap" in the Australian market after the exit of Classic International Cruises.[12]

Astor at Helsinki in 2019.

In December 2014, Cruise & Maritime Voyages purchased the vessel from its bankrupt owners, Premicon.[3][13] The vessel planned to sail a winter 2015[needs update] season with Cruise & Maritime Voyages before briefly moving back to the fleet of Transocean where she sailed a summer season from Germany before switching back to CMV for the winter 2016 season.[14][15]

In 2019, Cruise & Maritime Voyages announced it would rename Astor to Jules Verne and would deploy the ship in the French market beginning in May 2021.[16][17] However, Cruise & Maritime Voyages entered administration in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ship was sold at auction by London-based C W Kellock on 15 October 2020 for $1,710,000.[18][19] She was beached in Aliaga, Turkey, on 23 November 2020 for scrap.[20] Scrapping started four days later and was completed by 30 March 2021.

Design

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Exterior design

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Astor departing from Fremantle Harbour, 2014
Astor departing from Fremantle Harbour, 2014

Externally, the 1987-built Astor was designed to be almost identical to the Astor of 1981, but approximately 12 metres (39 ft) longer. Due to the similar design the ships were distinguishable only due to the additional windows below the first lifeboat on the 1987 ship.[4] Both Astors were designed with a sharply raked bow, a relatively low, terraced superstructure and a large, square funnel.[6]

In Marlan Corporation service, Astor was initially painted with a white hull and superstructure, a red decorative stripe separating the hull and superstructure, and red/blue funnel with a large white cross painted on it alongside the letters ML.[4][10] This was later altered so that the decorative stripe was extended to cover the entire lowest superstructure deck, while the funnel was painted white with red stripes.[1] As Feodor Dostoevskiy, the decorative stripe on the hull reverted to the same form as in the original livery, while the funnel was painted white with blue exhaust pipes and a wide red stripe carrying the hammer and sickle emblem.[4]

In Transocean Tours service the ship received a livery with a narrower light/dark blue decorative stripe on the hull, a white funnel with blue exhaust pipes, a thin light/dark blue stripe with Transocean Tours' large T logo in the middle.[4]

Interior design

[edit]

As with the exterior, the interior layout and decorations of the 1987-built Astor were very similar to the 1981-built Astor, down to the bathroom fittings.[6] However, the 1987-built ship was designed with a larger number of suites, improved crew quarters, an added casino and added conference facilities.[9]

Like the 1981-built ship, the 1987-built Astor was furnished in traditional style using large amounts of dark wood, with many of the public rooms having high ceilings.[6]

Decks and facilities

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As Astor in Transocean Tours service, seven decks were accessible to passengers. Facilities included dining areas, sauna, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym and a showlounge.[21]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
MS Astor was a mid-sized constructed in 1987 by the German shipbuilder in , originally intended for passenger service between and but repurposed shortly after completion. With a of 20,704 GT, a of 176 meters (577 feet), and capacity for 650 passengers served by a crew of 300 across seven decks, she offered four-star accommodations including 289 cabins, multiple lounges, a wellness area, and entertainment venues during her 33-year career. Launched at a cost of $65 million, the vessel was initially sold to the Shipping Company in 1988 and renamed Fedor Dostoevskiy before reverting to Astor in 1995 under TransOcean Tours, which operated her on European and transatlantic routes from 1996. She later sailed for various operators, including charters in and the , and was acquired by (CMV) in 2013, flying the Bahamian flag out of Nassau while focusing on no-fly cruises to , the Mediterranean, and beyond. A notable incident occurred in 2008 when pirates attempted to board her in the , but the attack was repelled by security measures. The ship's career ended abruptly in July 2020 following CMV's bankruptcy amid the , which halted global cruise operations and left her laid up. Towed to , , in November 2020, Astor was beached for scrapping, with the process completed by March 2021.

Development and Construction

Concept and Ordering

In the mid-1980s, the concept for the MS Astor emerged as a response to the operational limitations of the original Astor (built 1981), whose underpowered engines struggled with the rigors of transoceanic liner service between and the . Recognizing the need for a more capable replacement to revive the Cape Town-Southampton route—discontinued since the mid-1970s—South African Marine Corporation () initiated planning for a new mid-sized passenger vessel focused on reliable long-haul performance and luxury accommodations for approximately 600 passengers. On April 12, 1985, formalized the order with the German shipyard (HDW) in , specifying a vessel with a of 20,704 GT, an overall length of 176 meters, a beam of 22.6 meters, and a draft of 6.1 meters. The incorporated four Sulzer 8ZAL40 diesel engines delivering a combined 15,400 kW to twin propellers, enabling a service speed of 18 knots suitable for North Atlantic crossings. This configuration prioritized efficiency and durability over the diesel-electric systems gaining traction elsewhere, aligning with the era's emphasis on proven mechanical reliability for liner operations. The ship's styling drew from 1980s cruise market dynamics, where operators sought mid-sized vessels (under 25,000 GT) to differentiate from the burgeoning fleet of larger, mass-market ships from lines like Royal Caribbean and , instead targeting affluent passengers with traditional aesthetics evoking pre-war elegance. The name Astor was retained from the predecessor to capitalize on its association with the prominent , synonymous with transatlantic luxury travel and high-society heritage since the . Due to Safmarine's withdrawal from the liner trade amid economic pressures and geopolitical factors, the vessel was sold to Marlan Corporation (Panama-flagged, registered in Mauritius) in 1986 prior to completion and repurposed as a versatile cruise ship for operations in the Caribbean and elsewhere.

Building and Launch

The construction of MS Astor commenced at the Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft shipyard in Kiel, Germany, following a contract signed on April 12, 1985, with South African Marine Corporation (Safmarine) as the original owner. The keel was laid on January 21, 1986, marking the start of physical assembly for the 20,704-gross-ton vessel designed initially for combined liner and cruise service between Europe and South Africa. The ship was launched on May 30, 1986, and christened on June 24, 1986, by Mrs. Inta Elisabeth Gleich, Safmarine's godmother representative. Construction progressed through outfitting and interior completion over the following months, with sea trials beginning in December 1986 to test stability and systems. No major delays or cost overruns were reported during the build, though the project's scope shifted from transatlantic liner emphasis to luxury cruising due to Safmarine's reevaluation of market demands in the mid-1980s. MS Astor featured four Sulzer 8ZAL40 diesel engines delivering a combined 15,400 kW of power to twin controllable-pitch propellers, enabling a service speed of 18 knots suitable for extended voyages. These choices emphasized reliability and , with the stabilized hull incorporating ice-strengthening for versatile operations. The vessel was delivered to Marlan Corporation on January 14, 1987, after successful trials. Handover preparations included final crew training and provisioning for the maiden voyage, which departed on , , via to and the for cruise operations.

Service History

1987–1988: Initial Service as Astor

The MS Astor entered service on , , under the of the Mauritius-based Marlan Corporation, which had intended her for a liner route between and but was thwarted by against . Her maiden voyage departed on , , calling at before proceeding to and the , marketed in the UK by Morgan Leisure and in by its subsidiary Kreuzfahrten . With a passenger capacity of 650 in 289 cabins, the ship emphasized upscale, traditional cruising in a liner-style format, attracting an older demographic seeking refined, unhurried experiences with formal dining and onboard entertainment. Throughout 1987 and early 1988, Astor operated a series of charters due to the unviable South African route, including transatlantic crossings and itineraries that showcased her stability in open seas and comfortable accommodations, earning positive passenger feedback for her smooth ride and elegant public spaces. However, the period was marked by operational challenges, including underpowered engines insufficient for sustained liner speeds and mechanical failures that disrupted some voyages, contributing to issues as the crew tuned the system. These factors, combined with the financial strain from the sanctions-induced idling of her primary purpose, prompted Marlan Corporation to seek alternatives. In May 1988, Astor was chartered to German operator Transocean Tours for European cruises, replacing the chartered Lev Tolstoy, but this arrangement was short-lived amid ongoing economic pressures. On October 3, 1988, Marlan sold the vessel to the Soviet Union's Shipping Company—based in , —ending her initial service phase after less than two years. The sale reflected the broader challenges faced by owners unable to capitalize on the ship's liner capabilities, though her features, such as stabilizers, had provided reliable performance in cruise operations.

1988–1995: Operation as Fedor Dostoevskiy

In October 1988, the MS Astor was sold by its original owners, the Marlan Corporation, to the Soviet Union's Shipping Company, based in , Ukrainian SSR, and renamed Fedor Dostoevskiy in honor of the Russian novelist . The vessel was re-registered under the Soviet flag and departed on its maiden voyage as Fedor Dostoevskiy from , , on December 23, 1988, marking the beginning of its service in state-run operations. Shortly thereafter, ownership transferred to the Soviet state shipping entity for approximately 110 million Deutsche Marks, reflecting the USSR's interest in expanding its cruise fleet amid the reforms aimed at boosting tourism and international exposure. During this period, the Fedor Dostoevskiy primarily served on Black Sea routes while also being chartered to Western operators for broader European itineraries, accommodating up to 650 passengers with a crew of around 300. From late 1988 to early 1990, it operated under charter to the German company Transocean Tours, offering cruises in the Mediterranean and as part of efforts to promote Soviet to Western markets. Following the premature termination of this charter by in February 1990, the ship was briefly laid up before entering a new charter with another German operator, Neckermann Seereisen, starting in December 1990, which continued European voyages until 1995. These operations highlighted the ship's adaptability for state-subsidized cruises, including domestic sailings from Odessa to ports like , though international charters dominated due to economic incentives. The ship's service faced significant operational challenges stemming from the USSR's economic instability and the in , which led to inconsistent scheduling and ownership transitions. In , following the Soviet collapse, the vessel's flag was changed to , and management shifted to the Ukrainian-linked Fedor Dostoevskiy Shipping Company (or Unicom Management Services in ), with crew primarily composed of Ukrainian staff to align with the newly independent region's maritime interests. These changes, coupled with broader financial woes in the post-Soviet shipping sector, resulted in periods of reduced service and maintenance delays, though the ship continued to play a role in regional tourism promotion. By November 1995, amid ongoing economic pressures on and its affiliates, the Fedor Dostoevskiy was sold back to Western owners, the German-based Astor Shipping Company, and reverted to its original name Astor for renewed commercial operations. This transaction ended its seven-year tenure under Soviet and post-Soviet management, during which it had facilitated over a decade of transitional cruising in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

1995–2020: Return to Astor

In late 1995, the ship was repurchased from the Black Sea Shipping Company and reverted to its original name, Astor, before being chartered to the German operator Aquamarin Cruises for European itineraries. The following year, in 1996, ownership transferred to Astor Shipping Co. in , with operations chartered to Transocean Tours, a Bremen-based company specializing in German-market cruises; this arrangement marked the beginning of a long-term partnership that emphasized traditional, smaller-scale voyages. Passenger capacity during this period stabilized at approximately 650, allowing for a more intimate experience compared to larger modern vessels. Under Transocean Tours, Astor undertook diverse routes, including summer cruises in such as Norwegian fjords voyages from ports like and , and Mediterranean itineraries exploring historic sites in , , and . Winter seasons featured repositioning to warmer regions, with seasonal deployments to via the and extended world cruises that circled the globe, often homeporting in , , for Indian Ocean segments; these voyages highlighted the ship's reliable propulsion for long-distance travel. The vessel developed a loyal following among passengers seeking its classic ambiance, with features like formal dining and live entertainment evoking mid-20th-century traditions. Notable events included an attempted pirate attack on November 28, 2008, in the during a world cruise, where two Somali pirate speedboats approached but were deterred by the nearby German frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, ensuring the safety of all aboard without incident. The global of 2008 impacted operations, leading to the cancellation of the 2008–2009 world cruise and contributing to financial strains on Transocean Tours, though the company restructured and continued service. In May 2009, Astor briefly ran aground in harbor due to strong winds but was refloated with only minor hull damage and no injuries. In November 2013, Astor was chartered to the UK-based (CMV) for expanded European and Australian deployments, with CMV acquiring Transocean Tours in subsequent years to integrate it as a focused on the German market. Operations under this structure persisted through 2019, including a minor collision with a quayside in , , in September, which caused superficial damage repaired promptly without affecting sailings. The disrupted this phase, with CMV canceling all Astor sailings from March 2020 onward, leading to the ship's lay-up at , , and the end of active service.

2020: Decommissioning and Scrapping

In July 2020, amid the escalating , (CMV) entered administration on 20 July, marking the collapse of the UK-based operator and leading to the permanent lay-up of MS Astor at Docks, . The ship had already been idled there since late May 2020 due to the global suspension of cruise operations, with all future sailings canceled and passengers affected by the sudden halt seeking refunds through travel agents or administrators. This event stranded approximately 1,500 CMV crew members across the fleet, including those on Astor, prompting international assistance for their , though no specific passenger evacuation from an ongoing voyage on Astor was reported at the time of administration. Following the administration, Astor was offered for sale as part of asset . On 15 October 2020, the 33-year-old vessel was auctioned for USD 1.71 million to an undisclosed buyer, who promptly resold her for scrapping to a firm at the Aliaga Shipbreaking Yard near , . She departed under tow on 7 November 2020, arriving at Aliaga and being beached on 23 November 2020 to begin the dismantling process. Scrapping commenced four days later, with systematic disassembly of the hull, , and interiors progressing through the winter; the process was fully completed by 30 March 2021, yielding recyclable materials like steel and non-ferrous metals. The scrapping at Aliaga adhered to international standards as is an OECD member state, ensuring compliance with EU Waste Shipment Regulation directives for hazardous materials handling and worker safety, though environmental groups noted ongoing concerns about beaching practices in the region. Astor's fate underscored the broader post-COVID-19 fleet reductions, positioning her as one of the last traditional ocean liners dismantled amid industry-wide consolidations that saw dozens of older vessels retired. No efforts were made to preserve any part of the ship for museums or heritage sites, and by 2025, the scrapping area at Aliaga had long been cleared for subsequent operations.

Design and Features

Exterior Design

The MS Astor featured a traditional ocean-liner profile characterized by a sharply raked bow, a relatively low and terraced divided into three full-height blocks, and an enclosed promenade deck that contributed to its distinctive silhouette among 1980s cruise ships. The ship's overall length measured 176.26 meters, with a beam of 22.61 meters and a draft of 6.15 meters, providing a balanced hydrodynamic hull optimized for stability and a maximum speed of 21 knots powered by two diesel engines driving propellers. This design emphasized elegance and seaworthiness, with a of 20,704 reflecting its compact yet efficient displacement for transoceanic voyages. The superstructure culminated in a single, large square funnel positioned amidships, painted white with a black top for aesthetic balance and to distinguish exhaust from the hull's white livery, a hallmark of the ship's builder, . The vessel accommodated seven passenger decks, including the forward area on the Sun Deck with its open pool and the aft Bridge Deck dedicated to recreational facilities, allowing for expansive outdoor spaces while maintaining a streamlined profile. Over its service life, the exterior underwent minor updates during refits to meet evolving safety standards, notably in 1995 when modifications ensured compliance with updated SOLAS regulations, including adjustments to lifeboat arrangements for enhanced deployment efficiency. Subsequent refurbishments, such as the overhaul, focused primarily on preservation rather than major aesthetic alterations, preserving the original profile's timeless appeal.

Interior Design

The interior of MS Astor embodied classic European elegance through its traditional design, featuring extensive paneling and fittings throughout the public areas, complemented by high ceilings that evoked the grandeur of ocean liners. These elements created a warm, timeless ambiance with a color scheme dominated by rich blues, golds, and creams, enhancing the ship's luxurious yet approachable feel. The layout philosophy prioritized passenger flow and comfort, centering public areas on the Promenade Deck to connect key zones for dining, , and relaxation and prevent overcrowding during peak times. This zoning approach ensured seamless across the ship's seven passenger decks, fostering an intimate cruising for up to 650 guests. Prominent interior spaces included the single-height Waldorf Restaurant, the primary dining venue with elegant murals and tiered seating for formal meals; the grand Astor Lounge, equipped with a central stage for live performances and surrounded by plush seating; and a cozy offering bookshelves lined with and quiet reading nooks. enhancements, such as widened corridors and additional handrails, were incorporated during subsequent refits to accommodate diverse passengers. Over time, the interiors evolved to meet changing preferences, particularly in the when the ship returned to Western operation; updates included carpet replacements in public areas and modernized lighting to appeal to international tastes, with further refinements like new soft furnishings in the 2010 refit. Accommodation was distributed across 289 cabins, the majority featuring outside views for , including 28 suites with premium amenities like larger bathrooms and private verandas.

Decks and Facilities

The MS Astor featured a multi-deck layout optimized for comfort and convenience, with facilities distributed across seven decks to support daily activities on board. Lower decks focused on operational support, while upper levels emphasized recreational and dining amenities, reflecting the ship's adult-oriented design with limited dedicated child-friendly spaces such as small play areas or youth programs. The vessel included 3 elevators for inter-deck travel, one indoor and one outdoor with adjacent whirlpools, and courts on the Bridge Deck for casual games. The Caribic Deck (lowest passenger deck) housed the medical center for onboard healthcare services, the Oasis Wellness Center with thalassotherapy treatments including saunas, massages, and beauty services, and an indoor pool. This deck provided essential support functions with limited direct passenger access beyond wellness facilities. The Baltic and Atlantic Decks primarily offered accommodations including standard cabins and suites, with corridors leading to upper public areas. The Promenade Deck served as the main public hub with the Waldorf Restaurant offering meals in two seatings, the reception desk for guest services, the Astor Lounge as the show lounge for performances and lectures, and duty-free shops including boutiques for perfumes, jewelry, and souvenirs. These facilities were centrally located to encourage social interaction and easy access from cabins, also serving as the main gangway for and disembarkation. The Boat Deck centered on casual dining and additional cabins, featuring the Übersee Club buffet restaurant for flexible meals and premier suites. The Bridge Deck focused on entertainment and leisure, with a for gaming, multiple bars such as the Captain's Club and Hanse Bar for drinks and socializing, and the fitness center equipped for workouts with sea views. The arrangement allowed for seamless flow from lounges to bars, enhancing evening activities. The Sun Deck catered to premium guests with luxury suites offering private balconies, expansive sundeck spaces for sunbathing, the outdoor pool area, and a jogging track encircling the area for morning runs or walks. Adjacent features included courts and open areas for or deck games. Among the specialized facilities, the Oasis Wellness Center provided treatments including saunas, massages, and beauty services, while a cinema accommodated up to 200 guests for screenings in a dedicated space. Duty-free boutiques were scattered across public decks, and the overall design prioritized adult relaxation with only basic child areas like a small corner for reading.

References

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