What is the oldest cruise ship still running?

The MV Astoria is the oldest cruise ship currently sailing, and Cruise and Maritime Voyages embraces the story of its vintage vessel.



As of 2026, the MV Astoria (originally the Stockholm, launched in 1948) remains one of the oldest active ocean-going cruise ships in the world, having served for over 78 years. However, in the world of specialized luxury cruising, the Sea Cloud (launched in 1931) is the oldest active sailing cruise ship, offering 95 years of service with its iconic four-masted rig. For true "expedition" style, the Noorderlicht, built in 1910, still operates as a 20-passenger cruise vessel in the Arctic. In 2026, while many mid-century ships have been scrapped, these "heritage" vessels have been meticulously retrofitted with modern safety and environmental systems to meet current regulations. The Astoria is particularly famous for its history—it was the ship involved in the 1956 collision with the Andrea Doria. Today, these ships are favored by "shiplovers" and maritime enthusiasts who prefer the character and wood-paneled elegance of a vintage vessel over the "floating cities" of the modern mega-ship era.

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