OCEAN VICTORY

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Latest news

Cruise ship seized and to be auctioned

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.

Detention in Malaga

The 'Ocean Victory', operated by the newly formed Spanish cruise line Alma Cruceros, was detained in the Port of Malaga following a legal request from the ship's general agent, Grupo Lantimar. The ship remained docked with all crew on board while authorities and company representatives awaited the next phase of the procedure.Alma Cruceros, which began its maiden voyage on April 18, 2025, had established itself as a provider of luxury Mediterranean travel. Its inaugural itinerary departed from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria and ended in Malaga, after which the company only made two additional voyages before an abrupt operational suspension. On May 9, travel agents were notified of the cancellation of a scheduled departure on May 11. Despite promises of more information, the ship has remained idle since that date. Alma Cruceros has not issued an official statement regarding the detention of the 'Ocean Victory' or the future of its cruise operations. There are reports suggesting the company could face imminent suspension of payments and the possible termination of crew contracts, although these figures have not yet been confirmed by official sources. The 'Ocean Victory' is owned by SunStone Ships and was chartered by Alma Cruceros for seasonal sailings in the Mediterranean. During the off-season, the ship was scheduled to operate under the Albatros Expeditions program in Antarctic waters. Originally conceived as a high-end product aimed at a wealthy clientele, but faced with increasing commercial pressure, the cruise line revised its pricing model, reducing weekly fares from approximately USD 6,750 per passenger to approximately USD 2,250, adopting a boutique cruise approach with broader appeal. Industry sources have linked Alma Cruceros' difficulties to a combination of complex logistical requirements and poor financial performance. These factors, combined with limited operating time and a rapid adjustment to its market positioning, appear to have contributed to the ship's current detention and the overall uncertainty surrounding the brand's viability.