Loo with a view - MS Albatros

MS Albatros ties up in Townsville

Cruise Ship MS Albatros sailed into Townsville Saturday 18th February. The MS Albatros was built for long distance cruising and is one of the small sized ships that operates once a year on an around the world itinerary. She is currently on a 60 night, 61-day leg from Sydney, Australia to Genoa, Italy. 

Built in 1973 the MS Albatros has sailed under several different names over her 44 years, her latest refurbishment was completed in 2013. Currently operated by a German based travel agency Phoenix Reisen, she largely attracts German speaking passengers (German is the official language used on board) and families looking for an economical, value for money holiday.

On Saturday 4th February 2017, the MS Albatros was contacted by New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre to divert her 300kms off route to help distressed vessel Losemani Fo’ou. 

The 11.5m boat was carrying six Tongan fishermen and was in serious trouble. Submerged by 3m high swells and taking on water when the MS Albatros arrived, the fishermen were rescued, checked over by the ships Doctors and were fine despite been drifting at sea for three days without drinking water.

Losemani Fo’ou crew set off their emergency beacon 400km south-west of Tonga after they couldn’t start their motor due to a flat battery. The boat remains drifting at sea and the passengers on MS Albatros lost a day in the scenic Bay of Islands, New Zealand due to the diversion. The MS Albatros headed straight to Auckland, New Zealand with an extra six, very relieved passengers.

Quick specs:
Length 205m / Width 27m
Passengers 812-830
Crew 340
Decks 10
Cabins 420
Decks with cabins 8