#ClassicLinerLady – Louis Aura a classic cruiseship dating almost fifty years having been launched in the late 60's made her debut call to Dublin Port today, a first for Cypriot operator Louis Cruises, writes Jehan Ashmore.
Her call follows Belfast yesterday as previously reported, and her visit represents a new cruising region which otherwise is the eastern Mediterranean from Cyprus, Greece and Turkey.
Louis Cruises was founded in 1986 and was added to the Limassol based Louis Group which has operated since 1935. The operator runs Louis Aura on short cruises from Cyprus and her fleetmates, Louis Crystal and Louis Olympia this season offering 4 to 7 days cruises from Greece and Turkey.
The veteran 16,000 tonnes was launched in 1968, though she had a major refit in 2005 to increase her lifespan. Only last year she was renamed having been Orient Queen and before that Bolero. This follows a career first starting as Starward which was geared for the U.S. market running under Norwegian Caribbean Lines.
Her cruising grounds of the balmy Caribbean embraced a design to reflect her environment where a three-deck high sun-lounge which is partially enclosed is sited above the bridge.During service for NCI this popular spot named the Tropicana Garden with its 'Skybars' next to the adjoining sheltered lido-area would became particular hot due to such humid conditions.
Here a spiral staircase links two decks which overlook the aft swimming pool again partially sheltered by the glazed screen walls of this feature which was ahead of its time. Fortunately these bars remain to quench a thirst while overlooking the Hera Deck below with its swimming pool.
For further details included photo of facilities for more than 800 cruise-goers, plus views of staterooms and corresponding deck plans, take a peek by clicking this LINK.
In addition the open promenade deck with lifeboats is a refreshing feature which is an increasingly unique feature compare to modern cruiseships which also lack cruiser-sterns, having said that the added superstructure somewhat spoils the aft deck. While at the opposite 'end' of the vessel at the bow is where a former cargo-hold along with derricks is now where a heli-pad is located.
Despite these changes, she still retains exterior styling by Knud E. Hansen of Copenhagen, from where her Scandinavian ferry origins included a vehicle deck to carry freight-trailers between Miami, the Bahamas and Jamaica.
This ability to carry vehicles has long since gone and was never a feature of her pure cruise sister. Skyward which too was commissioned by NCL from the yard of AG Weser Seebeckwerft in Bremen.
Her stylised twin funnel uptakes are particularly streamlined and positioned further aft to accentuate a slick profile superstructure.
This evening she is due to depart at 20.00hrs having spent a stunningly sunny day under Irish climes! It is understood her next port of call is Portsmouth.
