OLYMPIA VOYAGER or OLYMPIA EXPLORER

[aukepalmhof]

The vessel in the foreground of the stamp with the blue hull has been identified by Mr. Crichton as either the OLYMPIA VOYAGER or OLYMPIA EXPLORER it are sisterships.

Following a series of e-mails to and from Tony Bushell, Systems Administrator for Barbados Port Inc, I can now confirm the names of the vessels shown on the Barbados 50c stamp. They are, clockwise, from the top :-
RADIANCE OF THE SEAS
VICTORIA
NORDIC EMPRESS
CARNIVAL SPIRIT
OLYMPIC VOYAGER
There was a sixth cruise ship in on the same day - Carnival’s HOLIDAY, but, this is not shown on the stamp.
My thanks go to Tony Bushell for all his help. Attached is an image he sent me showing the ships’ names.
Peter Crichton


OLYMPIA VOYAGER built under yard No 961 by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg for Royal Olympic Cruises, Piraeus, Greece.
14 July 1999 launched as the OLYMPIC EXPLORER.
Tonnage 24,391 grt, 2,352 dwt, dim. 180.40 x 25.50 x 7.30m. Length bpp. 155.0m.
Powered by four Wärtsilä 9L46D diesel engines, 37,800 kW, speed 28 knots.
Accommodation for 836 passengers and 360 crew.
15 June 2000 delivered.

15 June 2000 christened in Piraeus.
24 June 2000 she left for her maiden cruise from Piraeus. During the winter months was she stationed in Fort Lauderdale, USA and made cruises from there.
April 2002 renamed by the company in OLYMPIA VOYAGER.
2004 Sold to Horizon Navigation, Nassau, Bahamas, and renamed GRAND VOYAGER.
May 2004 renamed in VOYAGER.
In 2004 chartered by Iberojet, Spain for cruises in the Mediterranean.
14 February 2005 on a voyage from Tunis to Barcelona with on board 732 passengers, during rough weather, she was hit by a large wave which shattered windows on the bridge and knocked out her engines and electronics, she got also a list.
The captain ordered to send out an SOS.
When the crew restored power to the engines she sailed for Sardinia where she arrived on 16 February 2005.
February 2008 sold to Societa Di Crociere SpA, Italy.
November 2011 transferred to Grand Celebration (A branch of Costa Crociere), Madeira, Portugal.
November 2011 operated by Costa Crociere and renamed COSTA VOYAGER.
2012 In service IMO No 9183506, under Italian flag and registry.

Source: http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/olympic_voyager_2000.htm

OLYMPIA EXPLORER built under yard No 962 by Blohm & Voss, Hamburg for the Royal Olympic Cruises, Piraeus.
10 July 1999 keel laid down.
19 May 2000 launched as the OLYMPIC EXPLORER.
Tonnage 24,318 grt, 2,500 dwt, dim. 178.0 x 25.5 x 7.30m., length bpp. 155.0m.
Powered by four Wärtsilä 9L46C diesel engines, 37,800 kW, twin shafts, speed 28 knots.
Accommodation for 836 passengers and 360 crew.
27 April 2001 completed.

April 2001 renamed at Gibraltar in OLYMPIA EXPLORER under Greek flag and registry.
24 April 2001 made a cruise with shipyard workers of Blohm & Voss.
27 April 2001 the company refused delivery of the OLYMPIA EXPLORER due to some technical problems.
25 April 2002 delivered to Royal Olympic Cruises, Piraeus, Greece.
In 2002 the company changed its name to Royal Olympia Cruises.
28 June 2004 Sold to Stella Maritime, Nassau, Bahamas, and managed by Institute for Shipboard Education, “Semester at sea” program, Pittsburgh, USA, renamed EXPLORER.
2012 In service, IMO No 9183518 as given by Equasis, same name and under the Bahamas flag and registry, owner Explorer Maritime LLC, Monte Carlo, Monaco, and managed by V Ships Leisure SAM, Monte Carlo.

Barbados 2012 $2.80 sg1395, scott?

Source: Marine News. http://www.faktaomfartyg.nu/olympia_explorer_2002.htm

[Archie]

Hello,

Well, Overall.. As the week progressed, they became more and more impressed with Olympia Voyager and her staff. This is a cruise line for adults who like to immerse themselves in Greek culture and in exotic destinations. The entertainment and enrichment series are impressive for a ship this size...!



family sailing holidays