Ocean Victory held in Málaga as Alma Cruceros halts operations

The Ocean Victory, operated by the newly established Spanish cruise line Alma Cruceros, was detained on May 20, 2025, at the Port of Málaga (Spain) following a legal request by the vessel’s general agent, Lantimar Group. The ship remains docked with all crew members aboard while authorities and company representatives await the next phase of proceedings.

Alma Cruceros, which launched its maiden voyage just over a month earlier on April 18, had positioned itself as a provider of exclusive luxury cruises within the Mediterranean. Its inaugural itinerary ran from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Málaga, after which the company completed only two additional sailings before an abrupt operational suspension. On May 9, travel partners were notified of the cancellation of a scheduled May 11 departure. Despite assurances of further updates, the ship has remained inactive since that date.

At present, Alma Cruceros has not released an official statement concerning the detention of Ocean Victory or the future of its cruise operations. However, reports suggest the company may be facing an imminent suspension of payments and possible termination of crew contracts, though these remain unconfirmed by official sources.

The Ocean Victory itself is owned by SunStone Ships and was chartered by Alma Cruceros for seasonal Mediterranean deployment. During the off-season, the vessel was scheduled to operate under Albatros Expeditions in Antarctic waters. Originally envisioned as a high-end product targeting affluent clientele, the company had publicized collaborations with noted Spanish chefs Martín Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande. However, as commercial pressures mounted, the cruise line revised its pricing model, reducing weekly rates from approximately EUR 6,000 per guest to around EUR 2,000, shifting toward a boutique cruise approach with broader appeal.

Industry sources have linked Alma Cruceros’ difficulties to a combination of complex logistical demands and financial underperformance. These factors, coupled with limited time in operation and rapidly adjusted market positioning, appear to have contributed to the vessel’s current detention and the broader uncertainty now surrounding the brand’s viability.