Potential charter deals included using the vessel as a floating accommodation vessel and even converting it to a permanent hotel, other sources said. However, none of the transactions materialized.

The classic, 1965-built vessel sold for just $2,770,000 at auction following the demise of Cruise & Maritime Voyages earlier this year.

The Marco Polo, a former ocean liner, was designed for the Leningrad/Montreal route in 1965 as the Aleksandr Pushkin.

The vessel began to sail as a cruise ship under charter agreements after fulfilling its original intent until the 1970s.

It was sold to Orient Lines in 1991 and was renamed Marco Polo. The vessel has been reconstructed in Greece as a true cruise ship, receiving new engines as well.

Maritime Business World