Ocean Victory Cruise Ship Seized in Malaga Port

On May 20, the Ocean Victory cruise ship—operated by Spain’s newcomer cruise line Alma Cruceros—was detained in the port of Malaga. The ship’s arrest was initiated by its general agent, Lantimar Group, and the vessel remains docked with its full crew on board as the situation unfolds.

Alma Cruceros had only recently launched its services, positioning itself as a provider of high-end Mediterranean cruises. Its maiden voyage set sail on April 18, offering an eight-day itinerary from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to Malaga. Yet, after completing just three cruises, operations suddenly ceased.

Travel agents were informed on May 9 that the departure planned for May 11 was canceled, with a promise of further updates—none of which have materialized, and the ship has not sailed since.

The company has not released an official explanation regarding the seizure or the status of future voyages. However, industry reports are fueling speculation about a potential financial collapse, including a halt in payments and possible layoffs among the crew.

Ocean Victory is chartered from shipowner SunStone and was intended to operate under Alma Cruceros during the Mediterranean cruise season. For the remainder of the year, the ship was scheduled to sail in Antarctica with Albatros Expeditions.

Initially marketed as a premium travel experience for affluent clientele, Alma Cruceros partnered with renowned chefs Martín Berasategui and Paolo Casagrande. Despite its luxury branding, the line later repositioned itself, reducing fares from around €6,000 per week per passenger to approximately €2,000—shifting toward a more affordable boutique cruise model.

Sources suggest that the Malaga-based founder of Alma Cruceros encountered significant logistical hurdles and falling short of expectations, both of which likely played a major role in the cruise line’s rapid descent into operational trouble.