The Calypso

Louis Cruise Lines' 11,162grt The Calypso was towed into Southampton on the 6th May 2006 after an engine fire 20 miles off Beachy Head during the night while en route from Tilbury to Guernsey.  Originally entering service as a ferry in 1968 in the Mediterranean for Navigazion Traghetti Sardi as Canguro Verde but was sold to Societá Linee Canguro in 1974 where she remained until 1981 when she became Durr and operated in the Middle East under Arab ownership.  Eight years later she served as Ionian Harmony for Strintzis Lines until the following year when she was sold again and renamed Sun Fiesta to cruise but never saw service.  In 1992 Regency Cruises bought her and after conversion to a cruise ship began cruising from New York as Regent Jewel until the company went into liquidation shortly afterwards.  Jules Cruises bought her and she was chartered to Transocean Tours under her current name.  After a two-year lay-up, the Cypriot Louis Cruise Lines bought her in 2000 and she underwent an extensive refit.  From 2007, Thompson Cruises have chartered her. The following (not very good due to the appalling weather) photo is of her arrival on the 6th May.  You can just make out her lights.

In Southampton's 102 berth on the 8th May 2006

For photos of The Calypso finally leaving Southampton on the 28th July 2006, click here.

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(C) Copyright Patricia Dempsey 6th, 8th & 17th May 2006 Not to be reproduced without permission                        Updated 27th July 2006