Phoenix Reisen has confirmed that Maxim Gorkiy will leave its fleet in November 2008. A statement in the November 2007 issue of the company newsletter, Phoenix-Journal, is as follows (translated from German):
“This winter the ‘Maxim’, as we and countless regular guests call her, will be in Hamburg for the last time under the Phoenix flag. Next will be the end of an era because, in her 20th year with Phoenix, TS Maxim Gorky will leave the fleet on 30.11.2008. As as a turbine ship, TS Maxim Gorki has a particularly high consumption of bunker oil. Due to the enormous increase in bunker costs and very high, continuously rising maintenance costs and necessary millions in investment, it is the no longer possible for the shipping company to operate cruises with this ship for a price acceptable to the guest. Sovcomflot in Moscow has not yet definitively decided on the future use of the TS Maxim Gorky (e.g. as a hotel ship). But we will certainly no longer offer TS Maxim Gorkiy after 30.11.2008. This decision makes us very concerned. But be assured that will endeavor to make 2008 our unique farewell season for ‘Maxim’, with many high points. We guarantee the usual excellent standard and service aboard the TS Maxim Gorki until the autumn of 2008.”
The cover of the newsletter reads, “Leiser Abschied TS Maxim Gorki” (”Quiet Farewell TS Maxim Gorki”). Click here to read the newsletter (in German).
