The former Irish Ferries cruise-ferry OSCAR WILDE is to be renamed GNV ALLEGRA before commencing service between Genoa and Olbia (Sardinia) later this month. The 1987-built vessel is expected to undertake her first voyage on the route on May 25th. At present OSCAR WILDE is being repainted in Genoa, receiving GNV’s distinctive livery of white hull and superstructure with the letters GNV painted on the sides stretching almost from the waterline to the top of the superstructure.
OSCAR WILDE left Belfast earlier this month after a period undergoing maintenance at Harland & Wolff having been sold to GNV parent company MSC. She had become surplus to requirements at Irish Ferries following the closure of her Rosslare to Cherbourg/Roscoff route.
She joins a fleet which contains a number of 1980’s built former Northern European ferries including GNV ATLAS (ex OLAU BRITANNIA (ii)), GNV CRISTAL (ex OLAU HOLLANDIA (ii)), GNV AZZURA (ex GOTLAND / WASA STAR), and SNAV ADRIATICO (ex KONINGIN BEATRIX) as well as more modern tonnage such as LA SUPREMA and LA SUPERBA.
Further images can be viewed at ‘Navie Armatori’ here: http://www.naviearmatori.net/ita/album-73-1.html
With thanks to Giorgio Parodi
