The "Astor" is operated by Transocean Tours of Germany and operates world-wide catering mainly for the German outbound tourist market.  The "Astor" which was built in 1987, is 20,159 tons and can carry 650 passengers in her very spacious cabins.

Note: the cover above has additionally got a meter stamp for $340 (also dated 10th January) on its reverse because the two Chilean stamps on the front are insufficient for overseas postage. The cover is backstamped on arrival in Christchurch on 19 January 2000.

The view at left shows the "Astor" berthed at Punta Arenas on 10th January, 2000 the day the above envelope was posted.

In February, 2001 the "Astor" visited the South Island of New Zealand. She arrived at Lyttelton on the 17th February from Picton and departed for Port Chalmers the same evening.

She is shown at right in the inner harbour at Lyttelton on the 17th February.

ASTOR2   2001 (February 17th) Envelope posted on board "Astor" at Lyttelton.  Price US$4

A close up view of the "Astor" in her Lyttelton berth.

Note: The above Air letter has the ships cachet applied in the centre along with the signature of the captain.

The back of the airletter is shown at right. The item is backstamped on arrival in christchurch on 3rd April, 2003.

Note: As with the previous item, the above Air letter has the ships cachet applied in the centre along with the signature of the captain.

The back of the airletter is shown at right. The item is backstamped on arrival in christchurch on 3rd April, 2003.