(Ostend 17/05/2005- Canon 20D)The Paloma was built as Dimitriy Shostakovitch in Poland in 1980.In full cold war period this series of 7 vessels were ordered by the Russian government. They were able to transport troops and military equipment on longer voyages. Some of the ships were later rebuild with more cabins and less freight space. Most of them are today in use as cruise ship. The Paloma I is owned by Italian DIMaio&partners and is chartered for the summer season to German Hansa Kreuzfarhten. On every cruise they have a roro berth available at the beginning and at the end so it is possible to take your car on board.The deck and restaurant crew is Ukrainan while (excellent) cooking is provided by Phillipinos.The cruise started in Nice on 7 may and will end tomorrow 18 may in Cuxhaven.
(info from: johan coeman @ Ostendferries-yahoo)