Shipbrokers hired to deliver a valuation of the ship prior to its arrest in late June estimated that the Yorktown was worth $1.5m but noted that its appearance was deteriorating quickly.

Cruise industry sources say the outcome of the auction may prove interesting. The ship is designed for coastal voyages and, therefore, could prove to be of interest to a variety of niche-market small-vessel expedition and dive cruise operators from around the world.

KfW