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I'm not an expert but what I now is that most of the pictures use a computer aid and are pictured when Aegean spirit was MSC Symphony. You can see it quite clear because the vessel has an Italian flag even with the name Aegean Spirit "painted" on her.Since the take over the vessel sailed under Greek flag.
On the subject of brochure misrepresentations:
The 'First Choice' 2000, UK brochure claimed that the SS Ausonia had been "Completely upgraded for summer 2000, to the highest specification of First Choice Cruises..."
Now, the brochure, which was rather low quality, showed some very attractive pictures of her public rooms and cabins, HOWEVER they are only 'Artist's Impressions'!
Much later in the year I did get to see some real photographs of her 'highest specification', but not from a 'First Choice' source. The interiors did not look half as good as the Artists Impressions, to me!
Page two of the 2000 brochure had a picture of the Ausonia with the caption "New - Austoria"! First choice obviously could not even remember what their ship was called!
I've not seen the 2001 brochure, but I wonder if it's any better?
Although I've not cruised with First Choice, all of the above does not give me a lot of faith in their operation!
The picture used in the brochures is a retouched photo of the SYMPHONY, with changes on the funnel and bow name. As stated before, they made the mistake of not editing the Italian flag flying on the stern.
This photo was taken by Nelson de Barros Pereira. It shows AEGEAN SPIRIT at Patmos, Greece, on 12th July 2000.
Regards
Paulo Mestre
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