Spirit of London (ship)

The Spirit of London was a cruise ship originally built in 1972 as the Seawise University, a vessel intended to be a floating campus for the World Campus Afloat program. However, just prior to its scheduled maiden voyage, the ship was destroyed by a fire while undergoing refitting in Hong Kong.

The charred hull was subsequently sold and rebuilt, emerging as the Spirit of London in 1972 for P&O Cruises. As a single-class cruise ship, it primarily served the British market, operating cruises to various destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and South America. The Spirit of London was known for its intimate atmosphere and focus on a more traditional cruising experience.

In 1988, the ship was sold to Sitmar Cruises and renamed Fairstar. With Sitmar's acquisition by Princess Cruises, the Fairstar continued operating under the Princess banner for a period.

The ship was later sold and renamed multiple times, including Vitos, Sea Harmony, and finally Salamis Filoxenia. Under these later names, it served in various capacities, including operating cruises for the Greek market.

The Salamis Filoxenia was eventually scrapped in 2009, marking the end of a long and varied career for a ship that began as a unique educational concept and ultimately found its niche in the cruise industry. Its history demonstrates the adaptability of passenger ships and their enduring appeal across different markets and operators.