Photographic work done for the agency Contacto Press, Madrid.

This commission was particularly gratifying because of the ship's unique history. It is a German ship which, in addition to having functioned as a luxury liner for German society, was the subject of a German television series in the style of “The Love Boat” and became a true icon of its time.

The report was made in Gibraltar, where the ship was berthed. At the time, the vessel was for sale, being acquired by new owners from Texas, and had recently suffered damage to one side from another vessel, which was being repaired. Few members of the original crew remained on board, as the buying and selling representatives finalised the details of the transfer.

Touring the ship's quarters was a unique visual and emotional experience. The corridors, which evoked the atmosphere of a Kubrick film, showed traces of those who had lived there: photographs on the walls, empty spaces where someone had taken mementos, pictures of the captain, framed press cuttings and corners full of history. The crew's expressions oscillated between nostalgia and uncertainty, not knowing what their future would hold with the new owners.

One of the most iconic images of the session shows the ship with the German flag flying at the stern, symbolising its heritage and historical character.

All images are copyright © MadisonEstudio, Marbella.