Doulos was purchased in 1977. Since then, over 20 million visitors have been welcomed on board for tours, programmes and visits to the floating book fair. With stops in over 500 ports of call, this unique ship has visited more than 100 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East and many island nations.

Constructed in 1914, Doulos is recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's oldest active ocean-going passenger ship.

The ship is owned and operated on behalf of OM Ships International by GBA Ships e.V., a private, non-profit, charitable organisation registered in Germany.