The ice has broken, gentlemen of the jury! International cruise traffic is being revived in Russia. On April 2, the liner Astoria Grande will depart from the port of Sochi on its first trip to the Black and Mediterranean Seas.
The snow-white premium ship was purchased by private Russian investors from the German company AIDA Cruises in the summer of 2021 and underwent a major renovation. Technical re-equipment was carried out, equipment and interior were updated. As a result, the liner turned into a luxury city-hotel on the water with the highest level of service and comfort provided by the participation of the world leader in the cruise industry – Sea Chefs.
The ship has 593 cabins, 12 junior suites, and four royal suites with a private deck, captain’s view and personal concierge services. The 11-deck liner has everything you need for a complete vacation: whether you want to go shopping, relax in the spa or beauty salon, visit the cinema or prefer a cocktail in the pool bar to a movie show. For sports lovers there is a panoramic fitness club with a cardio zone, basketball and volleyball courts, a jogging track and a mini-golf course. For passengers with children – play spaces and round-the-clock babysitter services.
Riviera and Europe restaurants provide all-inclusive meals. The Selection Restaurant is open à la carte. Since the program of the first cruise includes visiting Istanbul, Canakkale, Cesme, Bodrum and Kusadasi, gastronomic accents are assumed with immersion in the history and culture of the “magic East”.
The home port of Astoria Grande is located in Russia, and this is a great convenience. To start from Sochi, you will not need visas and Green Pass: Sputnik V or any vaccine approved by WHO, as well as a PCR test, will do.
For the entire navigation season, from April to October, 16 cruises are planned along four unique routes: along the coasts of Turkey and Egypt, on Russian Easter to Israel, along the ports of Georgia and Greece, and along the legendary Greek islands.
Photo: press service
