Is the Black Sea cruise season in jeopardy? It might seem so as the three most popular ports, Odessa, Sevastopol and Yalta, are all in the Ukraine, and one happens to be the naval base that Russia’s Vladimir Putin is reportedly so concerned about.
The cruises may be affected by how events have yet to unfold, by possible economic sanctions that may prevent Americans or Western Europeans from visiting, or by public perception, that is, consumers’ willingness to visit.
Cruise lines have not yet announced any changes, but among the major operators, Costa and MSC, as well as Azamara and Crystal, have programs in the Black Sea this coming season.
Whether the situation spills beyond the Crimea and the Ukraine depends largely on Russia.