A new government-backed cruise operation could be launched later this spring in the Russian Far East.

The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East intends to subsidize the acquisition of multiple cruise vessels for tour operators that will develop cruise tourism in the Russian Far East, which previously had a number of cruise calls to Vladivostok.

According to RBC Primorye, the upcoming Pacific Cruise project aims to attract over 50,000 guests per year to Russia’s Far East region.

The new operation plans to acquire a initial ship to launch a series of ten- to 12-night cruises departing from Vladivostok to destinations in Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka.

“The idea of creating such a line has been floating around for about ten years and is now beginning to take shape,” Oleg Kozhemyako, chairman of the State Council Commission on Tourism and governor of Primorsky Krai, was quoted as saying.

Vladimir Solodov, governor of Kamchatka Krai, added that the project is an “important step in the economic development of Russia’s Far East region.”

“We are purposefully pursuing the path of creating a tourism industry, which is currently the fastest-growing in terms of both the number of specialists involved and the pace of development,” he explained.

In addition to Russians, the cruise line aims to attract international guests, who are said to bring additional economic impact.

Rosmorport and Sovcomflot are said to be involved in the project, which will have JSC KS-Strategic Alliance as one of its main investors.

RBC added that authorities “are ready to provide the business with maximum assistance in addressing all issues, from finance and logistics to promotion.”

The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East called the project “an example of effective collaboration between the state and private investors.”

According to Kirill Shubsky, chairman of the Board of Directors of JSC KS-Strategic Alliance, the project has an estimated eight- to nine-year payback timeframe.

The cruises will be operated by a “modern diesel-electric” ship, he added, noting that the unnamed vessel offers a high-class experience.

“Onboard, there is a theater and concert hall with 1,000 seats, eight themed bars and restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center,” Shubsky added.

The ship is expected to turn in Vladivostok and Korsakov before cruising through the Kuril Islands and arriving at the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

A reverse itinerary, which would include an additional visit to the Commander Islands and Tyuleniy Island, is also being considered.

Other sources indicate that the new company may be looking for a sister ship of the Astoria Grande, which currently sails from Sochi on Russia’s Black Sea coastline under the Aquillon Shipping banner.

Tourdom.ru reported that the Pacific Cruise project is acquiring the Blue Dream Melody, which recently entered layup in China.

OTV Prime added that the 1,400-guest ship will be renamed Astoria Nova ahead of welcoming its first guests in Russia in spring 2026.

After being acquired by Blue Dream Cruises in 2024, the Melody was withdrawn from service earlier this month.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the China-based company said that the former AIDAvita is set to undergo hardware updates and maintenance before welcoming guests back at a yet-to-be-announced date.

However, Chinese social media accounts painted a different picture, reporting that the company did not have enough passengers booked on upcoming sailings.

Built at the Aker MTW shipyard in Germany, the Blue Dream Melody was originally ordered for AIDA Cruises and entered service in 2004.

Sold to a Turkish shipowner during the pandemic in 2022, the vessel spent several months laid up in Northern Europe before being acquired by Blue Dream Cruises.