The Astoria Grande is moving its homeport from Russia to Turkey, with all of its future cruises now scheduled to depart from the port of Antalya.
According to a press release, the decision was made by the vessel’s shipowner in the interests of the safety of passengers and crew.
Astoria Grande explained that charter flights from Russian airports and land transfers will be organized in advance.
The company said that, despite the change, it will still offer a full-fledged Russian cruise product. It added that the decision allows it to continue developing its operations, adding new ports of call and expanding its reach.
While most cruise dates remain as previously published, the Astoria Grande will now sail to additional destinations in Greece, Italy and Egypt.
The company revealed plans to visit new destinations, including Piraeus, Heraklion, Corfu, Thessaloniki and Port Said.
According to the statement, Schengen visas will be provided for Russian passengers free of charge, with the company handling the process.
The updated schedule will also allow the Astoria Grande to increase the time spent at visa-free destinations in Turkey and Egypt.
The ship will visit a series of ports in the region regularly, including Bodrum, Marmaris, Kusadasi, Izmir, Çeşme, Bozcaada Island and Alexandria.
Astoria Grande said that it will offer support for documented expenses associated with the change in departure and arrival ports.
The company also said that guests who decide to keep their reservations for cruises departing from the new homeport will receive a cabin upgrade as a token of appreciation.
Even if they do not use the company’s charter flights, these passengers will have access to a dedicated team at Antalya’s airport and port, which will provide transfers between the two.
Those who opt not to proceed with their reservations will receive a future cruise credit worth 120 percent of the original cruise fare for use in 2026 and 2027. Passengers can also request a full refund.
Serving the Russian market, the Astoria Grande launched service in 2022, operating cruises in the Black Sea out of Sochi.
Originally built for AIDA Cruises in the 1990s, the 1,186-passenger vessel has mostly offered itineraries to destinations in Russia, Turkey and Georgia.
