- Astoria Grande has moved its homeport from Russia to Antalya, Turkey
- The decision was made for the safety of passengers and crew
- Charter flights from Russian airports and land transfers will be organised
- Schengen visas will be provided for Russian passengers free of charge
- Guests keeping reservations receive a cabin upgrade with full refunds also available
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 from the vessel’s shipowner. The decision was made in the interests of the safety of passengers and crew, with the company explaining that charter flights from Russian airports and land transfers will be organised in advance. The company confirmed that despite the change, it will still offer a full-fledged Russian cruise product, allowing it to continue developing operations by 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, with plans to visit new destinations including Piraeus, Heraklion, Corfu, Thessaloniki and Port Said. 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 will offer support for documented expenses associated with the change in departure and arrival ports, with guests who decide to keep their reservations receiving a cabin upgrade as a token of appreciation. Those who opt not to proceed with their reservations will receive a future cruise credit worth 120pc of the original cruise fare for use in 2026 and 2027.
Astoria shared in a written statement: “The decision was made by the vessel’s shipowner in the interests of the safety of passengers and crew, allowing us to continue developing operations by adding new ports of call. Schengen visas will be provided for Russian passengers free of charge with the company handling the cruise. Guests who decide to keep their reservations will receive a cabin upgrade as a token of appreciation for the change in departure and arrival ports.”
