A Russian company is set to launch a cruise ship operation calling at Turkish ports this month.
According to Turkish media, the ‘Astoria Grande’, ex ‘AIDAcara’ (pictured) is to start seven day cruises from Sochi to Istanbul beginning on 16th July, according to Yuriy Vladimirov, Sochi port’s general manager, talking with reporters.
‘Astoria Grande’, which can accommodate up to 1,400 pax, will first call at the Turkish cities of Sinop and Trabzon on the Black Sea coast, before arriving at Istanbul for two days. She will then head for Çeşme on the Aegean coast before returning to Sochi.
She will operate 16 cruises until October this year.
The Russian company, Akvilon, bought the cruise liner to launch the Turkey operation, the reports said.
