Question 1

How much does an Astoria Grande cruise cost from Sochi?

Accepted Answer

Astoria Grande cruise prices start from $360 for a 3-day mini-cruise and from $540 for a classic 7-day itinerary.
Price depends on cabin type: interior cabin (most affordable), oceanview cabin, or balcony cabin (30-40% higher).
Early booking for 2026 offers up to 30% discount.

Question 2

What categories of cabins are available on the ship?

Accepted Answer

Astoria Grande offers various cabin categories, from cozy interior cabins to spacious suites with balconies. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom. When booking, you can choose the best accommodation option based on your preferences and budget.

Question 3

Can I travel with children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the cruise is great for families. On board there are special family cabins, children's menus in restaurants and entertainment programs for children of different ages. Children under 2 years old travel free of charge when staying with their parents.

Question 4

What routes does Astoria Grande have from Sochi in 2025-2026?

Accepted Answer

Astoria Grande offers three main routes: mini-cruise "Beloved Turkey" (3-4 nights) Sochi-Trabzon-Sinop-Sochi; classic "Magic East" (7-8 nights) with visits to Istanbul, Cesme, Batumi and Trabzon; extended Mediterranean cruise (10-14 nights) with the Greek islands of Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete.

Question 5

Do I need a visa for an Astoria Grande cruise?

Accepted Answer

No, most European passport holders do not need visas for Astoria Grande cruises. Citizens of EU countries, UK, USA, Canada, Australia can freely go ashore in all Turkish and Greek ports thanks to cruise transit regulations.
Requirements: ✓ Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity from cruise end date) ✓ Route must start and end in a Turkish port
Always check specific visa requirements for your nationality when booking.

Question 6

Where is the Astoria Grande liner now?

Accepted Answer

The current position of the Astoria Grande liner can be tracked on the official website. astoriagrande.com in the "Ship Location" section or via marine trackers (MarineTraffic, CruiseMapper). During the May-October 2025 season, the liner runs between the ports of Sochi, Istanbul, Batumi, Trabzon and other Black Sea cities. During the winter period (November-April), the ship is undergoing maintenance or performs special holiday voyages.

Question 7

What is included in the price of the cruise?

Accepted Answer

The price includes: accommodation in the selected cabin, All Inclusive meals (buffet in the main restaurant, a la carte restaurants upon reservation), soft drinks, entertainment programs (theater shows, live music, discos), access to swimming pools, gym, children's clubs, port fees and transfer from Sochi/Adler airport to the sea station.

Question 8

What is paid extra on board?

Accepted Answer

Additional charges include shore excursions at ports of call (€30-80 per tour), premium brand alcoholic beverages, SPA treatments and massages, on-board Wi-Fi internet (€10-15 per day), photographer services, laundry services. The All Inclusive package can be expanded for an additional fee (~€35/day) — then alcoholic beverages will also be included.

Question 9

Is it possible to go on an Astoria Grande cruise with children?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the cruise is perfect for a family vacation. Children under the age of 18 stay free of charge in extra seats in the parents' cabin — you only pay port fees (~€50-100 per child). There are children's clubs with Russian-speaking animators, children's pools, and game rooms on board. For teenagers — discos, cinema, sports activities.

Question 10

How do I book a cruise to Astoria Grande through BIOHACTOUR?

Accepted Answer

Booking takes place in 3 steps:

(1) Select the route and dates on the website biohactour.com/booking or contact us via WhatsApp +90 532 679 90 57 .

(2) We select the optimal cabin for your budget and send the details for payment.

(3) After payment, you will receive a booking confirmation within 2 hours and all necessary documents for boarding the ship. Payment is accepted with Russian cards.

Question 11

How long does it take to book a cruise?

Accepted Answer

For popular summer dates (June-August) We recommend booking 3-6 months in advance — cabins with a balcony are dismantled very quickly. For spring and autumn, you can book 1-2 months in advance. Early booking for the 2026 season (April-October) is already open with discounts of up to 30% — this is the best time to buy.

Question 12

What cabins are there on Astoria Grande?

Accepted Answer

There are three main types of cabins on the liner: internal cabins (without windows, the most affordable), cabins with a window or porthole (more expensive by 25-35%), cabins with a balcony (premium category, +40-50% of the price). All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, TV, safe, bathroom with shower. The size of a standard cabin is 14-18 m2, balcony cabins are 18-24 m2. There are family cabins for 3-4 people.

Question 13

Do I need a passport for a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Да, обязательно нужен действующий заграничный паспорт. Срок действия паспорта должен быть минимум 6 месяцев с даты окончания круиза. Внутренний российский паспорт не подходит. Детям любого возраста также необходим свой загранпаспорт (даже младенцам). Проверьте паспорта заранее — без них на борт не пустят.

Question 14

When is the best season for a cruise on the Black Sea?

Accepted Answer

The best time is June-September 2025: the water temperature is +22...+26°C, +25 on land...+30°C, calm sea and a minimum of rain. May and October are also comfortable (+18...+24°C), but the weather is less stable. Winter cruises (November-April) are suitable for those who are not afraid of the cool (+10...+18°C) — but there are fewer tourists and prices are 20-30% lower.

Question 15

How much time is given to inspect cities in ports?

Accepted Answer

The parking time depends on the port: in Trabzon and Sinope — 6-8 hours (enough for the main attractions), in Istanbul — 24-48 hours (you can stay overnight in the city), in Batumi — 8-10 hours, in Cesme — 6-7 hours. The parking schedule is published in advance, and you can plan a route around the city yourself or buy an organized tour on the liner.

Question 16

Is there a Russian-language service on board the Astoria Grande?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Russian-speaking guides, part of the staff and animators work on board. All important announcements are duplicated in Russian. The sightseeing programs at the ports are conducted in Russian (there are English-speaking groups for international tourists). The menu in the restaurants is in Russian, English and Turkish. Communication with most passengers is in Russian.

Question 17

What should I take with me on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Essential: Valid passport, cruise tickets/voucher, cash (€/US$) for shore excursions and shopping, bank cards, light summer clothing, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes.
Optional: Evening attire for gala dinner (tuxedo/dress not mandatory but recommended), motion sickness medication (though seas are usually calm), power adapter (European standard on most ships).

Question 18

Is there Wi-Fi on board the ship?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Astoria Grande has internet access, but it is paid: ~€10-15 per day for unlimited access or weekly packages for €50-70. The speed is average (sufficient for messengers and social networks, but not for video calls). In ports of call, you can use free Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants. Local SIM cards in Turkey/Georgia are cheaper and faster than the internet on the liner.

Question 19

What is the food on board the cruise ship?

Accepted Answer

Astoria Grande has 3 restaurants: the main restaurant with international cuisine (buffet for breakfast/lunch/dinner), an Italian a la carte restaurant (by reservation, included in the price), a Turkish restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine. There are also 5 snack bars. Vegetarian, halal and gluten-free menus are available on request. The quality of the food corresponds to a 4-star hotel.

Question 20

Can I get seasick on a ship?

Accepted Answer

The Black Sea is usually calm in summer, and the pitching is minimal — most passengers do not even notice the movement of the vessel. Astoria Grande is a large liner (960 passengers), which additionally stabilizes the course. If you are prone to motion sickness, take motion sickness pills (Dramina, Avia-Sea) — they are sold at the pharmacy on board. Choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on the lower decks — there the rocking is felt least of all.

Question 21

Is it allowed to smoke on the liner?

Accepted Answer

Smoking is allowed only in designated areas on the open decks. Smoking is prohibited in cabins, restaurants, bars, and indoor areas — a fine of $250 per violation. Vapes and e-cigarettes follow the same rules. There are several open areas for smokers with ashtrays, usually on the upper decks.

Question 22

Who owns the Astoria Grande liner?

Accepted Answer

The Astoria Grande cruise ship is owned by Goodwin Shipping Limited, a company registered in the Seychelles, and sails under the flag of Palau.  The Turkish company Camelot maritime ship & MGMT has been the commercial manager of the liner since July 2022. The ship was built in 1974 under the name "Festivale" for Carnival Cruise Line, then changed owners and names several times. In 2021, it underwent major modernization and since 2023 it has been launching regular routes from Sochi across the Black and Mediterranean Seas, serving mainly Russian tourists.

Question 23

How many decks and cabins are on the Astoria Grande liner?

Accepted Answer

The Astoria Grande has 11 decks and 593 cabins designed to accommodate up to 1,328 passengers (maximum capacity). The cabins are divided into categories: Royal suite (RS) with private deck - the most premium category, Junior Suite (JS) with balcony, mini suites (BA, BB) for 2-3 people, standard cabins with window or porthole, interior cabins without window (the most budget). All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, TV, safe and bathroom.

Question 24

What kind of entertainment is available on board the Astoria Grande?

Accepted Answer

The ship has a theater with daily shows and cabarets, a casino with slot machines and tables (blackjack, roulette, poker), 2 outdoor pools with a relaxation area, a fitness center and a gym, a SPA center with massages and beauty treatments, a kids' club with animators for children 3-12 years old, a disco and karaoke, a cinema hall with a movie screening. Evening programs include live music, dance shows, and concerts. All entertainment (except casino and SPA) is included in the price of the cruise.

Question 25

Is it possible to go ashore on your own in ports without excursions?

Accepted Answer

Yes, independent shore exploration is allowed during port stops. You're not required to purchase organized ship excursions — you can freely walk around the city, visit attractions, restaurants, and shops on your own.
Important: Return to the ship strictly by the stated departure time (usually 30 minutes before sailing). Passengers who miss the ship are left behind at their own expense and must arrange their own transportation to the next port.
Port schedules are published in advance, with time in each port ranging from 6 to 48 hours depending on the itinerary.

Question 26

How much does a 7-night cruise on Astoria Grande from Sochi cost?

Accepted Answer

Classic 7-day Magic East Cruise (Sochi → Istanbul → Cesme → Trabzon → Batumi → Sochi) costs from 42,900rubles per person in an inner cabin, from 56,700rubles in a cabin with a window and from 67,500rubles in a cabin with a balcony. The price includes accommodation, All Inclusive meals, on-board entertainment, port fees and transfer from Sochi Airport. Children under the age of 18 stay free of charge in extra seats in their parents' cabin. Early booking for 2026 gives a discount of up to 30% — the final price starts from 30,000₽ for 7 nights.

Question 27

When is the start and end of the Astoria Grande cruise season in Sochi 2025?

Accepted Answer

The Astoria Grande cruise season from Sochi in 2025 begins in the first half of May (the exact dates will be specified in February-March 2025) and ends at the end of October 2025. The peak season is June-September, when the liner performs weekly flights with the maximum number of routes. In May and October, the frequency of flights is lower (1-2 times a month), the weather is less stable (+18...+24°C), but prices are 20-30% lower than in summer. The 2025-2026 winter season (November-April) includes a limited number of holiday cruises for the New Year and May holidays departing from Sochi or Istanbul.

Question 28

How to get to the Sochi seaport on a cruise?

Accepted Answer

Sochi Sea Terminal is located in the Adler district, 10 km from Sochi Airport (Adler). How to get there:

1. Transfer from BIOHACTOUR (included with early booking) — meet at Sochi/Adler Airport with a sign, delivery to the port in 20-30 minutes.

2. Taxi from the airport — 500-800₽, travel time 15-20 minutes. Book via Yandex.Taxi or Uber.

3. Bus No. 124e (airport → marine terminal) — 100₽, departs every 30 minutes, travel time 25-30 minutes.

4. By train — if you are travelling from other cities in Russia, get off at the Sochi or Adler station, then take a taxi to the port (300-500₽, 10-15 minutes).

5. By car — free parking at the seaport for the duration of the cruise (advance registration via BIOHACTOUR).

We recommend arriving at the port 2-3 hours before departure to complete registration, customs and border control. Seaport address: Sochi, Adler District, Imeretinskaya Lowland.

Question 29

What excursions are offered on Astoria Grande at ports of call?

Accepted Answer

The liner offers organized excursions in Russian with certified guides in each port.:

Istanbul (cost €40-80): sightseeing tour of the historical center (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace), cruise along the Bosphorus, shopping tour to the Grand Bazaar, gastronomic tour of the Asian part of the city.

Trabzon (€30-60): Sumela Monastery in the mountains, Uzungel Lake, Trabzon historical fortress, tea plantations.

Batumi (€25-50): sightseeing tour, botanical garden, Argo cable car, wine tours to Kakheti.

Cesme (€35-65): ancient Ephesus and the library of Celsus, thermal springs, Turkish wine tasting.

Excursions can be booked on board or in advance via BIOHACTOUR. You can also walk on your own without excursions — there are 6-14 hours of free time in each port. All tour buses return to the liner 30 minutes before departure.

Cruises on Astoria Grande From Sochi 2026 to Turkey and Greece without a visa

Astoria Grande Cruise 22026 — Complete Schedule Overview, Current Prices, and Booking Conditions

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How to Book an Astoria Grande Cruise?

Where Astoria Grande Sails: Popular 2026 Routes

Main destinations for 2026:

Why Choose Astoria Grande Cruises?

CONVENIENT TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

ACCESSIBLE DEPARTURE POINTS

UNIQUE EXTENDED ROUTES

EXCELLENT VALUE

MULTILINGUAL SERVICE

ALL INCLUSIVE

Astoria Grande Cruise Routes 2026

Mini-Cruise "Beloved Turkey" — 3-4 Nights

Classic Cruise "Magical East" — 7-8 Nights

Astoria Grande Cruise Prices 2026

Frequently asked questions about cruises on the Astoria Grande from Sochi