Cruises for Novosibirsk residents from Shanghai to Malta

The sea, the sound of waves, and a gentle rocking. Have you ever dreamed of being on a liner at sea far from civilization, while calling at different cities and countries? If so, it is possible if you go on a cruise. NGS journalist Maria Tishchenko asked experts where and from where Novosibirsk residents can go on a cruise, how much it costs, and which destinations require visas and which do not.

Experts point out that prices are quoted from the departure point, meaning you first need to fly to the required city and possibly stay overnight in a hotel.

Alcohol-Free Cruises and Greek Islands

The director of the travel agency «Sibir Express», Vera Trubitsyna, notes that there are very comfortable and inexpensive cruises from five days — China, Japan, Korea. The port of departure is Shanghai. No visa required. Direct flight Novosibirsk — Shanghai — Novosibirsk.

Cruise prices start from 65,000 rubles per person on an all-inclusive basis (about $722 at current rates). There are also cruises to Turkey and Egypt from Sochi on the Astoria Grande liners.

The head of the travel agency «Geografiya» in Novosibirsk, Anton Zakharkin, says that the cruise liner Astoria Grande departs from the port of Sochi on various routes. The simplest and shortest is Sochi — Turkey (Istanbul) from 150,000 rubles for a cabin for two (about $1,700 at current rates).

«There are routes with stops in Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş, and also at the Greek islands of Rhodes, Santorini, Mount Athos (a visa will be required if you wish to go ashore). From October, a two-week cruise to Malta is planned, with stops at Mediterranean ports — a visa is also needed. Such a cruise costs from 568,000 rubles for a cabin for two (about $6,300 at current rates)», — cites Anton Zakharkin as an example.

He adds that cruises on the Aroya liner from Istanbul are popular. The liner«s feature — there is no alcohol at all. The cost varies — from 65,000 rubles per person for a week-long cruise (about $722 at current rates). The routes are also different — there are stops at Greek ports, and at Alexandria (Egypt).

It is also possible to book cruises on Mediterranean liners departing from European ports.

«But a Schengen visa will be required, which nowadays is not so much difficult as very time-consuming — visa processing takes on average 3–4 months. So if you start applying now, you can make it in time for the October cruise», — explains Anton Zakharkin.

According to him, cruises in the Persian Gulf were also popular:

«However, due to instability in the region, most cruises have been canceled. Routes are being restored, but we do not yet recommend considering this destination», — the interlocutor warned.

Asia Tours

Manager of the travel company «Tukan-Tur», Polina Burova, says that four days on the cruise ship MSC Bellissima cost 65,000 rubles (about $722 at current rates) and include a trip through China and Korea. But first, Novosibirsk residents need to fly to Shanghai.

An example of such a trip: it can start on September 4 in Shanghai (China), the next day travelers will already be in the Republic of Korea — Gangjeong (Jeju Island), September 6 — Busan (South Korea), September 7 is spent at sea, and on September 8 the ship returns to Shanghai.

Meanwhile, in August the same trip costs more — about 94,000 rubles (about $1,000 at current rates).

A five-day trip on the cruise liner Spectrum of the Seas in September costs 126,000 rubles (about $1,400 at current rates) and includes a route between China and South Korea.

For example, on September 6 the liner departs from Shanghai, on September 7 the trip is at sea, on September 8 — Fukuoka (Japan), on September 9 — Seogwipo (Jeju Island) in South Korea, on September 10 it is at sea, and on September 11 everyone returns to Shanghai.

The same trip from August 18 to 23 will cost more — 154,000 rubles (about $1,700 at current rates).

«But note, this is the cost for the cruise itself only. An inside basic cabin without a window. Meals are all-inclusive — buffet or à la carte. Alcohol is not included in the package. Also, the flight and nights of accommodation in Shanghai are paid separately», — says Polina Burova.

But if the idea of a cruise seems complicated for now or you don«t want to fly somewhere first and then sail, you can consider the usual round-trip flights. Novosibirsk experts told which destinations, besides Vietnam, are popular in August.