Russia and Azerbaijan will organize cruise trips on Caspian Sea, according to Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping CJSC which reported the news on December 28.
A corresponding memorandum has been signed by Konstantin Anisimov, Director General of Moscow River Shipping Company OJSC, and Rauf Valiyev, Chairman of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC.
Participants in the meeting noted the tours would attract tourists not only from Caspian countries, but also from the Australia, Europe, China and USA.
Under the memorandum, the first tourist visit to Baku will be organized on Pyotr Velikiy (Peter the Great) ship, currently under construction, due to launch in the end of 2019.
The vessel will have restaurants, a swimming pool, fitness room, cinema and other amenities.
Image: Astrakhan
At the first stage, river cruises will be organized on Astrakhan-Baku route, to be expanded until 2020. The two sides also discussed shipbuilding opportunities.
Caspian Sea is the Earth’s largest inland body of water. It has good potential to be one of the most popular cruise travel destinations.