Astoria Grande

Former names: AIDAcara, Clubschiff

Astoria Grande current position

Astoria Grande current location is at Marmara Sea (coordinates 41.00230 N / 29.01046 E) cruising en route to Sochi. The AIS position was reported 5 hours ago.

Current Position

Specifications of Astoria Grande

Year of build1996  /  Age: 28
Flag state Palau
BuilderKvaerner Masa-Yards (Turku, STX Finland)
Ferry route / homeportsSochi Russia
Building costDM 300 million (USD 190 million)
Speed20 kn / 37 km/h / 23 mph
Length (LOA)193 m / 633 ft
Beam (width)27 m / 89 ft
Gross Tonnage38557 gt
Passengers1186 - 1339
Crew360
Passengers-to-space ratio33
Decks11
Cabins590
Decks with cabins4
Last Refurbishment2021
Former namesAIDAcara, Clubschiff
Christened byChristiane Herzog (AIDAcara)
OwnerMester Commercial Ltd
OperatorAkvilon Shipping (Russia) + Miray Cruises Turkey

Astoria Grande Review

Review of Astoria Grande

The 1996-built (as "MS Clubschiff") cruise ship Astoria Grande was operated between 1996-2021 as "AIDAcara" - the first boat of the German travel brand AIDA Cruises. The "AIDA Selection" fleet also included AIDAvita, AIDAaura and AIDAmira/now Ambassador Ambition.

For AIDA Cruises, the vessel (IMO number 9112789) was Italy-flagged (MMSI 247117300) and registered in Genova. Astoria Grande was first reflagged to Panama (MMSI 352978227/port of registry Colon) and currently is Palau-flagged (MMSI 511100759) and registered in Koror.

History - construction and ownership

On June 23, 2021, Carnival Corporation (shipowner) announced that AIDAcara has been sold (to an undisclosed buyer). The boat left the fleet after 25 years of service with AIDA.

  • A total of 14x itineraries (departures between October 8, 2021, and March 3, 2022) were canceled.
  • The ship had scheduled voyages in Southeast Asia, with homeporting in Singapore.
  • For the canceled AIDAcara cruises see in the ship's Wiki section.

On June 23, the vessel was docked at Port Tallinn Estonia (since May 18th).

In August 2021 was announced that the vessel (renamed "Astoria Grande") has as ship manager listed the Cyprus-based company Mester Commercial Ltd. However, IHS Markit Ltd (London UK-based ship register with listed shipowners by IMO) shows Akvilon Shipping (Moscow-based company/Akvilon Ltd OOO) as the bareboat owner. With Astoria Grande was launched the new cruise line brand "Akvilon". Akvilon's partner Miray Cruises (travel company based in İstanbul Turkey) provides booking and management services at the Turkish ports that the ship visits.

Following the acquisition, the vessel remained docked in Port Yalova (Turkey). Astoria Grande's Maiden Voyage was initially scheduled for March 5, 2022 (out of Sochi Russia) but later postponed for July 16th (7-day Sochi roundtrip).

AIDAcara cruise ship (Astoria Grande)

The 1200-passenger ship AIDAcara is ready for fun and relax. She is a family-friendly resort-class ship and is among the smaller ones in the company (still large enough for amenities like a salon, SPA and mini-golf). AIDAcara is the first of its kind in AIDA's fleet of "club schiffs"/ships.

Besides the staff and crew, AIDAcara passengers are also served by Peper robots - the latest cyborg technology implemented fleetwide in 2016. These humanoid robots greet and guide passengers upon embarkation. They also assist them throughout the cruise by providing information and tips on onboard dining, entertainment, enrichment program (workshops, pre-scheduled events), casino and shopping promotions, shore excursions and tours. Pepper robots are mobile and communicate in 3 languages (English, German, Italian). They can also interpret human emotions by analyzing voice tones and facial expressions.

Decks and Cabins

AIDAcara staterooms (590 total, in 16 categories) include 6x Suites, 48x Balcony, 342x Oceanview and 200x Inside cabins. Most staterooms are sized 14-17 m2 (150-185 ft2). The largest accommodations are the Sundeck Premium Suites (sized 380 ft2 / 35 m2, plus terrace sized 215 ft2 / 20 m2).

The boat has 11 decks, of which 9 are passenger-accessible and 4 with cabins.

Shipboard dining options - Food and Drinks

The ship's restaurants are three, including two MDRs/main dining rooms - Calypso (named after a nymph who occupied Ogygia island and detained Odysseus for several years) and Markt (with an open-seating buffet). The extra-tariff/specialty restaurant Rossini is a-la-carte-priced and waiter-served. There are no strict dress codes or fixed dining times. Basic beverages, including house wines and beer, are free of charge during meals at the buffet restaurants. There are also several beverage packages that may be bought at reduced rates.

Follows the complete list of AIDAcara restaurants and food bars.

  • Rossini (dinner-only restaurant at surcharge, reservations required; offers waiter service and 6-course a-la-carte menu)
  • Markt Restaurant (complimentary main dining room; self-service buffet restaurant with a variety of food stations and a small terrace)
  • Calypso Restaurant (the second main dining room; complimentary buffet restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating).

Shipboard entertainment options - Fun and Sport

No Casino is available onboard, but the boat has a swimming pool, wellness complex (SPA, Fitness), a golf area (with an indoor putting green and a golf simulator). The Theatre Lounge is the largest venue, featuring a full-width Bar & Disco. A lot of open-deck space is available for strolling, walking, and playing sports (football, volleyball, basketball, tennis).

AIDAcara cruise ship (Astoria Grande)

Follows the complete list of AIDAcara lounges, clubs and other entertainment venues for kids, teens and adults.

  • Kids Club (AIDA Cruises kids program is complimentary, with supervised, age-appropriate activities: the 3 age groups include Seahorses for 3-6 yo, Dolphins for 7-9 yo and Sharks 10-11 yo; the Kids Club has an outdoor area with a paddling pool)
  • Internet stations with printers (located in the Reception/Lobby area; Wi-Fi coverage is available shipwide, including in all guests rooms)
  • The Theater (700-seat, 2-level main show venue for large-scale show productions; also hosts daily lectures, trivia games, Bingo)
  • Art Gallery (Kunstgalerie; sells original artworks of renowned art schools and German artists; hosts art auctions)
  • AIDA Bar (big-capacity lounge with panoramic windows)
  • Photo Gallery & Shop (professional photo & video services, duty-free accessories and equipment; new feature are the photo kiosks with touch-screens /face-recognition system)
  • AIDA Shop (duty-free merchandise at discount prices; the shopping arcade has a general store selling liquor and tobaccos, as well as small boutiques for jewelry, luxury watches, perfumes, brand fashion clothing, AIDA logo goods)
  • Lambada Bar (adults-only cocktail bar & nightclub with panoramic windows and live music entertainment)
  • Beauty Salon (Friseur; provides hairdresser, barber services, professional manicure/pedicure)
  • Body & Soul Sports Fitness Centre (with a modern Gym and separate area for classes)
  • Mini Golf (indoor putting green area); Golf simulator (virtual golf courses)
  • Sunbathing area (Freibereich, served by the Pool Bar and the Pool Grill /American fast-food fare)
  • The Library (Bibliotek; offers card and board games)
  • Anytime Bar Diskothek (disco nightclub with DJ programming and themed dance parties; during the day hosts organized dance classes)
  • Cara Lounge (teens club with supervised activities in two age groups - Orcas for 12 -13 yo and Teens 14 -17 yo; complimentary; with Video Games Arcade and PlayStation consoles)
  • Sports deck area (Sportaussendeck with a combined sports court for basketball/volleyball)
  • Pool deck (with one swimming pool, 3 whirlpools, Pool Shop for towels, deck games - Shuffleboard, Giant Chess, Table Tennis, Backgammon, sunbathing areas; a stage for live performances, bingo evenings, nightly pool parties, laser shows is also available)
  • Body & Soul SPA complex (with Beauty Salon & Spa Reception, massages /treatments rooms, indoor whirlpool, Aroma Sauna, Finish Sauna, Steam Room, relaxation room)
  • Sundeck / sunbathing area (Freibereich, located above the swimming pool; with loungers and 2 Jacuzzies/whirlpools; the ship's Top Deck is dedicated to Freikorperkultur / FKK Bereich nudist area with sun loungers)
  • Power Walking/Jogging Track

Itineraries

The ship Astoria Grande is currently homeported in Sochi Russia (Black Sea).

Next are listed the inaugural itineraries in 2022, scheduled by the Russian shipping company Akvilon Cruise Line, all of which are roundtrips from Sochi.

  • (March 5/Maiden Voyage, March 19, April 2) A 14-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary visits ports in Turkey (Istanbul, Canakkale-Troy, Cesme), Egypt (Alexandria/overnight), Turkey (Bodrum, Kusadası-Ephesus, Istanbul).
  • (April 16) A 15-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary visits ports in Turkey (Istanbul, Bodrum), Greece (Limassol Cyprus), Israel (Haifa/overnight), Egypt (Alexandria), Turkey (Kusadası, Istanbul).
  • (May 1 thru September 2022/8 departures) An 11-night Eastern Mediterranean itinerary visits ports in Georgia (Batumi), Turkey (Istanbul), Greece's islands (Mykonos, Santorini), Turkey (Kusadası, Istanbul).
  • (July 17 thru Sept 2022) An 11-night Greek Islands itinerary visits ports in Georgia (Batumi), Turkey (Istanbul), Greece's islands (Syros, Milos, Santorini, Leros, Patmos, Kos), Turkey (Kusadası).

Akvilon's Astoria Grande cruises visit only countries that don't require Russian residents to obtain foreign travel visas. The official onboard language is Russian (services and entertainment).

In 2022, Astoria Grande's schedule (16x departures total/all roundtrips from Sochi) included 4x different itineraries visiting Turkey's Black Sea ports (Amasra-Bartin, Sinop, Trabzon, Istanbul/overnight) as well as Turkey's Mediterranean/Aegean Sea port Cesme and Bozcaada Island. Miray Cruises (Turkey) provides services at the Turkish ports that the ship visits.

  • (DAY 1) Departing from Sochi
  • (DAY 2) at sea
  • (DAYs 3-4) İstanbul / overnight stay
  • (DAY 5) Amasra
  • (DAY 6) Sinop
  • (DAY 7) Trabzon
  • (DAY 8) Arriving in Sochi

In 2022, the above itinerary was operated in September (14, 28) and October 5, 12, 19) / departure dates from Russia.

In 2023 Astoria Grande launched a new cruise itinerary visiting Alexandria (Egypt), which increased Sochi's passenger traffic by ~20%. The new line/route attracted international tourists from both Turkey and Egypt (as embarkation was also available in Alexandria) and also domestic tourists as Turkey and Egypt are both very popular as summer travel destinations for the Russians.

AIDAcara itineraries

AIDAcara's itinerary program was based on Canary Islands voyages leaving roundtrip from Gran Canaria, as well as Baltic and Norwegian Fjords voyages leaving out of homeport Kiel Germany.

In 2017-2018, the ship became AIDA's first-ever liner to operate the Around The World Cruise. AIDAcara's World Voyage (October 17, 2017, thru February 10, 2018) was a 116-day itinerary roundtrip from Hamburg Germany. The World Voyage was booked by ~1100 passengers and visited 41 ports in 23 countries on 5 continents. See more details in the ship's ship's Wiki section.

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Astoria Grande Wiki

AIDAcara is the first-ever ship of AIDA Kreutzfahrten. The vessel was built as "Club Ship" (Clubschiff in German) for Deutsche Seetouristik (Arkona Reisen) and was launched under the name "AIDA" (1996 thru 2001). After P&O Cruises transferred the vessel in 1999, it became part of AIDA's fleet and was renamed "AIDAcara" (2001-2021). In 2005, it underwent major refurbishment planned to increase the number of passenger cabins.

Fun fact is, that AIDAcara was the world's first cruise liner to offer the innovative "club ship" concept. As to size, it is among the fleet's smallest, very much family-friendly, and Das Theater is the largest area on board. AIDA's Cara ship also has a biking station and its own fleet of bicycles provided on shore excursions in ports of call. The onboard language is German, as most of AIDA cruise ship passengers are Germans and German-speaking Europeans (Austrians, Swiss).

The AIDAcara vessel (IMO number 9112789) was Italy-flagged (MMSI 247117300).

AIDAcara refurbishment 2016 review

AIDAcara's last drydock refurbishments were in 2018 (February 11 - March 9) and 2019 (February 6-23), mainly for general maintenance, repairs, minor upgrades. However, the drydock in 2016 (January 26-February 6) resulted in more significant changes, including remodeled bars

The project (conducted by NAVANTIA Shiprepairs in Cadiz Spain) included routine maintenance works and renovation of all passenger staterooms.

New carpeting (around 1800 m2 / 19400 ft2) was laid in all public areas.

The ship's hull and superstructure were repainted (over 12000 m2 / 129200 ft2 surface area above and below the waterline).

Redesigned were Pool Bar (deck 10) and Calypso Bar (deck 9). An outdoor seating area was added on Deck 9. Anytime Bar (disco nightclub on deck 11) was refurbished and its dancefloor redesigned.

The Gym (deck 9) received new equipment (including cardio scan diagnosis).

AIDA Store (deck 8) was expanded to sell the clothing brand GAASTRA. The jewelry area was redesigned and started to sell the Danish brand Bering.

A new height-adjustable photo kiosk was added to the digital stations at the Photo Gallery & Shop (deck 8).

The refurbishment was specifically planned for the cruise liner's 20th Anniversary. Christened on June 7, 1996. AIDA's first ship triggered a revolution on the German cruising market.

Another major drydock refurbishment was conducted in 2013, when were upgraded the amenities in all cabins. All public spaces were extensively renovated, carpets and furniture were replaced.

AIDAcara World Cruise 2017

In 2017, AIDA had its first around the world voyage on AIDAcara.

The 116-days long World Cruise (itinerary October 17, 2017, through February 10, 2018) visited a total of 41 ports in 23 different countries on 5 continents. The route was westbound, featuring a Transatlantic crossing and a Suez Canal transit.

The unique voyage was roundtrip from Hamburg Germany and included the following ports of call: Hamburg (departure), Sea Day, Southampton, Sea Day, Lisbon, Sea Day, Funchal Madeira, Sea Day, Praia Cape Verde, Sea Day, Recife Brazil, Sea Day, Rio de Janeiro, Sea Day, Montevideo Uruguay, Buenos Aires Argentina, Sea Day, Puerto Madryn, Sea Day, Ushuaia, Sea Day, Punta Arenas, Sea Day, Puerto Montt, Sea Day, Valparaiso-Santiago Chile, Sea Day, Robinson Crusoe Island, Sea Day, Hangaroa, Sea Day, Bounty Bay, Sea Day, Papeete Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Sea Day, Waitangi, Auckland New Zealand, Sea Day, Sydney Australia, Sea Day, Cairns, Sea Day, Darwin, Sea Day, Komodo Island, Lembar, Bali, Sea Day, Singapore, Port Klang, Langkawi, Sea Day, Colombo Sri Lanka, Sea Day, Male Maldives, Sea Day, Salalah, Sea Day, Aqaba, Suez Canal, Limassol, Sea Day, Valletta Malta, Sea Day, Malaga, Sea Day, Leixoes-Oporto, Ferrol, Sea Day, Honfleur France, Sea Day, Hamburg (disembarkation).

AIDA's 2017 world cruise prices started from USD 15,580 pp (double occupancy inside cabin rates).

In 2018, AIDAaura became the company's second "world cruise ship" leaving from roundtrip Hamburg (itinerary October 8, 2018, through February 2, 2019). On December 19, 2017, during the world voyage, Cara became AIDA's first-ever ship to dock at Sydney Harbor (White Bay Cruise Terminal, Sydney Australia). The ship was commanded by Captain Tommy Moller and carried around 1100 passengers.

AIDAcara itineraries 2021-2022 (CANCELED)

Next tables show the canceled voyages after Carnival Corporation sold AIDAcara in June 2021.

(repositioning 2021) 15-days Heraklion to Dubai

Date / TimePort
08 Oct 22:00Departing from Heraklion, Crete Greece
10 Oct 06:00 - 22:00Haifa, Israel
11 Oct 22:50 - 12 Oct 15:00 (overnight)Suez Canal
13 Oct 09:00 - 20:00Aqaba-Petra, Jordan
18 Oct 07:00 - 18:00Salalah, Oman
20 Oct 08:00 - 18:00Muscat, Oman
21 Oct 10:00 - 19:30Khasab-Musandam, Oman
23 OctArriving in Dubai, UAE

(repositioning) 15-days Dubai to Singapore

Date / TimePort
23 OctDeparting from Dubai
25 Oct 08:00 - 17:00Khasab, Musandam, Oman
26 Oct 09:00 - 19:30Muscat, Oman
30 Oct 08:00 - 18:00Male, Kaafu Atoll, Maldives
03 Nov 10:00 - 19:00Phuket, Thailand
04 Nov 08:00 - 17:00Pulau Langkawi Island, Malaysia
05 Nov 08:00 - 18:00Klang-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
07 NovArriving in Singapore

21-days "Australien und Indonesien"

Date / TimePort
07 NovDeparting from Singapore
10 Nov 08:00 - 19:00Semarang, Java Indonesia
12 Nov 08:00 - 13 Nov 18:00 (overnight)Benoa, Bali Indonesia
16 Nov 08:00 - 18 Nov 22:00 (overnight)Darwin, NT Australia
21 Nov 07:00 - 17:00Pulau Komodo Island, Indonesia
22 Nov 10:00 - 20:00Lembar, Lombok Indonesia
24 Nov 07:00 - 19:00Surabaya, Java Indonesia
28 NovArriving in Singapore

11-days Singapore to Hong Kong

Date / TimePort
28 NovDeparting from Singapore
01 Dec 10:00 - 22:00Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Brunei
02 Dec 08:00 - 19:30Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia
04 Dec 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines
05 Dec 09:00 - 17:00Busuanga Island, Coron, Philippines
09 DecArriving in Hong Kong, China

21-days "Philippinen, Hongkong und Vietnam"

Date / TimePort
28 NovDeparting from Singapore
01 Dec 10:00 - 22:00Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Brunei
02 Dec 08:00 - 19:30Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia
04 Dec 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines
05 Dec 09:00 - 17:00Busuanga Island, Coron, Philippines
07 Dec 20:00 - 09 Dec 23:58 (overnight)Hong Kong, China
11 Dec 08:00 - 20:00Halong City, Vietnam
12 Dec 18:00 - 13 Dec 18:00 (overnight)Da Nang, Hue, Vietnam
14 Dec 13:00 - 23:58Nha Trang, Vietnam
16 Dec 08:00 - 19:30Saigon, Vietnam
19 DecArriving in Singapore

10-days Hong Kong to Singapore

Date / TimePort
09 Dec 23:58Departing from Hong Kong
11 Dec 08:00 - 20:00Halong City, Vietnam
12 Dec 18:00 - 13 Dec 18:00 (overnight)Da Nang-Hue, Vietnam
14 Dec 13:00 - 23:58Nha Trang, Vietnam
16 Dec 08:00 - 19:30Saigon, Vietnam
19 DecArriving in Singapore

21-days "Australien und Indonesien" (New Year Cruise 2021)

Date / TimePort
19 DecDeparting from Singapore
22 Dec 08:00 - 19:00Semarang, Java Indonesia
24 Dec 08:00 - 25 Dec 18:00 (overnight)Benoa, Bali Indonesia
28 Dec 08:00 - 30 Dec 22:00 (overnight)Darwin, NT Australia
02 Jan 07:00 - 17:00Pulau Komodo Island, Indonesia
03 Jan 10:00 - 20:00Lembar, Lombok Indonesia
05 Jan 07:00 - 19:00Surabaya, Java Indonesia
09 JanArriving in Singapore

(2022) 11-days Singapore to Hong Kong

Date / TimePort
09 JanDeparting from Singapore
12 Jan 10:00 - 22:00Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Brunei
13 Jan 08:00 - 19:30Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia
15 Jan 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines
16 Jan 09:00 - 17:00Busuanga Island, Coron, Philippines
20 JanArriving in Hong Kong

21-days "Philippinen, Hongkong und Vietnam"

Date / TimePort
09 JanDeparting from Singapore
12 Jan 10:00 - 22:00Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Brunei
13 Jan 08:00 - 19:30Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia
15 Jan 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines
16 Jan 09:00 - 17:00Busuanga Island, Coron, Philippines
18 Jan 20:00 - 20 Jan 23:58 (overnight)Hong Kong, China
22 Jan 08:00 - 20:00Halong City, Vietnam
23 Jan 18:00 - 24 Jan 18:00 (overnight)Da Nang, Hue, Vietnam
25 Jan 13:00 - 23:58Nha Trang, Vietnam
27 Jan 08:00 - 19:30Saigon, Vietnam
30 JanArriving in Singapore

10-days Hong Kong to Singapore

Date / TimePort
20 Jan 23:58Departing from Hong Kong
22 Jan 08:00 - 20:00Halong City, Vietnam
23 Jan 18:00 - 24 Jan 18:00 (overnight)Da Nang-Hue, Vietnam
25 Jan 13:00 - 23:58Nha Trang, Vietnam
27 Jan 08:00 - 19:30Saigon, Vietnam
30 JanArriving in Singapore

21-days "Australien und Indonesien"

Date / TimePort
30 JanDeparting from Singapore
02 Feb 08:00 - 19:00Semarang, Java Indonesia
04 Feb 08:00 - 05 Feb 18:00 (overnight)Benoa, Bali Indonesia
08 Feb 08:00 - 10 Feb 22:00 (overnight)Darwin, NT Australia
13 Feb 07:00 - 17:00Pulau Komodo Island, Indonesia
14 Feb 10:00 - 20:00Lembar, Lombok Indonesia
16 Feb 07:00 - 19:00Surabaya, Java Indonesia
20 FebArriving in Singapore

21-days "Philippinen, Hongkong und Vietnam"

Date / TimePort
20 FebDeparting from Singapore
23 Feb 10:00 - 22:00Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Brunei
24 Feb 08:00 - 19:30Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia
26 Feb 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines
27 Feb 09:00 - 17:00Busuanga Island, Coron, Philippines
01 Mar 20:00 - 03 Mar 23:58 (overnight)Hong Kong, China
05 Mar 08:00 - 20:00Halong City, Vietnam
06 Mar 18:00 - 07 Mar 18:00 (overnight)Da Nang-Hue, Vietnam
08 Mar 13:00 - 23:58Nha Trang, Vietnam
10 Mar 08:00 - 19:30Saigon, Vietnam
13 MarArriving in Singapore

11-days Singapore to Hong Kong

Date / TimePort
20 FebDeparting from Singapore
23 Feb 10:00 - 22:00Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Brunei
24 Feb 08:00 - 19:30Kota Kinabalu, Borneo Malaysia
26 Feb 07:00 - 18:00Puerto Princesa, Palawan Island, Philippines
27 Feb 09:00 - 17:00Busuanga Island, Coron, Philippines
03 MarArriving in Hong Kong

(the last cruise scheduled for AIDA) 10 days Hong Kong to Singapore

Date / TimePort
03 Mar 23:58Departing from Hong Kong, China
05 Mar 08:00 - 20:00Ha Long City, Vietnam
06 Mar 18:00 - 07 Mar 18:00 (overnight)Da Nang-Hue, Vietnam
08 Mar 13:00 - 23:58Nha Trang, Vietnam
10 Mar 08:00 - 19:30Saigon, Vietnam
13 MarArriving in Singapore

Godspeed with the new Russian owners!