Russia’s Rosmorport is set to launch cruises to Crimea next month using a cruiseship purchased by its recently established subsidiary Black Sea Cruises.

Black Sea Cruises will operate the 9,200-gt Knyaz Vladimir (built 1971) between the ports of Sochi, Yalta, Sevastopol and Istanbul. The ship’s first cruise season lasts until October.

The vessel, which previously operated for Mano Maritime as Royal Iris, was recently acquired by the Russian operator and is at a Turkish shipyard being prepared for its new role.