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Crossroads of Cultures

Few cities represent as ravishing a meeting of substance and spectacle as Istanbul, a grand and sprawling capital that ranks among the world’s truly great cities. Here are grand mosques and churches, palaces and bazaars, museums and sites of unsurpassed natural beauty and of course the legendary Bosphorus, flowing from the Black Sea past the Golden Horn and the heart of the city to the Sea of Marmara. The European part of Turkey straddles the western banks of the narrow strait and Asia starts on the eastern shore, making Istanbul the world’s only city built on two continents: the very definition of exotic! In the sixth century BC, Byzantium was a colony of the ancient Greek city of Megara, and only much later did Constantine the Great move the seat of the Roman Empire here. For more than a millennium and a half this timeless metropolis was the capital of empires— with the advent of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 Constantinople became the seat of the Ottoman Empire, before taking the name of Istanbul with the establishment of the modern Turkish Republic in 1923. Today as in the days of empires past, the convergence of cultures and multi-religious coexistence here is truly extraordinary. In Istanbul traditions from not only Islamic but also Christian and Jewish faiths rub shoulders easily with the vibrant mosaic that is contemporary Turkey.

Bosphorus and the Golden Horn

Of this majestic imperial city, whose historical areas were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985, the legendary British writer Jan Morris wrote that “In all European travel there is no spectacle more tremendous than the sight of Istanbul massed beside the sea – a solidification of history, jumbled houses and docks and palaces along the shore, mighty domes and soaring minarets, ships and ferries swarming everywhere, rumbling traffic over terrific bridges – a timeless metropolis, familiar to travelers for a thousand years.” The Golden Horn, an inlet of the Bosphorus, flows between the commercial center of Karaköy and Sarayburnu, or the Old Seraglio Point promontory that’s home to the Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet Square and many important monuments. Opposite the Golden Horn and adjacent to Karaköy is the old district of Pera, settled by Genoese and Venetians in the 12th century and home of the iconic Galata Tower, built by the Genoese. The ornate Dolmabahçe Palace, formerly as sultan’s palace and now a museum, is on the European side of the Bosphorus, in a historic area of mansions and elegant yali , or waterfront wooden villas. A boat excursion along the Bosphorus is a great way to experience this visual pageantry. The Boğaziçi Bridge looms over the neo-Baroque style Ortaköy Mosque and spans more than 5,000 feet across the Bosphorus.

Topkapi Palace

Topkapi, on the strategic Seraglio point, is the definitive Ottoman Turkish palace. Its construction started in the 1460s by the order of Sultan Mehmed II, and it is where the sultans held court. The palace houses the Mgbaddes Emanetler Dairesi (Chamber of Holy Relics) where the Prophet Muhammed’s Hırka-i Saadet (Blessed Mantle) and Sancak-ı Şerif (Holy Banner) are kept in their golden chests. Other treasures include the jewels of the Sultans, ornate swords, chalices set with precious stones, the emerald encrusted Topkapi Dagger and a throne encrusted with 18,000 pearls. The palace also housed Janissary quarters for the elite Ottoman troops and some 400 rooms that were part of the famous Imperial Harem. Topkapi’s gardens afford panoramic views of the legendary waters of the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara.

Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern

Constantine, the first Christian Emperor of Rome, ordered Saint Sophia to be built in 347AD as an imperial church, and with 50 tons of gold, multicolored marble and upwards of 170 pillars from other temples (including those in Athens and Ephesus) it opened 16 years later—only to be twice destroyed by fire before Justinian the Great rebuilt it in 552. For more than a thousand years it was the center of the Eastern Orthodox Christianity, before Mehmet the Conqueror had the huge structure with its signature colossal dome converted to a mosque in 1453. In 1935 the Hagia Sophia has converted yet again, this time to a museum, and many of the original Byzantine mosaics such as the one depicting the Virgin Mary with the baby Jesus and Constantine and Justinian standing on either side have been faithfully restored. The cathedral-sized Basilica Cistern is an elaborate underground network of cisterns built by some 7,000 slaves during the Early Roman period to supply water to the Great Palace (and later to Topkapi Palace). Its spectacular array of vaulted roofs and floodlit columns lie less than 500 feet southwest of the Hagia Sophia.

Sultanahmet Square and Blue Mosque

The square is the heart of Istanbul’s most historic peninsula and some of the finest examples of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture are located here, including the famous Sultan Ahmet Mosque or Blue Mosque. Completed in 1616 and the world’s only mosque with six minarets, it has no fewer than 138 windows and takes its name from the beautiful blue-colored tiles that line its interior. It also houses the tomb of its founder, Sultan Ahmed. In close proximity to the Blue Mosque, you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius and ancient bronze Serpentine Column which is on the site of the Hippodrome, which was the ancient “circus” or sporting center of Constantinople. The Arasta Çarşısı, or Arasta Bazaar, is located just behind the mosque and a great stop for some unique handicrafts shopping.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Imperial Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan put his stamp on the Istanbul cityscape by building more than 300 structures during the reign of three sultans, including Suleiman the Magnificent who commissioned the Süleymaniye Mosque in 1550. Sinan completed it seven years later, and the mosque’s main dome, several smaller domes, four soaring minarets and graceful interior make it one of the most impressive of Istanbul’s religious sites. The mosque is located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, west of Sultanahmet Square but still within the city’s ancient walls.

Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar

Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, the Kapalı Çarşı, dates back to 1461 and along with the Spice Bazaar is one of the most exciting stops you’ll make in the city. Originally, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror set up the covered bazaar as a way to generate income for the upkeep of the Hagia Sophia and it was an important place for trade in Ottoman times. Today you will find everything from antiques to jewelry, gold to affordable souvenirs and unique mementos in more than 3,000 individual shops. Similarly, the Spice Bazaar (also called Mısır Çarşısı or Egyptian Bazaar) was built in 1660 and was meant to support the New Mosque. There are nearly 100 shops selling not only spices and dried fruits and nuts but also jewelry, souvenirs and of course the famous Turkish delight and other traditional sweets. The bazaars are sensory feasts and one of the most essential and authentic of Istanbul experiences.

Amazing excursions carefully curated

Whirling Dervishes & dinner

Turkish baklava making, gents anatolian well-being (berber and hammam), painting on water: turkish ebru art, turkish baths, ottoman empire and byzantine legacy tour, discover the hidden secrets of sultan ahmet square, bosphorus cruise and the spice market, a taste of istanbul: street food tour.

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Unforgettable Luxury Cruises to Turkey

Discover the unique contrasts of Turkey, a fascinating country where history and modernity collide. On luxury Turkey cruises, visit the alluring capital of Istanbul, a cosmopolitan city divided between Europe and Asia by the scenic Bosphorus Strait. Explore the Ancient Greek city of Ephesus, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Depending on the itinerary, our cruises to Turkey stop in ports in Spain, Italy, and the Greek Islands along the way, as well as include an overnight stay in Istanbul. You can also embark on an unforgettable journey that sails around the Mediterranean and Israel, which visits the charming port of Haifa and includes an overnight stay in the historic city of Jerusalem.

Turkey Cruise Highlights

Ancient ruins.

Make your way around the historic city of Ephesus, where you’ll find temples, theaters, and a library, all of which date back 2,000 years. Even though 80% of this ancient metropolis remains buried, you’ll still be able to marvel at a trove of archeological treasures. While in Istanbul, descend into the Basilica Cistern, a Byzantine structure built by Emperor Justinian in 532, which features over 300 ancient columns.

Religious Landmarks

Spend a day exploring Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, a spectacular 6th-century building that has served as a mosque, Eastern Orthodox church, and Catholic cathedral throughout its storied history. Or step inside the neighboring Blue Mosque, a grand domed structure built during the Ottoman Empire which still serves as a popular place of worship today. While in Ephesus, pay a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, where the mother of Jesus is said to have lived during the last years of her life.

Incredible Cuisine

Savor the unique flavors of Turkish cuisine, where you’ll find a mix of Mediterranean dishes and Eastern ingredients. Meat lovers can try different iterations of the local specialty, lamb kebabs, while vegetarians will love plant-based foods such as red lentil soup, bulgur salads, and dolmas. Don’t leave without trying a plate of manti, small dough kebabs that come with a variety of fillings.

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Turkey cruise itineraries.

Our luxury Turkey cruises sail from May through October, allowing you to enjoy the shoulder and summer seasons in Europe. Itineraries range from 10 to 12 nights and visit between seven to ten different ports. Cruises depart from Rome, Athens, or Barcelona and spend two to four nights at sea, which gives you plenty of time to experience the highlights of this gorgeous region of the world.

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After being voted “Best Cruise Line in Europe'' for eleven consecutive years, we know how to make a cruise around Turkey and the Mediterranean a memorable one. Discover spectacular destinations while surrounded in the utmost luxury and comfort aboard our award-winning ships. Dine on world-class cuisine crafted by a chef. Enjoy unlimited entertainment options, like Broadway-level shows in the Theatre and live music in the onboard bars and lounges. Sign up for thrilling shore excursions, where you’ll step inside ancient ruins and explore new cities under the guidance of knowledgeable tour guides.

On our sailings to Turkey, you’ll be able to experience one of our newest cruise ships, Celebrity Edge or Apex, two innovative vessels with avant-garde venues like nothing else at sea. Watch the sunset from the Magic Carpet, a cantilevered platform that can soar up to 13 stories above the water. Stay in one of the groundbreaking Infinite Veranda staterooms, where you can transform your living room into an ample veranda with the push of a button. Or plan an indulgent vacation with a stay at The Retreat, our luxury vacation experience that comes with expansive suite accommodations and exclusive access to a private sun deck, restaurant, and lounge.

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Indulge your eyes and senses in this magnificent city astride two continents. Visit beautiful Topkapi Palace, the awesome Hagia Sophia and the impressive Blue Mosque. Cruise the Bosphorus to see the city and its surroundings from another perspective. Visit one of the many museums or stroll through the spice market and the famous Grand Bazaar.

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Home > Istanbul New Cruise Port: Galataport – Your 2024 Guide

Istanbul New Cruise Port: Galataport – Your 2024 Guide

Written by our local expert Mehmet

Mehmet is digital nomad who was born in Istanbul, Türkiye and now calls the Balkans region his home-office.

If your cruise ship docks at the Istanbul cruise port, you may well find that the included shore excursions are expensive or lack any real character and only go to the same designated tourist attractions.

But there are so many amazing things to do on an Istanbul cruise stop that it makes sense to go it alone and find out what the city is really like. The Istanbul Galataport is right in the heart of it all, so it couldn’t be easier to make your own way around the city. In fact, the area itself is well worth exploring as an up-and-coming tourist destination in its own right.

In my guide, I give you all the info you need to navigate the Istanbul cruise port terminals AND your transportation options to see the major sights or get to the airport.

Visit nearby sights like the Galata Tower, Taksim Square , and Istiklal Street. Get the best views of the city from the water on a Bosphorus Cruise, take in some cultural sights at a Whirling Dervishes show, or head out on a locally guided tour of the city’s highlights.

Just across the Golden Horn, you will find the main attractions like the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque , and Topkapi Palace Museums.

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

What Port Do Cruise Ships Use In Istanbul

New Galataport Project

Galataport Cruise Port, also called the New Galataport, is the main access point to the city for thousands of visitors each year. It’s the first underground cruise ship terminal like it in the world and can hold up to three full cruise ships at a time.

It is situated right at the entrance of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, meaning that it has fantastic access to the city and all of the sights.

As it’s one of the busiest ports in Istanbul, cruise ships can also dock a few kilometers further down at Salipazari Pier, near Dolmabahce Palace.

How Do You Get Around Istanbul From The Cruise Port

As it’s right in the heart of the city, you can easily get around on foot from any Galataport terminal. The trendy Istanbul neighborhoods of Galata, Karakoy, and the famous Tophane clock tower are all just a short stroll away.

The main tourist areas are within walking distance, roughly a 30-minute walk from the Istanbul cruise terminal.

If you don’t want to walk, you can visit the main tourist areas like Sultanahmet, Galata, and Taksim by tram. Take the Bagcilar-Kabatas tram (T1 line) from Tophane Station, or alternatively, you can also travel by public bus.

Istanbul is an easy city to get around with a network of buses, metro lines, trams, and the Marmaray. Route info is available from cruise port information.

Get a public transport card, known as an IstanbulKart, from the kiosks or yellow ticket machines at the station. Transport cards cost 70 Turkish Lira, with individual tram rides costing around 15 Turkish Lira each.

There are lots of tram stations located all along Meclis-i Mebusan Boulevard (opposite the Istanbul New Cruise terminal).

• ​Istanbul Public Transport Guide

Head to the Sultanahmet district for its best attractions like the Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. The ride from Istanbul port to Sultanahmet tram stop takes around 10 minutes one way, and the trams run every 5 to 10 minutes.

There are also plenty of taxis available if you don’t want to take public transportation. A taxi to the city center should take around 10 minutes and cost no more than 100 Turkish Lira. Though they are more expensive, they are a good option if you aren’t confident in navigating your own way around the city center.

Some cruise lines may also offer an easy shuttle service to the city center for an additional fee, another convenient option if you want to save time. These are generally more expensive but can be shared with fellow passengers.

How Far Is The Cruise Terminal From Istanbul Airport

The city’s main airport, Istanbul Airport , is located in Arnavutkoy around 45 kilometres away from Istanbul city centre.

Public Transport

The best way to get from Istanbul Cruise Ship Terminal to Istanbul Airport is by public transport by metro. The journey takes about an hour. Take the T1 tram line from Karakoy to Yenikapı Metro Station, then use the M11 line to get to the airport.

There is no direct bus service at this time, though buses can be used, they will take more time.

• ​Istanbul Airport To Sultanahmet Guide
• ​Istanbul Airport To Taksim Guide
• ​SAW Airport To City Center Guide

Another option is to take a taxi. Even though it’s only a 40-minute drive north of Istanbul cruise port, it is scheduled for some extra time for traffic as the city can be gridlocked in places.

It’s also best to always agree on a price with the taxi driver or ask them to turn the meter on to ensure you aren’t overcharged. The journey should cost around 250 Turkish Liras.

Private Transfer

It’s also possible to book private transfers in advance if you want complete peace of mind – although this will cost more generally. From my experience, the taxis are reliable and friendly, but if you are not confident talking to someone with a different language, this could be a good option.

Get a quote on your private transfers here.

Brands we use and trust, is the istanbul cruise port, galataport, worth a visit.

Totally yes!

Opened in August 2021, Galataport is Istanbul’s latest tourist attraction and one of the newest cruise ports in Turkey, where gastronomy and art are proudly showcased to the rest of the world.

The entire Galataport complex takes up around 29,000 square meters, stretching out over the city center’s Karakoy coastline. Within Galataport, there is a port hotel and a lively entertainment district with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

The port can accommodate around 15,000 visitors a day, so it always feels like a vibrant and busy part of the city. Sightsee, shop, or relax at one of the many third-wave coffee shops while you watch boats pass by along the river.

Of course, being a hub for Istanbul cruises, there is also modern passport control, check-in, waiting areas, and plenty of cruise port info points.

Where To Eat At Istanbul Galataport

With so many options to choose from, knowing where to eat around Galataport can be a difficult choice.

SaltBae Burger

YouTube sensation Salt Bae has brought his signature Nusr-Et restaurant vibes to Karakoy in the form of SaltBae Burger. While, in my opinion, the burgers aren’t the best in town, the views and waiter theatrics make it an unforgettable experience.

A very popular spot is Liman, one of the port’s oldest restaurants. Liman opened its doors in 1947, and it was even once managed by Turkish leader Ataturk’s former chef, so to say it has historical importance is an understatement. White linen tables give the restaurant a classy ambiance, while the mix of Turkish and international dishes means you have plenty of choices when it comes to the menu.

For Japanese-style fine dining with Bosphorus views , Roka is hard to beat. Expect options like beef ginger and sesame dumplings, California maki, crispy fried shrimp, and sushi. The wine list is also huge, and there are some great cocktails to get stuck into.

İBB Cihangir Sosyal Tesisleri

On the other end of the spectrum is the hugely popular İBB Cihangir Sosyal Tesisleri, just across the main street from the port. You may have to wait for a table as the restaurant is extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. Still, the reward is extremely affordable authentic Turkish food with spectacular views over the city and the river.

Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar

If you like meze and street food, Muutto Anatolian Tapas Bar brings the Spanish style of eating to Turkey with small plates of all of the best parts of Ottoman Empire-inspired cuisine. It’s a great place to eat for larger families and groups, and you can try so many different dishes.

Hafız Mustafa 1864 Galataport

For one of the best desserts in town, make your way to Hafız Mustafa 1864 Galataport. An outlet of one of Istanbul’s most famous dessert shops, it’s filled with beautiful delights like baklava, handmade ice cream, kadayif, and ornately decorated cakes.

Things To Do At Galataport Istanbul

Meclis-i mebusan boulevard.

The first thing you will come across when leaving your Istanbul cruise is the busy Meclis-i Mebusan Boulevard. It’s the main street that runs adjacent to the river and connects the port to the rest of the city. Here, you can find lots of fantastic local cafes, restaurants, and shops. You could easily lose a few hours just exploring this area.

Istanbul Modern Art Museum

The contemporary art museum is one of the main tourist attractions at Galataport, with five floors filled with both Turkish and international pieces. You can also make use of the attached library, cafe, and gift store on the ground floor or attend one of the many workshops on the upper levels.

Galataport Events

There are always events happening at Galataport; the ones on now include:

The events currently happening at Galataport Istanbul include:

• A Vision To Shape The Future Exhibition: this exhibition is located in the O2 Block and is open from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
• The Little Prince Exhibition: this exhibition can be found on the M Block Upper Floor and operates from 10:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M.
• Istanbul Modern Current Exhibitions: these exhibitions are being held at Istanbul Modern

For more specific details about these events, you may visit the Galataport events website here .

Istanbul Museum Of Painting And Sculpture

For something less crowded, head just across the road to the IRHM (İstanbul Resim ve Heykel Müzesi). Not only is there fantastic architecture in the terminal building itself, but it’s packed with large collections of Turkish paintings and artworks.

There are more than 250 shops at the Galataport Mall , from top-name global brands to more local stores and outlets. Visitors come here from all over the city to hang out in the mall and window shop at all the international stores and designer outlets. Spend some time filling up your bags and spend some Turkish Lira.

Explore Karakoy

Karakoy is one of Istanbul’s liveliest neighborhoods. It’s full of boutique shops, independent restaurants, and great little cafes like Factory Karakoy. Visit in the evening to catch locals chatting along the promenade, have a drink at friendly local pubs and bars, and see the laid-back side of this busy, multicultural city.

Shore Excursions

Galata tower.

Within the Karakoy district, Galata Tower is one of the must-visit attractions. The modern museum boasts a 52-metre-high observation deck from which you can take in panoramic views of the busy city and the stunning mosque-studded skyline.

From here, you can see other popular spots, too, like the Beyoglu district, Istiklal Street (the most famous street in the city), and the buzzing Taksim Square .

Galata Bridge

A short 10-minute walk from Istanbul port is Galata Köprüsü, a bridge that spans 490 meters across the Golden Horn and where you’ll see local fishermen all day. This famous landmark is the joining point where the old meets the new.

From the modern port and trendy Karakoy, you will head into the old town with its rich heritage. Wander around Harborside Eminönü and visit the sprawling Spice Market and the Egyptian Bazaar.

Go On A Bosphorus Cruise

Though you might have arrived by sea, why not head out on a smaller vessel and see the sights in a totally unique way?

The mighty Bosphorus Strait divides Europe and Asia, connecting the two opposite sides of this melting pot of cultures in the city of Istanbul. Lying between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, learn about the historical significance of the area on one of the many cruises that run from the city’s riverbanks.

Find a Bosphorus Cruise here.

See istanbul’s best sights in sultanahmet.

Not far from Eminönü is the most famous Istanbul neighborhood of all, Sultanahmet. Take in a traditional massage at Çemberlitaş Hamamı, haggle for designer goods at the Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), or learn about historical treasures at the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum.

Then, head out on a guided tour with a local to see the very best that the city has to offer. Get under the streets by visiting the Cistern of Theodosius, built 1600 years ago.

Learn about the complicated history of the mosque that became a church, that then became a museum, before returning to a mosque again – the enigmatic Hagia Sophia before finally gazing in awe at the intricately designed azul tiles of the Blue Mosque.

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Istanbul Cruise Port Guide

What makes istanbul’s cruise port world-class.

The Galataport cruise terminal, located underground and spanning approximately 300,000 square feet, utilizes a unique hatch system claimed to be the first of its kind globally. All facilities, such as passport control, customs, luggage operations, and access to ground transport for taxis and shore excursion buses, are situated below ground.

What cruise lines dock at the Galataport Istanbul cruise terminal?

The ones I know of are Uniworld, RCI-Royal Caribbean, Princess, Celebrity, Azamara, Cunard, Holland America, P&O UK, Marella UK, RSSC-Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, Silversea, Fred Olsen, Windstar and Celestyal.

What makes Istanbul a notable cruise destination?

Istanbul is a major port city bridging Europe and Asia with rich historical significance. It serves as a crucial transit point between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, offering a diverse and vibrant cultural experience for you.

What is the outlook for Istanbul’s future development as a cruise destination?

Istanbul’s future development as a cruise destination looks promising, with ongoing infrastructure improvements and redevelopment efforts aimed at re-establishing the city’s appeal to tourists and cruise companies, positioning it as a significant port of call in the Mediterranean.

How can I get to the airport from the Galataport port hotel?

There are various transportation options available from the Galataport port hotel to the airport, including taxis, shuttles, and public transportation.

Now you know all about the Galataport project. This innovative underground terminal isn’t just a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic port cities; it’s a bridge connecting you to Istanbul’s popular tourist attractions.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, the ease and accessibility of Galataport ensure your exploration of Istanbul’s wonders is as seamless as it is unforgettable.

• Tranquil Gardens & Parks In Istanbul
• Guide To Public Transport In Istanbul
• Where To Eat In Istanbul
• Tourist Scams To Avoid In Istanbul
• Best Shopping In Istanbul
• Top Travel Tips For Istanbul

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Istanbul cruise port

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Cruise to Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul shore excursions, amazing experiences coming soon., sorry, there are no excursions for this port at this moment., things to do in istanbul.

Take a Ride to the Past

Turkey Istanbul Old Tunnel Karakoy Beyoglu

Hop onboard the Tunel, the second-oldest underground urban train in the world. Running between Karakoy and Tunel Square, the funicular has been running since 1875. Its purpose was to allow traders and merchants to get up and down the steep hill faster. Now it shuttles locals and tourists.

Marvel at the Blue Mosque

Turkey Istanbul Blue Mosque Interior

Tilt your head back and prepare to be captivated by the dazzling building known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque or the Blue Mosque. The walls are covered with more than 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles that catch the natural light at the perfect moment from more than 200 windows.

A Byzantine Beauty

Completed in the 6th century, the Hagia Sophia is one of the crown jewels when it comes to Byzantine architecture. The massive dome alone is worth the trip to Istanbul. Admire what was once the world's largest cathedral until 1520.

Local Cuisine

Get a delicious doner kebab made with succulent slow-roasted meat served in a wrap or pita with yogurt, tomato sauce and butter or try a collection of meze, or appetizers, like fava or muhammara. Another great food possibility is a balik ekmek, a popular sandwich that's made with grilled fish, onions, and lettuce. No doubt, you'll have a plethora of food options in Istanbul.

With one of the world's largest covered bazaars, Istanbul is the perfect place to shop for a fun souvenir or traditional Turkish goods. Head to the Grand Bazaar and try your hand at haggling with the locals over spices, textiles and more.

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By duquephart , December 4, 2023 in Viking Ocean

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We are staring to get serious about researching excursions, etc. for our "Ancient Adriatic Treasures" cruise next spring. The description of "Day 1" of the Istanbul extension reads: " Disembark your ship for a visit to the striking Blue Mosque, stepping inside to admire its ornate interior. Continue to the Underground Cistern to glimpse its illuminated interior, a space supported by 336 columns. Then, set out on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait while savoring a tasty Turkish-style lunch. Back on land, visit the Grand Bazaar for a presentation on Turkish carpets, as well as time to browse the many stalls. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure." Can someone here interpret this Viking Speak for us? What does "stepping inside" mean? What does "glimpse its illuminated interior" mean? What is a presentation? Is this all a thinly veiled "keep them busy" type waste of time between disembarkation and hotel check-in? Please help.

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The presentation on Turkish carpets is (IMHO) a total waste of your time.  They're trying to sell you an overpriced carpet or rug while you sip an apple tea.  Purely for the tourists.  We got trapped once, but on subsequent visits to Istanbul gave it a miss.  Istanbul is easy to do on your own, the main sites are fairly close to each other and the HoHo buses are excellent.  The spice market is amazing.

We've not been there with Viking, so I can't say what the brochure wording means!

22 minutes ago, duquephart said:  Is this all a thinly veiled "keep them busy" type waste of time between disembarkation and hotel check-in?

It is.  And the Turkish rug demo is a high pressure sales pitch.

36 minutes ago, Mitina said: It is.  And the Turkish rug demo is a high pressure sales pitch.  

I was thinking it would be. Why would Viking stoop to such a thing?

The Blue Mosque is set up such that if they say you step inside, it’s not just sticking your head in the entrance, it’s utterly amazing to see the inside of this (unfortunately, last time I was in it was in 2019, where they were renovating it so there was scaffolding up.  The renovations were completed this year, but it wasn’t open to the public as it was the end of Ramadan).  The underground Cistern is interesting to see for its architecture.   When we have been offered the opportunity to do the carpets, we told them ‘been, there, done that, have carpets’ and went off and did our own thing.  We do have carpets, but bought from a dealer not in the tourist area (my Turkish friend took us to one the locals buy from….and she negotiated for us).  Watching the carpets made is interesting though.     

Your post extension day sounds great. Been to all the sites you will be seeing. I read the description that you will go into the Blue Mosque. The tilework , rugs and hanging lights make it a spectacular space. The guide will give you a detailed background on this historic building. Wear socks because you will have to take your shoes off. Women should have a scarf they can put over their heads . But they do have some for women to wear. The cistern is the huge underground space beneath or next to the Haiga Sofia. You walk along a network of raised platforms . It is illuminated space  The famous iconic pillars are there with the head of Medusa at the base of some pillars. There is lots of signage , but if you have a guide even better . It is definitely something to see and explore. Did not do a cruise with lunch , but Turkish food is wonderful . I bought a carpet in the grand Baazar with an appointment  I made from home. Do go and wander around . You could probably just duck out of the carpet presentation and “ sales “. By then tour bus will take you to hotel  and your room will be ready for check in. I think Viking  does a really good job on their extensions. Hope you take a tour of the Tokapi palace site which is a full day of exploring the various buildings , but get a guide which are cheap and well worth it 

25 minutes ago, Azulann said: Your post extension day sounds great. Been to all the sites you will be seeing. I read the description that you will go into the Blue Mosque. The tilework , rugs and hanging lights make it a spectacular space. The guide will give you a detailed background on this historic building. Wear socks because you will have to take your shoes off. Women should have a scarf they can put over their heads . But they do have some for women to wear. The cistern is the huge underground space beneath or next to the Haiga Sofia. You walk along a network of raised platforms . It is illuminated space  The famous iconic pillars are there with the head of Medusa at the base of some pillars. There is lots of signage , but if you have a guide even better . It is definitely something to see and explore. Did not do a cruise with lunch , but Turkish food is wonderful . I bought a carpet in the grand Baazar with an appointment  I made from home. Do go and wander around . You could probably just duck out of the carpet presentation and “ sales “. By then tour bus will take you to hotel  and your room will be ready for check in. I think Viking  does a really good job on their extensions. Hope you take a tour of the Tokapi palace site which is a full day of exploring the various buildings , but get a guide which are cheap and well worth it 

I'm seriously considering getting a private tour for the last full day aboard ship (arrive 7 am and disembark the next day). I'd want to tailor the tour to do things other than those "covered" (as above) the following day. Hard to know what will be covered well enough though. Last full day of extension is on our own. Any bright ideas as to other "must see" and/or private/small group tour guides? Thans for everything so far!

7 minutes ago, duquephart said:   I'm seriously considering getting a private tour for the last full day aboard ship (arrive 7 am and disembark the next day). I'd want to tailor the tour to do things other than those "covered" (as above) the following day. Hard to know what will be covered well enough though. Last full day of extension is on our own. Any bright ideas as to other "must see" and/or private/small group tour guides? Thans for everything so far!

We used Ephesus Shuttle when we were there in 2015.  Despite the name, they do Istanbul tours as well as Ephesus.  We had private tours with them and were able to tailor what we saw, even on the day of.  I would recommend doing a tram-based tour rather than a car based one so you don't waste time stuck in traffic.

https://www.ephesusshuttle.com/

Another one to check would be Memphis Tours.  We have used them three times, not in Istanbul though but in Egypt and Jordan.  If they are anything like the tours we have had in those places I highly recommend Memphis Tours for a two person private tour.  The link below is for Istanbul but they will make it however you want, just ask them.  Hope you have a grand time and will report back on Cruise Critic.

https://www.memphistours.com/Turkey/turkey-excursion/Istanbul-Day-Tours/istanbul-city-tour

Can’t help you with the Viking verbiage, but I’d agree with Azulann and presume you will get an actual tour of the Blue Mosque. We did a DIY trip to Istanbul many moons ago (decades, actually) and did not buy carpets because too intimidated by the rug dealers in the bazaar. On another DIY trip in Morocco a few years before, however, we went to a government-run/regulated rug demonstration where they gave us fair prices and we didn’t have to haggle. Bought three rugs which adorn our floors to this day—nearly 40 years later! So if it were me and I was interested in getting a “Turkey” carpet, I’d check it out. Personally not into the very high-pressured sales tactics in the bazaars!

5 hours ago, duquephart said:   I was thinking it would be. Why would Viking stoop to such a thing?

Because Turkey mandates it.  Rugs were nice, but way out of my budget.

• 1 month later...

 "Disembark your ship for a visit to the striking Blue Mosque, stepping inside to admire its ornate interior. Continue to the Underground Cistern to glimpse its illuminated interior, a space supported by 336 columns. Then, set out on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait while savoring a tasty Turkish-style lunch. Back on land, visit the Grand Bazaar for a presentation on Turkish carpets, as well as time to browse the many stalls. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure ."

Sorry, but another question for those that may have been on theis extension: How do we get to the hotel?

4 hours ago, duquephart said:  "Disembark your ship for a visit to the striking Blue Mosque, stepping inside to admire its ornate interior. Continue to the Underground Cistern to glimpse its illuminated interior, a space supported by 336 columns. Then, set out on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait while savoring a tasty Turkish-style lunch. Back on land, visit the Grand Bazaar for a presentation on Turkish carpets, as well as time to browse the many stalls. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure ."   Sorry, but another question for those that may have been on theis extension: How do we get to the hotel?

“at your leisure “. Ok just kidding. It does sound like you get dumped off in town. And baggage?

I agree that the description leads to a whole lot of questions.  While I haven't been on this extension, I have been on 5 other Viking extensions and can't imagine this one would be significantly different (ok, other than that "when you assume" saying).  The tour described will be done before taking you to the hotel. The phrase "the rest of the day is yours to explore" has always meant after arriving at the hotel.  Sometimes your luggage travels with you in the belly of the bus, but it could also be sent separately.

It sounds like a great way to use up time before you can check in at the hotel. We did a similar guided tour in Istanbul and those listed sights are wonderful.

Peregrina651

15 hours ago, duquephart said:  "Disembark your ship for a visit to the striking Blue Mosque, stepping inside to admire its ornate interior. Continue to the Underground Cistern to glimpse its illuminated interior, a space supported by 336 columns. Then, set out on a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait while savoring a tasty Turkish-style lunch. Back on land, visit the Grand Bazaar for a presentation on Turkish carpets, as well as time to browse the many stalls. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure ."   Sorry, but another question for those that may have been on theis extension: How do we get to the hotel?

I've never done an extension where they didn't take us to the hotel and get us checked in. They aren't going to get you to the hotel before 3 pm. They want to be sure that all of the rooms are ready. They will keep you busy

We landed in Istanbul on a snowy January day. The snow was still on the ground when we headed to the Blue Mosque (our first visit to a mosque). It was strangely eerie -- in a nice way.

We were traveling with my parents and one of the things they wanted to see was the mosaics at the Chora church. Istanbul is earthquake prone. The only reason that the mosaics on the walls survived was because the Muslims plastered over them when the church was turned into a mosque. Glad we went.I still have the souvenir book on my shelf.

Dinner on your own? Try a restaurant that overlooks the Bosporus. No suggestions because we were there 25 years ago.

I will attend the "presentation" because I'm interested. I've been researching and think I have some reasonable expectations. The reason there are so many dealers and "opportunities" is that there are so many carpets purchased. And the dealers/salesmen are reputed to be very good at what they do. Makes me wonder how many folks buy a rug who had no intention of doing so beforehand.

OneSixtyToOne

25 minutes ago, duquephart said: Makes me wonder how many folks buy a rug who had no intention of doing so beforehand

Rugs galore

10 hours ago, Peregrina651 said: wanted to see was the mosaics at the Chora church. Istanbul is earthquake prone. The only reason that the mosaics on the walls survived was because the Muslims plastered over them when the church was turned into a mosque. Glad we went.I still have the souvenir book on my shelf.

I had a private guide take us to the church of Chora. He gave us a wonderful explanation of the mosaics, and the history of  church I found it fascinating. I bought a book there too of the mosaics . I treasure that book . We also went to a lovely restaurant with our guide  . We bought him lunch . It was a great day . 

We did Istanbul pre cruise extension so logistics slightly different but you get guided tour inside Blue Mosque, skip the line access and guided tour inside Basilica Cistern, Bosporus cruise with lunch nicely relaxing and tasty, rug demo interesting but will need to escape when salesmen swarm your group at the end of demo ( we didn’t, but if you’re actually in the market for rug, prices seemed reasonable and of course negotiable). You have time after for Grand Bazaar on your own. Our tour regrouped for late afternoon/early evening tour of Hagia Sophia, which doesn’t sound like it’s included in your tour. Pros of later visit to HS:  less crowded (still crowded but less). If long line is waiting for mosque to reopen after prayers, the line moves pretty quickly once it does (do not waste time detouring to the bathrooms as you near the entrance!).  Cons of late visit:  shorter time between prayers and they aggressively shoo women out of the main space once prayers start (our guide was good in standing our ground until we were able to get a quick look around and pictures), light (or lack of) made pictures of dome difficult. We were at the Conrad hotel which was really nice (great breakfast buffet included, great weekend dinner buffet not included, nice rooftop restaurant with views) but far from Sultanahmet area and no convenient public transportation. We always ate at hotel but there is park “in front “ of hotel ( area quite hilly) and neighborhood street with shops and restaurants beyond the park. Yes, mosques have loaner head coverings but better to bring your own—depending on your cruise itinerary you could buy one at an earlier port visit (my sister bought hers afterwards in Rhodes where she could pay in euros and didn’t have to haggle 😄 ). Our guide gave us bags so we could carry our shoes in the mosques, instead of leaving them at the entrance (we had packed our own just in case).  Our included port excursion “Istanbul Majestic Waterway “ was not exactly the same but similar to the extension day, so we skipped the excursion (walked around Galataport a bit). 

SteelCity Cruiser

Re: rugs.  If you are interested in purchasing one, we were advised by one of our guides in Istanbul to consider carving time to visit a dealer in one of the smaller Turkish ports - prices there are lower than in Istanbul and more willing to haggle prices down.  We purchased ours in Kusadasi for about half of what it would have cost in Istanbul (even with haggling).

51 minutes ago, SteelCity Cruiser said: Re: rugs.  If you are interested in purchasing one, we were advised by one of our guides in Istanbul to consider carving time to visit a dealer in one of the smaller Turkish ports - prices there are lower than in Istanbul and more willing to haggle prices down.  We purchased ours in Kusadasi for about half of what it would have cost in Istanbul (even with haggling).

Indeed. In Istanbul they instantly have you made as a cruise ship tourist and therefore an idiot. They are waaaaaaaaaaaaay better at selling than you are at buying. But the same goes for any port and the "normal" tourist is only going to be in the areas where he/she is a "marked man" (so to speak).

On 12/4/2023 at 1:24 PM, Azulann said: Your post extension day sounds great. Been to all the sites you will be seeing. I read the description that you will go into the Blue Mosque. The tilework , rugs and hanging lights make it a spectacular space. The guide will give you a detailed background on this historic building. Wear socks because you will have to take your shoes off. Women should have a scarf they can put over their heads . But they do have some for women to wear. The cistern is the huge underground space beneath or next to the Haiga Sofia. You walk along a network of raised platforms . It is illuminated space  The famous iconic pillars are there with the head of Medusa at the base of some pillars. There is lots of signage , but if you have a guide even better . It is definitely something to see and explore. Did not do a cruise with lunch , but Turkish food is wonderful . I bought a carpet in the grand Baazar with an appointment  I made from home. Do go and wander around . You could probably just duck out of the carpet presentation and “ sales “. By then tour bus will take you to hotel  and your room will be ready for check in. I think Viking  does a really good job on their extensions. Hope you take a tour of the Tokapi palace site which is a full day of exploring the various buildings , but get a guide which are cheap and well worth it 

Are you willing to fill me in on where you had your rug appointment? It appears one has a better chance of shopping wisely if one sticks to reputable dealers. Apparently there are lots of the other kind. Thanks.

We went over to the Asian side of Istanbul to buy our rugs.  We also brought my Turkish friend who did the haggling for us.  The place was definitely off the tourist route, it was the dealer my friend also used for herself.    

Watching her haggling was an experience.  We had 2 rugs we were interested in, she negotiated for one and we decided to buy both but she had concluded negotiating for one.  We told her tgat we wanted both, so she had to start all over again.  The deal was sealed with tea.

Going to the worst area (grand bazaar) in the worst city (Istanbul) without knowing what you're doing (or having someone who does with you) = strike three. The internet is riddled with stories of cruise ship tourists attending a "demonstration" and basically getting sucked in.

4 hours ago, duquephart said:   Are you willing to fill me in on where you had your rug appointment? It appears one has a better chance of shopping wisely if one sticks to reputable dealers. Apparently there are lots of the other kind. Thanks.

Give me a couple of days and I will  talk to my friend  who now lives in AZ. It was her cousin who  lived in Istanbul  as a teacher and they bought  many rugs from this dealer. My other  source I will check out is my neighbor in my condo building. He is from Istanbul and in fact his parents are here visiting. I will also ask him  too for a name.  Stay tuned... 

BTW when is your  Viking cruise? 

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

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Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world’s major rivers.

That’s notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

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Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking’s fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you’ll find Viking’s nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking’s most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers “Viking country” — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line’s most popular route in the region, “Viking Homelands,” is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway’s west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It’s unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed “Into the Midnight Sun,” the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking’s Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line’s 14-night “Mediterranean Antiquities” routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-night “Empires of the Mediterranean” voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites  

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent’s rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night “Rhine Getaway” from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night “European Sojourn” from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking’s Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night “Pharaohs and Pyramids” tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking’s Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don’t always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship’s exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it’s something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking’s first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

What are Russian warships doing in the Caribbean?

The frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan arrived Wednesday in Havana fresh from exercises in the North Atlantic Ocean.

U.S. forces are keeping close watch on a flotilla of Russian warships that reached Cuba on Wednesday in an apparent show of force by President Vladimir Putin flexing his missiles in the Western Hemisphere.

The port call in Havana, Moscow’s longtime ally, comes less than two weeks after the Biden administration said it would allow Ukraine to use U.S.-provided weaponry against some military targets inside Russia.

The four Russian vessels arrived in Havana Harbor fresh from military exercises in the North Atlantic Ocean, Russia’s Defense Ministry said. They’re due to stay through Monday.

The ships aren’t carrying nuclear weapons, the Cuban and Russian foreign ministries have said, “so their stop in our country does not represent a threat to the region,” Havana said last week.

Here’s what you need to know.

Russia practiced firing high-precision missiles in the Atlantic

The Russian flotilla includes the frigate Admiral Gorshkov and the nuclear-powered submarine Kazan, a medium tanker and a rescue tugboat. Even without nuclear weapons, the frigate and the submarine are capable of launching Zircon hypersonic missiles, Kalibr cruise missiles and Onyx anti-ship missiles, Russia’s most highly touted modern weapons.

Several hours before entering the Havana harbor, Russian defense officials said, the flotilla completed an exercise in “the use of precision missile weapons.” Sailors used computer simulations to “hit” targets without launching actual missiles.

In Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with his Cuban counterpart, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Lavrov affirmed Russia’s “continued support for Havana in its just demand for a complete and immediate end” to Washington’s 62-year embargo on most trade with Cuba and the removal of the country from the State Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism.

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The visit came on Russia Day, when Russians mark the dissolution of the Soviet Union. State television highlighted extensive coverage of the event in the U.S. media, including clips from CNN. One Russian reporter described the visit as retaliation for Biden’s decision to allow Ukraine to strike inside Russia with American weapons.

“Last week, President Vladimir Putin made it clear that it reserves the right for a mirror response — that is, supplying long-range weapons to countries that feel the pressure of the United States,” the Russia 24 reporter said.

Cuba, mired in its worst economic crisis in years, is welcoming its longtime supporter

Cubans lined the Havana waterfront Wednesday to see the Russian ships arrive. The Russians fired 21 salvos in honor of their hosts; the Cubans responded with an artillery salute from the San Carlos de La Cabaña Fortress.

Cuba’s foreign ministry said the visit reflects “the historical friendly relations” between Havana and Moscow, ties that go back to Soviet support for Fidel Castro’s Cuban Revolution and Moscow’s purchase of sugar, rum and other products to soften the loss of U.S. trade at the outset of the embargo.

Cuba is currently mired in a dire economic crisis, including shortages of food, electricity and fuel, reminiscent of the so-called Special Period of the early 1990s, when the Soviet Union collapsed and support from Moscow sharply dropped.

Cuba emerged from years of deprivation with the support of Venezuela’s Hugo Chávez and improved relations with Russia under Putin. Lavrov said Wednesday that Moscow would continue to provide humanitarian support to Cuba.

The Russian foreign ministry thanked Cuba for its “principled position” on Ukraine. Rodríguez Parrilla, the Cuban foreign minister, said the country condemns “the increasingly aggressive stance of the U.S. government and NATO,” including sanctions against Russia.

Lavrov has been a frequent visitor to the region. He traveled in February to Venezuela, where he affirmed Russia’s support for the socialist government of Nicolás Maduro, Chávez’s successor. He stopped in Cuba during that trip also.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel visited Putin in Moscow in May.

The U.S. doesn’t see a threat, but is monitoring the visit

Port calls among friendly nations are common. The Cuban foreign ministry this week announced that a Canadian patrol vessel would arrive in Havana on Friday to commemorate 80 years of uninterrupted diplomatic relations between Havana and Ottawa.

But the U.S. Defense Department has been tracking the Russian visit to Cuba since it was announced June 6. U.S. Navy and Coast Guard vessels are “going to continue to monitor,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Wednesday. ABC News reported that three U.S. Navy destroyers, a Coast Guard Cutter and Canadian and French frigates were keeping watch .

Singh said the Russian exercises didn’t pose a threat to the United States.

“This is not a surprise,” she said. Such “routine naval visits” by the Russians, she said, have occurred “during different administrations.”

A spokesman for U.S. Southern Command said the organization routinely monitors “activities of concern” in its area of responsibility. Authorities anticipate that the Russian vessels might also visit Venezuela. Maduro’s government, also under heavy sanction by the United States, has scheduled a presidential election for July.

Retired Adm. Jim Stavridis, who headed Southern Command from 2006 to 2009, said naval deployments to the Caribbean are “long and difficult” for Russian forces, and provide “good practice for our forces, tracking and monitoring them.”

The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, also said there was no cause for American concern. “Military drills are a normal practice in various regions of the world, especially for such a major maritime power as the Russian Federation,” Peskov told reporters on Thursday.

Putin is showing he ‘still has the ability to operate in the U.S. sphere of influence’

Russian forces have made several visits to Cuba and Venezuela in recent decades. In 2018, Moscow sent two supersonic, nuclear-capable Tu-160 bombers to Venezuela for a brief stop. The next year, as the Trump administration stepped up efforts to oust Maduro, Russia dispatched 100 troops and equipment to Venezuela and signed an agreement allowing it to send ships.

Of course, the most famous Russian visit to the region came in 1962, when the U.S. discovery of Soviet missile sites in Cuba brought the world to the brink of nuclear Armageddon. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev resolved the two-week Cuban missile crisis peacefully with an agreement that each side would withdraw missiles deployed near the other and that they would establish direct communications — the so-called red telephone — to forestall similar crises in the future.

Videos now of a Russian submarine arriving in Cuba, political scientist Vladimir Rouvinski said, help Moscow show that “efforts by the United States to diminish their presence everywhere, in particular in Latin America, are not working.”

“We have to see that Russia is not willing to abandon Latin America,” said Rouvinski, of Icesi University in Colombia, even as its military is consumed by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

Putin aims to signal that “he still has the ability to operate in the U.S. sphere of influence,” said Cynthia Arnson, a distinguished fellow at the Wilson Center’s Latin America Program.

The U.S. stages similar exercises near Russia and China

The United States has a long history of deploying the Navy and other forces to demonstrate its range and capabilities in support of allies and against adversaries.

In May, the Destroyer USS Halsey conducted what the Navy called a “Freedom of Navigation Operation” to challenge “restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Vietnam.”

A spokesperson for China’s Eastern Theater Command accused the United States of having “publicly hyped” the ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait , the Associated Press reported. Chinese Navy Senior Capt. Li Xi said the command sent naval and air forces to monitor.

Last year, the destroyer USS Nitze and the amphibious command ship USS Mount Whitney made separate port calls to Istanbul on the Bosporus. That’s roughly 20 miles from the Black Sea, where Ukraine has used sea drones and missiles to attack a Russian fleet .