Russia unveils plans for its largest-ever cruise ship

Russian designers have drawn up plans for a new cruise liner intended for international voyages on the Black Sea, according to a project presentation reviewed by RIA Novosti. The vessel would be the largest ever built in the country's shipbuilding history.

The ship is designed to carry more than 2,000 passengers, far surpassing Russia's current biggest cruise ship, the Mustai Karim, which holds just 329 people. The new liner would operate routes connecting Russia with Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania, and could also call at Mediterranean ports.

Onboard amenities in the proposal include standard two-person cabins, balcony cabins, and upgraded grand suites. Passengers would have access to a theater, duty-free shop, cosmetics boutique, medical block, spa, restaurants, bars, and even a tennis court. The project comes from the Vympel design bureau, but no timeline or construction details have been announced.