Regular maritime cruise routes connecting Dagestan (Russia), Azerbaijan and Iran will launch in 2026, according to the Russian Union of Tour Operators. The cruise ship “Nikolai Zharkov” will begin operations on this international route next year, offering 7- to 10-day voyages along the Caspian Sea.

This new initiative is expected to boost regional tourism, strengthen cultural and economic ties between the three Caspian states and provide travelers with a unique opportunity to explore the diverse heritage and landscapes of the Southern Caucasus and Northern Iran—all from the comfort of a modern cruise vessel.