On July 22, 2023, the Russian cruise liner Astoria Grande began a new route from Sochi that included a stop in Georgia’s seaside city of Batumi. The information became public in Georgia on July 25. The Maritime Transport Agency of Georgia stated that the ship was registered in the Seychelles under Goodwin Shipping Limited and was not listed under international sanctions. It sailed under the flag of Palau and was operated by the Turkish cruise company Miray Cruises International.

Astoria Grande entered Batumi Port on the morning of July 27, carrying 850 passengers who disembarked to tour the city and sample local cuisine.

Many Georgians, recalling the 2008 August War, perceived the ship’s arrival as “Putin’s incursion” and organized a protest at the port. Dozens of activists, citizens, and members of the political parties Lelo and United National Movement gathered, chanting “Русский корабль, иди на…й” (“Russian ship, go f*** yourself”).

To prevent direct confrontation, police set up barriers, preventing protesters from approaching the ship. The liner departed the port that evening.

On July 28, the ruling party chairman Irakli Kobakhidze called the protest “barbaric,” while President Salome Zurabishvili stated she was proud of the Georgian people. U.S. Ambassador Kelly Degnan remarked that the reaction to the Russian cruise ship was significant.