The European Union has extended a set of restrictions imposed on Russia, including a ban on European cruise ship calls at the Crimean peninsula and Sevastopol, until June 23, 2016.
The ban on EU cruise ships visiting the region is part of a general prohibition which has been introduced against services related to tourism activities in Crimea and Sevastopol.
This means that cruise ships must not call at or enter into Sevastopol, Kerch, Yalta, Theodosia, Evpatoria, Chernomorsk and Kamysh-Burun, the Danish Maritime Authority says.
The prohibition applies only to cruise ships associated with an EU Member State. This includes ships flying the flag of an EU Member State, ships owned and operated by an EU shipowner, and ships under the overall responsibility of an EU operator.
However, in case of emergencies cruise ships are permitted to call at or enter into ports on the Crimea peninsula, providing that a relevant EU maritime authority is notified. The report must be made within five working days after the call.
The original ban became effective in December 2014.