cruise packages south africa

South Africa Cruises

With endless sunsets, breathtaking scenery and diverse cultures and cuisine, South Africa makes a spectacular cruise destination. Full of natural beauty there are impressive beaches, forests and vineyards to explore. Take a trip up to the top of the iconic Table Mountain which provides a majestic backdrop to Cape Town or relax in the sun on Durban's beautiful stretch of beachfront The Golden Mile. From mountain biking and hiking to wine tasting and safari tours, on a cruise to South Africa you'll experience the extraordinary.

Popular cruise ports in South Africa

Situated in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Cape Town is one of the most beautiful and diverse cities in the world.

Situated on the east coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban is South Africa's third-largest city.

South Africa cruise deals

Browse all our amazing South Africa cruise deals below. Use the filters to narrow down the results to find the perfect cruise for you.

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SOUTH AFRICA

Black rhinos, red wines, golden sands — the “Rainbow Nation” of South Africa is on full display with Holland America Line . Cruise to Cape Town for the chance to ride the Table Mountain cable car, walk in Nelson Mandela’s footsteps at Robben Island, sip juicy Cabernets at a Stellenbosch estate, or escape to the Etosha pan in Namibia. Richards Bay is the launch pad for Big Five safaris in Phinda Private Game Reserve, while Durban ’s Golden Mile serves as gateway to the revered Kruger National Park.

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International Cruise Deals

Prepare yourself for an extraordinary voyage through the enchanting Mediterranean , the lively Caribbean , or the captivating Northern Europe and more . With our cruise deals, your dream vacation is merely a few clicks away!   Enjoy your dream holiday at affordable rates and choose from a wide range of destinations, with our enticing cruise deals offering diverse travel options, luxurious accommodations, and unforgettable experiences on the open sea.

Browse our wide selection of cruise deals for 2024 and 2025 , find the perfect itinerary, and book now!

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How to book the best cruise deals.

There are multiple ways to book a cruise deal. However, if you seek the simplest and quickest way to take advantage of the best cruise deals, we highly recommend booking it through our website. Not only because our website is constantly updated with the best cruise deals currently available, but also because here you can find everything you should know to truly plan the journey of a lifetime, from our cruise ships  and shore excursions  to all the relevant information regarding dining and drinks , cruise entertainment , families & kids activities  and SPA and beauty treatments . We have made sure your cruise planning to be amusing and inspiring, just as if you were already on board enjoying your cruise holiday.”

How to find the best cruise deals?

If you are wondering how to find the best cruise deals, you are in the right place. The MSC Cruises website is constantly updated with the best cruise offers of the moment, from all-inclusive cruises to last-minute cruise deals including cruise discounts and special offers .

On our website you will not only find the latest cruise deals , but also a place where you can easily book your next cruise holiday. We have made sure your cruise planning to be amusing and inspiring, just as if you were already on board enjoying your journey! Based on your selected destination, you'll be able to view all the cruise deals available for the spots you'd like to explore. All it takes is picking your desired travel frame and departure port and be inspired by MSC’s cruise offers.

When is the best time to get a cruise deal?

Whenever you're ready to embark on a cruise, enticing offers and savings are waiting for you . Each season paints its own unique set of colors and feelings with stunning destinations ready to be embraced and savored in the unparalleled comfort of MSC Cruises. And to fully immerse yourself in these experiences, simply let yourself be inspired by a wide array of cruise deals and browse our summer cruises , autumn cruises , winter cruises  and spring cruises . Whether it's a vibrant spring, a sun-soaked summer, a golden autumn, or a fairytale winter, amazing cruise deals await your voyage.

Have you defined a precise month for your forthcoming cruise holiday? Then don't miss the opportunity to browse our monthly cruise deals and take a moment to explore our selection of January cruises , February cruises , March cruises , April cruises , May cruises , June cruises , July cruises , August cruises , September cruises , October cruises , November cruises  and December cruises  with unmissable Christmas cruise deals . If you haven't planned any travel yet but you suddenly feel the urge to leave for a new adventure at the earliest opportunity, last-minute cruise deals are the perfect solution for you. Any time of year is perfect to take advantage of a great cruise deal!

Where will our cruise deals take you?

Still unsure where MSC's cruise deals will take you? Look through all the available cruise destinations  and learn more about our itineraries. Wherever you choose to sail, exceptional cruise offers are within your reach. Indulge in the irresistible charm of the world's most captivating cities and popular seaside destinations sailing with our Mediterranean cruises . If you crave the soothing embrace of tranquil tropical relaxation enjoying your favourite cocktail in the shade of a palm tree, choose from our wide array of Caribbean cruises . For enthusiasts of awe-inspiring nature and fascinating adventures among the wildest places on earth, our Northern Europe cruises  or South Africa cruises  promise journeys filled with indelible memories.

 Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of our Emirates cruises  as they transport you to the realm of futuristic splendor in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Explore the wonders of the United States and Canada through North America Cruises  or let yourself be swept away by the rhythmic beats of samba or tango with South America Cruises . Alternatively, discover the Land of the Rising Sun culture and wonders, with our Far East cruises . The dreamiest destinations are just a click away with MSC’s cruise deals!

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A cruise holiday is one of the most relaxing ways  you get  to visit your dream destinations. You’re safely ensconced in a modern, floating hotel where you only need to unpack once, and where you have an incredible choice of activities and entertainment as well as exciting dining options. You’ll enjoy a fun-filled, exciting cruise vacation as you journey to various locations, stopping off at different ports to explore. No other holiday  package  offers families, couples and groups of  friends better value, or the opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friendships.

Thompsons offers a great variety of cruise holidays, including Katarina Lines, AMA Waterways, Costa Cruises, Disney Cruise Lines, Celestyal Greece. In addition, enjoy sublime river cruising with Uniworld, U by Uniworld, and Croisi Europe as well as self-managed river boating with Le Boat. Contact our expert consultants to find the perfect cruise holiday for you!

Cruise holidays from South Africa

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A cruise holiday offers you a completely stress-free, all-inclusive way to travel, whether you’re embarking on an ocean voyage or river cruise. Cruising is relaxing and exploring new horizons is always great fun. Choose one of our hand-picked cruise packages in 2024  and discover the world’s most fascinating destinations. 

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Departure calendar South Africa

Have you already decided when will be your next cruise with destination South Africa? Whatever month you choose will be the perfect opportunity to set off to discover the local wonders

Cruises South Africa

Change route and leave on a cruise to south africa.

Let Taoticket take you to one of the most fascinating places in the world: South Africa. A cruise in South Africa is what you need if you’re looking for wild and uncontaminated nature combined with the urbanization and the modernity of cities such as Cape Town and Durban .

South Africa: South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Seychelles

Seychelles, Madagascar, Mauritius, France, South Africa, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

South Africa: Seychelles, Madagascar, Mayotte, South Africa

South Africa: South Africa, Madagascar, France, Mauritius, Seychelles

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South africa: mauritius, france, madagascar, south africa.

South Africa: South Africa, Mozambique

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South Africa: South Africa, Namibia

Cruises in South Africa: what to see

Escape from the cold of winter and welcome the warmth of South Africa! Choose a 2 to 4 nights cruise with MSC Cruises: the right solution if you want to match the cruise with a hotel to visit Cape Town , Durban or the surrounding area. On board of MSC Sinfonia you will discover Portuguese Island and Maputo , capital of Mozambique, where dream beaches , immerged in a wild nature are waiting for you. If you want to explore such a far side of the world only by sea and you cannot say no to luxury, a Silversea cruise is what you need. With Silver Cloud you leave from Cape Town and reach Port Elizabeth , famous for the beaches and for the well preserved colonial buildings. In Maputo you will be amazed by the mix of restaurants and bars combined with the boulevards with palm trees, sumptuous villas and buildings dating back to the colonial period and will visit the Natural History Museum. It’s here that Vasco Da Gama arrived while directed towards India in the far XVI Century. Take a look to all our cruise deals on our website and let your journey begin! A cruise in South Africa will be an enriching experience and you’ll be surrounded by beauty that you’ll never find anywhere else. Taoticket selected for you the most convenient offers and the low-cost cruises just to give you the best. Contact us at the number +390105733006 or leave a request on our website, we will contact you immediately! You can discover the charm of this amazing land with a cruise in South Africa with MSC Cruises : leave from Durban o da Cape Town and discover Mozambique , where the sea has the most shining shades. Take a look to our cruise deals on our website and decide when you want to leave! The Mediterranean climate and the southern position of the Region make South Africa a desirable place for winter vacations : between November and April you will find the warmth you miss when you are at home. You’re going to fall in love with the colors of nature and the shades of the marine landscapes. Match your cruise in dream places with a stay in Cape Town or Durban to fully taste the spirit of this part of the world. Taoticket provides you with the cheapest flight available to reach the port and the hotel you want according to what you need.

Reviews South Africa

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Ports of departure South Africa

Get ready to experience your sea holiday with destination South Africa aboard the best cruise ships operating from the main ports of the region

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South Africa: the ships

Get ready to experience your sea holiday aboard the best cruise ships operating from the main ports of the South Africa area

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South Africa: The countries to visit

Immerse yourself fully in the local culture and get ready to discover the wonders and gastronomy of the destination South Africa, one of the most loved and visited in the world.

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There are so many ways to cruise discover the perfect cruise line for your next voyage., frequently asked questions.

If it’s on the water, we can book it for you. Flight Centre offers a huge range of cruises, from ocean and river cruises to adventurous expedition voyages and special themed voyages. Some of the most popular lines we offer are MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International and Cunard. Booking a cruise can be complicated, with a huge variety of cabin choices, itineraries and inclusions, so it’s a good idea to work with an experienced travel expert – like us! We’ll also find the best cruise deals that save you money.

South Africans can explore local cruises along the African coast, or international cruises to destinations like the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Yes, there are various cruises that offer affordable packages, especially for off-season travel.

Absolutely! A cruise perfect for a group holiday or to celebrate that important milestone. We have a specialist team of group travel experts who can help. We may also be able to organise extras like a special dinner or bottle of champagne on arrival. Get in touch with a group travel expert here .

Yes, most cruise lines will be able to cater to your specific needs to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. For dietary requirements, many ships have multiple restaurants with different menus that may meet your needs, or your travel expert can request accommodations ahead of time. Accessible cabins are available on most ships and need to be booked in advance. We can also work with you to assess deck plans and accessibility options to find the right ship to suit you.

It couldn’t be easier to book online through the Flight Centre website. Simply use the search function and filters on the page above and you’ll find a whole range of cruises that meet your search criteria. You can book directly online, or enquire if you’d prefer to speak to a travel expert about your cruise holiday. If you’d prefer to talk to someone straight away, give us a call on 0877 40 50 00.

Cruises are great value because almost everything is included in the one price. Your cruise fare will include accommodation, all meals, onboard facilities like swimming pools and fitness centres, plus entertainment. A few things can incur extra charges, like specialty restaurants, drinks, spa treatments and some activities. Specific inclusions may vary based on the cruise line, stateroom selection and package booked.

A valid passport is essential, and visas may be required depending on the cruise itinerary. For all international cruises, including regional cruises departing from South Africa to destinations such as to Mozambique, Namibia or Mauritius, you need a passport with at least two blank pages and a minimum of six months validity from when you arrive back.  

South African passport holders require a visa for a great number of countries globally. Although certain visa exemptions do apply, these may vary depending on current visas in place and the duration of your stay.    For up-to-date and accurate information on which countries South African citizens require visas for, please check (insert travelnews link). Alternatively, contact the relevant embassy directly.

Once onboard, you'll receive a daily schedule of activities. Usually, the schedule for the following day will be left in your cabin by staff when they clean the room. Many modern cruise ships also have onboard digital screens that will display the day’s events or a mobile app you can download to keep track. Take a look at the individual Cruise Ship pages on our website or visit the cruise line’s site to see what you can expect.

Our Help Centre has a host of FAQs about travel requirements, booking your cruise and plenty more information you need before you set sail.

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2024 Africa Cruises: Explore South Africa, Madagascar & Mozambique

Are you captivated by the allure of Africa? Whether it's the enchanting beaches or the thrill of a wildlife safari, there's no better way to experience this remarkable continent than on a cruise. With Norwegian Cruise Line, you can journey to many diverse ports, each offering an exciting taste of Africa's splendor. Are you considering an Africa cruise ? If so, prepare to embark on an unforgettable adventure with our 2024 Africa cruise itineraries. Unpack just once and savour the multitude of experiences.

Ready to start planning? Explore all Africa cruises .

Experience the Extraordinary on a 2024 Africa Cruise

A Norwegian cruise to Africa opens up a world of extraordinary experiences. Here are a few highlights from the ports you could visit to kick your cruise planning into high gear.

Embark on a Safari

Our Africa cruise itineraries are incomplete without an exhilarating safari! Depending on your chosen cruise, a range of unforgettable game drives await. Richards Bay, a popular safari spot, offers an overnight stay at a mountain lodge nestled amidst pristine wilderness. Enjoy locally sourced meals, an evening game drive, and more. Early mornings and evenings provide the best chances to spot majestic wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, lions, and leopards. For a more intimate wildlife experience, consider the Botlierskop Private Game Reserve, where you may encounter lions, elephants, zebras, rhinos, impalas, and giraffes.

RELATED CRUISES: 17-Day Africa from Dubai to Mauritius: UAE, Seychelles, Kenya & Tanzania 12-Day Africa from Mauritius to Cape Town: South Africa & Madagascar 14-Day Africa from Mauritius to Doha: Seychelles, Madagascar, Oman & UAE

Discover South African Wine Country

A stop in Cape Town opens the door to South Africa's famed wine region, Stellenbosch. This sprawling vineyard landscape, known for its cabernet and merlot blends, syrah, and chenin blanc, offers an immersive exploration into the world of winemaking. Book a Stellenbosch excursion to visit one of the region's top winemaking estates, where you'll learn about the intricate process behind each bottle.

Go Birdwatching in Walvis Bay

Walvis Bay, a paradise for bird enthusiasts, is home to more than 150 different bird species. A shore excursion to the tranquil Walvis Bay Lagoon allows travellers to see rare species like the Damara tern or the intriguing phalaropes and grebes. Don't forget to visit Pelican Point, a bustling colony of Cape fur seals.

Norwegian's 2024 Africa cruises will sail from either Cape Town, South Africa, or Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Depending on your chosen itinerary, your voyage may circle back to Cape Town or disembark in Dubai or Port Louis, Mauritius. If you opt for a Mediterranean and Middle East cruise with a stop in Egypt, your cruise typically commences in Dubai.

Unforgettable Stops on an Africa Cruise

In 2024, Norwegian promises to whisk you away to some of Africa's most captivating destinations. Here are the potential ports of call to mark on your map:

• Cape Town, South Africa.
• Mossel Bay, South Africa.
• Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha), South Africa.
• Richards Bay, South Africa.
• Durban, South Africa.
• Luderitz, Namibia.
• Walvis Bay, Namibia.
• Maputo, Mozambique.
• Nosy Be, Madagascar.
• Port Victoria, Seychelles.
• La Digue, Seychelles.
• Pointe Des Galets, Reunion.
• Safaga, Egypt.

Meet Madagascar's Lemurs

Madagascar's Lokobe Natural Reserve is a treasure trove of biodiversity. A guided excursion here offers opportunities to see endemic species like black lemurs. Interestingly, males are entirely black, whilst females boast rust-coloured coats and white ear tufts. Keep an eye out for pygmy kingfishers, snakes, panther chameleons, and leaf-tailed geckos in this lush habitat.

Spot African Penguins

In Port Elizabeth, the Penguin Island Cruise excursion is a standout experience. You'll journey to the world's largest colony of African penguins in their natural habitat. If you're lucky, you might also catch a glimpse of playful humpback and bottle-nose dolphins.

Scale an Active Volcano

For the adventurous cruiser, Pointe des Galets on Reunion Island offers the chance to climb an active volcano. Piton de la Fournaise rises over 8,600 feet. Once you complete the challenging climb, you're rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views. The viewpoint at Pas de Bellecombe is perched atop a 492-foot cliff.

Visit the Island of War

Mombasa is a vibrant port city with a tumultuous past, which is why it earned the nickname the Island of War. Here, you'll experience African, Indian, and Arab cultures in one place. Fort Jesus is one of Mombasa's notable sites. It was built by the Portuguese in 1593. In less than 200 years, the fort changed hands nine times. Be sure to try some local cuisine to experience the blend of cultures here.

Relax on Seychelles' Beaches

The Seychelles are a beach-lover's dream, with stunning white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and intriguing granite boulders. Here, you can lounge under the sun, snorkel in the vibrant coral reefs, or embark on an island-hopping adventure.

Unearth Ancient Egypt

On a Mediterranean and Middle East cruise, a stop in Safaga, Egypt, offers a chance to step back in time. Consider an overnight excursion to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which brings you face-to-face with ancient Egyptian civilization's grandeur. This excursion includes an evening visit to see the light and sound show at the Karnak Temple.

Are you still researching which 2024 Africa cruise aligns with your travel timetable ? Make sure to register for Norwegian's cruise deals now. You'll get the latest special offers right in your inbox. This way, when you're ready to book your 2024 cruise holiday to Africa, you'll be in the know about the best deals.

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Cruises around the world.

Give yourself the gift of unwinding in the most spectacular setting! What could be more relaxing than a cruise holiday? Explore the deep blue waters and interesting port stops of the Mediterranean Sea , chase sunsets over the Bahamas and the Caribbean , or head out on a fun-filled local MSC cruise from Cape Town or a MSC Cruise from Durban . Maybe you're enamoured with the idea of traditional river cruising ? Find yourself exploring the Netherlands or France from the tranquillity of a luxury river boat. 

Indulge in Your Dream Cruise

Choose how you would like to spend your days while floating in luxury: tanning with a book by the pool, exploring the shops on board, or treating yourself to a lavish spa experience, the world is your oyster!

Cruises are also the perfect family holiday . Many cruise ships provide an excellent array of kid and teen activities, such as dedicated indoor and outdoor play areas, discos, movie nights and full-scale child minding and babysitting. While mom and dad enjoy some quality time together, the kids can have the time of their lives!

Browse our range of cruise holiday 2024 packages below, and be sure to keep an eye out for our impressive MSC cruise specials for 2024 . We've got some great blogs to help you along the cruising process: Setting Sail: From Booking to Boarding 5 Reasons to Cruise with U Beginners Guide to Caribbean Cruises Freestyle Cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line

• Pre-book your Shore Excursions, Drinks, and Added Value packages so that you pay for them beforehand in Rands rather than in dollars once on board.
• Pack as lightly as possible and use a small carry-on bag. Cruise cabin cupboards are not large, and by taking your bags as carry-ons, you won’t have to wait for your luggage to be delivered much later on the first day.
• Most cruises are casual affairs and don’t require more than a few summer dresses for women and smart casual outfits for men. That is, unless you choose a more formal cruise where you will have lavish Captain's dinners, and may require more dressy attire.
• It’s important to remember to pack swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen as you will be spending lots of time in the sun.
• Binoculars are also great to bring along, as you can use these when arriving at new ports and when cruising along coastlines.
• A useful item to take along is a small box of laundry detergent to avoid paying laundry bills.
• Take travel sickness tablets whether you get motion sickness or not, as local waters are rougher than those of the Mediterranean.
• Arrive at the port as early as possible to avoid the queues. Some cruise liners also offer priority boarding, which is a nice treat!
• Check out all the restaurants on board before selecting where you want to eat, as you don't want to overload on one thing when choice is abundant on offer.

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Ukraine-Russia war latest: Moscow and Kyiv exchange dozens of prisoners

The two sides have returned 90 prisoners each in a deal brokered by the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for two senior figures following alleged attacks on civilian targets. Ask our experts a question about the war below.

Tuesday 25 June 2024 21:58, UK

• Russia and Ukraine each return 90 prisoners of war
• Arrest warrants issued by ICC for former Russian defence minister and top general | Russia's short response
• Ivor Bennett analysis:  Warrants may send powerful message - but Putin is proof they won't mean much in practice
• Explained : What impact will an ICC warrant have on top Russian officials?
• Your questions answered : Has Western media been honest about Ukrainian military failures?
• EU begins membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova
• Big picture : What you need to know this week

Ask a question or make a comment

That brings an end to our live updates on the Ukraine war for this evening.

We'll bring you any major updates overnight. In the meantime, you can scroll through the blog below to catch up on the day's developments.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a direct message to the two Russian top generals who are the subject of fresh arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court.

The court has accused Sergei Shoigu and General Valery Gerasimov of war crimes and the crime against humanity of inhumane acts.

In his nightly video address, Mr Zelenskyy said: "Shoigu, Gerasimov – your path to The Hague is open."

The Ukrainian president also said the official start of Ukraine's ascension into the EU today was a "historic result", adding: "We will definitely implement everything necessary to advance through each chapter of our relations with the EU and to create a treaty – a treaty of Ukraine's accession."

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin and Russian defence minister Andrei Belousov spoke over the phone today, in what marked the first call between Mr Austin and his Russian counterpart since March 2023.

The two men discussed the importance of open lines of communication, the Pentagon said.

Spokesperson Air Force Major General Patrick Ryder said Mr Austin had initiated the conversation. 

Mr Belousov was appointed to the role of defence minister last month after the shock dismissal of longtime minister Sergei Shoigu by Vladimir Putin.

Some of the returned Ukrainian soldiers were prisoners taken from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, the head of the Ukrainian president's office has said.

Andriy Yermak said of the 90 fighters returned by Russia today, 52 were from a large group of Ukrainians captured while trying to defend the Azovstal steelworks in southern Ukraine while others had been held as prisoners after the capture of Chernobyl.

Both sites were seized by Russia early in the war.

Mr Yermak described the latest prisoner swap as an "important exchange".

"Thanks to our team for their work. Grateful to the UAE for facilitating the exchange. We will return everyone," he said.

Russia and Ukraine have each returned 90 prisoners of war in the latest swap between the two countries, the Russian defence ministry has said.

In a statement on Telegram, the ministry said Russian prisoners were returned with the United Arab Emirates acting as an intermediary.

The prisoners were being flown to Moscow for medical checks, it added.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in a post to social media that 90 Ukrainian soldiers were returned by Russia.

"We remember all our people in Russian captivity. We continue our work for the release of everyone. We seek the truth about everyone who may be held by the enemy," he said, as he thanked the Ukrainian exchange team. 

By Ian King , business presenter

The EU has launched its 14th package of sanctions against Russia - this time targeting Vladimir Putin's liquefied natural gas exports (LNG) for the first time.

The measure is the latest attempt by the bloc to deny Mr Putin's regime of money as his war on Ukraine drags into its 29th month.

The sanctions, which will kick in after a nine-month transition period, fall short of an outright ban on Russian LNG shipments.

This partly reflects the fact that EU members are themselves still allowed to buy LNG from Moscow - even though the bloc has set a target of phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027.

The EU followed the lead of the United States and the UK in banning Russian oil imports, with one or two limited exceptions, in 2022 after Russia attacked Ukraine.

What latest sanctions do

The key measure in the package, signed off late last week in the face of opposition from Germany and Hungary, is a ban on trans-shipments off EU ports of Russian LNG - essentially preventing the commodity from being sold to third countries via EU ports.

Part of the package also targets specific vessels - including an initial 27 oil tankers - that are used to get around the price cap slapped on Russian oil by the G7 countries.

It will also, in time, target vessels caught, for example, carrying ammunition from North Korea to Russia or transporting grain stolen from Ukraine by Moscow.

The latest package of sanctions also bans new investments and services to complete LNG projects under construction in Russia.

That should, in theory, stymie Russia's attempts to build out its LNG exports and grow market share.

Other elements include bans on EU businesses from using the Bank of Russia's system for transfer of financial messages (SPFS) system - the Bank of Russia's version of the West's Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) inter-bank messaging system.

Under this measure, the European Council will be allowed to draw up a list of non-Russian third-country banks connected to the system and ban them from doing business with EU operators.

Targeting rich Russians and pop stars

There are also restrictions on access to Russian media, as well as new technological and export restrictions and a fresh blacklist of a further 116 people deemed to be supporting the war, including the singer Yaroslav Dronov, who performs under the name Shaman and whose song 'I'm Russian' was reportedly played daily to Alexei Navalny, the late democracy campaigner, in his Arctic Circle prison cell.

Also targeted was another popular Russian singer, Polina Gagarina, who performed before Putin at an event in Crimea following the invasion of Ukraine.

The EU has also introduced a number of bans, targeting wealthy Russians, on private jet travel to EU resorts.

Announcing the measures, the European Commission said: "As the Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, the EU remains determined to keep acting to further reduce Russia's sources of revenue and capacity to wage war.

"Today's measures send a clear and strong signal of EU unity and of our support to Ukraine and its people."

Will watered-down sanctions have any impact?

The big question is whether these latest sanctions will actually have much impact - particularly in view of the fact that they were watered down.

Germany, for example, reportedly prevented a widening of measures that would have forced EU companies to guarantee that their customers would not be able to sell prohibited goods to Russia.

And Hungary - the value of whose Russian LNG imports is up 59% year on year - is said to have demanded assurances that no current or future measures will impact the Paks II nuclear power plant which is being built by the state-owned Russian power company Rosatom 63 miles to the south-west of Budapest.

The chances are that the sanctions will only go so far in hurting Russia.

Still a major supplier

According to Kpler, the data provider, Russia is the second-biggest supplier of LNG to the EU after the United States. It says that, so far this year, the US has met 41% of the EU's LNG needs and Russia 21%.

And in May this year, for the first time since just after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, imports of Russian LNG were greater than those of American LNG.

Nor do these sanctions cover imports of Russian gas transported to the EU through pipelines via Turkey and Ukraine itself.

Much of this ends up in central European countries such as Austria, which in the first five months of this year had 80% of its gas needs met by Russia, but also countries such as Italy and Belgium.

Moreover, while the bans on trans-shipments will make it harder for Russian LNG exports to reach their intended destination, they are unlikely to stop them altogether.

They will just force Russia to use longer shipping routes - while a lot of the LNG previously being exported in this way is now, ironically, likely to be sold to customers in Europe itself.

It is always encouraging to see the EU seeking to deprive Putin's war machine of money.

But these sanctions could have gone a lot further. That they did not highlights the extent to which the EU still relies on Russian gas.

Donald Trump has been presented with a plan to end the war in Ukraine if he is elected to the White House in November.

The Reuters news agency reports that two key advisers for the presumptive Republican nominee have put forward the plan, which involves telling Kyiv it will only get more US military aid if it enters peace talks.

At the same time, the US would warn Moscow that refusal to negotiate would result in increased support from Washington for Ukraine, according to retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg.

Lt Kellogg and Fred Fleitzl, who were both chiefs of staff in Trump's National Security Council while he was president and who came up with the plan, said a ceasefire would be based on prevailing battle lines during peace talks.

Mr Fleitzl said Trump showed a positive attitude towards the plan.

"I'm not claiming he agreed with it or agreed with every word of it, but we were pleased to get the feedback we did," he said.

The Kremlin has said any peace plan from a future Trump administration would need to reflect the battlefield "reality" - but that Vladimir Putin was open to talks.

"The value of any plan lies in the nuances and in taking into account the real state of affairs on the ground," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

From the Ukrainian side, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said freezing the war at prevailing front lines would be "strange".

"Ukraine has an absolutely clear understanding and it is spelled out in the peace formula proposed by President Zelenskyy, it is clearly stated there - peace can only be fair and peace can only be based on international law," he said.

Four people have injured in a Russian attack on Kharkiv in northeast Ukraine, an official has said.

Regional governor Oleg Synegubov said Russia hit the village of Bobrivka with "at least four" guided aerial bombs this afternoon.

Two women, aged 87 and 40, and two men aged 67 and 56 were injured, he said.

The women were treated on the spot while the two men were hospitalised for treatment.

Ukrainian police say they have detained a man involved in the alleged torture of a former soldier in Ukraine's fourth-largest city of Dnipro.

The National Police service said on Telegram that Dmytro Yavornytskyi was targeted last Thursday by a group of men in balaclavas and camouflage who injured and put handcuffs on him.

The men have since been identified and one has been detained today, the service said.

Dnipro's regional prosecutor's office has begun criminal proceedings alleging illegal deprivation of liberty and torture.

More now from Russian deputy foreign minister Sergei Ryabkov, who has warned of "tragic and fatal" consequences if the West underestimates Russia's determination.

Mr Ryabkov said Moscow was ready to stand up for itself "and ensure its own interests in any situation".

"I don't even want to assume that this underestimation could become tragic and fatal," he said, adding the West was confronting a major nuclear power. 

"There are different ways to respond to this - rhetorical and practical. We have the resources to convey signals to the West in the field of nuclear deterrence, even in the absence of our opponents' willingness to conduct a sober dialogue. But there is a danger, it cannot be underestimated, that their side may make a mistake. We will try not to," Mr Ryabkov said at a conference in Moscow.

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