Ask anyone going overseas where they’re travelling to and chances are they’ll say Cuba. With interest in the country skyrocketing, cruise liners have quickly got in on the action and are offering more and more ventures to the Caribbean island. Here’s a roundup of some of the exciting options available.
Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises just added four additional cruises to its exciting lineup of Cuba voyages. Departing from Miami, the voyages onboard the recently revitalised <Azamara Quest> feature overnight stays in Havana, as well as visits to two maiden ports of call – Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
Royal Caribbean International
Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited announced its entry into Cuba with sailings to the Caribbean island on Royal Caribbean International in April 2017. The first itinerary was onboard the newly revitalised Royal Caribbean Empress of the Seas with a five-night sailing from Miami on 17 April, followed by departures from Tampa on 30 April and 20 May 2017.
The largest ship to sail to Cuba from the United States, the Royal Caribbean Empress will provide holiday-makers with the opportunity to discover the timeless sights, sounds and culture of Cuba. Fitted with Cuban-themed elements – from salsa music in the Boleros Latin lounge to aromatic cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal – the cruise will offer plenty of entertainment onboard.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Carnival Cruise Line announced that Havana, Cuba will be added to select Carnival Paradisevoyages from Tampa beginning in June 2017. The overnight visits to Havana will be featured on 12 four- and five-day cruises onboard Carnival Paradise, departing from the Port of Tampa from June 29, 2017.
Four-day cruises will depart June 29, July 13, August 24, September 7 and 21, and October 5 and 19, 2017, as well as May 3, 2018 and include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana. Five-day voyages will depart August 14 and 28, September 25 and October 9, 2017, and include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana as well as a stop in either Cozumel or Key West.
Guests cruising with Carnival Paradise will be able to choose from a range of exciting shore excursion experiences that showcase Cuba’s vibrant culture and majestic beauty, along with the island’s warm and friendly people and centuries-old architectural landmarks.
Norwegian (NCL)
Norwegian is incorporating Havana stops into existing itineraries to visit the island with its three brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Oceania’s Marina first sailed from Miami in March while the 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner visited twice in April. Norwegian Sky, a 2,004-passenger ship, will call on Havana during “a selection of” four-day trips this May.