Variety Cruises invites Canadian travelers to experience the sights and sounds of Cuba

NEW YORK – The wonders of Cuba await with Variety Cruises’ new Sights and Sounds of Cuba itinerary starting December 21.

This seven-night voyage explores this island’s rich history, classic colonial architecture, virgin beaches and lush landscape by small ship, an ideal way to experience this “untouched” Caribbean island gem known for its vibrant music and cultural mystique.

Canadian passengers can experience Cuba up-close and personal aboard the Panorama three-masted sail cruiser. Renovated in 2009, this intimate ship accommodates up to 49 passengers in just 25 cabins. Amenities include two bars, a large sundeck, two lounges, a library and elegant dining room. The swimming platform on the Panorama stern enables guests to swim when weather and anchorage conditions permit.

Stops on the Sights and Sounds itinerary include:

Puerto Esperanza – One of Cuba’s most scenic regions is home to the “magotes” rock formations and the 18^th century town of Vinales.

Bahia de Corrientes – A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Site, this region is known for crystal clear waters, pristine beaches and exotic wildlife.

Playa Giron – This historic site commonly known as the Bay of Pigs features the Commandancia Museum, the former headquarters of the Cuban Army.

Cienfuegos – First discovered by Christopher Columbus, this city features a rich history of architectural character.

Trinidad – Cuba’s most notorious city is home to stunning colonial style mansions.

Rates start at $2,390 USD based on double occupancy for the eight day/seven night cruise.

Please visit, www.varietycruises.com for more information or call 1-866-944-8498 (Canada) to receive the 2012/13 Variety Cruises brochure.

About Variety Cruises: Variety Cruises’ signature style of small-ship cruising offers life-enriching journeys for inquisitive minds.

Founded in 2005, with a history dating back to 1949 under the Zeus name, family-owned Variety Cruises is one of today's largest boutique yacht cruise lines in the world.

A fleet of 11 fully owned vessels includes mega yachts, sail cruisers and private luxury yachts. In fact, the new Variety Voyager Mega Yacht, was recently signed as the first sea-going vessel to become a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts' Preferred Boutique Collection.

Each ship hosts a select number of passengers ranging from 12 to 75, providing the intimacy one might find on a private ship, and can dock into smaller ports of call in cosmopolitan locales.

Variety Cruises’ programs explore a colorful collection of popular sites and hidden gems in destinations including Greece, Turkey, the Adriatic, Italy, France, West Africa and the Mediterranean Sea.

The experiential itineraries embrace each destination by allowing ample leisure time in each port, often docking right in the heart of a town or village and later offering swim stops in secluded bays.

All the while, the friendly and ample staff helps passengers feel right at home on board their floating boutique hotel. In 2011, Variety Cruises was honored with the Condé Nast Traveler Greece Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Ship Cruise Company in Greece. Variety Cruises is affiliated with key travel organizations, including but not limited to the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), Ensemble, and Vacation.com

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