Out to Sea for
March 11/17
(c) By Jim and Barb Fox
Cruising to Cuba is
more than just a trip to the beach.
That’s because U.S.
homeported cruise lines – in order to receive permission to sail to the once
off-limits Caribbean nation – must prove these are “cultural and humanitarian
exchanges.”
Now that the strict
embargo by the U.S. for cruisers has been lifted, Cuba has become a hot, hot,
hot destination.
 |
| Cruisers can now visit the vibrant port city of Havana, Cuba. |
Canadians have freely
visited the Communist island nation that’s been stuck in a time warp since the
1959 Cuban Revolution, but not usually by cruise ship.
Now, lines are
scrambling to add Cuba to their ports of call.
“Cuba is an island
jewel unique from anywhere else in the Caribbean and we are thrilled to have
this rare opportunity to take our guests to this fascinating destination,” said
Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Bob Binder,
president and CEO of Oceania Cruises, said there has been “tremendous demand
from consumers for voyages to Cuba and our inaugural voyages to the island have
been a sell-out success.”
Other cruise lines
that have recently announced new or expanded sailings include Azamara and Norwegian.
 |
| Vibrant sunsets are
seen in the Caribbean en route to Cuba. (Jim Fox photo) |
A first for Carnival
Carnival Cruise Line will add Havana to
select Carnival Paradise voyages from Tampa starting on June 29.
This follows the history-making
launch of cruises to Cuba on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand last year.
Overnight visits to the Cuban capital will be
featured on 12 cruises of four and five days so vacationers will have a “rare
and exciting opportunity to explore this fascinating destination,” said
Vance Gulliksen, senior public relations manager.
Four-day cruises through to May 3 of next
year include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana.
Five-day voyages from Aug. 14 through Oct. 9
also include a stop in either Cozumel or Key West.
 |
| A fun day at sea on a Carnival Cruise Line ship. |
“Carnival Paradise
guests 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,” Gulliksen said. carnival.com
Azamara’s onboard
Upscale Azamara Club
Cruises quickly sold out its first voyage to Cuba sailing March 21 from Miami.
With the theme
“Hemingway Hideaways,” Azamara Quest sailings stress “passion, history,
culture, vintage cars, fine cigars, incredible architecture, exotic rhythms and
stunning beaches.”
The line says:
“After sampling Key Lime pie in Key West, experiencing the fascinating Dali
Museum or the white sand Clearwater beaches near Tampa and strolling through
the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, it's off to discover the dazzling
island of Cozumel.”
Then the “vibrant
and stunning” port city of Havana has an overnight stay with time to “discover
its cobbled streets lined with classic cars, craft markets and colorful
buildings.”
Other sailings,
also round-trip Miami, are “Havana Discovery” leaving Nov. 20 and “Havana
Getaway,” Nov. 27. azamaraclubcruises.com
 |
| There are photo opportunities galore in Havana and throughout Cuba. |
Oceania takes the plunge
Luxury Oceania
Cruises has an additional series of journeys to Cuba in November and December,
ranging from six to 13 days from Miami.
The voyages include
the line’s first call at Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, along with Havana,
said Tim Rubacky, director of corporate communications.
Each sailing on the
684-passenger Insignia includes gourmet dining with “continental specialties
along with the bold and vibrant tastes of Cuba.”
There will also be
lectures on Cuban history, art and music, and games of dominoes, a Cuban
staple. oceaniacruises.com
 |
| Carnival Paradise will begin making voyages to Cuba from Tampa in June. |
Norwegian weekly
Norwegian Cruise
Line is extending weekly round-trip cruises to Cuba from Miami aboard Norwegian
Sky through December.
The added sailings
begin in June, after five in May, with the 30
voyages featuring an overnight call in Havana.
The four-day
cruises will also visit Norwegian’s private island, Great Stirrup Cay in the
Bahamas.
Shore excursions
include visiting with Cuba’s “warm and friendly residents through
people-to-people exchanges,” a farm-to-table dining experience, exploring the
flora and fauna of Soroa and viewing modern Havana in a classic car. ncl.com/cruises-to/cuba-cruises
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Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
For more Out to Sea trip
tips: http://outtoseatravel.blogspot.ca
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