Photo courtesy of Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises, a Greek-owned cruise company, has announced it will begin sailing year-round in Cuba as of November 21, 2016. Additionally its ship, the Celestyal Crystal, will home port in Havana in 2016 and 2017. Formerly known as Cuba Cruise, this is the company’s fourth year sailing in Cuba. Last year, it was the only cruise line to visit four ports in the Caribbean nation.

“The all-inclusive Celestyal Cruises remains the unchallenged, value-for-money cruise to the best of Cuba,” said Kyriakos Anastassiadis, CEO of Celestyal Cruises. “Our 2015-2016 season was our most successful season yet. Due to high demand, we have decided to launch our fourth season in Cuba on November 21, 2016, four weeks earlier than last year, with weekly departures year-round. We look forward to immersing even more passengers from all over the world in our authentic Cuban experience.”          

Later this year, the all-inclusive Cuba Cruise will officially rebrand as Celestyal Cruises, as it begins to roll out a line-up of new products and experiences to its passengers.

From November 2016 to December 2017, the Celestyal Crystal will set course for seven-night cruises that include two days in Havana and a call at Maria La Gorda, known for its beachfront and underwater marine life. The ship will also call upon historic Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

Various shore excursions at each port will range from walking tours to rum tastings, and snorkeling to hiking. The cruise ship will depart every Monday from Havana and every Friday from Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Travelling with an American? Americans are welcome on board, provided they book their cruise with an authorized tour partner such as Road Scholar, Insight Cuba or Globus; or they can book directly or through a travel agent and then register for the People to People Cuba Cruise group program.

Celestyal Cruises, a member of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA Europe) since 2011, has earned a number of industry awards. At the 2015 Greek Tourism Awards, it won a Gold Award for Themed Events, a Silver Award for Contribution to the National Economy, a Silver Award for Contribution to Local Economies and a Bronze Award for Promotion of Local Cuisine.

For more information, visit www.yourcubacruise.com.

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