PHOTO: MSC Armonia. (Photo courtesy of MSC Cruises)

As Cuba continues to catapult in popularity, MSC Cruises is announcing that it is increasing its presence in the region.

The Geneva, Switzerland-based cruise line will homeport a second ship in Havana during the winter 2016-17 season, in order to meet the growing demand from travellers interested in exploring the island’s rich culture.

The cruise line, which enters its second season in Cuba, began sailing to Cuba last year with the MSC Opera. This year, the ship returns to Cuba in December 2016 for eight-day, seven-night cruises that originate in Havana and also call upon Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown. Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico. Guests embark in Havana on Saturdays.

The liner is also deploying the MSC Armonia to Cuba in November 2016, where the ship will homeport for the entire winter season. Throughout the season, MSC Armonia will sail two separate itineraries, one to the Caribbean and another to Central America.

For the first itinerary, passengers embark the MSC Armonia on Tuesdays and spend two days and one night in the Cuban capital before sailing on to Isla de Roatan, Honduras known for its stunning coral reefs, and then Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya; Mexico; and then on to Isla de la Juventud, Cuba.

For the second itinerary, guests spend two nights and two and a half days in Havana before sailing on to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel; Mexico. Travellers will also have the opportunity to combine both itineraries into a 14-night voyage.

Havana’s cruise terminal is located at the UNESCO Heritage-site Ciudad Vieja, or Old Havana, which means passengers are within walking distance of many of the area’s most famed sights.

“With no less than nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and a long-held tradition of hospitality, Cuba has all the makings of a top world cruise destination,” said Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer. “MSC Cruises is honoured to be able to support the further development of this huge potential, and we’re very thankful to the Cuban authorities for their ongoing cooperation in this regard.”

Canadian travel agencies can book MSC Cruises through established tour partners throughout Canada, including Sunwing Vacations, Encore Cruises, Oceana Tours, Concord Tours and Travel, Marco Polo Tours, Premium Tours, and Vistatours. For every booking made on MSC Cruises, travellers will receive the Allegrissimo Classic drink package which includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

When booking MSC Cruises, passengers can enjoy flexible booking options, including cruise-only bookings or fly & cruise packages. They can also add their choice of pre- and post-cruise stays. Travellers can also opt to pre-pay selected shore excursions, wifi packages, picture packages and gratuities. All booking options are available in Canadian dollars.

For more information, visit www.msccruises.com. 

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