MSC Cruises is doubling it’s presence in Cuba, sending a second ship to continue the demand for the island’s uniquely rich culture. MSC Armonia will join MSC Opera in 2016–2017, offering an enriched Caribbean And Central American Itinerary Program.
MSC Cruises announced today, it will further strengthen its presence in Cuba by homeporting a second ship in Havana for the winter 2016-2017 season, to continue the rising demand for opportunities to experience the Caribbean island’s uniquely rich culture.
In a move that will quickly double the number of Caribbean itineraries centred on Cuba, MSC Armonia will join MSC Opera in Havana, from November 2016, for the entire winter season.
MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer Gianni Onorato said: “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. MSC Cruises is honoured to be able to support the further development of this huge potential cruising experience.”
MSC Armonia will sail two separate, culturally diverse, eight-day (seven-night) itineraries.
Following two days and one night in the Cuban capital, the first itinerary will take guests from Havana to the white sand beaches, pristine bays and spectacular coral reefs of Isla de Roatan (Honduras), before heading for the colonial charm of Belize City (Belize). It is then on to Costa Maya (Mexico) and finally Isla de la Juventud (Cuba), for an exclusive Caribbean beach experience, before returning to Havana.
The second itinerary will start with two and half days and two nights in Havana, then set sail for Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula visiting Montego Bay (Jamaica), Georgetown (Cayman Islands) and Cozumel, before circling back to the Cuban capital, Havana.
MSC Armonia’s presence in Cuba will also offer MSC Cruises guests the unique chance to combine both itineraries into one spectacular 14-night cruise.
In addition, Havana’s cruise terminal situated at the foot of Ciudad Vieja (Old Havana), a UNESCO- listed heritage site, is of prime position allowing passengers to step off the ship and straight into the local sights to discover and explore the fascinating barrio of Havana.
In December 2015, MSC Cruises will become the first global cruise line to homeport in Havana, where MSC Opera will sail to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico, with two and a half days and two nights in the Cuban capital.
In addition to Cuba, MSC Cruises’ ever richer Caribbean offering includes year-round sailings from Miami on MSC Divina, and as of December 2017 on the Company’s next-generation cruise ship MSC Seaside. Furthermore, MSC Cruises also offers a wide range of seasonal itineraries in the West Indies from Guadeloupe or la Martinique.
SOURCE: MSC Cruises