By Dana Niland
CJ Contributor
There’s a new level of luxury cruise to Cuba — more immersive, with even more Cuban destinations.
To meet what it called “luxury travelers’ growing interest in exploring Cuba beyond Havana,” Regent Seven Seas Cruises has introduced a new March 12-22, 2019 voyage to the island.
With visits to four Cuban ports of call, three of which are overnight stays in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos, plus a maiden call to Isla de la Juventud, the new sailing aboard Seven Seas Voyager quickly sold out, and the cruise line is now introducing a second immersive Cuban voyage, the company said.
“Luxury travelers are demanding to experience Cuba in a deeper, more meaningful and culturally-relevant way,” said Jason Montague, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ president and chief executive officer. “Regent Seven Seas Cruises is moving rapidly to meet this demand. Regent was the first North American luxury cruise line to sail to Cuba, and now we are offering luxury travelers truly immersive Cuban experiences in unique ports around the island in March and October 2019. We are excited to make these additional Cuban destinations beyond Havana accessible to luxury cruisers and their travel advisors.”
The new Oct. 22 – Nov. 1, 2019 Cuban Exploration sailing aboard Seven Seas Mariner includes a full day and evening in Havana, and overnight stays in Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos.
The itinerary entails immersive experiences, including not only museums and historical sites, but ways to connect with local arts and culture through exclusive shoreside activities to understand and engage with Cuba and its people.
The voyages feature guest lecturers on board with deep knowledge of Cuba’s history, society and modern-day politics to help guests connect the country’s past and present.
The March 2019 cruise to Cuba includes a stop in Nassau, while the October 2019 cruise features a stop at the island of Great Stirrup Cay in The Bahamas.