I guess it’s time for me to hop on a cruise ship and head to Cuba! The hottest destination in the Caribbean is forcing cruise lines to add additional cruises to the country that’s frozen in time.
It seems each week I’m writing about additional Cuba cruises being added to ship’s itineraries, and today’s announcement from Carnival Cruise Line is an indication that the demand is stronger than ever.
For the first time, the 3,002-passenger Carnival Sunshine will begin sailing to Havana from Charleston, SC in 2019. When she docks for the first time next November, she will be the largest cruise ship to ever call on Havana. It will also be the first time any cruise ship based out of the Port of Charleston has ever sailed to Cuba.
In addition to Carnival Sunshine, Carnival will have four ships offering cruises to Cuba – Carnival Triumph from Fort Lauderdale, Carnival Paradise from Tampa and Carnival Victory and Carnival Sensation from Miami for the 2019-2020 season.
Newly announced voyages include:
- Carnival Sunshine (Charleston): a four-day cruise with a day-long call in Havana departing Nov. 21, 2019, along with eight five-day cruises featuring Havana and Freeportdeparting Jan. 6, Feb. 3 and 17, March 2, 16 and 30 and April 13, and 27, 2020.
- Carnival Triumph (Fort Lauderdale): eight five-day cruises featuring an overnight call in Havana and a day-long call in Nassau departing Dec. 14, 2019, and Jan. 11, Feb. 8and 22, March 7 and 21, and April 4 and 18, 2020; and a five-day cruise featuring an overnight call in Havana and a visit to the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay departing Jan. 20, 2020.
- Carnival Victory (Miami): a three-day voyage with a day-long call in Havana departing Nov. 22, 2019.
- Carnival Sensation (Miami): a four-day cruise featuring an overnight call in Havana and an extended visit to Nassau departing March 19, 2020, along with two five-day sailings with an overnight call in Havana and visits to Freeport and Nassau departing Feb. 15 and 29, 2020.
- Carnival Paradise (Tampa): a five-day voyage departing Nov. 18, 2019, with an overnight call in Havana and a stop at Key West.
“Cuba has proven to be extremely popular with our guests and we’re delighted to provide even more opportunities to experience and explore this fascinating destination with these new voyages departing from four key East Coast homeports, including the first Cuba cruises from Charleston,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
To comply with government regulations regarding cruising to Cuba, guests sailing on Carnival’s Cuba cruises can select from nearly 20 different shore excursion experiences that showcase the island’s vibrant culture, majestic beauty and centuries-old architectural landmarks. A variety of Cuban-themed activities and entertainment, Havana-inspired deck parties, trivia contests and salsa lessons, are also offered. There’s also an onboard Cuba expert who discusses the country’s rich history and culture.
For a glimpse of what it’s like in Cuba, check out these photos from a reader’s recent visit.
For more information on Carnival Cruise Lines Cruises to Cuba, visit their website.