MSC Cruises continues its expansion into the North American market by adding a third ship to its lineup in Miami. In an announcement earlier this week, MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato, said the 2,679 passenger MSC Armonia will be the first ship in the line’s history to sail from a United States homeport to Cuba.
During the Obama administration, the United States and Cuba loosened restrictions that were in place since Kennedy was President. Since then, several cruise lines sailing from Florida have added Cuba as a destination, following regulations in place for “people-to-people” travel. In a nutshell, as long as the cruise line offers experiences that educate travelers on the island nation’s history and culture, it qualifies.
MSC Armonia will offer a regular schedule of seven-day cruises beginning December 10, 2018. The itinerary includes stop in Montego Bay, Jamacia; Georgetown, Cayman Islands; and Cozumel, Mexico before sailing to Havana to spend two days before returning to PortMiami.
BONUS: See photos of one reader’s cruise to Cuba by clicking here.
Bookings for these newly announced cruises to Cuba are now open, with rates starting at $449 per person.
MSC Armonia will join two other MSC ships currently homeporting in Miami – the MSC Divina and the months-old MSC Seaside.
BONUS: Click to read my MSC Divina cruise reviews.
The MSC Armonia was built in 2001 for the now defunct Festival Cruises and was previously named the MS European Vision. She was purchased by MSC in 2004. In 2014 she underwent a refurbishment that included the addition of a spray park, refurbished retail shops, new kids areas, a redesigned buffet, a new bar/lounge and expanded restaurant.