Have you ever dreamed of cruising through the Caribbean and immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Cuba? Now, you can make it a reality!
MSC Cruises has just announced that their ship, MSC Opera, will be homeporting in Havana for the winter 2015-16 season.
With 16 Caribbean cruises from December to April, including stops in Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.
Plus, passengers will have the chance to spend two nights in the Cuban capital, experiencing all it has to offer.
So, get ready to set sail and discover the beauty of Cuba with MSC Cruises.
Key Takeaways
- MSC Opera will homeport in Havana, Cuba for the winter 2015-16 season and offer 16 Caribbean cruises.
- The destinations of the cruises include Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, with two nights spent in Havana.
- MSC Cruises has partnered with Cubanacan for local ground services and shore excursions.
- U.S. citizens need a special OFAC license or must fall under one of the permitted travel categories to book a Cuba cruise with MSC Cruises.
MSC Opera to Homeport in Havana, Cuba for Winter 2015-16 Season
I’m excited to announce that MSC Opera will be homeporting in Havana, Cuba for the upcoming winter season.
This means that the ship will be based in Havana and will offer cruise itineraries in the Caribbean.
From December 2015 to April 2016, MSC Opera will be offering 16 Caribbean cruises, visiting destinations such as Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.
One of the highlights of these cruises is that passengers will get to spend two nights in the Cuban capital, Havana.
What makes these cruises even more special is MSC Opera’s partnership with Cubanacan. This partnership ensures high-quality service for local ground services and shore excursions, enhancing the overall experience for guests.
So get ready to set sail with MSC Opera and explore the beautiful Caribbean, starting from Havana, Cuba.
16 Caribbean Cruises From December 2015 to April 2016
Bookings are now open for the 7-night Caribbean cruises departing from Havana between December 2015 and April 2016.
Here are some key details about these cruises:
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Cruise availability for U.S. citizens: U.S. citizens who have a special OFAC license or fall within one of the permitted travel categories can now book the Cuba cruise. MSC Cruises provides guidance for U.S. citizens interested in booking.
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Benefits of partnering with Cubanacan for local services: MSC Cruises has partnered with Cubanacan to ensure high-quality service for their guests. Cubanacan will provide local ground services and shore excursions, enhancing the overall experience of the cruise.
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Destinations and itinerary: The 7-night cruises will include visits to Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. Additionally, passengers will get to spend two nights in the vibrant Cuban capital, Havana.
These cruises offer a unique opportunity for U.S. citizens to explore the Caribbean and experience the rich culture of Cuba. By partnering with Cubanacan, MSC Cruises ensures that guests will have a memorable and well-serviced vacation.
Exciting Destinations: Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel
Visiting Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel on these 7-night cruises is an exciting opportunity to explore beautiful Caribbean destinations. These ports offer a range of cruise activities and cultural experiences that will enrich your vacation.
In Montego Bay, you can relax on stunning beaches or go snorkeling to discover vibrant marine life.
Grand Cayman is known for its crystal-clear waters and world-class diving sites, where you can explore coral reefs and encounter colorful fish.
Cozumel is a popular destination for its Mayan ruins and vibrant local markets, where you can immerse yourself in the rich culture of Mexico.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, these destinations offer something for everyone. Don’t miss out on the chance to create unforgettable memories on your Caribbean cruise.
Two Nights in the Cuban Capital: Havana
Exploring the vibrant streets and rich history of Havana, Cuba for two nights is an exciting highlight of the Caribbean cruise experience.
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Havana’s cultural attractions offer a glimpse into the city’s fascinating past. From the UNESCO World Heritage site of Old Havana with its colonial architecture to the iconic Malecon promenade, there is something for everyone to explore and discover.
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When it comes to Havana’s cuisine, prepare to indulge in a variety of flavors. From traditional Cuban dishes like ropa vieja and arroz con pollo to mouthwatering street food like churros and empanadas, the food scene in Havana is a culinary delight.
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Take a stroll through the colorful neighborhoods of Vedado and Miramar, where you’ll find an array of art galleries, museums, and theaters showcasing the city’s vibrant arts and culture.
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Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the famous Plaza de la Catedral, home to the stunning Havana Cathedral and surrounded by charming cafes and shops. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy a cup of Cuban coffee.
Partnership With Cubanacan for Local Ground Services and Shore Excursions
I’m excited about the partnership with Cubanacan for local ground services and shore excursions.
This partnership will enhance the experience of our guests during their time in Havana. Cubanacan is a well-established company that specializes in providing high-quality services to tourists in Cuba.
They will be responsible for arranging transportation for our guests, whether it be from the port to their chosen shore excursion or to explore the local sights.
They will also offer a variety of shore excursions, allowing our guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and history of Havana. From visiting iconic landmarks to experiencing authentic Cuban cuisine, these shore excursions will provide our guests with unforgettable memories.
We are confident that our partnership with Cubanacan will ensure that our guests have a truly exceptional experience in Havana.
Schedule Changes: MSC Opera’s Winter 2015-16 Itinerary
MSC Opera’s schedule for the winter 2015-16 season has been changed, with cruises in the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Morocco being cancelled. Instead, MSC Cruises has announced that MSC Opera will homeport in Havana, Cuba for the winter season. This exciting change means that passengers will now have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and culturally rich destination of Cuba. The new itinerary includes 16 Caribbean cruises from December 2015 to April 2016, with destinations such as Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. MSC Cruises has also partnered with Cubanacan to provide local ground services and shore excursions, ensuring a high-quality experience for guests. Sales for the new cruises from Havana will open on July 9, and U.S. citizens interested in booking the Cuba cruise will need a special OFAC license or fall within one of the permitted travel categories.
| Winter 2015-16 Schedule Changes |
|---|
| – Canary Islands |
| – Madeira |
| – Morocco |
First Cruise From Havana Departs on December 22, 2015
The first cruise from Havana departs on December 22, 2015, offering a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and stunning destinations of the Caribbean.
This inaugural cruise with MSC Cruises allows passengers to embark on an unforgettable journey, immersing themselves in Cuba’s cultural richness. With a focus on providing a distinctive experience, MSC Cruises aims to showcase the best of Cuba through its partnership with Cubanacan for local ground services and shore excursions.
Passengers will have the chance to explore breathtaking destinations such as Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, while also spending two nights in the Cuban capital.
This exciting new venture by MSC Cruises combines the allure of a first cruise experience with the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Cuba’s vibrant culture and heritage.
MSC Opera’s Grand Voyage to Cuba From Genoa Departs on December 2, 2015
As a traveler, I can’t wait to embark on MSC Opera’s Grand Voyage to Cuba from Genoa on December 2, 2015. This exciting journey will take me from the beautiful city of Genoa, Italy to the vibrant capital of Havana, Cuba. The MSC Opera offers an unforgettable experience, with its luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities. On this grand voyage, I will have the opportunity to explore the stunning Caribbean destinations of Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. Two nights in Havana will allow me to immerse myself in the rich culture and history of this fascinating city. MSC Cruises also offers fly and cruise combinations, making it convenient for travelers from various countries to join the MSC Opera’s cruise itineraries from Havana. It’s an incredible opportunity to discover the beauty of Cuba and create lifelong memories.
| MSC Opera’s Grand Voyage from Genoa, Italy to Havana, Cuba | Cruise itineraries and fly and cruise combinations for MSC Opera from Havana |
|---|---|
| Departure Date: December 2, 2015 | Explore the Caribbean destinations of Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel |
| Departure Port: Genoa, Italy | Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Havana with two nights in the Cuban capital |
| Arrival Port: Havana, Cuba | Convenient fly and cruise combinations available for travelers from various countries |
| Luxurious accommodations and world-class amenities on board MSC Opera | Unforgettable journey to discover the beauty of Cuba and create lifelong memories |
Sales Open on July 9: Book Your Cruise From Havana
I can’t wait to book my cruise from Havana when sales open on July 9. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Caribbean destinations on board the MSC Opera.
Here are some key details about the upcoming cruises:
- The MSC Opera will offer 16 Caribbean cruises from December 2015 to April 2016.
- The destinations include Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel, among others.
- Passengers will also get to spend two nights in the vibrant Cuban capital.
- MSC Cruises has partnered with Cubanacan to provide local ground services and shore excursions.
For those interested, there are fly and cruise combinations available from various countries. However, it’s important to note that as a U.S. citizen, I will need a special OFAC license or fall within one of the permitted travel categories to book the Cuba cruise. MSC Cruises provides guidance for U.S. citizens interested in booking the cruise and ensures a high-quality experience through their partnership with Cubanacan.
Travel Restrictions for U.S. Citizens Explained
U.S. citizens interested in booking the Cuba cruise need a special OFAC license or fall within one of the permitted travel categories. The Cuba sanctions regulations list 12 categories of permitted travel. To help you understand the requirements, MSC Cruises provides guidance for U.S. citizens interested in booking the Cuba cruise. Here is a table summarizing the OFAC license requirements and the permitted travel categories:
| OFAC License Requirements | Permitted Travel Categories |
|---|---|
| Obtain a special license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) | Family visits |
| Educational activities | Professional research and meetings |
| Professional research and meetings | Public performances, clinics, workshops, exhibitions and athletic competitions |
| Public performances, clinics, workshops, exhibitions and athletic competitions | Humanitarian projects |
MSC Cruises wants to ensure that U.S. citizens have all the necessary information to comply with the regulations and enjoy their Cuba cruise experience.
CEO Statement: MSC Cruises’ Pride in Offering Cuba as a New Destination
After discussing the travel restrictions for U.S. citizens, let’s now focus on the CEO statement regarding MSC Cruises’ pride in offering Cuba as a new destination.
Gianni Onorato, the CEO of MSC Cruises, expresses his pride in providing this new opportunity to travelers. He highlights the strong demand for the product due to Cuba’s cultural richness and the distinctive experience that MSC Cruises offers. With their partnership with Cubanacan, they ensure high-quality service for their guests.
Furthermore, Onorato mentions that MSC Cruises aims to provide an exceptional experience for their guests. This announcement also opens up possibilities for MSC Cruises to expand to other Caribbean destinations in the future.
Additionally, the introduction of these new Cuba cruises is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, bringing in tourism revenue and creating job opportunities for the local population.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Travel Restrictions for U.S. Citizens Wanting to Book a Cuba Cruise With MSC Cruises?
To book a Cuba cruise with MSC Cruises, U.S. citizens must obtain a special OFAC license or fit into one of the permitted travel categories. MSC Cruises offers guidance on how to obtain the license.
How Can U.S. Citizens Obtain the Special OFAC License Required to Book a Cuba Cruise?
To book a Cuba cruise with MSC Cruises, U.S. citizens can obtain the special OFAC license required by following the 12 categories of permitted travel listed in the Cuba sanctions regulations.
What Are Some of the Featured Destinations on the 16 Caribbean Cruises Offered by MSC Opera?
On the 16 Caribbean cruises offered by MSC Opera, some of the featured destinations include Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. There are also a variety of excursions available for guests to enjoy.
Can U.S. Citizens Book a Fly and Cruise Combination for the 7-Night Cruises From Havana?
Yes, U.S. citizens can book fly and cruise combinations for the 7-night cruises from Havana. There are availability of fly and cruise packages from Havana, offering a convenient way to explore the Caribbean.
How Can U.S. Citizens Interested in Booking the Cuba Cruise Get Guidance From MSC Cruises?
As a U.S. citizen interested in booking the Cuba cruise, I can get guidance from MSC Cruises customer support. They offer Cuba cruise booking assistance to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
Claire, a creative soul with an unquenchable thirst for storytelling, is an integral part of the Voyager Info team. As a dedicated writer, she weaves captivating narratives that transport readers to enchanting cruise destinations and beyond.
Claire’s love affair with writing began at an early age when she discovered the magic of words and their ability to craft worlds and emotions. Her innate curiosity led her to explore various literary genres, but it was travel writing that truly captured her heart. Drawing inspiration from her own globetrotting adventures and encounters with diverse cultures, Claire embarked on a journey to become a travel writer par excellence.
