Royal Caribbean opens year-long program to Cuba

Royal Caribbean is giving adventure-seekers more opportunities than ever to explore the vibrant island destination of Cuba with new sailings to Havana on Empress of the Seas. Empress will sail 58 four- and five-night cruise itineraries from January 2018 through March 2019, with more than half of the sailings offering overnight stays in Havana.

A few weeks ago Empress of the Seas made her inaugural visit to Cuba as part of a 5-night sailing from Miami. Adventure-seeking vacationers were among the cruise line’s first guests to explore the island country known for its legendary nightlife, iconic music and distinct culture. Guests participated in curated excursions throughout Havana, including rides in 1950s classic American cars to the city’s most famous locales, including the old quarter and the Havana Club Museum.

“Since arriving in Cuba for the first time last month, we’ve seen the excitement of our guests when sailing into Havana and the passion they have for the city at sail away – its people, its architecture, its food, its music. This is the enthusiasm we strive to bring to adventure-seekers who vacation with us,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.  “The positive reaction to our Cuba sailings is very encouraging, and we are thrilled to expand on the number of sailings for our 2018-2019 itineraries.”

Currently sailing from Tampa through Nov. 4, 2017, Empress of the Seas will return to Miami for the winter 2017-2018 season, adding calls to Royal Caribbean’s private island destination CocoCay and Nassau in The Bahamas.

Empress of the Seas will then return to Tampa for summer 2018, offering a series of 4- and 5-night cruises, calling on Key West, Florida, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Havana, Cuba on most sailings.

For the winter 2018-2019 season, the ship will reposition to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, continuing short Caribbean adventures to the Caribbean destinations.

The vibrant Cuban culture extends beyond land to the experience on board Empress of the Seas. From cortaditos and café con leche in Café Royal to salsa music and dancing in Boleros Latin lounge, guests can enjoy a range of onboard activities developed to bring the spirit of the island to life throughout the entire journey.

Having sailed for Pullmantur Cruises, one of Royal Caribbean Cruises’ brands, Empress of the Seas received a $50 million revitalization before returning to the Royal Caribbean fleet.

The newly revitalized Empress of the Seas spans 11 guest decks, encompasses 48,563 gross registered tons, carries 1,602 guests at double occupancy and features 795 staterooms. Guests onboard can enjoy a rock-climbing wall, pools and whirlpools, an adults-only Solarium, a spa with an extensive treatment menu and a complimentary Adventure Ocean youth program. Empress of the Seas offers a variety of dining options, including the casual atmosphere of the Windjammer Café and fine dining at the brand’s signature steakhouse Chops Grille. In addition guest can stay connected through Voom, the fastest internet at sea.