Change Abounds At Cuba Cruise

Since last year’s successful second season of operations, Cuba Cruise has seen a vast change in political climate, reports western editor, Ted Davis in this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier.

That is, Cuba is now increasingly on the radar of American travellers, and Cuba Cruise is proving to be a popular way to reach and experience the once-reclusive island nation. A thawing in the diplomatic relationship between Cuba and the United States is starting to open the door to American tourism to Cuba, although those visits are still restricted.

As such, early bookings on the Celestyal Crystal (formerly the Louis Cristal) are moving briskly, says Christine Chiang, the new VP of sales and marketing, Canada, for Celestyal Cruises. “There has been a big surge in interest,” she said.

She recently completed a cross country product tour in partnership with Transat Holidays at the Transat Training Academies, making visits to Montreal, Quebec City, Laval, La Prairie, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa/Gatineau, Ajax, Oakville, Winnipeg, Hamilton, St. Catharines, Kitchener, London, Halifax and Burnaby to connect with travel agents. Helping to drive those cabin reservations is a 15% discount booking bonus, which is in effect until Oct. 31, she said.

And while the ship is unchanged, the itinerary of port calls has evolved, as have associated services.

For the full story, check out this week’s digital edition of Travel Courier by clicking here.