Royal Caribbean opens first year-long program to Cuba

Published on May 11, 2017

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

"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, 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."

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Company

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. is an American global cruise company incorporated in Liberia and based in Miami, Florida. It is the world's second-largest cruise line operator, after Carnival Corporation & plc.Wikipedia

Customer service: +1 800-256-6649

Stock price: RCL (NYSE) $108.34 -0.02 (-0.02%)
May 10, 4:02 PM EDT - Disclaimer

Headquarters: Miami, Florida, United States

CEO: Richard D. Fain (1988–)

Revenue: 8.3 billion USD (2015)

Number of employees: 66,000 (2015)

Empress of the Seas will return to Tampa for summer 2018, offering a series of four- and five-night cruises, calling on Key West, Florida, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Havana, Cuba on most sailings. The ship will reposition to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida for the winter 2018-2019 season, 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.

MS Empress of the Seas

Ship

MS Empress of the Seas is a cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. She was formerly operated by Pullmantur Cruises as Empress. Wikipedia

Launched: August 25, 1989

Length: 689′

Capacity: 1,840

Yard number: G29

Crew: 668

Identification: IMO number: 8716899

Speed: 19.5 knots (36.1 km/h; 22.4 mph)

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.