Have cruising on the brain? We’re catching you up on all the big news from the high seas.
Cuba, ahoy!
Ever since the U.S. announced last year that it was taking steps to improve relations with Cuba, the island has been in high demand. Cruise lines are getting in on the act: Carnival Corp.’s new social impact-focused line fathom will roll out seven-night people-to-people tours to Cuba in May. Itineraries will be aboard the 710-passenger Adonia, with different projects that connect Americans and Cubans. Fares are from $2,990 per person and include onboard social impact-related activities and some cultural activities on the ground.
Beginning in December, MSC Cruises’ MSC Opera will homeport in Havana and will operate itineraries to Jamaica, Mexico, and the Cayman Islands. Before you start planning your cruise, just know that the itineraries are only open to travelers from Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Canada, Brazil, and Argentina.
Majesty gets a reprieve.
Royal Caribbean’s oldest ship, the Majesty of the Seas, is getting a second chance. The 23-year-old ship was set to transfer to Spanish line Pullmantur, according to USA Today, but will stay with Royal Caribbean to sail to the Bahamas on short itineraries out of Port Canaveral. (It currently sails to the Bahamas from Miami.) Before switching ports, it’ll go into dry dock to add water slides, a family hot tub, poolside movie screen, and several restaurants. Even better, it’ll offer guests free and unlimited Wi-Fi.
