Madrid, Spain, March 15, 2018: MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately owned cruise line and the leading cruise line in Europe and South America, announced today that, starting December 10 of this year, MSC Armonia will add Miami to its 7-night Cuba and Caribbean itinerary. Miami will also serve as the homeport for MSC Armonia, along with MSC Divina and MSC Seaside. With the addition of Miami, passengers can enjoy an even more attractive Caribbean itinerary and take advantage of the greatest number of round-trip cruise vacation options. Furthermore, MSC Cruises will be the only cruise line to offer a 7-night program that regularly includes two days in Havana, with the largest and most modern cruise ships calling at Cuba.
Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises, commented: “Miami is internationally known as the ‘cruise capital of the world’ and is often considered the world’s leading cruise port, as its main homeport boasts state-of-the-art passenger terminal facilities, unbeatable accommodation options, outstanding integrated logistics, and excellent supply chain infrastructure. It is a truly exciting destination in itself, and passengers visiting Miami will enjoy a destination unlike any other, with a skyline , a vibrant cultural scene, art, excellent cuisine, entertainment options, and much more, as well as everything that the state of Florida and its surrounding areas have to offer.”
“This new MSC Cruises product in Miami allows us to further enrich our offering for North American passengers. In fact, MSC Armonia will feature Havana and its culture along with the best of Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico.”.
Mr. Onorato added: “Miami being a homeport will offer European and international passengers the opportunity to add another destination, before or after their cruise, to their shore vacation from New York, Orlando, or other U.S. cities. Miami also offers a wider variety of round-trip options when traveling from the U.S. or internationally.”.
MSC Armonia was the first ship in MSC Cruises' €200 million Renaissance Programme and underwent a comprehensive overhaul at the end of 2014. The ship is equipped with a wide range of services and amenities for families, exquisite and varied dining options, exceptional entertainment around the clock, a wide selection of relaxation and rest options, all with a touch of Mediterranean style and flavor.
With its new 7-night itinerary, MSC Armonia passengers will embark in Miami on Mondays, then make stops in Montego Bay (Jamaica), Georgetown (Cayman Islands), Cozumel (Mexico) before finally arriving in the Cuban capital on Saturday and staying there until Sunday, before returning to Florida and Miami.
During their stay in Cuba, passengers can choose from a wide range of land-based activities, filled with cultural and historical discoveries. The Caribbean island is, in fact, a unique cultural hub, offering a distinctive blend of traditions thanks to its rich heritage, unlike any other in the region.
Visits to Cuba comply with U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations that allow tour operators to transport authorized U.S. citizens to Cuba for activities as defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Accordingly, all trips to Cuba from the U.S. include shore excursions that meet the requirement for educational exchange activities between individuals, as established by U.S. regulations.
