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By John Stansfield , December 10, 2016 , Cruise Industry
Royal Caribbean confirmed that Empress of the Seas will be the ship used to make first sailings to Cuba in 2017 spring. The first 5-night sailing will be out of Miami on April 19.
The newly revamped vessel will then reposition to Tampa, offering two itineraries with calls to Havana on April 30 and May 20.
Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the summer - Royal Caribbean’s first-ever summer programme from the destination - offering a series of four- and five-night sailings, including calls to destinations in Cuba.
Details of the summer itineraries for the 1,600-passenger ship will be released at a later date, according to the line.
Passengers travelling to Cuba will be limited to “people-to-people” experiences in accordance with current US to Cuba travel regulations.
Royal Caribbean International sister company Azamara Club Cruises was also granted approval by Cuban authorities to serve the island together with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ three brands.
Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International president and CE), said:
“Royal Caribbean is the world’s most exciting adventure company, and we’re thrilled to introduce culture-seeking travellers to Cuba.
“As the unrivalled innovators of the cruise experience, no company is better positioned to help adventurers explore and experience this culturally rich destination.”
Source: travelweekly.co.uk
You would think that the draw from Miami, would be more profitable to keep her berthed in Miami, instead choosing to have people commute to Tampa for regional sailings.
I guess the Tampa air corridor/Port of Tampa would be better than flying folks into MIA instead.
I wonder why they won't keep her in Miami. Was this a cost/berth issue, or just getting the CUBA ship out of Miami and sending her to a secondary berth somewhere else?
Maybe too much politics in Miami to keep here there indefinitely.
Maybe someone out there has more insight on this article.
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