Msc Opera to home port in Havana, Cuba!!

MSC CRUISES TO INAUGURATE CUBA AS A DESTINATION IN DECEMBER 2015

Newly-renovated MSC Opera to homeport in Havana for Winter 2015-16 cruise season

Geneva, Switzerland, 3 July 2015 – MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned global cruise line and the market leader in the Mediterranean and South America, announced today that, starting in December 2015, its 2,120-guest MSC Opera will homeport in Havana for the winter 2015-16 season to offer guests 16 Caribbean cruises of relaxation and discovery.

MSC Cruises will give cruise travellers from around the world a unique chance to get aboard the completely renovated 65,542 GRT MSC Opera, part of the Company’s €200 million Renaissance programme, and cruise to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico with two nights and two and a half days in the Cuban capital.

Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, commented: “We are particularly proud to make this exciting new destination available to our guests. For this, I wish to personally thank all those who worked with us over these past several months to make it possible for MSC Cruises to launch Cuba as a destination to its guests. In particular, I wish to thank the Ministers of Transportation and Tourism of the Cuban Government and their representatives for their continued highly professional contribution.”

Mr. Onorato added: “The move to Cuba attests to our steadfast commitment to offer our experienced guests and holiday-makers the best and most sought-after destinations as they become accessible – thus further enhancing our global offering while providing travellers best-in-class experiences and service.”

“The inaugural cruise will take place in less than six months from now,” concluded Mr. Onorato, “but we can definitely attest of the strong demand for the product, due to the combination of the attractiveness of Cuba as a culture-rich destination, coupled with the fact that it is offered through our distinctive MSC Cruises experience.”

The seven-night cruises will be available to MSC Cruises travellers with a combination of packages. In particular, from Spain, Italy, France and Germany, as well as Canada, Brazil and Argentina these will include of fly and cruise combinations. The Company is also pleased to announce that the opening of the sales across all channels for cruises on MSC Opera will be on Thursday 9 July.

To offer local ground services and shore excursions MSC Cruises will partner with Cubanacan, the Cuba-based group created more than 20 years ago known for its experienced professionals and high quality of service.

The first cruise will start from Havana on 22 December 2015, following MSC Opera’s Grand Voyage to Cuba from Genoa, departing on 2 December 2015. To ensure that guests can enjoy and discover the capital city, the Grand Voyage will include a call in Havana on 18 December, and resume its itinerary in the region before heading back to Cuba for its final call of the journey on 22 December. On 12 April 2016, the ship will leave Havana for a Grand Voyage back to Europe, with Warnemünde (Germany) as its final destination, arriving on 7 May 2016.

Explore and unwind

During their two-and-a-half-day stay in Havana, MSC Opera’s guests can explore the city’s stunning old centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover its history, culture and architecture. No visit to Havana is complete without a stroll along the famous Malecón seafront promenade, where the island’s renowned laid-back lifestyle is in full effect.

The island of Cozumel, on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, offers some truly spectacular Mayan ruins, at Tulum. Travellers can snorkel with sea turtles and bathe in refreshing cavern waters, explore ancient Mayan caves or bask in the natural beauty of this island, which lies just off the coast of Quintana Roo.

In Montego Bay, on the north-western coast of Jamaica, guests can go white-water rafting in the Martha Brae River, tour an old plantation at the Good Hope Estate or learn about the mysteries of Rose Hall Great House – a fascinating colonial relic imbued with rumour and intrigue.

In Georgetown, the Cayman Islands, guests can snorkel in Stingray City, take a catamaran cruise to the coral reefs or just unwind on the pristine white Seven Mile Beach, on Grand Cayman’s western shore, famed for its gorgeous cobalt waters and coral sands.

MSC Opera’s Renaissance Programme

As part of the €5.1 billion investment plan announced in 2014, MSC Cruises had earmarked €200 million to fully renovate and modernize - through a cutting-edge full renovation project named “Renaissance programme” - four of its existing ships: MSC Armonia, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Lirica and now Havana-bound MSC Opera which is currently in dry-dock and expected to return to service early July 2015.

Other itinerary changes

In connection with the deployment to Cuba, MSC Opera’s original winter 2015-16 schedule in the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco has been cancelled.

http://www.mscpressarea.com/Press-Area/PressReleases.php?&PIID=8314

Another opportunity to take a Caribbean cruise without the hassle of going through US immigration.

Other itinerary changes

 

In connection with the deployment to Cuba, MSC Opera’s original winter 2015-16 schedule in the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco has been cancelled.

Darnit, I was seriously considering the Opera for Canary Islands in December (thanks to Stef's review!). :(

Interesting article, though. Thanks Mike.

Very interesting, I wonder if you can add on at the end to stay in Cuba, we need to go back!

Very interesting, I wonder if you can add on at the end to stay in Cuba, we need to go back!

It will be interesting to see the full itinerary when it becomes available.

As Alex said, really good to get yet another option for the Caribbean without the delights of US Immigration!

It will be interesting to see the full itinerary when it becomes available.

 

As Alex said, really good to get yet another option for the Caribbean without the delights of US Immigration!

Looks like Cozumel, Mexico,,,Montego Bay, Jamaica,,,and Georgetown, Cayman Islands with a two and a half day stop in Havana,Cuba.

Unfortunately this itinerary is not available for us American citizens,,,

We were due to sail on Opera on Dec 2nd from Genoa to Tenerife. It still leaves Genoa on December 2nd but is heading to Cuba! Looks like we will be offered an alternative cruise or refund - either I can live with but the problem is that we booked our flights independently and I wonder if MSC have an obligation to reimburse us for these! :(

If they offer an alternative cruise, are their restrictions i.e. equal length, equal value, could you transfer your budget winter cruise to a high season summer one :D

The other option is that the first 9 nights of the Grand Voyage to Cuba may be identical to the 9 nighter we booked to Tenerife i.e. we were due to disembark in Tenerife on December 11th and Opera is due to arrive in Havana on December 18th - time wise this is feasible but I am not sure if MSC would prefer to sell a 16 night Genoa to Havana rather than trying to sell a 7 night Tenerife to Havana cruise!

What annoys me most is that clearly a decision has been made, yet the Canary Isl cruises are still available to purchase on the various MSC internet sites! :confused:

These changes on relatively short notice have been discussed before. While I find them acceptable when the security situation changes, I don't think it's right to do it purely based on bookings, as seems to be the case here.

The previous Canary Islands itineraries are still available on the German MSC site.

Other than that, it sounds like an interesting change. I assume one could book the flights separately and add a few days in Cuba.

These changes on relatively short notice have been discussed before. While I find them acceptable when the security situation changes, I don't think it's right to do it purely based on bookings, as seems to be the case here.

 

The previous Canary Islands itineraries are still available on the German MSC site.

 

Other than that, it sounds like an interesting change. I assume one could book the flights separately and add a few days in Cuba.

(12 noon GMT) -- MSC Cruises will homeport MSC Opera in Havana, Cuba from the winter 2015-16 season -- the first mainstream cruise line to do so.

The line will operate 16 Caribbean cruises on the 2,120-passenger ship, including stops in Jamaica, the Cayman Islands and Mexico -- with two nights and two and a half days in the Cuban capital.

Gianni Onorato, Chief Executive Officer of MSC Cruises, said: “We are particularly proud to make this exciting new destination available to our guests. The move to Cuba proves our commitment to offer our guests and holiday-makers the best and most sought-after destinations as they become accessible.”

The first cruise will depart from Havana on 22 December 2015, following MSC Opera's Grand Voyage to Cuba from Genoa, departing on 2 December 2015. The Grand Voyage will include a call in Havana on 18 December, and continue its itinerary in the region before heading back to Cuba for its final call of the journey on 21 December.

On 12 April 2016, the ship will leave Havana for a Grand Voyage back to Europe, with Warnemünde (Germany) as its final destination, arriving on 7 May 2016.

The sailings will be available to UK passengers on a cruise-only basis, going on sale across all channels on Thursday 9 July.

Can Americans Take Cruise Ships to Cuba? Not Yet, But Soon...

To offer local ground services and shore excursions MSC Cruises will partner with Cubanacan.

MSC Opera's original winter 2015-16 schedule in the Canary Islands, Madeira and Morocco has been cancelled.

Passengers who have already booked a Canaries sailing for winter 2015-16 will have the opportunity to get a full refund or transfer their holiday to alternative MSC Cruises Mediterranean itineraries, with the offer of upgrades or on-board credit as compensation. Alternatively, passengers can switch their booking to Cuba. Fly-cruise customers will be charged a low rate fixed fee (approximately £285 per person) to account for the difference in flight costs.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=6434

Sounds interesting, thanks for posting Mike ... :)

I wish I was able to go, this was a definate run on my list. I'm glad we have opened the door between America & Cuba now if we can go ahead and travel freely there.

I wish I was able to go, this was a definate run on my list. I'm glad we have opened the door between America & Cuba now if we can go ahead and travel freely there.

Just need Congress to pass the funding for the new Embassy and appoint an ambassador which will be the first hurdle. The second and most important is to lift the embargo between the United States and Cuba which will allow US citizens to travel freely to Cuba without restrictions. I honestly don't see this happening for a very long time unfortunately,,,,:mad:

We were due to sail on Opera on Dec 2nd from Genoa to Tenerife. It still leaves Genoa on December 2nd but is heading to Cuba! Looks like we will be offered an alternative cruise or refund - either I can live with but the problem is that we booked our flights independently and I wonder if MSC have an obligation to reimburse us for these! :(

 

If they offer an alternative cruise, are their restrictions i.e. equal length, equal value, could you transfer your budget winter cruise to a high season summer one :D

 

The other option is that the first 9 nights of the Grand Voyage to Cuba may be identical to the 9 nighter we booked to Tenerife i.e. we were due to disembark in Tenerife on December 11th and Opera is due to arrive in Havana on December 18th - time wise this is feasible but I am not sure if MSC would prefer to sell a 16 night Genoa to Havana rather than trying to sell a 7 night Tenerife to Havana cruise!

 

What annoys me most is that clearly a decision has been made, yet the Canary Isl cruises are still available to purchase on the various MSC internet sites! :confused:

Hi TV

MSC have done this before and they do not have the best track record in these situations.

Annie

Very interesting news Mike , thanks.

It makes sense, since it will be a good and new itinerary. It's a good move for MSC I think, yet it is a pity they're cancelling Canaries cruises, since I had an interest in those.

Cuba is a popular holiday destination for Irish people so I imagine there'll be a bit of interest in this from here! With direct flights from Dublin, it makes it very accessible - I'll certainly be considering the Caribbean now ;)

Looks like Cozumel, Mexico,,,Montego Bay, Jamaica,,,and Georgetown, Cayman Islands with a two and a half day stop in Havana,Cuba.

Unfortunately this itinerary is not available for us American citizens,,,

Nor the UK either by the look of things. There is currently a gap in the schedule. That could mean they haven't yet put it up or they don't intend to. Time will tell.

We were due to sail on Opera on Dec 2nd from Genoa to Tenerife. It still leaves Genoa on December 2nd but is heading to Cuba! Looks like we will be offered an alternative cruise or refund - either I can live with but the problem is that we booked our flights independently and I wonder if MSC have an obligation to reimburse us for these! :(

 

If they offer an alternative cruise, are their restrictions i.e. equal length, equal value, could you transfer your budget winter cruise to a high season summer one :D

 

The other option is that the first 9 nights of the Grand Voyage to Cuba may be identical to the 9 nighter we booked to Tenerife i.e. we were due to disembark in Tenerife on December 11th and Opera is due to arrive in Havana on December 18th - time wise this is feasible but I am not sure if MSC would prefer to sell a 16 night Genoa to Havana rather than trying to sell a 7 night Tenerife to Havana cruise!

 

What annoys me most is that clearly a decision has been made, yet the Canary Isl cruises are still available to purchase on the various MSC internet sites! :confused:

The very same thing happened when they switch our repo cruise from Sharm el Sheikh to the Canaries when they decided to pull the Red Sea cruises in favour of the Canaries.

We had a huge (well by MDC standards) on here and we learnt of the switch by an announcement that the Armonia would be wintering in the Canaries. new cruises were on sale before they got around to talking to is. Most of us switched. I'd not gotten around to booking my flights so was ok, but others had.

We all gave them a hard time over it and they got the costs of the wasted flights back. Can't remember if they bit cash or an OBC.

Technically they don't have to as that is the risk you take with cruise only, but I recommend you persist with them.

Hopefully you can get something similar for same dates or just a day or so different. Although some airlines whilst not refunding for cancellation, aren't too bad when it comes to charges for moving dates.

Good luck getting it resolved. It won't be fast, but persevere!

It's a real risk when booking a cruise - sometimes the itinerary is changed for no (apparent) logical reason :mad:

I'd booked a Black Sea cruise on Sinfonia for May 2013. MSC, for reasons that were never furnished, changed the itinerary to the Canaries. It was before the crisis in Ukraine. The ship did the itinerary in April 2013 as scheduled. Fortunately, flights hadn't been booked but the TA had a heck of a time getting our deposit back!

It's a real risk when booking a cruise - sometimes the itinerary is changed for no (apparent) logical reason :mad:

 

I'd booked a Black Sea cruise on Sinfonia for May 2013. MSC, for reasons that were never furnished, changed the itinerary to the Canaries. It was before the crisis in Ukraine. The ship did the itinerary in April 2013 as scheduled. Fortunately, flights hadn't been booked but the TA had a heck of a time getting our deposit back!

I think we are all more understanding when there are political events, war or terrorism that are the cause of these changes. It kind of makes any financial loss more palatable. When it just seems to be a commercial reason, there is an expectation that they will factor in the impact on those already booked and be reasonable.

I lost a cruise to the volcanic ash milarkey. Fortunately I'd booked fly/cruise with MSC and I only ended up losing the cost of a train fare from Dover to Edinburgh. MSC took the brunt of everything else and swapped me to repo the other way round later that year. I've often wondered how good travel insurance would be I covering losses on flights when it's down to a commercial decision by a travel company.

I think we are all more understanding when there are political events, war or terrorism that are the cause of these changes. It kind of makes any financial loss more palatable. When it just seems to be a commercial reason, there is an expectation that they will factor in the impact on those already booked and be reasonable.

Very true, Mairi. The cruise companies aren't as lenient if, for any reason, you decide you want to change itinerary LOL!!

I've been following the Celebrity boards as I've booked an X cruise. Crikey, it seems that X regularly cancels cruises to facilitate charters. And that's a company who's loyal customers like to book very far out in advance. In fact, the cruise immediately following my date was cancelled for that very reason. It really makes you consider if you should have an alternative strategy should a cruise you've booked be cancelled/rerouted - especially if flights have been booked and paid for.

Very true, Mairi. The cruise companies aren't as lenient if, for any reason, you decide you want to change itinerary LOL!!

 

I've been following the Celebrity boards as I've booked an X cruise. Crikey, it seems that X regularly cancels cruises to facilitate charters. And that's a company who's loyal customers like to book very far out in advance. In fact, the cruise immediately following my date was cancelled for that very reason. It really makes you consider if you should have an alternative strategy should a cruise you've booked be cancelled/rerouted - especially if flights have been booked and paid for.

On the recent Divina TA to Europe, the cancelled the Bermuda POC. They contacted the passengers who had to pay for their own flights to join the ship in New York. They were given a nominal amount of OBC as compensation which did not cover the cost of the air tickets.

I wouldn't hold my breath.

Annie

On the recent Divina TA to Europe, the cancelled the Bermuda POC. They contacted the passengers who had to pay for their own flights to join the ship in New York. They were given a nominal amount of OBC as compensation which did not cover the cost of the air tickets.

 

I wouldn't hold my breath.

 

Annie

Was that as result of bad weather, Annie?

Booking a cruise really is fraught with inherent complexities, notwithstanding cruise companies vagaries when it comes to changing itineraries for their own reasons! And their paltry compensation offers are derisory IMHO.

Mikesa1721 I hope it doesn't take that long. They just announced opening an embassy. My BFF is Canadian and apparently Canadians travel to Cuba a lot also. She and her husband have been. Oh well I'm still excited about the news and hope I get there soon. Flights are already going from Miami to Cuba for some.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2015/06/30/cuba-us-embassy-openings-wednesday/29532743/

Was that as result of bad weather, Annie?

 

Booking a cruise really is fraught with inherent complexities, notwithstanding cruise companies vagaries when it comes to changing itineraries for their own reasons! And their paltry compensation offers are derisory IMHO.

So they claimed but TBH there were so many rumours circulating on board the ship. It was alleged that H/O made the decision before Divina reached NYC.

JMO - the jury is out.

Annie