New Scarlet Lady will overnight in the island's capital city during her inaugural cruises from PortMiami
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Virgin Voyages’ first cruise ship, Scarlet Lady, is to sail to Cuba during her inaugural season in 2020.
The adults-only cruise company scheduled the calls after feedback from customers and travel partners in the UK and North America showed it was one of the “most desired and interesting” destinations to visit during a cruise.
“We are thrilled to share the news about our partnership with Cuba and can’t wait to take our sailors to Havana, which is without doubt, one of the Caribbean’s most authentic and enriching destinations,” said Tom McAlpin, president and CEO of Virgin Voyages. “This fantastic place offers the chance for our sailors to create their own unique stories as they uncover cultural treasures, meet the locals and just soak up the atmosphere.”
During her maiden sailings from PortMiami in Florida, Scarlet Lady will overnight in Cuba’s capital city Havana. This will enable guests (which Virgin Voyages calls sailors) to visit Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; salsa clubs; enjoy people-to-people exchanges with locals; and participate in US Office of Foreign Asset Control-compliant shore excursions.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group and are pleased to announce this new partnership with Virgin Voyages,” said Manuel Marrero Cruz, Minister of Tourism for Cuba. “The Cuban people look forward to welcoming Virgin Voyages’ first ship, its crew and passengers to our shores in 2020.”