Cuba Cruise relance ses croisières autour de Cuba pour la saison 2013/2014

La compagnie canadienne Cuba Cruise dont le projet d'offrir des croisières autour de Cuba avait avorté en 2011, revient à la charge avec une programmation similaire pour 2013-2014. Elle affrêtera le Louis Cristal, un élégant paquebot de la compagnie hellénique Louis Cruises pouvant accueillir 1200 passagers dans ses 480 cabines.

Le premier des 15 départs annoncés aura lieu le 16 décembre 2013 à La Havane (lundi minuit). On pourra également embarquer à Montego Bay (vendredi 23h00), la seule escale non-cubaine de cet itinéraire de 7 jours qui inclut Cayo Coco, Holguin, Santiago de Cuba et Cienfuegos /Trinidad.

Le prix d'appel annoncé est de 586 $ pp en occupation double. La compagnie dit anticiper que des forfaits seront bientôt disponibles auprès de voyagistes majeurs offrant des départs depuis les principaux aéroports canadiens.

Selon le communiqué, les croisières sont commissionnables à 12% et les excursions et les forfaits boissons à 8%.

On se souvient qu'en 2011, plusieurs voyagistes dont Vacances Transat et caribe Sol avaient intégré Cuba Cruise dans leur programmation mais ils avaient dû se résoudre à rembourser les clients, Cuba Cruise ayant annulé l'opération.

Le président de Cuba Cruise, Dugald Wells, avait expliqué à l'époque que « bien que tout soit en place pour une belle opération et que les ventes soient révélatrices d'une forte demande, la compagnie a décidé que plus de temps serait nécessaire pour développer des canaux de distribution au sein de la communauté des agents de voyages ».

Il précisait que « Bien que des partenaires clé parmi les voyagistes aient accepté de promouvoir les croisières, le temps que cela a pris pour négocier ces contrats et pour mettre le produit sur le marché a été plus long que prévu, ce qui a eu comme résultat que le produit n'a pas rejoint le consommateur assez rapidement, occasionnant des inquiétudes quant aux coefficients de remplissages attendus.»

Selon Dugald Wells, l'annulation du programme n'avait pas compromis les bonnes relations qu'entretenait Cuba Cruise avec ses partenaire de l'industrie. « les voyagistes concernés ont eu des bons mots d'encouragement, ils ont réitéré leur foi dans le produit et peuvent comprendre pourquoi la décision a été prise. Ils ont d'ailleurs indiqué que Cuba Cruise pouvait compter sur eux pour l'avenir», avait-il fait savoir à l'époque.

info:www.yourcubacruise.com

JUST LAUNCHED: CUBA CRUISE REVOLUTIONIZES TRAVEL TO CUBA, MAKING FASCINATING PORTS AND CULTURE ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Priced from CD$586 for a 7-day Circumnavigation Cruise, new Canadian line Cuba Cruise combines incredible value, delicious cuisine and a once-in-a-lifetime cultural exploration
www.yourcubacruise.com

Toronto, Canada - January X, 2013: Newly-launched Cuba Cruise breaks new ground with its circumnavigation of Cuba, making the Island’s fascinating but otherwise hard to reach ports accessible and affordable for all. Each cruise includes the opportunity to visit world famous beaches, six UNESCO world heritage sites and four National Parks & Preserves, as well as in-depth exploration of Cuba’s dynamic culture. The experience offers the best qualities of cruising and all-inclusive getaways combined with a Cuba that few people see.

Prices start at CD$586 double occupancy for a seven-night cruise. The upcoming season will run from December 16, 2013 to March 31, 2014 with a total of 15 departures.

“It is exciting to offer something truly unique to the travel market, and Cuba Cruise is certainly the only offering of its kind,” said Cuba Cruise President Dugald Wells. “We provide the best of both worlds to our guests – a top-notch all inclusive cruise experience and the type of in-the-know exploration of Cuba’s remarkable sights, sounds, flavours and history that is usually reserved for locals only.”

Your Cuba, Accessible & Authentic

The line’s launch diversifies traditional Cuban travel options to provide access to the true, authentic Cuba, encouraging guests to “find your Cuba” beyond busy beaches and high-occupancy hotels.

Cuba Cruise has received overwhelming support from the people of Cuba and the Cuban Tourist Board. “Passengers of Cuba Cruise will be greeted as special guests to our home, and experience the warmth and generosity that defines the authentic Cuba,” says Ruben Jiminez, Director of the Cuba Tourist Board of Canada.

Easy To Reach with Havana & Montego Bay Embarkation Ports
Cuba Cruise’s 480 stateroom, 25,611 tonne ship Louis Cristal will circumnavigate Cuba with cruises departing from the exciting and vibrant city of Havana. There will also be cruises departing from Montego Bay in Jamaica making the experience even easier to access. The 7-night cruise will call at six unique ports, offering opportunities to visit Cuba’s fabled colonial cities where time stands still, wilderness nature preserves unseen by nearly all visitors before now, and of course, some of the most beautiful beaches in all the world.
Canadian Cuisine Meets Cuban Entertainment

Each cruise will feature the company’s signatures of impeccable service and delicious meals served onboard. All dining aboard Cuba Cruise will feature quality imported Canadian produce, beef and other food products (most notable in the a la carte Alberta Steakhouse, and specialty Cuban dishes.

Cruises will feature a first-rate entertainment program of Cuban music and dance by local Cuban performers, along with very North American content including satellite broadcasts of hockey and football games in the Canada Sports Bar

Cruise Line Veteran as CEO, and Award-Winning Partners Louis Cruises

Cuba Cruise is in steady hands with President Dugald Wells at the helm, a 20-year veteran of the cruise industry. Having been honoured in 2006 by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the Top 35 Innovators in travel today, Dugald is uniquely qualified to bring Cuba Cruise to the market. With ownership partner Louis Cruises, an industry leader with 25 years of experience in cruising and 78 years of award winning history in tourism, Cuba Cruise is sure to see success in the years to come.
The Louis Cristal is a modern cruise ship with a unique yacht-like modern design and a cruising speed of 18 knots. It features an array of amenities with all the comforts expected of today’s contemporary vessels, including spacious staterooms and suites (some with balconies, and each one equipped with shower, WC, wash basin, telephone, hairdryer & TV), elegant lounges and restaurants, casino and open promenades. The ship also features modern communication facilities including an internet corner, WiFi and roaming GSM mobile phone service.

The company
For complete details and to make a reservation call your travel agent or Cuba Cruise directly at 1-855-364-4999 or visit www.yourcubacruise.com and book directly on-line.