Cruise & Cruise Line

Royal Caribbean Commits to Cuba Through 2019

Image: PHOTO: Royal Caribbean International's Empress of the Seas. (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) (Royal Caribbean International)
Image: PHOTO: Royal Caribbean International's Empress of the Seas. (photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean) (Royal Caribbean International)
Jason Leppert
by Jason Leppert
Last updated: 10:10 AM ET, Mon May 15, 2017

After the initial success of Empress of the Seas' arrival in Cuba, Royal Caribbean International has announced its expansion of the ship's calls to Havana as far out as 2019.

"Since arriving in Cuba for the first time last month, we've seen the excitement of our guests when sailing into Havana and the passion they have for the city at sail away - its people, its architecture, its food, its music. This is the enthusiasm we strive to bring to adventure-seekers who vacation with us," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a press release.

"The positive reaction to our Cuba sailings is very encouraging, and we are thrilled to expand on the number of sailings for our 2018-2019 itineraries."

The ship will sail a new batch of 58 four- and five-night itineraries from January 2018 through March 2019, 28 of which will feature an overnight in the Cuban capital of Havana.

Empress of the Seas currently cruises from Tampa, Florida through November 4, 2017, and will next return to Miami, Florida to depart for Royal Caribbean's CocoCay private island and Nassau, The Bahamas for the winter 2017-2018 season.

[READMORE]READ MORE: Why a Cruise Is the Best Way to Experience Cuba[/READMORE]

By summer 2018, the ship will be back in Tampa heading to Key West, Florida, Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, plus Havana, Cuba on most voyages. For the winter 2018-2019 season, it will leave from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Cuba is also featured on board the Empress of the Seas thanks to cortaditos and cafe con leche in Cafe Royal, plus salsa music and dancing in Boleros Latin lounge. The 48,563-ton ship accommodates 1,602 guests in 795 staterooms across 11 decks.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert - Senior Writer, Cruises and Cruise Travel - is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 100 sailings...

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Chasing Peaks: Selling Ski and Mountain TravelThursday, August 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth look at the growing demand for ski...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...
Upcoming Webinar
Exoticca 101: Navigating the Travel Advisor Portal & Selling WorldwideMonday, August 24, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Exoticca for an in depth look at the Travel Advisor Portal and learn how to make the most of its...
Upcoming Webinar
Chasing Peaks: Selling Ski and Mountain TravelThursday, August 20, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Travel Weekly, TravelAge West, and TravelPulse for an in depth look at the growing demand for ski...
Upcoming Webinar
From Interest to Booking: Selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan CruisesFriday, August 21, 2026
4:00pm Eastern
Take the next step in selling HANKYU × PONANT Japan cruises with a practical, advisor focused look at...
Upcoming Webinar
Exoticca 101: Navigating the Travel Advisor Portal & Selling WorldwideMonday, August 24, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Join Exoticca for an in depth look at the Travel Advisor Portal and learn how to make the most of its...