WHY IT RATES: After a completing her first season of cruises to Cuba from Port Canaveral, Norwegian Sun will add additional Havana itineraries in 2019-giving cruisers even more options to explore beautiful Havana.-Jessica Zickefoose, TravelPulse Associate Editor
Norwegian Sun will complete her first season of cruises to Cuba from Port Canaveral, Florida with her last sailing on September 3, 2018. She then moves to Miami, Florida for select sailings before repositioning to South America for her fall/winter season.
The first and only homeported ship to cruise to Cuba from Port Canaveral, Norwegian Sun, during her summer season, welcomed over 30,000 guests on 15 voyages on her four-day Cuba cruise itinerary with port of calls in Key West and an overnight in Havana.
The final, and 16th sailing to Cuba from Port Canaveral, departs September 3rd for a five-day voyage to Key West, an overnight in Havana and a visit to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas.
Following this successful first season, Norwegian Sun will return to Port Canaveral in April 2019 with even more Cuba itineraries, offering travelers the chance to experience the warm culture and people of the Caribbean island through a variety of Office of Foreign Assets Control compliant excursions available through Norwegian Cruise Line.
"Since we first sailed to Cuba in 2017 from Miami, it has become one of our most popular destinations," said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. "Norwegian Sun last homeported in Port Canaveral in the 2011/2012 fall/winter season and we were excited to return and showcase her latest enhancements and offer a new itinerary in the region."
"We're very proud of the success of the Norwegian Sun sailings from Port Canaveral and thrilled that Norwegian Cruise Line has chosen to continue its very popular Cuba itineraries from here," said Captain John Murray, chief executive officer of Port Canaveral. "This important decision by Norwegian to bring Norwegian Sun 'back home' to our port validates our commitment to meeting the needs and expectations of our valued cruise partners."
Port Canaveral was Norwegian Sun's first homeport, following a three-week, bow-to-stern renovation in April in Victoria, BC as part of The Norwegian Edge®, the company's program designed to elevate the standard of excellence across its fleet.
Built in 2001, Norwegian now features refreshed staterooms and public spaces, and boasts three new venues-including Los Lobos Cantina, a Mexican restaurant offering a modern take on traditional favorites; Bliss Ultra Lounge, a new bar and nightclub; and Spinnaker Lounge, featuring a larger than life dance floor.
All 968 staterooms were upgraded with smart televisions and USB ports, as well as new carpet, artwork and select furniture. The newly revitalized accommodations pay tribute to the beauty of the surrounding ocean with a palette of cool blue hues and silver and turquoise accents. The abstract art within the staterooms and suites are the ideal complement to the new and modern feel.
The renovations also touched dining outlets and public spaces, including Cagney's, La Cucina, Le Bistro, Teppanyaki, the Mandara Spa, Stardust Lounge Theater, Splash Academy and more.
For more information about Norwegian Cruise Line ships and their itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call Norwegian at 888-NCL-CRUISE (625-2784), or visit ncl.com.
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