by Donald Wood
Last updated: 12:48 PM ET, Thu April 4, 2019
Get ready to sail to Cuba! Virgin Voyages announced Wednesday it has formally signed the contract to sail to Cuba in 2020.
Virgin Voyages CEO Tom McAlpin and Vice President Diana Block-Garcia sat down with officials from by La Habana Cruise Port for a ceremonial celebration of the signing Tuesday.
The ceremony was part of a development visit by Virgin Voyages officials to Cuba as the cruise line continues to build its shore excursion program, affectionately dubbed Shore Things. The original letter of agreement was put in place in October of last year.
"Our Sailors are eager to sail to Cuba and we are incredibly proud to celebrate our plans to visit Havana, which is without a doubt, one of the Caribbean's most authentic and enriching destinations," McAlpin said in a statement. "This fantastic place offers the chance for our Sailors to experience a vibrant city and artistic haven, where they can meet locals and discover the heritage and culture of this beautiful destination."
When Virgin Voyages debuts the Scarlet Lady in 2020, the cruise line's first ship will be the largest and newest ship to ever sail into Havana Harbor. The company will offer four- and five-night Havana After Dark itineraries beginning April 1, 2020.
The itineraries will feature an overnight stay in Cuba's capital and a visit to Bimini, Bahamas, where passengers can experience a day at The Beach Club at Bimini, Virgin Voyages' private club.
All sailings to Cuba from Miami feature an overnight stay in Havana that includes a visit to Old Havana, Cuban music and nightclub experiences, people-to-people exchanges and more.
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