British cruise company confirms Havana as a base port for the 2021/22 season in the Caribbean
CubaDebate (spanish) | Friday, 14 August 2020 | Click here for original article
UK-based cruise company Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, has announced that Havana will be the embarkation and disembarkation based for the cruise ship MS Braemar during the ship's 2021/22 season in the Caribbean.
“Using Havana as our new home port allows us to really show the Caribbean in all its glory. It also means that we can offer extensions in Havana so that our guests have time to enjoy this vibrant city, with port departures at night or overnight stays when possible, "said the a company spokesperson. "Havana has always provided very good satisfaction to our passengers and has always had good satisfaction scores for our customers, so it is great to offer them more opportunities to get to know it," they explained.
On March 18, Havana served as an evacuation point to the United Kingdom for 682 passengers and 381 crew members of the British cruise ship MS Braemar. The operation started in the port of Mariel occurred after the ship was not authorized to dock in any other dock in the region, due to the presence on board of several sick people with COVID-19.
Fred. Olsen is relaunching its Caribbean itineraries for next year to showcase two types of vacation experience to its guests: those looking to cool off and recharge with a little sunshine in winter, and those looking to immerse themselves in the history and culture of the island they visit.
The company thanked Cuba in the past for allowing the ship affected by an outbreak of COVID-19 to dock , and helping in the repatriation of its passengers to the United Kingdom.
“On behalf of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Cuban authorities, the port of Mariel and the people of Cuba for their support. Your support will not be forgotten.From the bottom of my heart, thank you, ” said the shipping company's managing director, Peter Deer.
