We Love —
- See Cuba and the Caribbean in a different way! Cruise around the Antilles in luxury and get a different perspective of the Caribbean experience.
- After your Cruise, spend a few nights in the rhythmic city of Havana.
- Fantastic way of getting to know one of the most interesting Caribbean islands; alive with culture and friendly faces.
Here to Help —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email sales@voyageprive.com.
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 – 21:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 – 17:30.
Our Offer —
You will stay in a Superior Inside Cabin, with Full Board Dining aboard the Louis Cristal
Your week on board will take you to visit all of the highlights of Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean. These will include a total of six UNESCO world heritage sites as well as four National Parks & Preserves. You can walk down famous cobblestoned streets, up mountain paths, through rain forests and, of course, on fabulous world-famous beaches.
Onboard you'll enjoy incredible food, entertainment, and the ultimate comfort of this world-class ship.
Your Itinerary —
Your trip begins in Havana, the capital city of Cuba. This city of 2 million people is one of the greatest historical cities in the world. Havana is known for taking its visitors back in time, it displays a combination of capitalism, colonialism and communism all blended into one.
After boarding, and checking into your cabin, you will enjoy a welcome briefing and cocktail party – with Mojitos, and Cuba Libres on the outer deck. Here you will have the opportunity to meet the team of guides, and onboard staff, who will provide you with an overview of the week ahead and explain how things work onboard the ship.
Your first meal onboard will be a welcome dinner, showcasing a variety of traditional Cuban food. Cuban cuisine is a fusion of Spanish, African and Caribbean recipes, and the result is a unique and flavourful blend of several cultural influences. After dinner, make your way to the upper deck to wave good-bye the boat sets sail from the port of Havana.
Day 2- Tuesday - At sea
Today the cruise sails eastwards, along Cuba's beautiful northern coast, passing numerous islands enroute. You will be able to enjoy the striking views, relax onboard and enjoy the warmth of Cuban hospitality.
Day 3- Wednesday - Holguin
When Christopher Columbus discovered the bay of Nipe in 1492, he declared it to be “the most beautiful land ever seen by human eyes”.
Not only is Holguin famous for some of Cuba's most beautiful beaches, it is also home to the largest wildlife preserve in Cuba where you can see antelopes, wild boars and zebras to name a few. You can also explore the isolated La Mensura National Park, or even go hike the UNESCO biosphere of Cuchillas de Toa, or the Guayabo waterfalls plunging 200 meters
Day 4- Thursday - Santiago De Cuba
Today you will be visiting one of the most historically significant places in Cuba; Santiago de Cuba.
Founded by Spanish conquistador Diego Velazquez de Cuellar in 1514, Santiago was the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba from 1522 until 1589. Today, Santiago is one of the most important urban areas outside of Havana, and is home to most forms of Cuba’s long-lasting and globally renowned music.
Santiago is also known for being the Cradle of the Revolution. It was here that in 1953, Fidel Castro led his attack on Batistas Barracks at Moncada. A few years later after successfully toppling Batista and his dictatorship, Castro gave his victory speech in Parque Cespedes in Santiago.
The region is also home to many other well known things for visitors to enjoy; there are the ruins of French coffee plantations to the east of the city in the mountains that are recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site. Also. the famed Cuban cigar has deep-rooted tradition in Santiago, as does the production of Rum. Both a Cigar factory, and Rum Distillery can be found in Santiago.
You will arrive into Santiago de Cuba in the morning, after breakfast; will spend the remainder of the day here. You will have several options to experience the region and venture off on excursions. You may return to the ship at any time to relax and take a break. Dinner will be served onboard, but you are free to stay in town for a meal with live music accompaniment.
Day 5- Friday - Montego Bay, Jamaica
Today you will be visiting the world famous Jamaican resort; Montego Bay.
Famed for its vibrant culture, breathtaking beaches and beautiful mountains, this stop truly is a one in a lifetime experience. You can explore a plantation, go horseback riding on the beach, or enjoy the shops.
Day 6- Saturday - Cienfuegos & Trinidad
Today, you will enjoy the beautiful City of Cienfuegos. You will have the opportunity to view the impressive Castillo de Jagua: a fortress which was built in1745 for protection against Caribbean pirates.
You will the go on to visit the Colonial village of Trinidad - a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. Its cobbled streets and colonial buildings all preserve a time of wealth and elegance.
Day 7- Sunday - Port Frances/ Isle of Youth
The ship sails to the Ise of Youth, famed for the sweet smell of pines, orange blossom and for the warm sea breezes that temper the heat. We anchor off the coast and transfer to the beautiful beach of Punta Frances, where you can swim, snorkel and enjoy a beach barbeque, whilst listening to live Cuban music, provided exclusively for passengers.
Day 8 - Havana
Transfer to The Occidental Miramar hotel for a 3 night stay, where you can enjoy some exclusive added extras for a relaxing stay.
Day 11 - Departure
Transfer to airport for your International flight home.
You will need to purchase another visa for Cuba when you sail back from Jamaica, as the the visa included is for one entry only.
Your Ship —
Louis Cristal has had a colorful life: It started off as a passenger ferry in 1980 before being converted into a cruise ship in 1986. It was destroyed by fire in 1990 and completely rebuilt; partially sunk in 1994 and rebuilt again; renamed five times; and owned by five different lines, including Norwegian Cruise Line (where it sailed as MS Leeward), before ending up with its current owners in 2007. Past passengers include Sweden's Royal Couple, who stayed onboard during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, and President George H. W. Bush, who stayed onboard in November 1995.
It's a small ship by modern standards, but it has a big-ship feel. Holding 1,200 passengers on 10 decks, it has everything you would expect on a big ship, but it's scaled down. You'll find a casino, kids facilities, a library, a spa and gym, a pool and hot tub, three bars, a main dining room, a self-service buffet and two specialty restaurants. It's just all in miniature -- except, that is, for the main theater, which could rival that found on any big ship in terms of atmosphere and design.
Louis Cristal harkens back to an earlier age of cruising. The corridors are wide, as are the cabin doors, which are solid and aluminum-clad. There are 12 cabin types, and all have a distinct style, as opposed to a modern cookie-cutter one. The ship boasts large picture windows with huge screws and thick metal frames; triangular-shaped balconies cut from the superstructure, rather than jutting out; and lots of polished mahogany decks and banisters.
There are a fantastic range of facilities onboard the Louis Cristal such as a small casino, theatre and various bars some featuring evening entertainment.
The Occidental Miramar —
You will stay in a Standard Room for 3 nights, with daily breakfast. Just for you: Private check-in, a welcome cocktail, a turn down service and a 10% discount on massages.
This spacious hotel offers excellent facilities including a selection of a la carte restaurants, bars, sporting amenities and evening entertainment.
Located 20 minutes drive from Old Havana and 5 minutes drive from the beach, this hotel is a great base for exploring the many attractions of Havana, whilst offering a quieter and secluded location to return to after sightseeing.
Your Journey —
Flights: Direct flights from London Gatwick to Havana, with Virgin Atlantic
Outbound 12:30 -17:35
Inbound 19:30 -09:10
All flight times are local
Transfers: Shared transfers are provided
Please note: flight details are given as a guide only and may change. We will however notify you in advance if flights are more than 2 hours outside the time range given. Flights are non-changeable and non-refundable at time of booking.
