Cuba Cruise enters "new era" under Celestyal leadership

Celestyal Cruises is introducing "a new era of Cuba travel" with Cuba Cruise.

Having been involved since the launch of Cuba Cruise under its parent company Louis Cruises, Celestyal has now taken full ownership of the brand and as such, its sales network in Canada will market both Cuba Cruise and its Aegean and Adriatic cruise experiences.

As Celestyal expands its presence in Canada, a new vice-president of sales and marketing is expected to be appointed soon, in addition to further administrative support in the Canadian marketplace. These individuals will join the existing team of Dean de St. Croix, digital marketing manager, Holly Varey, manager, tour operator & special interest accounts, and Julia Freeman, group account executive.

Annika Klint of KAI Group, who represented Cuba Cruise since its launch in 2013, is no longer involved with the company.

In regards to operations, new developments have also been confirmed for the 2015-2016 season, such as a new itinerary that includes two days in Havana and a new port of call, Maria La Gorda, famed for its snorkeling and scuba diving. Cuba Cruise will also offer an extended sailing season with three additional departure dates, embarking every Monday from Havana, and every Friday from Montego Bay, beginning Dec. 18, 2015 through April 11, 2016.

While the same vessel will be used, it has been renamed to Celestyal Crystal (formerly Louis Cristal). The official name of the brand is "Cuba Cruise by Celestyal."

The Celestyal brand of Louis Cruises was introduced in late 2014, undertaking operations of the former Louis Olympia (now Celestyal Olympia ) and Louis Cristal ships.