Cruise to Cuba in 2016

In the next few years, there will be several exciting new ways to cruise to the gorgeous beaches of the Caribbean, Bermuda and the Bahamas.

Norwegian Escape

In November, Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest build, the 4,248-passenger Norwegian Escape, will begin sailings out of Miami to the Bahamas and the Caribbean. Exciting new features include a restaurant created with Philadelphia-based Food Network star and “Iron Chef” Jose Garces, a Jimmy Buffet-themed margarita bar, a supper club with a John Hughes homage and the largest water park at sea. During the inaugural season, six-night eastern Caribbean cruises start at $569 per person.

Anthem of the Seas

Also in November, Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Anthem of the Seas, will begin sailing to the Caribbean out of New York City. The ship’s already celebrated features include bumper cars, a bar with robot bartenders, an Italian restaurant by British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver and a skydiving simulator. Five-night cruises from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, to Bermuda start at $557.

Fathom

Starting in May 2016, Carnival Corporation’s new Fathom brand, which will focus on volunteerism and cultural exchange, will offer alternating weekly sailings to Cuba and the Dominican Republic. Carnival Corporation announced in July that the company has received approval from both the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Commerce to begin these regular sailings to Cuba. The announcement comes in the wake of President Obama’s declaration of a loosening of restrictions on travel to the island. These weekly sailings will be on the line’s first ship, the 710-passenger Adonia. Prices for the seven-day immersion cruises will start at $2,990 per person and include cultural and social impact activities.

While Carnival is the first U.S. cruise corporation to announce regular sailings, U.S. governmental approval is just the first step in what Carnival Corporation President Arnold Donald says is a 12-step process to begin sailing to Cuba out of Miami.

Virgin Cruises

It’s still a few years away, but that doesn’t mean we can’t begin getting excited now. Starting in 2020, Virgin Cruises will sail seven-day Caribbean cruises out of Miami when they launch. The U.K.-based luxury brand is sure to shake things up in the Caribbean’s warm yet serene waters, where cruisers haven’t seen anything quite this trendy on the high seas.

The new line’s ships, of which three have been ordered, will carry 2,860 passengers. Prices for the indulgence of sailing the Caribbean in style have not yet been announced.

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