OTTAWA: Large Canadian tour operator Sunwing will launch its first Cuba/Jamaica cruise operated by the fast-growing MSC Cruiseline in a move that shows that both islands can complement rather than threaten the other’s tourism product.
Sunwing previously offered inclusive vacations to Cuba but “this cruise itinerary is new to us”, stated Janine Chapman vice president of marketing at Sunwing in an initial response to Jamaica Observer queries during a Canadian holiday on Monday.
Sunwing will offer packages starting in December and running through to April 2016.
“We’re now pleased to offer this exciting new itinerary which combines the diverse culture and attractions of popular vacation destinations like Cuba and Jamaica with the service and comfort of the recently upgraded MSC Opera,” added Chapman in a later message to the Caribbean Business Report.
Sunwing will offer new all inclusive cruise packages either starts or ends from Havana, Cuba, or Montego Bay, Jamaica.
“Clients even have the opportunity to add on a ‘pre’ or ‘post’ stay at one of our many resorts. Sunwing has packaged these air-inclusive cruises departing from the Canadian cities of Toronto, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, and Montreal,” she stated.
The new cruise packages include meals, port transfers and round-trip flights with Sunwing Airlines departing from Toronto, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay and Montreal.
The seven-night packages feature ports of call to Havana, Montego Bay, Georgetown and Cozumel. A one-week all- inclusive cruise package on the MSC Opera starts from $595 plus $680 taxes per person based on double occupancy, departing from Toronto to Varadero on January 5, 2016.”
Last month the president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association Nicola Madden-Greig told the Observer that Cuba can complement Jamaica’s tourism particularly with cruises. She also added that increased airlift would assist in order to facilitate island hopping.
