Never heard of Celestyal Cruises? Well they are the only home-porting cruise operator in Greece and the preeminent cruise line serving the Greek Islands and the island of Cuba. The company operates five mid-sized ships, each one cozy enough to provide a highly personal service. Every cruise focuses on true cultural immersion, offering an authentic experience of the regions in which the vessels sail.
Celestyal Cruises’ meticulously crafted, all-inclusive cruises include two days in Havana, with calls also at Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba – a unique circumnavigation of Cuba allowing passengers to experience a mixture of iconic ports and hard to reach hidden gems of the region, with shore excursions at each port of call designed to embellish the wonderful sights, sounds and tastes Cuba has to offer. For the holistic experience of the authentic Cuba by Celestyal Cruises, and a hassle-free –without additional costs- cruise, where meals, drinks, entertainment and selected excursions are included in one price
We have sailed on Celestyal Cruises to Cuba, sailing from Montego Bay each time. Why? Well we wanted to overnight in Havana rather than Montego Bay. Plus we could fly nonstop from DFW to Montego Bay, Havana requires a change of planes.
The ship the Celestyal Crystal, is small by cruise standards today. it is the former NCL Leeward for those who go back in time with NCL Cruises. The staff is wonderful and quickly learn both your name and your preferences whether it is for dinner or drinks. There are a few balconies on the ship so book early if you want one of those. Otherwise the ship is just your way to get to several wonderful ports in Cuba. It is nice, functional but does not offer that many things to do so the days at sea are often spent around the pool relaxing.
On board Celestyal Crystal you will enjoy a delicious variety at Leda Casual Dining or dine more formally in the elegant Amalthia Restaurant. Enjoy the sun and sea breeze at Helios pool bar, enjoy the excitement at the Muses Lounge and Horizons Bar & Disco, and take in the fantastic views on the top deck. We dined in the Amalthia Restaurant every night.
Other facilities feature a small casino, conference rooms, photo gallery, a small Duty Free & Travel Value Shop, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, fitness centre, and the Sana Health Spa & Beauty Salon. The vessel is fully air conditioned, has stabilizers, telephone, fax, satellite telephone and physician onboard. The ships has 9 passenger decks and holds 1200 passengers in 476 staterooms (53 with balcony).
What’s Included in Your Celestyal Cruises Cuba Cruise
- 7 nights accommodation in the selected cabin category
- Full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks every day
- Fitness center
- Fully supervised children’s program for ages 4-12
- Daily entertainment program
- Evening entertainment and theme nights
As we said before you are taking this cruise for the itinerary. While the other cruise lines offering Cuba are typically only offering you only Havana, Celestyal gives you the chance to visit Cienfuegos as well as Santiago de Cuba, Each are very different and allow you to get a much better feel for Cuba than just seeing Havana. Imagine going to the USA and only seeing New York City or Los Angeles and thinking that is what the entire country is like.
When looking at prices you may, at first, think they are high compared to say a cruise from Galveston on Carnival will run you. But stop and consider the price includes pretty much everything, your drinks, your shore excursions, all meals and entertainment. Compared to a 7 day land tour to Cuba, the price of this cruise is CHEAP!
I have done both a land tour of Cuba as well as a cruise. Both have their pluses and minuses. I enjoyed not having to pack and unpack as we cruised around Cuba. I enjoyed the days at sea because frankly we hit the ground running the minute the ship arrived at each port and kept going till it was time for the ship to leave. So sitting around the pool on a sea day we very welcomed.
When you book a Celestyal Cruise do not expect it to be the Oasis of the Seas. The food is not as good, the ship is much smaller and the rooms are not as nice. Don’t get me wrong, the ship is in good shape, she is small which has it’s pluses and you will enjoy her but remember you are taking this cruise to see and experience 3 cities in Cuba and that part you will never forget and that the other major cruise lines only give you Havana.
To check rates and yes we get deals on many of the sailings, contact any of the agents at Dynamic Travel & Cruises at 817 481-8631 / 800 766-2911.
Also ask to see if we have a group going that you can join and save a few $$ more. We have done groups on Celestyal to Cuba in each of the past two years.
Check out the video below on the Cuba Cruises offered by Celestyal Cruises.