Fred Olsen to be based out of Havana in 2021/22

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines has revealed that it will base its ship Braemar out of Havana for its 2021/22 Caribbean season.

Clare Ward, director of product and customer service at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, said: “Too often the Caribbean is thought of as a single destination, but it is so much more than that, with so many islands offering different and unique yet equally exceptional experiences.

“The eastern Caribbean, with destinations such as St Kitts and St Maarten provide the perfect setting for those looking to recharge their batteries and enjoy the laid back way of life while escaping the colder winter temperatures back home. Guests can take in the many stunning waterfalls and beaches in St Lucia, take a trip on a Rhum Runner in Grenada and indulge their Bob Marley knowledge in Port Royal.

“Meanwhile the western islands offer endless opportunities to explore, immerse and learn. For example, during calls into Cozumel, guests can explore the Mayan Ruins – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – and trek through the jungles in Belize.

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“Using Havana, Cuba, as our new turnaround base allows us to really showcase the Caribbean in all its glory. It also means we can offer extended stays into Havana so that our guests have plenty of time to enjoy this vibrant city, with late-night departures or overnight stays where possible.

“Havana has always delivered high guest satisfaction ratings on our sailings, so it is great to be able to offer more opportunities for them to explore this wonderful port.”

During the pandemic, Cuba offered a safe haven for the coronavirus-hit Braemar, other Caribbean nations refused to let it, and other ships dock.

Last week, Fred Olsen revealed details of its first 2023 cruise, Balmoral’s North American Waterways and Canadian Fall.

The itinerary, which includes a maiden sailing of the Hudson River in New York, is a 34-night sailing that leaves Southampton in September 2023. It will call at St John’s, Halifax and the Cape Cod Canal.

Guests who book by September 30, 2020 will be given up to £300 per person to spend on board during the cruise.

Clare Ward, director of product and customer service, said: “This is set to be an exceptional itinerary, timed so that guests will be able to witness the autumnal beauty of the destinations they will visit.

“This will be the first time we have sailed to Canada since 2019, and we know it is a destination that our guests always enjoy visiting with us.

Read Cruise Adviser’s Cuba cover feature here.