Havana to Be Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ New Homeport

Caribbean News Digital Newsroom

British cruise company Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines announced this week that the 2021-2022 Caribbean season on board its Braemar ship will use the port of Havana, Cuba, for its embarkations and disembarkations.

Fred. Olsen is relaunching its Caribbean itineraries for next year to showcase two types of holiday experience for guests: those looking to refresh and refuel with some winter sunshine, and those looking to immerse themselves in the history and vibrant culture of the islands they visit.

Clare Ward, Director of Product and Customer Service at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said that “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”.

She added that “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”.

The cruise ship Braemar visited the port of Mariel in Cuba on March 18, but the circumstances were entirely humanitarian. At that time, the ship was traveling with several passengers infected by Covid 19 and only Cuba decided to give the ship a safe harbor and treatment to its patients.

After that event, the company thanked Cuba for allowing the berthing of the ship affected by an outbreak of COVID-19, and for helping in the repatriation of its passengers to the United Kingdom.

"On behalf of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines would like to extend my most sincere thanks to the Cuban authorities, the port of Mariel and the people of Cuba for their support. Their support will not be forgotten. From the bottom of my heart, thank you," said the shipping company's managing director, Peter Deer.