Abercrombie & Kent to Offer Land, Sea Itineraries in Cuba

Abercrombie & Kent is the latest company to join in with cruises to Cuba, and it’s doing so with a Ponant charter and a land touring extension. The company has offered people-to-people journeys on shore since 2013, and now it is extending its expertise to Cuban seas.

Cuba by Land & Sea: A People-to-People Cruise is a 10-night voyage with a seven-night cruise component that begins with a flight from Miami, Florida to Havana. Local hotel accommodations before and after the cruise immerse guests further in the Caribbean destination. Before setting sail, a local architect will present the different building styles of Havana and efforts to restore them. Other educational opportunities throughout include discovering the regional art, music and dining with interpersonal cultural exchanges.

“Cuba has so much to offer that we have been working on new ways for our guests to see more of the country,” said Bob Simpson, Abercrombie & Kent vice president of Expedition Cruising. “This itinerary combines the most popular elements of our land programs with more remote regions like colonial Trinidad and the pristine waters of Punta Francés, a reserve that few Americans have had the opportunity to visit. And best of all, because of A&K’s years of experience operating in Cuba, the necessary government approvals are already in place for the complete itinerary.”

The cruise departs aboard Ponant’s 58-guest sailing yacht Le Ponant in 29 private cabins. The ship features a 1.3 to 1 crew-to-guest ratio for dedicated service and a marina for convenient snorkeling and swimming access. Cuisine onboard is served in either an al fresco restaurant or international dining room. Lunches ashore alternatively showcase locally owned paladars and Cuban meals. Also highlighted on the sailing is Punta Francés Nature Reserve and reef, explored by snorkel or zodiac cruise. The final port is Santiago de Cuba and a final hotel stay before flying back to Miami.

Two cruise charters are scheduled on March 1-11 (Havana to Santiago de Cuba) and March 9-19, 2017 (Santiago de Cuba to Havana), and fares begin at $9,995 per person if reserved by July 31, 2016. The price includes hotel and cruise accommodations, sightseeing, onboard lectures, shore excursions, equipment, most drinks and gratuities.