Royal Caribbean International to Expand Sailings to Cuba in 2018

The Miami-based cruise line announced Thursday it will expand sailings to the Caribbean island nation next year, introducing brand new itineraries featuring a pair of first-time destinations aboard the Empress of the Seas and Majesty of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean is set to make its debut in Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos along Cuba's southeast coast. The former is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's home to lush botanical gardens, the lively Santa Isabel Boulevard and the 950-seat Tomas Terry Theater.

Travelers can dive even deeper into Cuba's rich history and culture in Santiago de Cuba, site of the historic Revolution Square and the iconic Castillo del Morro fortress, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

The Empress of the Seas' 2018 offerings will include seven-night Best of Cuba itineraries to Cienfuegos, Havana and Nassau, Bahamas; five-night voyages featuring a stop in Key West, Florida and an overnight stay in Havana; and an eight-night sailing to Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, Grand Cayman, and Labadee, Haiti.

Meanwhile, Majesty of the Seas will continue to sail four- and five-night itineraries to Havana that include day and overnight stays. The sailings will depart from Tampa from April to October 2018, and embark from Ft. Lauderdale from November 2018 to March 2019.

The future sailings are on sale as of Thursday.

"Cuba is such an important part of Caribbean culture, and we can't wait to call on Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos next year, showcasing even more of the country's scenic beauty, rich history and distinctive architecture," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, in a statement. "Cruising remains the easiest way to visit Cuba, and with both Empress and Majesty sailing there in 2018 and 2019, we hope to make it that much easier for adventure seekers to experience the legendary island."

This week's announcement comes more than six months after the cruise line committed to Cuba through 2019, citing demand and positive reactions from guests.

Royal Caribbean received approval from the Cuban government to operate cruises to the coveted destination last December and began offering four- and five-night sailings to Havana earlier this year.