TORONTO – MSC Cruises has announced that it will be homeporting a second ship in Havana from the winter 2016-17 season in light of rising demand, particularly from Canada.

According to an official release, “Canada continues to be a prominent cruise market for MSC Cruises with over one million Canadian sun-seekers travelling to Cuba each year.” Following a successful inaugural season, MSC Opera will sail its second Cuban winter this December on seven-night cruises from Havana to Montego Bay, Georgetown, Cozumel and back to Havana.

In a move that will double the number of MSC Cruises’ Caribbean itineraries centred on Cuba, MSC Armonia will join the Opera in Havana from November 2016 for the entire winter season on two separate seven-night itineraries.

Following two days and one night in Havana, the first itinerary will take guests to Isla de Roatan (Honduras), Belize City (Belize), Costa Maya (Mexico) and Isla de la Juventud (Cuba). The second itinerary will start with two nights in Havana before setting sail for Montego Bay (Jamaica), Georgetown (Cayman Islands) and Cozumel on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

Passengers also have the option to combine both itineraries into one 14-night cruise.

Canadian travel agencies can continue to book these itineraries through MSC’s tour operator partners, including Sunwing Vacations, Encore Cruises, Oceana Tours, Concord Tours and Travel, Marco Polo Tours, Premium Tours, and Vistatours. Moreover, clients can book cruise only, or a fly & cruise package as well as pre- and post-stays, all in Canadian dollars.

As further response to mounting demand for Cuban cruise holidays, MSC Cruises has already this year doubled its flight offer from key European cities, plus introduced new flight operations from Canada and South America.

For more go to msccruisesusa.com.