TORONTO — Cuba Cruise, which circumnavigates the Caribbean’s biggest island, is back for a second year and is adding an air-inclusive option from Toronto.

The 1,200-passenger Louis Cristal begins its second season Dec. 19, sailing every Monday from Havana and every Friday from Montego Bay through March 23. It is the only cruise ship sailing this itinerary.

Bookings are way up for the second season, said Cuba Cruise president Dugald Wells at a lunch in Toronto yesterday following rave reviews for the itinerary and food during the first season.

This year Cuba Cruise has chartered an aircraft from Transat and is offering weekly flights from Toronto to Havana.

Ports-of-call include Holguin, Santiago de Cuba, Montego Bay (Jamaica), the Isle of Youth, Cienfuegos and the nearby village of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In fact, the cruise features six UNESCO sites and four National Parks & Preserves.

Cuba Cruise pays 12% commission plus 8% for shore excursions and bar packages.

Stops in ports-of-call are usually at least eight hours (five hours on the Isle of Youth) while onboard Canadian beef and beer are featured. There is evening entertainment, a supervised children’s program and WiFi.

For more information, visit yourcubacruise.com.