President and CEO Bruce Nierenberg tells us why the line offers the perfect way to travel to Cuba
Victory Cruise Lines is excited to reveal that we have been approved to sail our cruise ship, Victory I, from the US to Cuba.
Now that we’ve been granted approval, I’ve travelled to Havana, Cuba to work with the Cuban authorities to create itineraries that offer the best combination of ports and cruise lengths for our guests. As our small ships can fit into all the cruise ports in Cuba, we plan to seek most of our berths in smaller, less-visited ports. We expect to be able to call in Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santiago de Cuba and Maria La Gorda, offering overnight stops in at least three ports to provide a more immersive experience. The final itineraries will be revealed soon, along with other details about Victory Cruise Lines’ cruise product.
Although the US Government has recently changed regulations for US citizens travelling to Cuba, we’re excited about the opportunity the revised legislation has created – we’re already doing everything that is required!
Victory Cruise Lines is all-inclusive, so all tours are included in the price of the cruise, which means we have total control over the content of our onshore tours, how they are managed and the personal role of our professional tour leaders and passengers. Consequently, we have taken care of all ground arrangements required, making it easier for our company and guests to comply with the new US regulations.
This approach as the best way to protect our passengers, our tour operators and the wishes of the US government. Our cruise product will not just bring economic benefits to Havana like most of the large cruise ships, but as a small-ship operator, we’ll be able to boost the economy in all five corners of the country. It’s a win-win for the US and Cuba.
Some people feel that the changes and new regulations will reduce individual travel and force people to travel to Cuba in affinity groups, but Victory Cruise Line disagrees. Although the American t-shirt buying crowd that is looking for a beach and a bar may find it a bit more difficult to go to Cuba, the passengers who are looking for a real opportunity to meet Cuban citizens, learn about the history and culture of the country and they can still do so by choosing products like ours. We’ll certainly cater to groups, but we’ll also provide the best way for an individual traveller or a small family to see Cuba in the way the US regulations intend them to.
We’re looking forward to taking our guests to Cuba in Victory Cruise Lines style.
Bruce Nierenberg is president and CEO at Victory Cruise Lines