Virgin Voyages just like other cruise lines is scrambling to make adjustments and itinerary changes due to the U.S. Cuban ban which is already in effect.
U.S. Cuba Travel Ban Impacts Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages which has not even started cruises yet is already being impacted by the U.S. Cuba travel ban. Starting from June 5 passenger vessels are no longer allowed to sail to Cuba and this means the new Scarlet Lady which is currently under construction won’t be calling at Havana when she begins cruises from Miami in 2020.
You can read the full statement which the cruise line sent to Cruise Hive:
The U.S. government has implemented new travel restrictions that eliminate the ability of cruise ships to travel to Cuba. While we are disappointed, the beauty of sea travel means that we have the flexibility to take our ships to many wonderful destinations.
The Virgin Voyages’ crew is hard at work making necessary adjustments to any affected sailings that feature a stop in Cuba next year. Virgin Voyages will be announcing and opening sales on adjusted voyages featuring a new destination early next week.
Virgin Voyages’ existing booking policies allow all Sailors the flexibility to move to another voyage date without penalty. When we announce a new port-of-call next week, we will implement a special policy for affected Cuba bookings.
Virgin Voyages’ existing five-night Mayan Sol and Dominican Daze sailings remain available for Sailors and First Mates to purchase.
As a result of the ban Virgin is looking at an alternative cruise destination to replace Havana, Cuba. A new destination will be announced early next week and opening sales for adjusted voyages at that time too.
The cruise line which will welcome Scarlet Lady early 2020 and cruises from PortMiami will begin in April and many of the itineraries available did include an overnight call in Havana. The new class ships will be 110,000 gross tons once completed at the Fincantieri shipyard in Genoa, Italy.
Cuba Travel Ban Coverage:
- Carnival Cruise Line Cancels Calls To Cuba Due to Travel Ban
- Royal Caribbean is First Cruise Line to Cancel Visits to Cuba
- Cruise Lines React to U.S. Cuba Travel Ban
Do note that those wanting to change to an alternative voyage won’t have to pay any penalty and new special policy will be implemented when the new alternative port is announced next week.
