Louis Cristal crosses the Atlantic to start her inaugural season circumnavigating Cuba

Cuba Cruise is to complete safety inspections and upgrade several areas onboard Louis Cristal before she crosses the Atlantic to start her inaugural season circumnavigating Cuba.

The operator, which works in partnership with Louis Cruises, is currently carrying out necessary crew training exercises and installing new entertainment features including satellite systems offering North American sports channels and ceiling hooks for the aerial circus act.

The line’s 25,611gt ship Louis Cristal will depart drydock in Greece on 24 November after the hull artwork is completed.

“We’re right on schedule with the launch,” said Dugald Wells, the line’s president. “We have an excellent crew equipping the Louis Cristal in drydock and our Cuban and Canadian teams are preparing for its arrival to the island.”

Louis Cristal will embark on her first Caribbean season on 16 December 2013 and will sail seven-night cruises from Havana, Cuba and Montego Bay, Jamaica, until 31 March 2014. She will call at six ports, enabling passengers to visit the island’s six Unesco world heritage sites, four national parks and preserves, as well as its famous beaches and colonial cities.

The vessel offers 480 staterooms and suites, lounges and restaurants, casino and open promenades, as well as an internet corner, wifi and a roaming GSM mobile phone service. Each cruise will feature Cuban cuisine and traditional entertainment from local musicians and dancers