Group IST Offers Travel Agents Discounted Cuba FAM Cruises Sailing Saturdays, May 14 and 21 and Saturdays, October 1, 8 and 15 Aboard the
S/C Panorama II

New York, NY -- For the first time in the two years of operating its licensed People to People Cuba cruise, Group IST is offering professional travel agents its Havana to Cienfuegos program at a special discounted familiarization trip rate.  Sailing aboard the Variety Cruises Panorama II on Saturdays, May 14 and 21, and October 1, 8 and 15, the travel agent FAM cruises feature an English-speaking Cuban guide and an intimate experience of the island nation via the hospitable and welcoming setting of a mega-yacht.  The FAM cruise is a rare opportunity for travel agents to enjoy the sights, sounds, and soul of this remarkable yet somewhat forgotten destination.

Group IST's Havana to Cienfuegos travel agent FAM cruise consists of a full one week program between the two ports and is available to travel agents from $1,890 based on double occupancy.  Price includes seven nights aboard the Panorama II, round trip Miami-Cuba airfare, all meals from arrival in Cuba to breakfast on day of departure, People to People program port charges ($395), departure tax ($25),  mandatory Cuban medical insurance and transportation as per itinerary.  Travel agents companion rates are available from $2390. Single supplements and Category A cabins are available for an additional $600 each.  Visa fees ($75) and baggage charges ($20) are not included.  Itinerary can be reversed depending on sailing date.  For a complete itinerary, please visit: http://www.groupist.com  or call 800-833-2111.

Group IST has been issued a license by the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control to conduct people-to-people programs in Cuba. Emphasizing and promoting cultural exchange, the program includes excursions to venues such as museums, private art galleries, community centers, concerts, religious centers, schools and ecological centers. Program participants will have a chance to meet and get to know Cuban historians, artists, preservationists, religious leaders, educators, musicians and many typical Cuban citizens.

Group IST (International Specialty Travel) produces content-rich, original, thematic, educational and interactive travel programs that are tailor-made for organizations and groups. The company features one-of-a-kind land and waterborne venues around the world. With a staff of tourism professionals who are recognized travel experts and scholars, Group IST is passionate about its areas of specialization.  For more information, please visit www.groupist.com .