Group IST to Add Third Ship to Popular Havana to Cienfuegos Cruise Program

New York, NY — By popular demand, group travel provider Group IST will add a third small ship, the M/Y Variety Voyager, to its Havana to Cienfuego people-to-people cruise program for the November 2016 - April 2017 season. With the two vessels sailing the program in the 2015-16 season almost fully booked, beginning in 2017, Group IST will also offer year-round cruises on one vessel. Like with Panorama and Panorama II sailings, Variety Voyager sailings of Havana to Cienfuegos will feature an English-speaking Cuban guide and an intimate experience of the island nation via the hospitable and welcoming setting of a mega-yacht.

"We’ve had phenomenal response to our Cuba cruise program, which we’ve been offering since 2014. Americans have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore Cuba," said Group IST CEO Michael Goren. "Now that restrictions have eased and travel opportunities are becoming more available, people are looking for trusted providers who have some history in the country and they’re finding us. Our small ship program offers Americans not only an enriching experience of Cuba, but all the amenities-fine food, good accommodations and excellent personal service-that Americans expect when traveling abroad."

While hotels on Cuba are quickly becoming overbooked, comfortable, well-appointed cabins on all Group IST Havana to Cienfuegos cruises are confirmed and guaranteed upon reservation.

Travelers on the 8-day people-to-people program explore the western part of a country renowned for its culture, music, warm people, art, architecture and, of course, cigars. The cruise offers passengers both a rich and meaningful cultural exchange program and an opportunity to relax in the beautiful natural scenery of Cuba, with chances to go swimming and snorkeling.

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.

Havana to Cienfuegos is currently available from between $4899 - $5999, depending on cabin class. Price includes seven nights on either the Panorama or Panorama II, all meals from arrival in Cuba to breakfast on day of departure, mandatory Cuban medical insurance and transportation as per itinerary. For a complete itinerary, please visit: http://www.groupist.com.

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.