This Week in Cruise: What’s New in Enrichment Cruises

cuba
Photo by Freeimages.com/Nancy Brown

This week several cruise lines made new announcements regarding enrichment cruises. Here’s the latest. 

Celestyal Cruises announced a new port of call for its Cuba cruises, which are set to begin this November. The line will sail to Punta Frances throughout the upcoming 2016-2017 season, replacing Maria La Gorda.

Located on the Isla de la Juventud (Isle of Youth), Punta Francés has nearly two miles of white sand beaches where travelers can explore one of the country's marine sanctuaries, Punta Frances National Marine Park. The protected area is home to many bird species, sponges, corals, and sea life. 

In luxury news, Crystal Cruises announced that NASA Astronaut Captains Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly, along with Mark’s wife, former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, will act as guest lecturers onboard Crystal Serenity’s June 26 sailing from Anchorage to Vancouver. The cruise will mark Scott Kelly’s first luxury vacation since returning from his record-breaking year in space, Crystal said. 

The guests will present their stories during live lectures and Q&A sessions in Crystal Serenity’s expansive lounges and theatres. The sailing visits Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan, Alaska, with fares starting at $3,175 per person.

Finally, this week Fathom released new details on the onboard entertainment and culinary experiences for its Dominican Republic sailings. Onboard regional cuisine was created by Dominican Chef Emil Vega, who leads the development of Fathom’s specialty restaurant concept Ocean Grill

Also onboard, guests can participate in impact workshops, dance and cocktail classes, and various leisure activities and entertainment options while preparing for their on-ground experience. They also may purchase products ranging from artisan crafts to hand-crafted jewelry to sustainably produced attire to environmentally friendly beauty products at Fathom’s retail outlets.

Keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for the latest cruise travel industry news, trends and updates.