Grand Circle Cruise Line

One of the industry's small cruise companies, GCCL-Grand Circle Cruise Line (gct.com) was established in 1958 as a travel company serving the American Association of Retired People (AARP). Since then, Grand Circle has expanded into an independent cruise company offering meaningful experiences for those aged 50 and over. Today, GCCL offers a full range of cruise tours and land tour programs. The company's primary focus is discounted, extended-stay travel vacation programs in Europe, most of which take place during the winter in the south of Spain. Grand Circle also provides escorted tours worldwide, with a strong emphasis on enrichment.

In 1985, the company was acquired by Alan and Harriet Lewis. They elevated operations by expanding the company's original offerings and destinations. A continuing feature of Grand Circle's success has been the decision to avoid public advertising, instead focusing on referrals, past guests, and direct requests for information. The company's Program Directors, who began as resident hosts, lecturers, and guides, have evolved over the years into a hallmark of Grand Circle's service. As the company introduced new programs and destinations, regional offices were opened globally to provide support and monitor operations in those areas. These new options often stemmed from suggestions or requests by past passengers, forming a sort of "alumni" association.

Starting in 1997, the company began promoting European river sailings on partially or fully chartered ships to its clientele. Due to enthusiastic demand, Grand Circle sought to maintain high-quality standards and control of operations by commissioning its own ships. River Symphony was the first ship built in 1998, followed by a series of continually improved vessels over the years, operating in various regions including the Mediterranean, Europe, Russia, and Egypt. Grand Circle also runs chartered operations in Antarctica, Europe, Panama, China, and Burma, under both the Overseas Adventure and Grand Circle brands.

In addition to its ongoing operations, the company is deeply committed to responsible tourism in the regions where it operates. Over the past 20 years, the Grand Circle Foundation has committed more than US$92 million to advancing education and preserving cultural traditions. In Egypt's Valley of the Kings, the foundation has funded the construction of shade and information pavilions to enhance the travel experience. The Foundation also supports around 100 schools in 30 different countries.

Grand Circle Cruise Experience

Grand Circle Cruise Line offers a full range of small-ship cruises for travelers aged 50 and over.

As with all Grand Circle Cruise Line programs, the majority of passengers are over 50, with many guests being significantly older. The line does not market to families and does not accept children as passengers. Its guests are generally well-traveled, with a large percentage being repeat passengers and members of the Inner Circle loyalty program, which is reserved for those who have made three or more trips with the line. Most passengers are married couples, though groups of friends sailing together and singles are also common. Given Grand Circle's focus on learning experiences, most guests are open-minded and curious, eager to explore new ideas.

Since Grand Circle is an American cruise line that typically operates whole-ship charters, English is the primary language spoken. The crew, particularly the Program Directors, are at least conversationally fluent in English. Most Grand Circle passengers are Americans or have strong connections to the United States.

While the ships are designed to cater to the regions in which they operate, they prioritize comfort as much as they do destination. All cabins are well-appointed and spacious. On ships operating in Western Europe, upper-deck staterooms feature true balconies, while the lower decks offer large windows. Most of Grand Circle's Europe-based ships have twin beds only. Shipboard bathrooms are well-equipped, and rooms are meticulously maintained. CNN, movies, alternative music, and language channels are available, along with the line's onboard information channel.

Dining is professionally managed, with a mix of buffet-style (for breakfast and lunch) and served meals (for dinner), depending on the ship. Menu options vary, but regional and local specialties are always included. Specialty evenings, such as an Egyptian buffet, may also be offered depending on the itinerary.

General entertainment is casual and low-key. Guests do not typically go on a Grand Circle cruise for bingo or karaoke, though both may occasionally be offered. Special events might include a costume night, black-and-white dress evening, or passenger talent show.

The true focus of any Grand Circle Cruise Line voyage is the opportunity to experience new histories, traditions, cultures, and people. Through excursions ashore, onboard lectures, meals, and interactions with local people, passengers gain valuable insights into other places and cultures.

Currently, Grand Circle Cruise Line's fleet includes the following vessels:

• MV Corinthian
• MV Clio (formerly Tere Moana)
• MV Athena (currently CMV Astoria - CMV charter)
• MV Arethusa
• MV Artania (Phoenix Reisen charter)
• MS Bizet
• MS Provence (Barge)
• MS River Adagio
• MS River Allegro
• MS River Anuket
• MS River Aria
• MS River Chanson
• MS River Harmony
• MS River Rhapsody

Note: You can view CruiseMapper's full list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the "Itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All river passenger shipping line companies and their fleets are listed there.

Grand Circle Cruises to Cuba

Grand Circle Cruise Line offers Cuba cruises aboard the MV Clio (formerly Tere Moana). The itineraries are 11 nights long, departing one-way from Miami, Florida to Havana, or the reverse from Havana to Miami. The sailing portion is 7 days, visiting the Cuban ports of call: Caibarien, Cienfuegos, Matanzas, Remedios, Santiago de Cuba, and Trinidad. Passengers will disembark at Cienfuegos port and be transported overland to the capital, Havana, where they will enjoy a 3-night hotel stay. Afterward, cruise passengers will fly back to the USA. The reverse 11-night itinerary starts in Havana and ends in Miami.

• Grand Circle Cruise Line's Cuba cruise prices start at USD 6,800 per person. Fares include visas, accommodations, meals, guided land tours, gratuities, port fees, airfare (Miami-Havana, or Havana-Miami), and airport transfers in Miami.
• The 89-passenger MV Clio (formerly Tere Moana) was acquired in 2015 from Paul Gauguin Cruises. Grand Circle invested over USD 5 million in refurbishments, and the vessel entered service in May 2016.

Note: According to current Cuban law, U.S. citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) are not allowed to visit the island, including on cruise ships. Regardless of their U.S. citizenship status, Cuban-born Americans were previously denied bookings on cruise itineraries visiting Cuban ports. However, the situation changed in April 2016, when Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government to allow ships with Cuban-born passengers. As a result, U.S. citizens of Cuban origin are allowed to visit Cuba on USA-Cuba charter flights. The Carnival-fathom line began offering Miami to Cuba cruises in May 2016.

Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles, California. A 80-minute JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from the USA to Cuba was available only via charter flights.