Cuban Tourism is Hot Again!

By: Mike Franks Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

The island of Cuba was “discovered” and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World in 1492. This beautiful Caribbean island is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, mountainous terrain, world-class cigars and rum. Havana, the capital of Cuba, features historic Spanish architecture dating all the way back to the 16th century. If you're a beach goer, Cuba's crystal-clear waters and silky white sand beaches will not disappoint. It’s all part of the Cuban experience and one reason many Americans are flocking to this Caribbean paradise.

However, what draws people to the tropical Caribbean island of Cuba is much more than beaches and antique 1950’s cars, although there are plenty of those. While it’s been a popular travel destination for years, due to an economic embargo, Americans haven’t been able to visit easily until now. For over sixty years, travel to Cuba, what many call “the most fascinating island in the Caribbean”, was difficult, if not forbidden. Recent changes in Cuba travel rules are making the journey far easier.

There are several ways to visit Cuba either as part of a cruise experience or an extended stay at a beach resort. In Cuba you can wander bustling city streets, go hiking in the mountains, learn about the history of tobacco, or simply soak up the country’s 1950’s time-warp appeal. You’ll also get a taste of what it’s like to live in a socialist country.

By Cruise

Several popular and luxury lines have offered Cuba as a destination or port of call in their Caribbean cruise itineraries since the U.S. opened relations with Cuba.

Carnival Cruise Line's new Volunteerism-minded Fathom brand launched its first full-week sailings to Cuba in May 2016 out of Miami. Itineraries meet the U.S. requirements for travel to Cuba, specifically that Americans engage in people-to-people educational tours while on the island. Fathom tours are designed to focus on educational, artistic, and cultural exchange.

In addition, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian cruise lines are currently offering Havana as a port of call. At least one luxury line, Oceania also includes the Cuban ports Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, in their itinerary.

Specialty cruise line Pearl Sea Cruises offers a Cuban culture immersion experience. In addition to visiting more ports of call, the adventure includes on-board cultural lectures by experts on Cuban culture, a quick Spanish lesson, Latin dance parties and Cuban trivia. A Cuban menu in the dining areas, allows guests to enjoy favorite Cuban dishes in addition to traditional American fare.

Guided Tours
Many travelers prefer extended-stay guided tours that enable them to really soak up the culture and ambience of a foreign land. Several tour companies including Globus, Tauck Collette and Cosmos are offering 5 to14-day tours that include cities such as Havana, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba and others.

Private Resorts

Maybe you just want a relaxing beach vacation. Cuba’s stunning beaches and luxurious tourist-only resorts are only a small part of the allure of Cuba. It is one of the most beautiful, unspoiled coastal areas in the Caribbean.

Things to See and Do
Old Havana is the city-center and one of 15 municipalities forming Havana, Cuba. It has the second highest population density in the city and contains the core of the original city of Havana. History, culture, people, and entertainment are all part of a fun and informative day in the city.

Morro Castle: Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro, named after the three biblical Magi, is a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana bay in Havana, Cuba.  

Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes de La Habana The National Museum of Fine Arts of Havana in Havana, Cuba exhibits Cuban art collections from the colonial times up to contemporary generations.

The Che Guevara Mausoleum is a memorial in Santa Clara, Cuba. It houses the remains of executed Marxist revolutionary Ernesto "Che" Guevara and twenty-nine of his fellow combatants killed in 1967 during Guevara's attempt to spur an armed uprising in Bolivia.

Finca Vigía  was the home of Ernest Hemingway in San Francisco de Paula, Cuba, and now houses a museum. Cuba played such an important part of Hemingway's life that he wrote 7 books there, among them 'The Old Man and the Sea', 'Islands in the Stream' and 'Movable Feast'. His home, just outside of the city of Havana, was called La Finca Vigía, which means The Lookout. The home was left to the Cuban people and it has undergone some restoration. It is full of books, lots of knickknacks and an old Victrola along with favorite records.

The Museum of the Revolution is located in the Old Havana section of Havana, Cuba. The museum is housed in what was the Presidential Palace of all Cuban presidents from Mario García Menocal to Fulgencio Batista. The museum provides perfect opportunities for your local guide to take you into the Havana time machine as you learn about the transformation of this former presidential palace.

Havana Cathedral The Cathedral of the Virgin Mary of the Immaculate Conception is one of eleven Roman Catholic cathedrals on the island of Cuba. It is located in the Plaza de la Catedral in the center of Old Havana.

El Capitolio, or National Capitol Building in Havana, Cuba, was the seat of government in Cuba until after the Cuban Revolution in 1959 and is now home to the Cuban Academy of Sciences.
The Castillo de la Real Fuerza is a star fort on the western side of the harbor in Havana, Cuba, set back from the entrance, and bordering the Plaza de Armas.

The Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca is a fortress on the coast of the Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba. Located about 6 miles southwest of the city center overlooking the bay.

Whether you are in to the history, culture or the unmatched beauty of this Caribbean island, a visit to Cuba will prove to be an adventure you won’t soon forget.

What is your dream vacation destination? Chances are there is a cruise ship going that way! Visit my website www.landorseatravel.com or call me 1-844-TRAVEL and discover the allure of cruising!

Mike Franks is an owner/operator of Cruise Planners in Orange Park, FL. Cruise Planners specializes in ocean and river cruises, land tours and resort vacations.