To meet the growing interest in exploring Cuba beyond Havana, Regent Seven Sea Cruises last month unveiled its March 12-22, 2019 cruise to the Caribbean nation, representing the most comprehensive Cuba itinerary in the luxury cruise sector. Featuring visits to four Cuban ports, three of which include overnight stays in Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos, plus an inaugural visit to the Isle of Youth, this new voyage aboard the Seven Seas Voyager sold out quickly.
Now, Regent Seven Seas Cruises presents its second immersive voyage to Cuba. From October 22 to November 1, 2019, the Seven Seas Mariner will include a full day in Havana, and overnight stays in Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos.
Immersive excursions in Cuba
Immersive experiences include not only museums and historical sites, but also ways to connect with artists and local culture through exclusive on-land activities to understand and empathize with Cuba and its people.
In Havana, passengers will have the opportunity to experience the real Havana day and night and meet its people through excursions that comply with OFAC regulations. From Havana's colorful, cobblestone streets to the Malecón, they can take a picture with a 1950s Cadillac, purchase authentic Cuban cigars, or enjoy a mojito at El Floridita bar. Regent Seven Seas Cruises holds exclusive rights to private tours of the Fábrica de Arte Cubano (Cuban Art Factory) outside of normal operating hours.
Santiago de Cuba. Founded in 1514, it was the capital of Cuba for 100 years before the Spanish moved it to Havana in 1607. Here, guests can visit the Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca and the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery, where Cuban hero José Martí and Emilio Bacardi Moreau of the famous rum dynasty are buried. Travelers can experience the rhythm and energy of live performances at the Iris Jazz Club, one of the few venues in Cuba that features only jazz.
Cienfuegos. Located on the southern coast of Cuba, Cienfuegos is a historic and glamorous destination where Spanish colonial buildings with a French touch stand out, and for this reason its historic center has been inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Seven Seas Voyager will also visit Isla de la Juventud in March 2019. This island is believed to have inspired Treasure Island and Peter Pan. Once home to pirates, Native Americans, and American crocodiles, Cuba's second-largest island is now home to the historic Presidio Modelo. Initially a prison where both Fidel and Raúl Castro were incarcerated before the revolution, and later their adversaries, Presidio Modelo is now a museum, housing several culturally significant artifacts.
In addition to those two immersive cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers 20 cruises with a stop in Havana through 2021.
