Today you’ll depart the USA on your flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your all-inclusive resort for overnight accommodations. Dinner
After breakfast at the resort, enjoy an included panoramic tour of Montego Bay before embarking the ship, the Celestyal Crystal. Once onboard, a professor from the University of Havana will provide an orientation session and give an overview of the culturally enriching People-To-People experiences that are in store for you. This evening, the ship sets sail for Cuba. You’ll have an opportunity to attend an onboard enrichment program, Cuban History: “Visual Arts in Cuba.” Afterwards, its Salsa time as professional Cuban dance instructors teach you the steps to this local dance. Breakfast, lunch at resort, dinner onboard
We visit of Santiago, a colonial gem. Your first taste of Cuba begins with a presentation on this Afro-Caribbean culture followed by a dance performance. Your discovery continues with visits to three iconic locations of the city. First is the memorial to Antonio Maceo, the “Bronze Titan” who led two wars for independence before being slain by the Spanish in 1896. Second is the infamous San Juan Hill where Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders defeated the Spanish in 1898. Third is the Moncada Barracks where Fidel and Raul Castro commenced their 1953 attack on the Batista regime. This afternoon, back aboard ship, enjoy a fascinating presentation about the birth of the Cuban nation. There will also be a get-together with the Cuban staff onboard where you have the chance to get to know the people of Cuba. This evening, its dance time again as you learn the sensual "Rumba," taught by the professional dance instructors. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner onboard
Today is a full day at sea with a variety of presentations and activities to immerse you in the Cuban culture. Begin the day with a cooking lesson, learn the story of Cuban cigars, or attend a presentation on the unique instruments that make Cuban music so distinctive and infectious. This afternoon, attend a documentary film about Cuba and later, join the staff to learn about Cuba culture in general. Of course a discussion on local culture wouldn’t be complete without mentioning rum! Discover the fascinating history of Cuba’s national drink and enjoy a tasting. An in-depth discussion on what makes Cuba different from her Latin American neighbors is also presented. And to end the night... it’s time to learn how to ‘Cha Cha’ with your professional dance instructors! Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
The day begins with an onboard presentation by a local historian followed by time for questions. Now that you’ve been introduced to the city, it’s time to disembark and discover Havana first-hand. A local guide leads you on a walking tour of Old Havana and it fortifications, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Visit the four main squares of the city: Plaza de Armas, Plaza de Saint Francis de Assisi; Plaza de la Catedral and Plaza Vieja. See the Royal Forces Castle and visit a graphics workshop where you’ll see local artists at work and have the chance to interact with them. This afternoon, leave the past behind as you visit modern Havana. Depart the ship by coach for this guided excursion passing “Paseo del Prado” (the Promenade), the National Theatre and the Capitol Building. Visit Plaza de la Revolución where May Day political marches and Papal masses have taken place. Photo stops include the José Martí Memorial and the National Library. Exploration continues as you see La Rampa entertainment zone and the famed Hotel Nacional, home to Hollywood’s rich and famous during the golden age. As you wander through the San José craft market, pick up authentic Cuban souvenirs and talk with their creators. After a full day of discovery, the evening is left free of planned activities. Experience Havana’s night life on your own, or join an optional excursion offered by the ship. Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
An onboard performance of Afro-Cuban music and dance by a group of local artists starts the day. Feel free to disembark and continue to explore Havana and meet its people on your own. After lunch, spend your last afternoon in Havana learning about the modern history of Cuba at the Museum of the Revolution, housed in the former Presidential palace, or see the impressive classical and modern works at the Museum of Fine Arts. Join your ship’s staff to learn about Cuba’s unique ecosystem during a presentation on Cuban Flora and Fauna. This evening, join the dance instructors for a chance to show off what you’ve learned during this musical event. Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
The scent of pine forests mingled with orange blossoms and warm ocean breezes await on this ‘Isle of Youth.’ Transfer by coach to the pristine beach of pure white sand surrounded by crystal clear water where you can relax in the sun. This evening, continue expanding your dance repertoire with the ‘Mambo’ – a fast ballroom dance of Cuban origin. Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
This morning, visit a local cultural project and interact with the locals. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the traditional central square of the city, and the magnificent Thomas Terry Theatre. During a visit to the Graphic Society of Cienfuegos, view prints and meet with the artists who offer programs for children with special needs. This afternoon, enjoy a presentation about the musicality of the Cuban people and discuss the African and European influences in Cuban music which is so central to Cuban life. Meet with the local Mixologists and learn how to make the best Cuban cocktails while hearing stories and myths behind these drinks. What better way to end the cruise than with a final dance fiesta! Breakfast, lunch and dinner onboard
As the ship returns to Montego Bay, it’s time to disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight home. Breakfast onboard
Itinerary subject to change
Holiday Inn Rose Hall or similar, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Aboard the Celestyal Crystal
