zCuba by Sea - Panorama II Cuba Cruise

Upon arrival at the airport in Santa Clara, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted to our waiting motorcoach. A scenic 90-minute journey brings you to Cienfuegos, founded by French settlers on the lovely southern coast of the island. Upon arrival, a guided walking tour through town showcases the many architectural landmarks which earned Cienfuegos a spot on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. You’ll also spend time with the staff of a graphic arts studio, our first introduction to the lives and stories of Cuban citizens. Visiting a local farmers market and a grocery store offer fascinating insight into the island’s dual currency system.

Our lunch at Los Laurelos will be accompanied by lively Cuban music and the chance to take a Salsa lesson. This foray into Cuba’s thriving cultural scene continues when we spend time with the talented members of the highly-regarded and award-winning Chorus of Cienfuegos. In the late afternoon, we’ll take you to the Cruise Ship Terminal where the intimate and stylish Panorama II awaits. Settle in to your comfortable outside stateroom before our Welcome Orientation and a convivial onboard dinner. This evening, we’ll be charting a course for the coastal village of Casilda.  Meals L+D

After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll step off in Casilda for our guided excursion to Trinidad, recognized as a UNESCO World Site for its remarkable collection of historic buildings that together reflect the island’s Neoclassical, Moorish and Spanish Baroque influences. On arrival, a representative from the Office of the City Historian will lead our walking tour along Trinidad’s cobblestone streets. As we stroll through handsome Colonial-era plazas and learn about the city’s many architectural landmarks, we’ll also have a chance to engage with citizens from all walks of life, including young female artists who, through their art, are changing the status of women in Cuban life and culture. After lunch, you’ll have time to explore more of this veritable living museum at your own pace. You’ll find the city’s residents to be friendly, warm and open to engaging with visitors. Back onboard the Panorama II, you can enjoy a Bon Voyage Cocktail as we sail through the lovely Bay of Casilda on our way to Cayo Largo.  Meals B+L+D

Accompanied by our shipboard hosts and professional Cuban guides, this morning’s excursion immerses us in the life and stories of this isolated key. We’ll start at the island’s local clinic, spending time with doctors and nurses to learn about Cuba’s healthcare system. At the Sea Turtle Breeding Center, dedicated professionals will talk about their important conservation work. Other congenial people-to-people encounters this morning will offer deeper insight into local life. After lunch at the tranquil Cayo Largo Marina, you’ll have time to snorkel at a nearby coral reef before relaxing along the pristine sands of Playa Sirena, widely hailed as one of the most beautiful beaches in Cuba. We’ll return to ship where you’ll have time to refresh before dinner is served. This evening, our ship will sail for Maria La Gorda.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, we’ll step ashore to visit the local school in the tiny coastal community of La Bajada here at the far western tip of the island. Lively conversation and cultural exchanges with the students and teachers may enlighten them about America’s educational system as we gain insight into Cuban schools. This morning we’ll also explore Guanahacabibes National Park, the largest of Cuba’s six nature reserves. Accompanied by a local naturalist, we’ll learn about the Park’s indigenous species including butterflies, birds and orchids – some just recently discovered. This peninsula was one of the last refuges of island natives fleeing the Spanish Conquistadors and there are more than 140 archaeological sites linked to the lives of these early residents. For lunch, we’ve arranged a delightful beach barbecue followed by leisure time to explore the beach on your own or go for a swim. We’ll be back onboard with time to refresh and relax before dinner. This evening, the Panorama II sets sail for Havana.  Meals B+L+D

Enjoy a leisurely morning onboard the Panorama II as we continue our voyage toward the capital. After lunch, you’ll want to be on deck to enjoy the views as we sail into the Bay of Havana. Early this afternoon, we’ll be ashore for guided people-to-people cultural exchanges with the dancers and musicians of Havana Compas Dance, an innovative troupe under the direction of choreographer Lillet Riviera. Contemporary performance styles and ingenious use of props are artfully blended with traditional Flamenco moves and Cuban folk dance. Before returning to ship for dinner, we’ll spend time in the studio of an emerging artist, one of many in the city who are bringing new ideas and vitality to the Cuban arts scene.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, we’ll join our shipboard hosts and professional Cuban guides for a full-day of exploration and people-to-people exchanges in the capital. First we’ll see Finca Vigia, Ernest Hemingway’s beloved home where he lived for two decades and worked on some of his most famous novels including The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bell Tolls. At midday, we’ll head to Finca El Divino, an outstanding restaurant known for its use of produce from urban farms. We’ll meet the staff to learn about this unique, sustainable agricultural model and enjoy a cooking demonstration before sitting down to lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll make the short journey to Jaimanitas, a Havana district where the famous artist Jose Fuster has turned his neighborhood into a living gallery of his colorful modern artwork. We’ll also visit a local factory to learn firsthand about the traditional techniques that produce some of the world’s finest and most sought-after cigars! After sightseeing, you can return to ship or take some time to browse at your own pace through the San Jose Market, a terrific place to shop for Cuban arts and crafts. This evening, we’ll enjoy lively people-to-people cultural exchange with the artists and performers of the world-renowned Buena Vista Social Club, followed by a late dinner and show.  Meals B+L+D

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Habana Viejo is bounded by four impressive colonial squares and distinguished by its fine collection of centuries-old buildings and architectural landmarks. Accompanied by our local Cuban experts, this morning’s walking tour offers a chance to learn about Havana’s rich Colonial legacy and to immerse in its modern-day exuberance. Our farewell lunch has been arranged at Moneda Cubana, an inviting paladar (a private family-owned restaurant) right here in the heart of Old Havana. Traditional island specialties will be accompanied by congenial conversation and lively Cuban music. After lunch, you’ll have free time to relax onboard or explore more of the city at your own pace. This evening, the Panorama II will host Carpe Diem, a local band that will entertain us with their music. After our private shipboard concert, these talented young musicians will be available to talk casually with us about their lives as passion for music.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast onboard, disembark the Panorama II and transfer to the airport for your return flight from Cuba to Miami.  Meals B