zLandmark Voyages Around Cuba In-Style

You’ll be greeted upon arrival at the airport and escorted to the Port of Miami where the ms Saint Laurent is docked.  Flights should arrive by 11am in order to complete check in by 130pm.  The ship sails at 3pm.  Settle into your stateroom and get acquainted with the inviting public areas and outdoor lounges of your stylish home for the next 10 days. After an informative presentation on your upcoming 360° voyage around Cuba, you’ll enjoy a Welcome Reception and Dinner as we sail away from Miami.  Meals D

As we sail into Havana harbor this morning, our informative Listen + Learn Aboard program gets underway with an introductory talk on the cultural history of Havana, including the people and historical events that have shaped the city. Then step off ship in the heart of Old Havana for a walking tour through its atmospheric streets and handsome town squares. You’ll meet with local Cuban artists in their studios to learn about the city’s vibrant cultural scene and stop by the Hotel Ambos Mundos where Ernest Hemingway often stayed and wrote. Enjoy lunch onboard and then return to the city to continue your people-to-people exploration. After dinner onboard, you can take advantage of our ship’s location in the heart of town to enjoy an evening performance – perhaps at the historic Tropicana Theater or at the nearby Café Taberna where the famous Buena Vista Social Club performs. Our in-the-know shipboard team is happy to assist with personal recommendations and advice.  Meals B+L+D

Our native-born island experts will be waiting this morning to take you on a full-day excursion to the western province of Pinar del Río and the captivating Viñales Valley. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this strikingly beautiful region is home to dramatic limestone outcrops and the island’s celebrated tobacco farms. Visit an orchid garden with staff from the University of Pinar del Río and then meet with three generations of a farming family to learn about their lives and why their fields produce some of the world’s finest tobacco. Next you’ll learn about the subsequent steps in production when you spend time with workers at a nearby tobacco-sorting facility.

Venture inside one of the valley’s karst formations on a river expedition that takes you inside a cavern and then sit down to lunch on an organic farm where you’ll meet the Cuban family that has grown and prepared this congenial meal. In the afternoon, you’ll gain deeper insight into the region’s enduring ways as we introduce you to the residents of Viñales, a small provincial community. You’ll return to Havana with time to refresh before another elegant shipboard dinner accompanied by complimentary wine, beer and cocktails. This evening, the ms Saint Laurent sets sail on a course that will take you around the island’s western tip.  Meals B+L+D

Situated on the westernmost tip of the Island, the spectacularly beautiful Bahía de Corrientes is home to remarkable flora and fauna, both offshore and on land. This morning, you’ll step off in Maria La Gorda to begin your exploration of the National Park, the largest of Cuba’s six nature reserves. Accompanied by a local naturalist, you’ll learn about the region’s indigenous species including butterflies, birds, and orchids – some just recently discovered.

Afterwards, a meteorologist will tell you about the storms and hurricanes that have impacted the island and how he and his colleagues forecast the weather in this part of the Caribbean. You’ll gain insight into how some of these powerful meteorological events have affected ordinary Cuban citizens. Before returning to ship for lunch, you’ll also meet a local beekeeper to learn about his work and the honey he produces. This afternoon, our ship will chart an eastbound course along Cuba’s southern coast.  Meals B+L+D

Established in 1819 and known as the “Pearl of the South,” the lovely town of Cienfuegos is one of Cuba's newest settlements. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized for its architectural diversity including a fine Colonial district and a collection of 20th-century palaces set on a thin slice of land that extends into the picturesque bay. After breakfast, you’ll step ashore to join our local experts for a guided walking tour focused on the town’s wealth of architectural landmarks including the Government Palace, San Lorenzo School and Ferrer Palace. At a graphic arts studio, you’ll learn how art has impacted the lives of ordinary Cubans. Continue your people-to-people cultural exchange with members of a local choir; gain insight into their daily rehearsal schedule and learn how they began their studies. Return to ship for lunch and enjoy a relaxing afternoon as the Saint Laurent sails for Trinidad. Our Listen + Learn Aboard program continues for those who wish to learn more about Cuban life, history and culture. Or relax on deck enjoying our ship’s open bar and the congeniality of your fellow passengers.  Meals B+L+D

Situated along the island’s southern coast, the handsome Colonial-era town of Trinidad is another World Heritage Site recognized for historic buildings that reflect Neoclassical, Moorish and Spanish Baroque influences. Founded in the 16th century, the city’s landmarks include the historic Palacio Brunet and Palacio Cantero, built with wealth from Cuba's lucrative sugar trade. This morning, our professional Cuban guides will immerse you in the beauty and history of their hometown, taking you along its ancient cobblestone streets, sharing their knowledge and passions, and telling dramatic tales of conquistadors, pirates and smugglers.

But there’s more to Trinidad than its rich history and you’ll explore these modern facets as we introduce you to talented artists in their colorful studios. You’ll also visit the Architecture Museum and spend time at a ceramic workshop. Learn about traditional pottery techniques from the skilled artisans of this family-run studio and try your hand at the wheel. After lunch back onboard, your afternoon cruise toward Santiago de Cuba is enriched by our ongoing Listen + Learn Aboard program.  Meals B+L+D

From the unique white dress you’ll see worn by Santeria initiates throughout the city to the region’s distinctive styles of music and dance, Santiago de Cuba has a very strong Afro-Cuban spirit. This morning, you’ll learn about this heritage as our local experts take you on a tour of Cuba’s second largest city. You’ll explore lovely areas like the Plaza Delores; once a bustling marketplace, this pleasant and shady town square is now home to restaurants and cafes popular with city residents. You’ll also have a chance to learn more about the region’s Afro-Cuban music and dance before returning to ship for lunch.

In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a tour of San Pedro de la Roca. Built by the Spanish in the 17th century, this massive stone fortress is spectacularly set on a rocky promontory above Santiago de Cuba Bay. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the best examples of Colonial military architecture in the Americas and reflects Italian and Renaissance design principles. Before returning to ship for dinner, you will have an opportunity to meet with local residents for deeper insight into the life and traditions of the region.  Meals B+L+D

Tailor your exploration with the included morning excursion of your choice:

Alejandro de Humboldt National Park c: Named for Alexander von Humboldt the German naturalist and adventurer who explored this area in 1801, this pristine National Park offers one of the most diverse ecosystems in the Caribbean. With a variety of terrain, this tropical paradise is home to numerous species, many of them endangered and protected. Lead by our experienced and sharp-eyed naturalists, this active walking tour offers a chance to espy Cuban Amazon parrots, Hook-billed Kites, Ivory-billed woodpeckers and other colorful species.

Historic Baracoa: Surrounded by tropical forests on the far eastern shores of the island, Baracoa is Cuba’s oldest city; it’s a charming place where the pace of life is refreshingly simple, and many people still make their living by fishing or cultivating coconut and banana – as their families have for generations. As an alternative to the National Park, you can choose a guided tour that will show you the city and introduce you to its friendly residents.

Return to ship for lunch and participate in another enriching talk about Cuba with our Listen + Learn Aboard program. Or you can simply relax on deck and enjoy our ship’s ambience before sitting down to another elegant dinner.  Meals B+L+D

After a leisurely morning of cruising and lunch onboard, you’ll step ashore in the colorful port of Gibara where Christopher Columbus landed on October 27, 1492. Our comfortable coaches will be waiting to take you about 20 miles into the interior to explore the sites and culture of Holguín, a city where the rhythms of life have changed little over the years. Accompanied by our experienced Cuban guides, you’ll spend time with artisans and musicians, hearing their stories and learning about their daily life and passions. You’ll return to ship with time to refresh before this evening’s farewell dinner. This evening, our ship completes its 360° circumnavigation of the island and begins its return journey across the Florida Straits. An evening briefing will include important disembarkation information and a recap of our voyage.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast you’ll disembark in the Port of Miami by 10am.  We include your return transfer to Miami Airport for your homeward flight (we recommend flights after 2pm).  Meals B

A significant portion of your in-country programming is customized for each sailing in order to maximize your cultural experience. Many of the places we visit are not tourist destinations and thus are not always available. Therefore, the activities described in this itinerary should be considered as samples only. Please keep in mind that your particular daily program may vary. Final itineraries are sent to guests one to two weeks prior to departure.