Guests eager to explore Cuba’s culture and nightlife can now sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas on newly announced itineraries to Havana.
Royal Caribbean International has extended its Caribbean offerings from Tampa to include four- and five-night cruises featuring day and overnight stops in Havana, Key West, Florida, and Cozumel, Mexico. These sailings run through November 4, 2017.
Onshore programs emphasize authentic, people-to-people experiences that immerse visitors in Cuba’s history, heritage, and scenic beauty. Excursions include classic car tours that evoke the 1950s, with photo stops at landmarks such as the stately Hotel Nacional de Cuba and the iconic Plaza de la Revolución, and a scenic drive along Havana’s coastal Malecón. Guided walking tours provide an up-close look at the city’s highlights, from the atmospheric old quarter to the Havana Club Museum, a rum producer housed in an 18th-century colonial mansion. Literature and history enthusiasts can take themed tours that visit Ernest Hemingway’s favorite haunts—places where he lived, fished and dined.
Visitors can also experience Havana’s lively nightlife, from the famed Tropicana Club’s performances to the family-friendly evening cannon firing ceremony known as El Cañonazo. The ship’s onboard programming complements the port experience: guests can enjoy Cuban-inspired food, live salsa music, dance lessons and other activities that reflect the island’s vibrant culture.
These sailings offer a compact but immersive way to discover Havana’s streets, sounds and flavors while enjoying the comfort and amenities of a Royal Caribbean ship. Whether seeking historic sites, culinary tastes, or lively entertainment, travelers will find a variety of curated experiences that showcase the best of Cuba during a short Caribbean cruise.