CUBA:
A CERTAIN ROMANCE
As a former Spanish colony liberally painted with French, African, American, Jamaican, Irish and indigenous Taíno influences, the breadth of Cuba’s heritage is staggering. Important historical heirlooms – forts, palaces, hotels and colonial towns – dominate the Cuban landscape, and many of them are being faithfully restored. Rhythms and melodies are ubiquitous in this melting pot of African, European and Caribbean cultures. It’s like no other place on earth. Join us for an educational seven-day experience in this open-air classroom. Our Cuba Cruise, embarking from Montego Bay, Jamaica, gives you the chance to begin to explore Cuba.
What makes Cuba so unique is its warm, vibrant people, simultaneously welcoming, engaging and sincere, as complex and distinctive as the dense percussion and exultant vocals in their music. Cuba is home to survivors and improvisers, poets and dreamers, musicians and dancers…the people of Cuba have kept the country and its effervescent, seductive culture alive for centuries. Our Cuba Cruise is an opportunity to meet and mingle with these people, to see their day-to-day lives in three dimensions, to ask questions. Cuba remains a unique and paradisiacal destination, a captivating anachronism, in a world that seems to become ever-more globalized. We invite you to share it with the people of Cuba and to learn everything you can about this unique island nation.
People-to-people
program embarking in Montego Bay ( subject to change)
Americans can also begin the cruise in Havana on Monday (or Tuesday). Overnight stays are possible before embarkation or after disembarkation to assure flight connections. A longer supplemental program in the Havana area can also be arranged under the general license of the Fund for Reconciliation and Development by contacting director@ffrd.org . Available accommodations are most likely in a private bed and breakfast.
DAY
1: Montego Bay
This lush island is
home to congenial fishing villages, pristine waterfalls, seaside villages,
wetlands harboring endangered crocodiles and manatees, and reggae music, which
was born here in the 1960s. Jamaica is a country infused with pride in its
unique history, breathtaking landscape and singular culture that has produced
some of the world’s great musicians and writers. Montego Bay, its second city,
is the capital of St. James Parish, and an inspiration too – singer-songwriter
Bobby Bloom crooned about its incredible charms in his hit song from 1970, “Montego Bay.”
Afternoon:
Embarkation
Afternoon (45
minutes): Embarkation Briefing (Orientation)
Jorge
G. Arocha is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Havana, the oldest
university in Cuba and one of the first in the Americas. The University of
Havana was founded in 1728 and counts past and present national leaders among
its illustrious Cuban alumni. Professor Arocha will sail with us for the entire
cruise and will be available to answer any questions you may have about Cuban
culture and history, both fascinating and incredibly rich. During this
briefing, professor Arocha will welcome all people-to-people program participants
on board. He will then take you through the week’s culturally enriching program.
Evening (45 minutes): “Cuban
History: Visual Arts
in Cuba” talk
Cuba is a country with a very diverse culture
and the visual arts are no exception. In recent years, a number of distinctive trends
have emerged in Cuban visual arts with references to themes and characters
based on the Afro-Cuban culture. Professor Jorge G. Arocha invites you to an insightful
presentation on board, during which you will have the opportunity to participate
in discussions on manifestations of the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Evening (45 minutes)
– Dance like a Cuban: It’s Salsa Time!
Cuba is the birthplace of many dances such as Cha-Cha, Son, Danzon,
Danzonete, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, Bolero and many others, all are a celebration
of Cuban life and music.
Salsa dancing originated in New
York in the mid-1970s. It evolved from earlier Cuban dance forms, such as
Cha-Cha-Cha and Mambo and incorporated elements of both swing dancing and
disco, which jostled for space on the dance floor with Afro-Cuban and
Afro-Caribbean dances such as Guaguanco and Pachanga. Salsa dancers shift their weight
with each step, keeping their upper bodies parallel to their feet as if
unaffected by the movement of their hips. The Cuban Casino style of salsa
dancing involves “up-and-down” shoulder movements and rhythmic twists of the
torso. Its rhythms are insistent and infectious; they make it impossible to sit
still, so don’t even try! Let our professional Cuban dance instructors take you
through all the salsa steps you need to know during the first fifteen minutes
of the class. Once you’ve learned the steps, you’ll have the next half-hour to
put what you’ve learned into practice with the assistance of our instructors.
Day 2: Santiago
Beautiful Santiago de Cuba is the second-largest city in Cuba and the
capital of the province of Santiago de Cuba. Santiago is actually closer to the
island of Hispaniola (home to the Dominican Republic and Haiti) than it is to
Havana, thus a strong current of Afro-Caribbean culture sizzles through its “avenidas”
and alleyways. The Revolution started here, as did Bacardi rum, salsa and son.
Santiago’s rhythm is uniquely its own.
Morning: “Panoramic Santiago” tour
We will meet with Dr. Martha Cordié Jackson,
a historian and the director of the African Cultural Center “Fernando Ortiz.”
Following Dr. Jackson’s presentation we will enjoy a dance performance, and
have a chance to speak with the performers afterwards. Next, we will visit
three iconic locations. One is a memorial to Antonio Maceo, the "Bronze Titan,” who led two wars for independence
before he was slain by Spanish bullets in 1896.
The second is San Juan Hill, where Teddy Roosevelt and his rough riders
defeated the Spanish in 1898 after the USA entered the Cuban-Spanish-American
War. Our third visit will be the Moncada
Barracks, where Fidel and Raul Castro commenced their 1953 assault on the
Batista regime.
After our tour, you
may return to the ship for lunch and relaxation, or you can opt to be
dropped-off in the colonial central square of Santiago, home to the city’s cathedral, shops and privately-owned restaurants
(called “paladares”). After walking along the streets of this colonial gem, you
can return to the ship on foot or by taxi.
Afternoon (45 minutes): Cuban History “The Birth of the Nation (1492-1898)” talk
Professor Jorge
G. Arocha takes you from the discovery of the Caribbean by Christopher Columbus
through the Cuban-Spanish-American War in a fascinating presentation about the
birth of the Cuban nation.
Afternoon (60 minutes): Our Cuban Staff Want to Meet and Greet You
Share
time with our Cuban staff during your week together. Learn about what it’s like to grow up in
Cuba, get firsthand insight into their daily lives and develop a real understanding
of their culture, their history and their customs. This is a once-in-a-lifetime
opportunity to get to know the people of Cuba and hear their stories. Most are comfortable speaking in English but
are happy to help you practice your Spanish.
Evening (60
minutes) – Dance like a Cuban: It’s Rumba Time!
Rumba is a group of rhythms, music and ballroom dance that originated in
Cuba. The name “rumba” is derived from the Cuban-Spanish word “rumbo,” which
means "party" or "spree" – Habaneros of African descent
used the word as a synonym for party. Rumba is based on African music and dance
traditions, namely Abakuá and yuka, and is also derived from the coros de clave,
which originated in Spain. Cuban rumba comprises the three traditional forms of
rumba: yambú, guaguancó and columbia. Our Cuban dance instructors will take you
through the steps during the first 15 minutes of class, and then they’ll turn
you loose on the dance floor. Get ready to rumba!
DAY 3: At Sea
Program on
board
Morning (45 minutes): A
Taste of Cuba: How “Mixing and Matching” Creates the Most Mouthwatering Dishes
Join us for a Cuban cooking lesson, one that gives you a chance to
discover some of the many “gems” of Cuban Cuisine. You will learn how to take fresh ingredients
and create incomparable tastes that burst with the flavors of Cuba. Our chef will
show how Creole and Spanish cuisine blend to create the authentic, singular
Cuban gastronomic experience. Simple, hearty and incredibly flavorful, you’ll
learn what you need to try your hand at cooking these dishes at home.
Morning (45
minutes): “Cuban Cigars – The Story Behind the Smoke” presentation
Cuba is known worldwide for its hand-rolled cigars. If you love cigars,
this presentation gives you the opportunity to learn how the country’s beloved
“Habanos” are produced! Christopher
Columbus is generally credited with
the introduction of tobacco to Europe. Three of Columbus's crewmen on his 1492
journey to the New World are said to have encountered tobacco for the first
time on the island of Hispaniola, then again on Cuba. This
presentation will give you a comprehensive understanding of the origins of
tobacco and how the Cuban cigar industry was born and developed.
Afternoon (90
minutes): Documentary Film about Cuba
Please join us for a full-length, informative documentary
about Cuba.
Afternoon (45
minutes): Popular Cuban Culture Lecture: “El Ajiaco” talk
This presentation is a general characterization of the Cuban culture,
taking the ajiaco as the main response to the question: What is the Cuban
people? “Ajiaco” is the name of an Indian soup of the Taíno population. It’s
made with sweet potato, yucca root, plantains, corn and meat (beef and/or pork),
and several other ingredients. It requires a lot of stock, as well as lemon
juice and aji (like the chili, but softer). This is one of the staples of Cuban
cuisine. As well, the dish is symbolic
of Cuban culture – a diverse mix of different races, accents, religions, and myths
of Cuba, all stewed together like the ingredients in the ajiaco. Professor
Arocha will also discuss the geography of Cuba, its national symbols (including
the national bird of Cuba, the tocororo), historical places in Havana and the
Spanish spoken in Cuba.
Afternoon (45
minutes): “Rum Diary – The History of Rum and a Taste of the Magic” talk
Cuba is known
as the Isle of Rum, thanks to her world-famous sugar cane, her delightful
Caribbean climate, her fertile soil, and the unique knowledge of Cuban "Maestro
Roneros" (master rum-makers). Cuban rum began as “tafia,” fermented nectar
made with the island’s sugar cane and enjoyed by sailors and swashbucklers
alike. With the introduction of copper stills in the 19th century,
Maestro Roneros took their first shot at aging Cuban rum, and its quality improved
immensely. Pedro Diago, the father of Cuban rum, had the idea of storing the
"aguardientes", or eaux-de-vie, in pots and burying them to age.
In the second
half of the 19th century, the result of these developments was the
introduction of lighter, more refined rum, "Ron Superior," which was
requested by the Spanish crown to serve to the Spanish court and to the “elite
of the Empire.” It was so popular that by 1860 Cuba was home to more than 1000
distilleries. Join us for a deeper look into the fascinating history of Cuba’s
national drink, and for a taste of some of her finest rums.
Afternoon (60
minutes): More of our Cuban Staff Want to Meet and Greet You
Get together again with different members of our Cuban staff. Ask them about their experiences growing up
and living in Cuba, and answer questions they might have about life in the USA.
You should also feel free to ask them whatever questions you have after experiencing
the real Cuba in vibrant Santiago de Cuba. Expect to make new friends and hear
how they live, play, and work in Cuba.
Evening (45
minutes): Let’s Learn “Cuban”
Join Professor Arocha for an in-depth discussion on what makes Cuba
different from her Latin American neighbors. Whether it’s the Spanish spoken in
Cuba, her literature, her music, her cuisine…Cuba is a singular place, and
Professor Arocha will take you on a brief tour of what makes her unique,
followed by a question and answer session.
Evening (60
minutes): Dance Like a Real Cuban: It’s Cha Cha time!
Everybody
Loves to Cha Cha Cha! The cha-cha-cha is a Cuban dance created in 1953 by Cuban
composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin. The cha-cha-cha is a fast ballroom dance
similar to the mambo – it follows a rhythmic pattern based upon a quick
three-step movement, cha-cha-cha. Let us give a bit of the history of Cuban
Terpsichore and teach you how to dance an authentic cha-cha-cha!
DAY 4: HAVANA
From all over the city of Havana one
perceives a rumor of trees and conversations, of plenitude and freshness.
-
Renaldo
Arenas, “End of a Story,” from Mona and
Other Tales
As the Caribbean’s largest and most vivacious
city, Havana’s romantic atmosphere and boundless energy are legendary. “Anything
is possible in Havana,” wrote British novelist Graham Greene of Cuba's magical
capital. One of the world's great urban centers, this tough but elegant
tropical metropolis is a cosmopolitan cocktail of stirring monuments and
festive music. It has few cultural equals.
Habaneros love their city, and it’s easy to
see why. Amid the sweet blue waters of the sparkling Caribbean, over five
centuries of history have helped shape one of the Hispanic world’s most
electric and culturally unique societies. A stomping ground for pirates, a fortified
slave port for the Spanish and a gambling capital for the American Mafia, Havana
has survived it all. The city has given the world mambo and salsa, mural
paintings, Cohiba cigars, Havana Club rum…Havana is the heart of Cuba, and it
beats with unstoppable, celebratory passion.
Morning (45 minutes): The History
of Havana
We begin our
immersion in miraculous Havana with a presentation on board the ship by a
historian or architect from the city. There
will be time for questions and discussion with our speaker.
Morning: “The Real Taste of Havana” tour
Old Havana and its fortifications are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Join us on this tour to experience the
majesty of colonial Havana. The city was founded in 1519 by the Spanish, and by
the 17th century it had become one of the Caribbean's main centers for
ship-building and provisioning. The old city center comprises a breathtaking
mix of Baroque and neoclassical monuments and a homogeneous ensemble of private
houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards.
Come meander along the narrow streets of this fascinating city with our expert
guide, who will regale you with tales of this magical city’s storied history.
We begin with a walking tour of the
historical center of Habana Vieja,
where we’ll see the Arms Square, the Royal Forces Castle, Saint Fransis of
Assisi Square, the Cathedral Square and the Old Square. We’ll visit a graphics
workshop, and see local artists at work – you’ll also have a chance to interact
with them. Afterwards you can either return to the ship for lunch or discover one
of the many private restaurants (“paladar”) in Old Havana.
Afternoon:
“More of Authentic Havana” tour
We begin our
afternoon with a guided bus tour through the 19th and 20th
century transformation of Havana into its modern iteration. We will pass by “Paseo
del Prado” (the Promenade), the Grande Teatro de Havana and the Capital
Building. We will visit the Plaza de la Revolución, where May Day marches
political speeches, and Papal masses have taken place. There’ll be time to take
photos at the Jose Martí Memorial and at the National Library.
This segment of the
excursion traces how Havana grew from the underprivileged sections within its
walls, such as Centro Habana and Chinatown, to include the middle class and
wealthy neighbourhoods, such as Vedado, Nuevo Vedado, Miramar and the
International Business Centre, beyond its walls. We’ll see the famed escalinata
(stairway) and the Alma Mater statue at the University of Havana, La Rampa
entertainment zone, the Coppelia ice cream parlor and the Habana Libre Hotel (formerly
Havana Hilton) and the famed Nacional Hotel. You’ll also have a chance to purchase authentic Cuban
souvenirs and gifts from self-employed artists, craftsmen and vendors at San
José Market.
The evening is left open for you to experience
Havana’s famous night life. Return to
the ship for dinner, or sample more of the high quality restaurant scene in
Habana Vieja, Centro and Vedado. Join others
from the ship at a pre-booked electrifying performance of Opera de la Calle
(Opera of the Streets), a nostalgic 50s style Buena Vista Social Club show, or
the iconic Tropicana cabaret show. Enjoy
on your own clubs featuring jazz, salsa, regetón, and trovador. Check whether the acclaimed national ballet,
symphony and modern dance groups are performing that night. Within steps of the ship in the Basilica de San
Francisco, you might find Camarata Romeu in concert, the all women chamber
orchestra featured in a PBS documentary.
(The place to discover what’s happening during your night on the town is
the downloadable monthly PDF “What’s On Havana!” a feature of the web magazine cubaabsolutely.com.)
DAY 5: HAVANA
Morning (90 minutes): Performance
– Afro-Cuban Music and Dance
It’s morning in Havana. N’Sila Che Che is a performance ofAfro-Cuban music and dance on board the Celestyal Crystal bya group of local artists who are believers in the three dominant strains of Afro-Cuban religion in Havana: Santeria, Palo Monte and Abakuá. The performance will be introduced by Dr. Raisa Fornaguera de la Pena, director of the municipal museum of Regla.
After the performance, feel free to disembark and continue exploring Havana and meeting its people on your own. Find the most appealing local cuisine or return to the ship for lunch.
Afternoon: “More of Real Havana” Tour
After lunch, take some time to familiarize yourself with the modern history of Cuba at the Museum of the Revolution, housed in the former Presidential Palace, or to see impressive classical and
modern works at the Museum of Fine Arts just across the street. Finish your Havana adventure with an independent stroll along the cobblestone streets of the old city.
Afternoon: All Aboard
Evening (30 minutes): “Cuban
Flora and Fauna” talk
Cuba is home
to 7000 species of plants (half of them endemic), and the country’s fauna is
incredible featuring 35 mammal species (24 endemic), 350 bird species (23
endemic), 121 reptiles (103 endemic) and 48 types of amphibian (42 endemic),
including the bee hummingbird, the butterfly bat and the Cuban crocodile. Many
of these unique plants and animals make their homes in the country’s
approximate 3,400 square kilometers of national conservation areas. Join
Professor Arocha for a lively presentation about Cuba’s unique ecosystem and
its residents.
Evening (60 minutes): Dance like a Cuban: Now
You Can!
Come join us
for a potpourri of Cuban dances and live Cuban music! Are you ready to cha-cha-cha,
mambo and salsa? Give it a whirl under the guidance of our expert Cuban dance
instructors. Our authentic Cuban band will make it impossible for you to stay
away from the dance floor.
DAY 6: MARIA LA GORDA
Maria la Gorda, in western Cuba, is a palm-fringed oasis of sugar-sand and
clear water amidst banana fields and tobacco plantations. The diving camp here,
also named Maria la Gorda, is the perfect place to embark on an exploration of
Cuba’s coastal treasures. Visit some of
the Caribbean’s most astonishing coral canyons and caves – there are more than
20 dive spots here and an incredible array of tropical marine life.
Today you’ll have a day to discover Maria La Gorda and
her natural wonders at your own pace.
Optional tours:
·
Excursion to the
nature preserve of Cabo de San Antonio
·
Diving Maria La Gorda
·
Snorkeling Maria La
Gorda
Afternoon (45
minutes): Cuban History “Republic and Revolution” talk
Join us for a fascinating lecture by Professor Arocha about the history
of modern Cuba. He will take us from the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista, the
last days of which were immortalized in The
Godfather Part II to Biran, the birthplace of Fidel and Raul Castro and to
Santiago de Cuba, specifically the Moncada Garrison where the first shots of the
Cuban revolution were fired.
Afternoon (45
minutes): Authentic Cuban Cooking Lesson – Festive Cuban Dishes
Hungry for authentic Cuban food?
Join Professor Arocha and a team of Cuban chefs for a demonstration on how to prepare
festive Cuban dishes, with a focus on fresh ingredients and ease of
preparation. Professor Arocha will share the history of these dishes as they
are prepared. Come hungry!
Evening (60
minutes) – Dance like a Cuban: It’s Mambo time!
The mambo is a fast ballroom dance of Cuban origin – it’s rhythmically
similar to the rumba and cha-cha-cha, but its pattern of steps is more complex.
After its birth in Cuba, both American and Mexican dancers and musicians made
significant changes to the mambo, helping it develop into its modern form. The
word "mambo" means
"conversation with the gods" in Kikongo, the language spoken by Central African slaves who were brought to the Caribbean. Modern mambo began with a song, "Mambo,"
recorded in 1938 by brothers Orestes and Cachao López, two legends of Cuban music.
DAY 7: CIENFUEGOS
Cienfuegos, “the Pearl of the South,” was founded in 1819. Situated on
the Caribbean coast of southern-central Cuba at the heart of the country’s
sugar cane, mango, tobacco and coffee production area, the town first developed
in the neoclassical style – it became more eclectic as it grew but still
retained a harmonious overall townscape.
Morning: “See the Best of Cienfuegos” tour
Our first stop is the University of
Cienfuegos, where we’ll have a rare opportunity to interact with the
university’s dynamic and engaging professors – they are looking forward to sharing
insights about their city with you, both its storied history and its future.
We’ll then visit the Plaza de Armas, the traditional central square of
Cienfuegos, and the magnificent Teatro Thomas Terry. Built between 1887 and
1889 to honor Venezuelan industrialist Tomás Terry, this 950-seat opera house
and theater is decorated with marble and hand-carved Cuban hardwoods. Don’t
forget to look up for a view of the theater’s ceiling frescoes.
We will also visit the Graphic Society
of Cienfuegos, where we’ll view prints and meet with the artists who offer
programs for children with special needs., You may either conclude
your visit seeing the unique architecture of the Palacio de Valle and return
to the ship for lunch or stay in the Plaza de Armas to savor a meal in a local
paladar and explore Cienfuegos on your own.
Afternoon (45
minutes): “Cuban History – the Musicality of the Cuban People” talk
Professor Arocha
will give a presentation about the musicality of the Cuban people. Bolero,
cha-cha-cha, guajiras, mambo, rumba, sones, trova…how can one island produce so
much music, so much dance, all of it beloved the world over? Professor Arocha
will discuss the African and European influences in Cuban music and how this
vibrant music has become so central to Cuban life.
Afternoon after departure (60 minutes): Open Discussion
of Your People-to-People Experience
This is an opportunity
to ask questions and reflect on your experience in Cuba with Professor Arocha,
with our Cuban crew and with any of the American staff accompanying you.
Evening (45 minutes) – Make Your Own Cuban
Cocktail
Try a real
mojito, and then learn the history of this fabulous and refreshing cocktail. Some historians
believe the African slaves who worked in the Cuban sugar cane fields during the
19th century were instrumental in the cocktail's origin – guarapo, the sugar cane
juice often used in mojitos, was a popular drink
amongst the slaves, who came up with the name of this sweet nectar. Our Cuban
mixologists will teach you how to make the best Cuban cocktails while taking
you through the rituals, stories and urban myths behind these drinks.
Evening (60 minutes):
Dance like a Cuban
Our final
Cuban dance party! Come join us for a real fiesta! You’ll have a chance to use
everything you’ve learned about cha-cha-cha, mambo, salsa…expect a late night.
********************************************************************************
Cuba Cruise has worked closely with the Fund for Reconciliation and Development to create a general license people to people itinerary that meets current US legal requirements for a full time program of educational and cultural exchange activities for US citizens and residents traveling to Cuba. Special shore excursions have been designed to be in compliance with US regulations while providing opportunities for personal discovery and independent meals. On board an array of talks, demonstrations and lessons are offered so that passengers may choose those of greatest personal interest. The two opportunities to meet with Cuban crew should be on everyone's agenda.
P2P
registration (required for every US
passenger, including permanent residents)
http://tinyurl.com/P2Pregis
Representational Image File Photo 