The best way to visit Cuba is to take a cruise.  My wife and I took Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas; a five-night trip leaving from Miami. We began our journey with Key West as the first port of call; then we plowed 97 miles due south to Havana.

Cuba, is the largest island in the Caribbean with about 42,426 square miles of land area. It has a population of about 11,239,004.

Time seems to have stood still in Cuba since John F. Kennedy’s 1962 embargo. In addition to beautiful beaches the island is a museum of vintage cars, revolutionary murals and neoclassical architecture. In the 1940’s author Ernest Hemingway was so consumed by the Island’s captivating culture he lived there for 20 years!

Here’s the bottom line..a cruise to Cuba will not disappoint you! Some tips if you decide to go:

  • All foreigners must have passports to enter Cuba.
  • U.S. currency must be exchanged for convertible pesos (abbreviated CUC). The peso convertible is largely on par with the U.S. dollar.

Ship Excursions 

  • Old Havana City Sightseeing including Revolution Square, Colon Cemetery and Christ of Havana statue.
  • Tour Old Havana in a Classic American Car. Travel along the broad waterfront.
  • Stop for mojitos at Hotel Nacional. Since the 1930’s the hotel has attracted personalities from the arts, science and politcs, such as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, artists Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner.
  • While enjoying the sights listen to the soul music of Havana you’ll find it everywhere—pulsating through streets, floating out of restaurants and bars, performed in hotels, and of course beating in the clubs.
  • Last, but not least, there are great buys on Cuban rum and cigars.

Does Cuba sound intriguing and off the beaten path? Visit the island and let me know your thoughts. We had an exhilarating experience and I’m sure you will too! 

Bon Voyage, Artis!

About

Nolan Formalarie has been in the North Carolina Real Estate Industry for over 8 years and enjoys every minute of it. He is involved in every aspect of the industry including selling and purchasing residential property, home watch services, property management, association management and construction.