Ponant announced it returns to Cuba for a 2nd season with a cruise scheduled to run between January 25-February 3, 2019. Passengers who book early can save up to 30% resulting in prices that start at US$7,980 per person and include airfare from Miami FL as well as 2 pre-cruise nights in Havana.
Ponant's new itinerary, “Cuba: History, Culture & Contemporary Life,” takes place aboard the 64-passenger Le Ponant. Ports of call include one of the island’s oldest cities, Santiago de Cuba; Trinidad with its cobblestoned streets and architecture; Punta Frances' beach on Isla de la Juventud; Cienfuegos, where passengers can opt for a side trip to Bay of Pigs and Playa Giron.
Throughout the trip, dance and musical performances, visits with owners of casas particulares, tours of artists’ studios, are led by local guides.
Passengers can also enjoy onboard programs with guest lecturer Franklin W.Knight, Professor of History at Johns Hopkins University. Knight has been organizing Cuban educational travel programs since the 1970s. Topics include "Cuba the Land of Eccentricity," "Cuban Rums: An Appreciation with Samples," "Cuba after the Castro Brothers."
A couple of Cuban guides will join onboard for the entire voyage to share meals as well as engage in informal conversation. Once onboard, passengers unpack only once while the ship transports them to notable sites on the island.