YES!,We Said CUBA Dates: February 4-12, 2012 We all know that travel will happen soon with President Obama�s loosening of restrictions. Our Friends of Festival at Sea can travel to this intriguing island NOW on our unique program designed to provide a fresh perspective and an in-depth understanding of the African roots of Cuban culture. The 8 night � 9 day itinerary encompasses Havana, the Pinar de Rio Province, Matanzas and Varadero, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. The tour will focus on themes including Santeria (Afro Cuban religion), African spirituality in Cuban art, and the African roots of Cuban music. We invite you to participate in one of our exclusive 2012 departures, immersing yourself in the African Roots of Cuban Culture before the island opens up to the masses! Friends of Festival at Sea cruisers who travel together always have a fantastic time. Our exclusive group events and parties make this more than just a regular sailing. Dance to the music you wanna hear, join our Bid Whist and Dominoes Tournaments, Represent on White Night, and enjoy the private Comedy Shows on board plus all of these events: bullet Over three-quarters of U.S. consumers express interest in traveling to Cuba. We all know that travel will happen soon with President Obama�s loosening of restrictions. Our Friends of Festival at Sea can travel to this intriguing island NOW on our unique program designed to provide a fresh perspective and an in-depth understanding of the African roots of Cuban culture. The 8 night � 9 day itinerary encompasses Havana, the Pinar de Rio Province, Matanzas and Varadero, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. The tour will focus on themes including Santeria (Afro Cuban religion), African spirituality in Cuban art, and the African roots of Cuban music. We invite you to participate in one of our exclusive 2012 departures, immersing yourself in the African Roots of Cuban Culture before the island opens up to the masses! HAVANA is where you will witness some of the finest examples of Spanish colonial architecture in the Americas. Tour historic Havana visiting the Plaza de la Revolucion.. Visit Havana Club�s Rum Museum, Casa de Africa in Old Havana, the old port town of Regla (center of Afro Cuban religions including all male secret society of Abakua), the diminutive Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de Regla where you will find the Black Madonna, venerated in the Catholic faith. Visit Guanabacoa, a small village the locals call �el pueblo embrujado� (the bewitched town). Also, we will visit Santa Clara, home to the Museum and Mausoleum of Che Guevara. LAS TERRAZAS is in Pinar del Rio Province, home to much of Cuba�s world renowned tobacco farming, artist workshops of Las Terrazas, and the 19th century home of a former French sugar cane grower as well as the former slave quarters. MANTANZAS (Varadero) formerly known as the �Athens of Cuba� because of the 19th century �men of letters� inhabitants. Visit the humble neighborhood of Versailles�.where freed slaves united in secret brotherhoods called �cabildos� began measuring out drum patterns that gave birth to the Rumba. CIENFUEGOS � TRINIDAD is where we visit the historic centre of the city, Square Jose Marti. See the site of the historic botched invasion of the Bay of Pigs during the Kennedy administration. Experience local living conditions of Afro Cubans first hand on visits in private homes. Explore the streets and homes. Join the Afro Cuban community for what is locally known as a �block party��salsa music and dancing at the Casa de la musica or the Casa de la Trova. Price per person double occupancy: $3107 Single Supplement: $550 Price Includes: 8 nights hotel accommodations double occupancy All breakfasts, most lunches and dinners Drinks with some meals Private English-speaking guide throughout All transportation by modern air-conditioned bus All entrance fees to included tour sites Two bottles of water per day per person onboard motor coach (except transfer days Cuban relations expert for discussion session at included meeting Gratuities to guides, drivers, hotel maids, hotel porters (1 BAG PER PERSON), restaurant waiters. Insurance covering medical expenses inside Cuba Authorization documentation allowing US Immigration clearance upon return to US Not Included: Air transportation to and from Havana (estimated to be about $390 from Miami) Cuba Visa Fee (estimated cost is $70) Drinks with some meals Cuban Departure tax 25CUC (approximately $30 USD per person) Expenditures of a personal nature (laundry, phone, internet fees, etc) General Conditions: Deposit: $500 per person to reserve space. Additional monthly payments of $350 per person are due every 30 days until paid in full. The last payment must be received no later than 60 days prior to departure (December 2nd for first departure; August 31st for second departure). ALL PAYMENTS ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Ask about insurance to protect your vacation investment. All passengers must have a PASSPORT valid six months beyond the trip return date. |