Following a recent announcement about the addition of two new sail dates for trips to Cuba, Carnival Corporation’s newest cruise brand Fathom is adding three new shore excursions in Cuba its guests can choose from.
Starting September 18, travelers sailing on the MV Adonia can chose between visiting the home of Ernest Hemingway, exploring the Havana countryside or visiting the Sierra Maestra mountain range in Santiago de Cuba.
The new shore excursions range from half- to whole-day tours, with In Hemingway’s Footsteps lasting five hours, Beyond Havana: Exploring the Cuban Countryside lasting nine hours and Magic of Santiago Featuring El Cobre lasting six.
During In Hemingway’s Footsteps, book lovers will see Havana through the eyes of the famed author, from the cobble stone streets of Old Havana and the shores of the fishing village Cojimar, all of which embody the spirit of Hemingway. The excursion stops at Hemingway’s home, Finca Viga, and his favorite fishing spot in Cojimar, which was rumored to be the inspiration for The Old Man and the Sea. The excursion includes lunch and refreshments, with prices per person starting at $59.
During Beyond Havana, travelers have the opportunity to experience Cuba through its countryside, known for coffee and sugar production. The tour visits Las Terrazas, developed in the 1960s as part of Cuba’s Green Revolution, and is recognized today as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Travelers will interact with doctors with interests in alternative medicine, as well as visit art communities and organic farms and the ruins of a former coffee plantation. The tour includes lunch at a locally sourced restaurant as well as refreshments throughout the day, with prices starting at $69 per person.
Those on the Magic of Santiago excursion explore the former capital of Cuba. The tour starts in downtown Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, where travelers visit the final resting place of famed Cuban hero Jose Marti before touring San Juan Hill, site of the Rough Riders assault during the Spanish-American War. The tour also stops at the famous Basilica de Nuestra Senora de la Cardidad del Cobre, where the Pope visited in 2015. There’s also an opportunity for travelers to attend Mass when available, as well as listen to the sounds of the city’s famed steel drum band, El Cobre, starting at $69 per person.
For travelers interested in exploring on their own, Fathom offers an opportunity for self-certifying with approved People to People activities. Examples include taking a drive around Havana in a mint-condition classic American car, sampling a variety of richly-flavored Cuban rums, dancing along to lively Cuban music at a tropical cabaret or enjoying an authentic Cuban meal in a distinctive Cuban restaurant.
The additional sail dates, added due to high demand, include October 9 and November 6, 2016.
Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba in 2016 start at $1,599 per person. To reserve a spot on future sailings, call 855-932-8466 or visit www.fathom.org.