Growing up in the 60’s I never had the desire or expectation that I would have the opportunity to travel to this island nation that has been under communist dictatorship for virtually all of my life. Well, you just never know what life will throw at you and although it is last minute, Sue and I were fortunate enough to be selected along with a group of other travel agent ambassadors to sail on the third voyage of Carnival’s Fathom Cruise Lines’ Adonia, to Cuba next weekend for a weeklong cruise and visit. We are now frantically trying to prepare and familiarize ourselves with a little history, culture and Cuban customs so we can get the most out of this exciting adventure. Looking at the map, we have visited many of the islands that surround Cuba and have viewed it from the deck of many ships while sailing past but to actually set foot on Cuban soil and experience its people is truly hard for us to wrap our heads around. 

Our itinerary has us visiting the cities of Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago De Cuba under “People to People” visas requiring us to participate in an “emersive cultural exchange”. (Sure hope there’s a little rum exchanged in there somewhere.) Our excursions have all been arranged for us and it looks to be a pretty aggressive schedule. I will do my best to report on our activities however I’m not sure about the reliability or speed of internet connections in Cuba or onboard. So, stand by for updates and here’s to another crazy Vivere Travel Adventure.

Chris & Sue Elder, Adventure Consultants