Last week, Megan and I were invited to a special celebration aboard the Carnival Paradise at the port of Tampa. This celebration was marking the first of twelve special voyages to Havana, Cuba over the next year.
La Nacional Hotel, Havana, Cuba
The celebration on board the ship was as colorful as Cuba itself, with the largest Cuban Sandwich at sea,
delicious drinks,
Cuban food,
and a big check donated to the Ybor city museum!
We danced with Senior Cruise Director John Heald, and got super excited for everyone onboard sailing off to Cuba that afternoon.
Sadly, we had to disembark the ship, but I saw some wonderful photos already from the first voyage! (Search #CCL2Cuba or #CarnivaltoCuba for great shots on Instagram!)
Each cruise is four or five days in length, and includes an overnight stay in port, giving travelers a rare glimpse into Havana at night. Also, some of the itineraries include a stop in either Key West or Cozumel. What is there to do in Havana you ask? So much! Carnival can help connect you with local guides familiar with the food, music, and history of Cuba. With 16 shore excursions, I’m sure you will find something to do for the whole family.
On top of visiting Havana, you will be on board the Carnival Paradise. A Fantasy class ship holding 2,052 passengers (the largest to ever sail to Cuba) with fun on board activities like a water slide, Seuss at Sea kids activities, Spa Carnival, and the Serenity adults only area.
Sailing dates are July 13, Aug. 14, 24 and 28, Sept. 7, 21 and 25, Oct. 5, 9 and 19, 2017, as well as May 3, 2018. Be sure to find a sailing that fits into your schedule before they are gone. What a great opportunity!
QOTD: Would you be interested in sailing to Cuba?
Disclosure: I was invited to this special day by Carnival, however all opinions are my own.
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Dying to go to Cuba! Seems like it’s the go-to destination now. I can’t get enough of the photos of the old time cars and beautiful people. Do you speak Spanish? Wondering if it’s fairly easy for a non-Spanish speaker to experience Havana.
I do not speak Spanish but have been to other ports where everyone speaks Spanish and is been fine!
Might have to add this to my bucket list!
I’ll be on the Paradise two weeks from tomorrow! I’m still excited for vacay. We are going to Mexico, but if we like the ship, we’ll plan to cruise to Cuba next. I love that Carnival donated to Ybor!
So fun! Love this idea!! 🙂