Courtesy of skeezeMorro Castle (Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro, named after the three biblical Magi) is a fortress guarding the entrance to Havana Bay, Cuba.

Highlights of a visit to Havana

Step back in time to the 1950s when you tour the former presidential palace where the Museum of the Revolution is now housed, and sip a mojito at the Hotel Nacional, where the Rat Pack (ask your parents) used to hang. Meet talented artisans as you shop the Almacenes de San Jose crafts market and learn about the country’s age-old profession when you meet Cuban cigar rollers.

Visitors can also take in miles of undeveloped, glittering coastline, see well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage sites and chat up locals interested in modern life in the U.S. 

The New York Times recently reported: "The good news, for Cubans and their visitors, is that the economic reforms — however limited — have created a constellation of privately run restaurants and bars in Havana and provincial towns, many of them in beautiful, restored homes."

Courtesy of FathomCultural exchanges, part of every Fathom cruise, include exposure to local artists, musicians and dancers.

Fun facts

• Havana is only 230 miles southwest of Miami. 
• The city was founded in the 1500s by the Spanish. It served as stopping point for Spanish galleons returning to Spain with the gold of the conquered Americas.

When you arrive

Docking information

There's only one cruise pier and it holds one ship at a time. Terminal de Cruceros Sierra Maestra is located in the port's Ensenada de Atares harbor area, near Old Havana.

Need to know

Documents: U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport.

Language: Spanish

Safety: Havana is relatively safe for tourists. Gun crime, violent robbery and organized gang culture are nearly nonexistent. As always, don't flash cash in public places, protect your valuables and be wary of pickpockets. 

Currency: Cuban Convertible Peso. Cuban currency is NOT traded internationally, so you can’t buy it in advance but can when you arrive. That said, U.S. dollars are widely accepted. 

Your take

How about you? Have you been to Havana or are you planning to go? We'd love to hear about your experience or see your photos!

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