Cuba by Sea: Santiago to Cienfuegos February 18-25, 2017
CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS SPEND seven nights aboard the intimate Variety Voyager, a privately chartered yacht accommodating just 72 guests CRUISE Cuba s less-developed southern shore, with its rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and well-preserved colonial architecture ENGAGE with artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, and other welcoming locals STAY overnight in Santiago, a city steeped in history whose cultural scene rivals Havana s EXPERIENCE the French flavor of Cienfuegos and stroll the streets of lost-in-time Trinidad DELIGHT in the soaring voices of a world-renowned choir during an exclusive performance TRAVELING WITH YOU Jonathan Hansen is senior lecturer on social studies and a faculty associate at the David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies, Harvard University. An intellectual historian, he is the author of The Lost Promise of Patriotism: Debating American Identity, 1890-1920 (Chicago, 2003) and Guantanamo: An American History (Hill and Wang, 2011), along with articles, op-eds, and book reviews on U.S. imperialism, nationalism, cosmopolitanism, and race and ethnicity. He is currently working on a biography of Fidel Castro (YOUNG CASTRO, to be published by Simon & Schuster), which takes him often to Cuba. Variety Voyager
Dear MTA Traveler, Please join us next winter for a brand-new opportunity to experience Cuba as Columbus first saw her: by sea. Cruise the island s less-developed southern shore, with its rugged mountains, pristine beaches, and wellpreserved colonial architecture. Discover Santiago, Camagüey, Trinidad, and Cienfuegos, engaging with artists, entrepreneurs, musicians, and other welcoming locals along the way. For those wishing to experience the excitement of Havana, an optional postlude is offered. The Museum Travel Alliance (MTA) provides museums with the opportunity to offer their members and patrons high-end educational travel programming. This trip is available exclusively through MTA members and co-sponsoring non-profit institutions. Accompanying us on this voyage is Jonathan Hansen, Senior Lecturer on Social Studies at Harvard University. Our vessel, Variety Voyager, features only 36 cabins and is the perfect conveyance for exploring this largest of Caribbean islands. With the ship as your hotel, call at lesser-visited ports, meeting Cubans from all walks of life and learning from educational talks by distinguished lecturers. We hope you will join us for this once-in-a-lifetime voyage. Sincerely, Jim Friedlander Managing Director Gulf of Mexico Havana Atlantic Ocean Cienfuegos Trinidad Camagüey Caribbean Sea Santa Cruz del Sur Santiago de Cuba
Cuba by Sea: Santiago to Cienfuegos February 18-25, 2017 SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18: U.S.A. / SANTIAGO DE CUBA Arrive independently in Santiago, Cuba s second-largest city and its first capital. Settle in aboard Variety Voyager, which remains docked overnight. Today, join an architectural walking tour that includes the Velázquez Museum, a colonial mansion that is the oldest house in Cuba. Your welcome dinner tonight is on board. D SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19: SANTIAGO Drive to the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, a hilltop pilgrimage church dedicated to the country s patron saint. Return to Santiago to witness the changing of the guard at the mausoleum of national hero José Martí, and enjoy stupendous views of the jungle-clad Sierra Maestra from the UNESCO-listed fortress of El Morro. Santiago is the birthplace of many famous Cuban musicians, and optional evening entertainment can be arranged tonight for interested travelers. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20: SANTA CRUZ DEL SUR / CAMAGUEY Step ashore in the fishing village of Santa Cruz to drive to nearby Camagüey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the city of churches. Its labyrinthine layout, unique in Cuba, is said to have been designed to ward off pirate attacks. Chat with parishioners at the 18th-century Church of St. John of God, and see the beautifully restored Church of Our Lady of Carmen. Meet a curator for a tour of the small, excellent collection at the Ignacio Agramonte Museum, housing works by Wilfredo Lam, Victor Manuel, and other well-known Cuban artists. Note: This day is subject to change, as we are awaiting permission from Cuban officials to dock at Santa Cruz del Sur. Cienfuegos, photo by Ignacio Artola
Port of Casilda, photo by Simon Bordwin (left) and Plaza del Carmen, Camagüey (right) TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21: TRINIDAD Bienvenidos a Trinidad! With its cobblestone streets and candy-colored houses, this UNESCO-recognized town is one of the prettiest colonial cities in the Americas. Stroll past its elegant plazas and palaces on a guided architectural tour, and chat with a local entrepreneur. Lunch is at a paladar, one of the many privately owned restaurants on Cuba s culinary scene. Afterwards, meet local artists and artisans in their studios. We will also learn about santería, the Afro-Cuban religion combining Yoruba and Roman Catholic beliefs, and you may wish to explore this theme further during independent time today. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22: TRINIDAD Culture or nature? It s up to you. This morning choose an architectural tour of the charming colonial town of Sancti Spíritus, founded by the conquistador Diego Velázquez in 1514, or a hike through Topes de Collantes. This nature reserve park harbors wild banana trees, dozens of indigenous orchid species, unique hummingbirds, and other exotic plants and animals. Wander the trails and refresh yourself in one of the park s spectacular waterfalls. After lunch, visit the Valley of the Sugar Mills, former center of Cuba s lucrative sugar industry. Climb Manaca Iznaga Tower, famous for its amazing views of the valley. This evening enjoy a performance of local music. THURSDAY-FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23-24: CIENFUEGOS Devote two days to this alluring, UNESCO-listed city, founded by the French and nicknamed The Pearl of the South. Admire the magnificent, 19th-century Tomás Terry Theater on a guided architectural walk that concludes with lunch at a paladar. Discover the internationally recognized Cienfuegos Botanical Garden, originally founded by an American sugar baron; or visit a historic cigar factory to learn about the importance of tobacco to the Cuban economy. Enjoy a private performance of the world-renowned choir Cantores de Cienfuegos. An onboard farewell dinner will celebrate your memorial stay in Cuba. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25: CIENFUEGOS / U.S.A. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your independently booked flight home. B An optional postlude in Havana is offered from February 25 to 28. DISCLAIMER: The itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of The Museum Travel Alliance and Arrangements Abroad. For complete details, please carefully read the terms and conditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms
VARIETY VOYAGER HORIZONS DECK DINING ROOM 301 303 305 307 302 304 306 308 RIVIERA DECK MAIN LOUNGE RECEPTION BAR 201 203 205 207 209 211 202 204 206 208 210 213 215 212 214 MARINA DECK SPA & GYM LIBRARY 101 103 105 107 102 104 106 Christened in 2012, this intimate, 36-cabin yacht features a sun deck and glass-enclosed dining room with panoramic views and an al fresco option. The spa and gym offer massage, fitness equipment, and a sauna. All cabins have DVD players, flat-screen televisions, and bathrooms with marble finishing. n LAND/CRUISE RATES (Per Person, Double Occupancy) Cabins Decks Rates 108 to 113 Marina Deck $6,995 Staterooms, double bed or twin beds. 101 to 107 Marina Deck $8,295 Staterooms, double bed or twin beds. 212 to 215 Riviera Deck $8,295 Staterooms, double bed or twin beds. 201 to 211 Riviera Deck $9,995 Staterooms, double bed or twin beds. 301 to 306 & 308 Horizons Deck $10,995 Master Staterooms, double bed or twin beds. 307 Horizons Deck $12,995 Owner s Suite, double bed. Cabins are available for single occupancy at a supplement of 25% to 100% of the cruise rate. RATES INCLUDE n Seven nights cabin accommodations aboard Variety Voyager n Airport / pier / airport group transfers for those on suggested group flights n All meals (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner); bottled water and coffee / tea with all meals; complimentary wine/beer with lunches and dinners n Enrichment program of lectures and special events comprised of a full time schedule of people-to-people activities n Escorted sightseeing by private motor coach; entrance fees for included visits n Customary shipboard gratuities 109 111 113 108 110 112 n Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides and drivers Owner s Suite (top), a lounge area on the deck (above) NOT INCLUDED IN RATES International airfare; passport fees; Cuban visa; Cuban departure tax; limited Cuban health insurance policy (required for all foreign travelers to Cuba under age 80); personal items and expenses; airport / pier transfers for those not on suggested group flights; baggage in excess of one suitcase; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included. A NOTE ON AIR TRAVEL TO CUBA As this brochure goes to print, commercial flight schedules between the US and Cuba had not been confirmed. Please contact our office for the most up to date information on air travel to Cuba.
C CIENFUEGOS FEBR El Morro, Santiago de Cuba, photo by Furry Girl MUSEUM TRAVEL ALLIANCE CUBA BY THE SEA n FEBRUARY 18 25, 2017 RESERVATION FORM To secure your reservation, please call Academic Arrangements Abroad at 800-221-1944; or complete this form and return it with your deposit of $1,000 (of which $350 is non-refundable for administrative fees), to be paid by credit card, wire transfer, or check payable to Museum Travel Alliance. Mail to: Museum Travel Alliance, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721. Name(s) in full as on passport(s). Please print. Address City State Zip Telephone (home) (business) Fax E-mail ACCOMMODATIONS Variety Voyager cabin preference (1) (2) I wish to share a cabin with OPTIONAL PRELUDE & POSTLUDE q I/We would like to join the optional prelude in Havana Hotel Room Preference p One bed p Two beds MTA MUSEUM AFFILIATION FORM OF PAYMENT p Enclosed is my check (payable to Museum Travel Alliance) p Credit card Name on credit card Credit card number 3- or 4-digit security code Expiration date Each participant must sign below. I/We have read, understand and agree to the Terms & Conditions at www. museumtravelalliance/terms/cuba and detailed in forthcoming program documents. I/We agree to full payment by credit card, wire transfer, or check 120 days prior to departure. Signature (required) Date Signature (required) Date On the front cover: Trinidad, photo by Aaron Geddes
Cuba by Sea: Santiago to Cienfuegos OPTIONAL TRIP EXTENSION Havana Postlude February 25 28, 2017 OPTIONAL POSTLUDE RATE $2,595 per person double occupancy $495 single supplement Saturday, February 25 Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Havana, a city more than 500 years old, and stay at the oceanfront Meliá Cohiba. Tour exciting Old Havana and the attractive, contemporary Vedado district. Drive along the Malecón, a broad esplanade running beside the sea that is one of the most popular destinations for the city s residents. Have lunch at a paladar, a family-run restaurant serving traditional Cuban specialties. Visit the home of Ernest Hemingway in the nearby town of Cojimar. The house is much as Papa left it, with original furnishings, personal memorabilia, and works of art on display. Discover Havana after hours, on an excursion to some of Hemingway s favorite haunts. L, D Monday, February 27 Attend an informal morning rehearsal of the Contemporary Dance Company of Cuba. Stroll through Colón Cemetery, whose many monuments commemorate Cuban heroes, statesmen, and novelists. Admire the beautiful craftsmanship on display during a special after-hours reception at the Ceramics Museum. B, R, D Tuesday, February 28 Transfer to the airport for your return flights to the United States. B Sunday, February 26 Savor lunch at a restaurant near the cathedral in Havana s colonial district. Meet leading Havana artists in their homes and studios. Enjoy a private cocktail party and dinner at the Ludwig Foundation of the Arts as the guests of the Foundation s president. B, L, R, D Postlude Rates Include: Three nights hotel accommodations at Meliá Cohiba in Havana All meals as per itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, R = Reception, D = Dinner); bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals; complimentary wine/beer with lunches and dinners Space is limited. Please contact Arrangements Abroad to sign up. 1-212-514-8921 or 1-800-221-1944