Things to Do When You’re in a Cuban Port

Cruises to Cuba

Cuba is becoming more and more popular as a cruise destination. It’s obvious why. It’s is more than 775 miles long, more than ten times larger than some of the other Caribbean vacation destinations, and is located along every potential route along the eastern, western and northern Caribbean shores. It literally demands to be seen.

People-to People Travel

With President Obama lifting the United States fifty-year travel embargo, American cruises are now adding Cuba as a destination. Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said, “Cuba is an island jewel unique from anywhere else in the Caribbean and we are thrilled to have this rare opportunity to take our guests to this fascinating destination.”

Americans, however, cannot visit Cuba for recreational purposes. Their visits are limited to “people-to-people travel”exchanges that fostermeaningful interactions with the Cuban people and satisfy cultural and educational requirements.

American travellers are responsible for arranging the “people-to-people” exchanges and completing a form certifying that they will be participating in cultural exchanges before setting sail, which they must keep for five years. The cruise ship should provide these forms.

About that People-to People Limitation

How could anything that requires travellers to learn about a historical, colorful, inspiring, World Heritage city and build relationships with the warmest, friendliest, and most generous people on the planet ever be considered “limiting?”

There is so much to seeand do in Cuba, no matter where you’re from or where you port.

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel

In addition to booking roundtrips and extended tours, it also books private and group activities for the cruise ship traveller, including the American cruise ship traveller.

Cubans often ask “Que Bolaa?” It means, “what are you going to do today?” and “how are you going to have fun?” Everyday, too, Que Bolaa Cuba Travel asks, “Que Bolaa?” But, you don’t have to answer. Let Que Bolaa Cuba Travel answer for you with one of their Specials for Cruises.

Specials for Cruises

Here are some of the Specials for Cruises Que Bolaa Cuba Travel offers for Cruise travellers:

o Visit to a Cigar and Rum Factory: Cuba is known for producing the best Cigars and Rum. Visit a Rum and Cigar factory and see how both are made. See why they’ve always been the best.

o Tour old and modern Havana, a World Heritage and historical Center. Admire the beautiful and unique architecture of the monuments, churches, and palaces. See the people going about their day. No other place compares.

o Vintage Cars Ride around Havana. Cuba is colorful. That’s actually understating things a bit. Everything in and around it adds color – the ocean, the buildings, the people, and the cars. The vintage cars are full of hues. And, they’re vintage and classy. How cool. So, why not tour Havana while riding one of them? (trips are hourly).

o A Buena Vista Social Club concert or show at the Tropicana.

Between the 1940s and 1960s, the Buena Vista Social Club in Havana was an exclusive place for musicians and performers. The traditional Afro-Cuban musical and “son,” salsa’s root, developed there. When it closed in the 1990s, it led to a recording with various Cuban musicians. After some of the members passed away, Cuban singer and dancer OmaraPortuondo; guitarist and vocalist Eliades Ochoa; Barbarito Torres, trumpeter Manuel "Guajiro" Mirabal; and trombonist Jesus "Aguaje" Ramos formed the The Buena Vista Social Club and began spreading the Cuban sound. They are now an international success.

The Tropicana, which was established in 1939, was known throughout the world as a cabaret and club. It is located on a six-acre suburban estate with luxurious tropical gardens. The club is known for inspiring Cuban culture and influencing its music. The club also inspired Cuban native DesiArnaz. On the I Love Lucy Show, his character, Ricky Ricardo, is a bandleader at the Tropicana. Today, it still captures its old spirit with an open-air nightclub show and spectacular song-and-dance show.

Travellers may choose whichever activity(ies) they prefer and Que Bolaa Cuba Travel will do all the arrangements.

Specials include:

o Pick-up at and return to your cruise site.

o Specialized guide service in your preferred language, according to availability.

o Private Transportation in the type of car you choose (Antique, modern, or luxurious), according to availability.

o Rest Room Facilities

See www.quebolaacuba.com for more detail.

Hemingway’s Cuba

He looked at the sky and saw the white cumulus built like friendly piles of ice cream and high above were the thin feathers of the cirrus against the high September sky.”

That’s a line from Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. One can actually see the wispy the clouds in the sky while reading it.

In 1928, “Papa” Hemingway and his family set sail from their Florida home toward Spain. Along the way, they stopped in Havana, Cuba and stayed for three days. Well, it was more than enough for Hemingway. He had fallen madly in love with Cuba.

Four years later, in 1932, Hemingway came back and brought along a few friends, one of which was a master fisherman who showed him how to catch fish. He loved it so much, he purchased a fishing boat and returned the next year. He even wrote an article entitled, “Marlin off the Morro: A Cuban Letter.” It was published in Esquire Magazine in 1933. You can read it at: www.esquire.com/sports/a49248/marlin-off-the-morro/

In 1940, Hemingway and his new wife purchased a home in Havana and named the property “Finca Vigia,” which means or “lookout house.” The two lived there along with their many cats for the next twenty years. While living at Finca Vigia, he wrote his most acclaimed works, The Old Man and the Sea and For Whom the Bells Toll.

Hemingway went on to become a renownedCuban regular, even after relations with the United States crumbled. He fished nearly every day, mingled with residents at local bars, and reported on goings on. He even asked the Cuban government to let him turn one of his boats into a fighting ship so he could defend the shores against German submarines.

In 1961, after Hemingway’s death, his possessions sadly ruined. Fortunately, however, the Cubans recently restored his home and the public can now see all his beloved souvenirs, hunting awards, personal artifacts, and majestic library. Hishome is now listed on both the World Monuments Fund list of the 100 Most Endangered Sites, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 11 Most Endangered Places list.

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel is a newly formed Cuban private travel agency. Its highly skilled professionals have extensive travel experience and are specifically trained on the latest travel techniques, practices, and procedures. It will show you Cuba in the best, possible manner.

The people of Cuba often say “Que Bolaa” to ask “what are you doing?” and “how are you going to have fun?” It means they are treating you like a close friend. And, that’s how Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel will treat you – as a friend.

The Hemingway Excursion

Experience Habana (Spanish for Havana) just as Papa Hemingway did during the twenty years he was most happy and productive. You’ll see the places he cherished, visit Habana’s historical center (World Heritage), and simply come to love, as he did, Cuba’s beauty, sounds, sights, and people.

The excursion includes:

• A visit to the restored Finca Vigia.
• Room 511 in “Ambos Mundos Hotel,” where he wrote.
• The local bars in which he shared drinks with Cuban friends.
 • A walk around Old Havana, which includes visits to the colonial squares, Central Park, the Catholic Cathedral, and Prado’s Drive.
• A visit to either a cigar or rum factory.
• An evening with either the “Buena Vista Social Club” or a concert at the Tropicana.

The Hemingway Excursion is only one of Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel’s ten top tours excursions.

Homestays

Homestays are rooms and/or homes that private citizens rent out to the public. They are a unique and cost-effective alternative to hotels, much like a Bread and Breakfast. In 1997, the Cuban government permitted citizens to rent out their properties.

Most people have a very positive experience with a Homestay. The homes were neat and clean and their host family treated them very well and provided inside information about Cuba. Some provided delicious food, as well. Accommodations vary. Some simply offered a small room and shared bathroom, kitchen, and everything else, while others offered entire homes with private pools. It simply depends. And, costs are determined by the owner and room size and length of stay. Accommodations were arranged through the Internet and such is where you can read reviews and learn about potential homes.

Homestays can be identified by a symbol - a white square with two blue triangles. Such indicates that the home is registered with the government.

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel can also arrange private roundtrips Cuba, cubaroundtrips, and tours, and excursion two days Habana.

Cuban Food

Many cultures impacted Cuban food. Spain had the most influence, followed by Africa, Italy, China, and Haiti. Cuba took what all these countries offered and developed its own unique dishes. Common Cuban spices include oregano, bay laurel, peppers, coriander, and cumin. Sofrito is a common sauce. Its tomato based, highly seasoned, and is made with a blend of lightly fried vegetables and spices.

Dishes are prepared with the freshest ingredients and while most are relatively simple, they are hearty and delicious (meats are usually so tender, they fall off their bones). A typical meal contains rice and beans, chicken, and/or pork.

The tropical climate produces abundant fruit. Plantains and bananas are plentiful. Plantains, which must be cooked, are common at mealtime, as well. Other fruits include papaya, mango, avocado, pineapple, guava, and coconut.Cuban fruit is very delicious. Usually, once one has a taste, they can never again eat it at home. It’s that good.

Beer and rum are popular and Cuban brands are renowned for quality and taste. Cuban coffee is also famous. It’s superior to most, rich and bold, with a slight nutty, flavor. Cubans serve only the best and suggest it be enjoyed with Cuba’s homemade sugar syrup and warm milk.

Cubans rarely write down recipes. Instead, they pass them down from generation to generation. Such is considered a way to keep family members connected, especially older relatives to younger ones.

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel is a newly formed cuban private travel agency. Its highly skilled professionals have extensive travel experience and are specifically trained on the latest travel techniques, practices, and procedures. It will show you Cuba in the best, possible manner. In addition to private roundtrips Cuba and top tours excursions, Qué Bolaa Cuba Travelalso offers several Cuba Roundtrips and Tours.

Feeling Cuba Roundtrip

The Feeling Cuba Roundtrip is afive day, four night trip through four provinces and five locations declared world heritage by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation). It’s a great choice for those who only have a short time to enjoy Cuba and who also want to spend some time in the sun and on the beach. The trip includes:

• A visit to a cigar factory.

• Tour through Havana in an antique car.

• Horseback riding in Viñales.

• A visit to the Zapata Swamp parrot and crocodile hatcheries.

• Lunch at a private restaurant.

Dreaming Cuba

Dreaming Cuba is a nine day, eight night visit to seven provinces. It’s perfect way to see Cuba’s Occident and Central regions. This tour visits areas declared World Heritage UNESCO, includingViñales Valley, Old Havana, Cienfuegos Historical Center, Trinidad Historical Centerand, the Valley of los Ingenios. Other fun things to do include:

• Snorkeling and swimming in the Caribbean Sea.

• A visit to the Zapata Swamp parrot and crocodile hatcheries.

• A visit to “El Nicho” Natural Park.

• Visits to cigar and rum factories

• A tour through Havana and an Antique Cars show.

• Horseback riding in Viñales.

• Lunch at a private restaurant.

• Dinner and the Buena Vista Social Club concert.

• Dinner at a new restaurant

Discovering Cuba

Discovering Cuba is a fifteen day, fourteen night visit to nine provinces. One would finally have the time to savor the most beautiful, historical, and richest cultural areas. Or, if preferred, the vacationer could just lie on the beach and relax. Or, go horseback riding and snorkeling. There are no rules. The trip includes:

• Horseback riding in Viñales.

• Visits to cigar and rum factories.

• Snorkeling and swimming in the Caribbean Sea.

• A visit to a parrot and crocodile hatchery in Zapata’s Swamp.

• A visit to “El Nicho” Natural Park.

• A tour through Havana in an Antique Car.

• Dinner at the Buena Vista Social Club and concert.

• Dinner at a new restaurant

• Lunch at a new, private restaurant.

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel can also arrange private roundtrips, excursion two days Habana (Havana), and top tours excursions homestays.

Cuban Carnival Tour

Every year around late July, Santiago de Cuba and Havana celebrate Carnival. It dates back to the late 1500s and observes the times during the feast of Corpus Christ, when masters allowed their slaves to perform their homeland’s songs and dance and rejoice in their individual faiths. Carnival is dedicated completely to children. There are usually clowns, magicians, and sweets.

Those who visit Cuba during Carnival can expect to experience something amazing and joyful. Musicians, dancers, and other partygoers thoroughly enjoy themselves. Everyone stays out from dusk to dawn. Kiosks provide food and drink and partygoers can purchase traditional Cuban cuisine while they gaze at the locals’ bright costumes.

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel is a newly formed Cuban private travel agency. Its highly skilled professionals have extensive travel experience and are specifically trained on the latest travel techniques, practices, and procedures. It will show you Cuba in the best, possible manner.

The people of Cuba often say “Que Bolaa” to ask “what are you doing?” and “how are you going to have fun?” It means they are treating you like a close friend. And, that’s how Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel will treat you – as a friend. 

Top Tours Excursions

One doesn’t have to visit Cuba during Carnival to enjoy its splendor and beauty. One can book one of Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel’s ten Top Tour Excursions. The dictionary defines “excursion” as a short trip. While these excursion two days Habana aren’t very long, they are fantastic. The excursions are as follows:

• Habana Auténtica - meet Havana and its people. Visit Habana’s historical center and see a concert at the Buena Vista Social Club.

• De Hemingway A La Habana - See Cuba as Ernest Hemingway did. See the places he loved and visited daily. Visit Habana’s historical center and marvel at the architecture and enjoy its people.

• Habana, Tabaco Y Ron: Visit Cuba’s most popular icons: rum and the cigar. See how both began and are currently meet. Visit Habana’s historical center and simply enjoy Havana.

• Nuestra Habana: See and feel Havana just as it is. Visit its historical center and marvel at the architecture, the people’s daily activities, their comings and goings, their everything. Simply see it as it is.

• Overnight Habana: this is the best way to encounter Havana and its people. Visit the historical center, catch a show at the Tropicana, experience its history, savor its music, and dance in a nightclub, including one that goes back to the 1950s.

• Habana - Viñales Overnight: you’ll enjoy both the city and nature. Go horseback riding, listen to music, see an unforgettable show at the Tropicana Nightclub, learn about history and traditions, relive the music and dances of the 1950s, and catch a concert at the Buena Vista Social Club. 

• Nicho - Trinidad Overnight: enjoy Trinidad (World Heritage), the “El Nicho” waterfalls and natural swimming pools. See Cienfuegos (World Heritage of Humanity), the Cuban city of neoclassical style. Then, visit Santa Clara City, which is where you can learn about Che Guevara and visit his Memorial and Monument. Dance salsa at the famous Casa de la Musica.

• Qué Bolaa Matanzas! – see Matanzas, the Athens of Cuba, and the Yumuri Valley, which borders the city. Visit Junco’s Palace, the Pharmaceutical Museum, Sauto Theatre, the cultural center, “La Vigía”, and Monserrate’s Chapel. Take in the Cuban music and see where it was first played.

• Caribbean Day: this excursion is the best way to experience Cuba’s plants and animals. Visit Zapata’s Swamp (RAMSAR Site), the greatest in Latin América. Snorkel and/or dive the Caribbean Sea and see the stunning Coral Reef Barriers. Actually interact with the animals, including parrots and crocodiles. Then, indulge in exotic, tasty meals at small, private restaurants.

• Tres Ciudades – three of the best Cuban highlights in one day. Enjoy Trinidad (World Heritage), the most colonial city in Cuba, whose citizens preserve. Visit Cienfuegos (UNESCO site), the only Cuban city of neoclassical style. Then, see Santa Clara and learn about Che Guevara and visit his Memorial and Monument. Enjoy aCuban Style lunch in one of the “Paladares” around the zone.

Qué Bolaa Cuba Travel can also arrange private roundtrips, cuba roundtrips, and tours.