Havana by Cruise Ship
We had an aborted trip booked to fly from Toronto to Cuba but chickened out. The second attempt was more formal via a cruise with Royal Caribbean. We booked a couple cabins for four of us and then the officially sanctioned people-to-people tour.
Unfortunately our trip was marred by poor weather. It was rainy, overcast, and a bit cold when we pulled into the channel. Our fellow travelers fought over clear photos through the open windows on the 11th deck and we didn’t really have any view. We went aft to the Viking Crown Lounge which was vacant. The windows there are angled outward so the rain didn’t leave droplets on the windows, but they were very greenish-blue. I tried to edit that out but I am still learning how to manipulate photos for specific things, other than highlighting shadows and balancing the brightness.
The classic cars of Havana
El Capitolio
Havana
Castillo de la Real Fuerza
Terminal Sierra Maestra San Fransico with Azamara Journey moored
It must be incredibly impressive to see this massive ship arriving in that channel. We kind of thought the Majesty of the Seas was one of the smaller ships but we towered over the Azamara ship in port.
Harbor master boat
The pilot ship above is what the harbor master uses to rendezvous with incoming ships to board in order to guide the cruise ships in and coordinate getting the massive ship safely moored.
Port
Cuban naval ships
Port
Port
El Cristo de La Habana
According to legend the Christ of Havana looks like he’s enjoying a Cuban cigar and a mojito.
Our Lady of Kazan Orthodox Cathedral
We ended up waiting for a bit so the local immigration officers could clear the ship and release the passengers. We met our tour in the theater and were escorted ashore. Bella and I had been looking forward to this day for many years. I really wish we had clear skies and sun!
~ Freddy
