Cuba by Land & Sea With Abercrombie & Kent

le ponantAbercrombie & Kent has announced a new Cuba by Land & Sea people-to-people itinerary, which combines a seven-night cruise aboard Le Ponant with hotel stays in Havana and Santiago de Cuba. 

Guests will learn about Cuban architecture, arts, music and dining during one-on-one encounters with local residents. There will also be a walking tour through the streets of Havana with a local architect who describes the historic styles and ongoing restoration efforts. For dining, travelers will enjoy lunches off the ship that provide an introduction to Cuban cuisine at locally-owned paladars and a chance to talk to local chefs about the challenges they face as entrepreneurs.

A visit to the University of Santiago de Cuba provides an opportunity to meet students and staff, hearing about the free education system and the island nation’s impressive literacy rate.

There is also time to explore Punta Francés Nature Reserve, accessible only by sea, where guests may snorkel or cruise through palm and mangrove forests by Zodiac boat with expert naturalist guides who explain the conservation efforts in the area.

Le Ponant is a three-masted sailing yacht with 29 cabins that have flat-panel satellite TVs, satellite telephones, desks and dressing tables. The ship also has a 1.3 to 1 crew-to-guest ratio and public spaces that include a scenic Sun Deck and Panoramic Lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows. The Marina is designed for easy access to the water for snorkeling and swimming. Dining options include a casual al fresco restaurant and a more refined dining room serving gourmet international cuisine.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Cuba by Land and Sea: A People to People Cruise is priced from $9,995 per person, double occupancy when booked by July 31, 2016, including  hotel and cruise accommodations, sightseeing, onboard lectures, shore excursions, equipment, most drinks and gratuities. Two back-to-back charters are limited to 58 guests:

Cruise #1: March 1-11, 2017 (Sailing Havana to Santiago de Cuba)
Cruise #2: March 9-19, 2017 (Sailing Santiago de Cuba to Havana)