Ponant - Cuba by Qualitours Cruises e Tours

CUBA

H I S T O R Y, C U LT U R E & C O N T E M P O R A R Y L I F E A People-to-People Cultural Experience A b o a r d t h e T h r e e - M a s t S a i l i n g Ya c h t L e P o n a n t January 25 — February 3, 2019  NEW! 2 pre-cruis e hotel nig hts in Ha vana included  Book ea rly to SAVE UP TO 30% See inside.

Havana Cathedral, in the center of Old Havana

Dear Traveler, Perhaps you’ve been longing to go to Cuba ever since travel restrictions were eased for Americans four years ago. Or maybe you’ve already journeyed to Havana, and now are looking to return so you can explore the rest of the island. No matter what is piquing your interest in Cuba, PONANT invites you aboard the small, deluxe sailing yacht Le Ponant in January 2019 for a comprehensive people-to-people experience—one not easily replicated by any other land or sea program! Cuba: History, Culture & Contemporary Life is a broad snapshot of the best of parts of Cuba. The singularly distinctive architecture of Trinidad, which we’ll explore via walking tour. The quiet of Punta Frances on Isla de Juventud, where you will have a stretch of pristine white sand and a beach bar virtually to yourself, with ample time to swim or snorkel. The historical sites of Santiago. Throughout the journey, dance and musical performances, tours of artists’ studios, and visits with owners of casa paticulares are all led by local guides. And now, for the first time, we’re including two hotel nights in Havana—a most fitting introduction to the music, color, and soul of the country! Another special feature to this departure is lecturer Franklin Knight, who has joined past PONANT Cuba cruises to rave reviews. Professor Knight has 70+ visits to Cuba under his belt and is a foremost expert on the country, as well as a delightful traveling companion. During days at sea, he will illuminate with lectures on Cuba’s history and politics and host a special rum tasting. Ashore, he’ll accompany guests on excursions to shed immediate insight on each place we visit. Two Cuban guides will also join us onboard for the entire cruise to share meals and engage in informal, relaxed conversations. The comfort and convenience of touring Cuba by small ship is unparalleled. Once aboard, you will unpack only once and let Le Ponant transport you to the best spots on the island. The 62-passenger yacht hosts elegant accommodations, including stately public areas, well-appointed suites, a professional and welcoming staff, and skilled French chefs preparing each day’s menu. That means you’ll enjoy a savory breakfast every morning before setting out for an enlightening day of excursion ashore, and close each evening watching a glorious sunset from the sun deck. This level of luxury is unique to this corner of the Caribbean. If you needed even more reasons to join this program, we’re offering special, limited-time savings of up to 30% off the regular cruise fare. Call your travel agent or a PONANT Cruise Advisor at 1-888-400-1082 today to experience Cuba, the PONANT way. Sincerely,

Navin Sawhney PONANT CEO, Americas

Front cover: Modern art in front of the former Havana Stock Exchange Back cover (from left to right): Farmer; Classic car in Trinidad; Flower sellers

GUEST LECTURER FRANKLIN W. KNIGHT, Leonard and Helen R. Stulman Professor of History at the Johns Hopkins University, is an analyst and commentator on Latin American and Caribbean history and culture who regularly contributes his expertise on National Public Radio, the Voice of America, the British Broadcasting Corporation, PBS NewsHour, and C-SPAN. Elected a Corresponding Member of the Cuban Academy of History in 2012, he has organized and led educational travel programs to Cuba since the 1970s. This vast experience, his ability to place Cuban social and political history in the broader context of Latin American cultural developments— and his ability to communicate clearly—win praises from all those who have traveled with him. His profession has honored Professor Knight by electing him President of both the Latin American Studies Association and The Historical Society. He serves on advisory committees of the National Research Council, the Handbook of Latin American Studies of the Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress, and the editorial boards of several academic journals.

“ V isiting Cuba on Le Ponant offers the best of both Cuban worlds: the wonderful natural landscapes and seascapes as well as the opportunity to engage with the people at all levels. Best of all, it offers the opportunity to do all this without leaving the equivalent of an excellent first class hotel with insuperable onboard hospitality, excellent local guides, consistently fine dining, and acclaimed experts to help provide an easy access to this brave new world. Nothing beats the incredibly beautiful

sunsets

the

marvelous

experience of arriving in the harbor of Santiago de Cuba at sunrise beneath the majestic fortification of El Morro.” —Franklin W. Knight

LECTURE TOPICS INCLUDE: Cuba: Land of Eccentricity, 1511-1898 Cuba: Society and Culture Under the Republic, 1898-1959 The Cuban Revolution

Meeting with local artists

A History of Playa Giron, 1961 Cuba after the Castro Brothers Cuban Rums: An Appreciation with Samples

ITINERARY

Havana Sierra del Rosario Punta Frances

CIENFUEGOS Trinidad Casilda

CUBA

SANTIAGO DE CUBA

Caribbean Sea By coach

Friday, January 25, 2019 MIAMI, USA | HAVANA, CUBA Fly from Miami to Havana and become acquainted with one of the most alluring cities in the Western Hemisphere. An architectural historian will guide our walking tour through in the heart of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 1519. We will learn about the city’s colonial history, its ongoing restoration, and see more of its vibrant street life. View the handsome main squares including Plazas Vieja, de San Francisco, de la Catedral, and de Armas with its stately Palacio de los Capitanes Generales. Check into the Melia Cohiba Hotel (or similar). Enjoy a walk along the MalecÓn, the city’s three mile coastal boulevard and an evening gathering place for Habaneros. (L,D) Saturday, January 26 HAVANA Drive to the Sierra del Rosario, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve region and mountain range in the provinces of Pinar del Río and Artemisa, and the settlement of Las Terrazas, a sustainable village which originated as a reforestation project in 1968 and is now Cuba’s main ecotourism center. Meet the residents to learn about small town life in Cuba. Also visit an artist’s studio and learn about his work and about the art scene in Cuba. Alternatively, remain in Havana and learn about traditional and contemporary Cuban art on a tour of the Museo de Bellas Artes. Also visit an organic farm in the outskirts of Havana and learn about their sustainable farming practices. In the late afternoon, meet Cuban musicians and dancers at a cultural performance. (B,L,D) Sunday, January 27 HAVANA | CIENFUEGOS | EMBARK This morning, see the baroque inner cloister of the Seminary of San Carlos y San Ambrosio and visit the Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos Workshop/School for discussions with artisans specializing in monument restoration. Enjoy lunch in Old Havana at a paladar and learn about domestic cuisine and small business ownership. After lunch, drive through the countryside to Cienfuegos, where we embark Le Ponant. (B,L,D)

Monday, January 28 AT SEA We spend the day at sea attending insightful lectures about Cuba’s preand post-revolution history, as well as current affairs, from our guest lecturer Franklin Knight. (B,L,D) Tuesday, January 29 PUNTA FRANCES, ISLA DE LA JUVENTUD Today we visit one of the most remote and beautiful beaches on Cuba, where we take advantage of the excellent swimming and snorkeling. The beach is part of Parque Nacional Marino de Punta Frances Punta Pedernales, a marine conservation area established in 1978. We will have an opportunity to talk with Cubans concerned with preserving the natural environment and fragile ecosystem of the island. (B,L,D) Wednesday, January 30 CIENFUEGOS After a morning at sea, arrive in Cienfuegos where you may either travel to the Bay of Pigs and Playa GirÓn or spend time exploring Cienfuegos itself. The Bay of Pigs was the site of the ill-fated Bay of Pigs invasion, where in 1961, 1,300 armed Cuban exiles were thwarted in their attempt to overthrow Fidel Castro. We will view the landing beach, see the Playa GirÓn Museum’s exhibits, and learn about this critical event from the Cuban perspective. If you elect to stay in Cienfuegos, you will tour the city, learn from local officials about architectural conservation, visit Palacio de Valle, and meet with local folk artists. Late in the afternoon, everyone will gather to hear a private performance of the Cantores de Cienfuegos before returning to the pier. (B,L,D) Thursday, January 31 CASILDA | TRINIDAD Trinidad is the crown jewel of Cuba’s colonial towns. Founded in 1514, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its cobblestoned streets are lined with neoclassical and baroque homes and buildings embellished with wrought-iron grillwork. A walking tour will be led by Office of the City Historian representatives, with resident interactions along the way. Highlights include the Plaza Mayor; the Palacio Cantero’s wonderful

FOR RESERVATIONS OR INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 1 888 400 1082 OR YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR

Horse and cart in Trinidad

Capitol Building, Havana

collection of art and antiques; the Architecture Museum; the church of the Convent of San Francisco; and Plaza Santa Ana. Meet with an owner of a free-enterprise “casa particular” (Cuban bed and breakfast) and learn about this relatively new form of independent business in Cuba. We will also learn about the owner’s family history as it is tied to the home he has transformed into a casa particular. Trinidad is steeped in religiosity, including Santeria and other Afro-Cuban religions. We will meet with practitioners and explore these belief systems and also attend a private performance of Afro Cuban music and dance. (B,L,D) Friday, February 1 AT SEA From the comfort of Le Ponant, enjoy more lectures and a rum tasting hosted by Professor Knight. Our local Cuban guides will be onboard to engage in conversation about their native country. (B,L,D) Saturday, February 2 SANTIAGO DE CUBA Set at the head of a spacious bay that is surrounded by mountains, Santiago, Cuba’s second largest city, is one of the island’s oldest cities, founded in 1515. The city is known for its eclectic architectural styles that range from Colonial to Art Nouveau, as well as for its flourishing artistic and cultural scene. Visit the Ateneo de Santiago, an important organization of artists. Meet with the organization’s members, each representing different professions within the arts, and discuss Santiago’s contemporary arts scene. Our exploration, in the company of local cultural leaders, continues at Parque Céspedes, a charming square where in the 18th-century town hall Fidel Castro delivered his victory speech in 1959. See the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery; the 1516 Casa de Don Diego Velazquez; and Calle Heredia, the Old City’s loveliest street. Also visit restored San Juan Hill and its monuments to the SpanishAmerican War, where we will hear Cuba’s perspective on this war. Le Ponant is overnight in port. (B,L,D) Sunday, February 3 SANTIAGO DE CUBA | DISEMBARK | HOLGUÍN | MIAMI, USA Disembark and travel to Holguín for our flight to Miami. (B)

Musicians carrying conga drum in Trinidad

Havana’s old district

WWW.PONANT.COM

LE PONANT Experience a cruise aboard Le Ponant, crafted to respect the tradition of legendary sailing yachts. The guest capacity is limited to 62, which provides intimacy and a convivial atmosphere. Built in 1991 and refurbished in 2012, Le Ponant’s 31 well-appointed cabins are positioned mid-ship and have outside views, one queen bed or two twin beds, mini-bar, individual air conditioning, bathrobes, and private bathroom. Enjoy the refined life on board, the welcoming comfort of your cabin, the inviting lounges and restaurants, and decks extending along the full length of her 290 feet. This casually chic yacht is appreciated for its small size and a design evoking the sea—including a sun deck, outdoor restaurant, and direct access to the water from the marina swimming platform. With her sleek lines, her three masts reaching for the sky, and her sails ready to glide over the sea with the wind, Le Ponant captivates all who sail on her. SUN DECK OBSERVATORY

BRIDGE LE DIAMANT PANORAMIC RESTAURANT

SAPHIR LOUNGE MARINA

KARUKERA RESTAURANT

EMERAUDE LOUNGE RECEPTION

12A

SPECIAL SAVINGS ON THE 2019 CUBA SAILING  2 hotel nights in Havana now included, with meals and sightseeing  Take 30% off regular fares with the PONANT Bonus—the earlier you book, the more you save!  Round-trip airfare between Miami and Cuba included in cruise fare

PON

Up to

-30%

MARIE-GALANTE DECK STATEROOMS

Cabin with a porthole window and a queen bed or twin beds 113 sq. ft. to 145 sq. ft.

ANT BO

S NU

FARES PER PERSON, DOUBLE OCCUPANCY $9,890

$7,980

$10,390

$8,330

$10,900

$8,690

MARIE GALANTE DECK PREMIUM STATEROOMS

Cabin with porthole windows and a queen bed 113 sq. ft. to 145 sq. ft. ANTIGUA DECK STATEROOMS

Cabin with a picture window and a queen bed 134 sq. ft. to 165 sq. ft.

Single Occupancy: A limited number of singles are available in Marie-Galante Deck Staterooms at a rate of $10,650 per person.

PROGRAM INCLUSIONS Included • 2 nights in Havana at the Melia Cohiba Hotel (or similar), including breakfast daily • 7-night cruise aboard the elegant, three-masted Le Ponant • Airfare from Miami to Havana for embarkation and from Holguin to Miami post-disembarkation • Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions aboard ship • All meals aboard ship including early riser’s coffee & pastry, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner • Open bar aboard ship, including select wines with lunch and dinner • Meals ashore as noted in itinerary • Complete program of tours and excursions ashore as outlined in itinerary (subject to change) • Enrichment program of lectures and discussions led by expert Franklin W. Knight • Professional cruise staff • Comprehensive pre-departure materials • Baggage handling and airport transfers abroad on the designated program arrival and departure dates • Visa for U.S. citizens and most non-U.S. citizens (Cuban-born passengers require special visas that are not included. Please contact PONANT for more information.) • Port taxes and charges • Gratuities to shipboard personnel, porters, guides, drivers, and restaurant waiters for included meals ashore Not Included • Airfare other than noted above • Airport taxes • Passport fees and/or immigration reciprocity taxes (if applicable) • Trip cancellation and baggage insurance • Medical and repatriation insurance • Meals and beverages other than those specified above • Personal expenses (such as telephone, Internet, laundry service, etc.) This itinerary is offered as a people-to-people program in Cuba authorized by the U.S. government pursuant to the code of Federal Regulations (31 C.F.R. §565(b)(2)). Travel in Cuba is unlike other destinations. Sailing schedules, specific itinerary inclusions, and meetings may change or be rearranged at the last minute but we assure you that the substituted activities and meetings will be equally satisfying. Itineraries are subject to change.

TERMS & CONDITIONS Compagnie du PONANT, PONANT Group USA, LLC, and PONANT USA, LLC are hereinafter collectively referred to as “PONANT GROUP”. Please read carefully the following terms and conditions, which constitute the sole, legally enforceable agreements between the passenger and PONANT GROUP and the tour’s sponsoring organization. PAYMENT SCHEDULE: In order to secure a booking, the guest is required to pay 25% of total cruise price upon confirmation. The final 75% is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. CANCELLATION, MODIFICATION PENALTIES & REFUNDS: All cancellations or modifications must be in writing. Any and all guests not reporting for departure or prevented from reporting for departure or waiving for any reason whatsoever the benefit of services included in the program cannot claim any refund. PONANT GROUP shall not be required to refund any monies to any guests who must leave the cruise prematurely for any reason, nor shall PONANT GROUP be held responsible for any costs, fees, damages or causes of action which result from the transportation expenses incurred by guest’s early departure. For any deposited or fully paid booking, cancellation penalties will be assessed as noted below. These cancellation penalties are applicable on all services booked with PONANT GROUP. • From confirmation of booking date up to 91 days prior departure: 10% of full fare • 90-61 days prior departure: 25% of full fare • 60-46 days prior departure: 50% of full fare • 45-31 days prior departure: 75% of full fare • Less than 30 days prior departure: 100% of full fare. TRAVEL INSURANCE: Passengers shall be responsible for subscribing to cancellation/luggage/ assistance repatriation/medical insurance(s). ITINERARY: PONANT GROUP reserves the right to withdraw and/or cancel a sailing to make changes in the itinerary whenever, in its sole judgment, or in the judgment of the vessel owner or operator, conditions warrant it. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS/LIMIT OF LIABILITY: The passenger agrees that PONANT GROUP acts as agent and/or trustee for any person, ground and maritime agents and subcontractors, who provide any service forming, or in connection with, any part of the cruise. Transportation services to the port of departure, transfers to the ship, including, as applicable, hotel room and restaurant bookings or guided tours, are performed by independent suppliers who are not employees of PONANT GROUP. In this respect, PONANT GROUP acts only as an agent and shall not be held liable for said services or for the acts or omissions of subcontractors or other contractors. PONANT GROUP shall not be held liable for bodily injury to, or death of passengers, or for loss of, or damage to luggage or other personal belongings, unless it is proved that the carrier has infringed statutory obligations or that it or one of its employees or agents has committed gross negligence. However, in the event the liability of PONANT GROUP is incurred, such liability is limited (details available upon request). PONANT GROUP shall in any case not be liable for failure of an improper performance when the same is due to or caused by the fault of the passenger; the unforeseeable or unavoidable fault of a third party unconnected with the provision of any services to be provided under the contract; unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of PONANT GROUP; an event of “Force Majeure” such as a war, threat of war, riots, civil commotion, acts of God, terrorist activities, natural and nuclear disaster, fire, technical problems with transport, closure of ports, strikes and any industrial action, or any other event beyond the control of PONANT GROUP. RATES: The prices given at the time of booking are based on economic conditions known on May 1, 2018 and are subject to change. These conditions are, amongst others, the cost of transport and fuel, relevant dues and taxes for the proposed operation (port taxes, embarkation and disembarkation taxes, entrance costs to tourist sites), currency exchange rates relevant to the pricing of these programs. PONANT GROUP reserves the right within the legal limits of applicable laws to vary the prices if necessary. All variation of the cost of transport, fuel, taxes, dues and visa costs will be passed on within the voyage cost. Additionally, any surcharge levied will be increased to include an amount to cover agent’s commission. Any change in fare cannot be imposed less than 60 days prior to departure. For the cruise-only rate, daily surcharge, if any, will be calculated based on: S= fuel variation* x daily consumption** Ship capacity *** (*): MGO FOB Rotterdam 0,1% in US$ (**): L’AUSTRAL, LE BOREAL, LE LYRIAL, LE SOLEAL: 20t (***): L’AUSTRAL, LE BOREAL, LE SOLEAL, LE LYRIAL: 244 passengers; LE PONANT: 64 passengers JURISDICTION: These terms & conditions are subject to and interpreted according to International regulations and concern the transportation of passengers and their luggage from the time of boarding the ship to the moment of disembarking, as well as at ports of departure, destination, or stopover. PONANT GROUP shall incur no liability outside this period of time. Without prejudice to required legal regulations, any actions related either to the interpretation, or execution of this agreement shall be brought before the competent courts of Marseille-France. PONANT GROUP is not responsible for omissions, printing and/or presentation errors and reserves the right to make corrections as required. SHIPS’ REGISTRY: France FL Seller of Travel Ref No ST37706 CA Seller of Travel Ref No 2120712-40 Photographs, all rights reserved: Ponant - François Lefebvre - Laurence Fischer - Alamy - istock - Shutterstock - Franklin W. Knight

Indicia

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For information and reservations please contact your travel advisor or PONANT toll-free at 1 888 400 1082 (Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern Time) www.ponant.com facebook.com/cruises.ponant

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CUBA H I S TO R Y, C U LT U R E & C O N T E M P O R A R Y L I F E A People-to-People Cultural Experience A b o a r d t h e T h r e e - M a s t S a i l i n g Ya c h t L e P o n a n t

Januar y 25 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Februar y 3, 2019 PYCE P270119