Cuba by Land and by Sea
Sail the exclusively chartered, three-masted Le Ponant, featuring only 32 Staterooms—all ocean-view. Enjoy three nights in Havana followed by the six-night cruise. Explore Havana, with its iconic Malecón and the beautifully restored Old City and fortifications, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the historical center of Cienfuegos, settled in 1819 and built in a neoclassical style; explore the Spanish colonial town of Trinidad; and visit Santiago de Cuba’s San Pedro de la Roca castle—all UNESCO World Heritage sites. Admire the Viñales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site replete with lush green tobacco fields, striking karst formations and the azure sea along the island’s stunning coastline, and visit the dynamic city of Santa Clara in Cuba’s heartland.
Itinerary
Depart the U.S. for flights to Havana.
Melia Habana Hotel (D)
Cuba’s capital, the early-20th-century “Paris of the Caribbean,” remains arguably one of a kind, mixing impressive urban architecture and culture with an earthy, informal vibe and a lively arts and music scene, while retaining a distinctly vintage feel bolstered by the prevalence of 1950s American-made automobiles. Visit the downtown district of Vedado, a fascinating mix of old and new. See the University of Havana, the pre-revolutionary Capitolio reminiscent of the U.S. Capitol and the iconic Malecón (oceanfront promenade). See Revolution Square, where Fidel Castro gave his famous hours-long May Day speeches. Cruise along the Malecón in a private, antique American-made car. Explore Spanish colonial core of Habana Vieja, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This colorful neighborhood of winding cobblestone streets, pastel-hued houses and picturesque squares is filled with architectural beauty, including Plaza de Armas, the site where San Cristóbal de la Habana was founded in 1514. Experience an invigorating performance by dance and percussion group Habana Compás.
Melia Habana Hotel (B,L,R,D)
The striking Viñales Valley in Cuba’s westernmost province of Pinar del Río is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its natural beauty, the valley is a much-photographed 270-square-mile plain surrounded by limestone karst hills called mogotes. The farmland here is among Cuba’s richest, and the ancient agricultural practices produce robust coffee and some of the world’s best tobacco, products central to Cuban history and identity.
Meet a traditional tobacco farmer and cigar-roller in Vuelta Abajo, the country’s tobacco heartland. Spend time with his family as he welcomes you into his home to sample Cuban coffee; Tour an organic farm and enjoy an enriching discussion with the farmer and share a homestyle lunch with his family; In the historic town of Pinar del Río, visit a community art project where creativity is fostered in young people with Down syndrome.
Melia Habana Hotel (B,L,D)
This morning, visit Finca Vigía, the former home of Ernest Hemingway, affectionately called “Papa” by locals. Here, he wrote The Old Man and the Sea, based on a local fisherman, and For Whom the Bell Tolls. Known as the “Pearl of the South,” the UNESCO World Heritage-designated colonial harbor city of Cienfuegos was founded in 1819 by French settlers from Louisiana and Bordeaux while located in a Spanish territory, which has made for a fascinating blend of history and local culture today. Once a trading port for sugar cane, coffee and tobacco, the city was built in a neoclassical style from the wealth of these industries, and its original grid layout plan is an incredible example of early urban planning. This afternoon, embark Le Ponant and attend the Captain’s Welcome Reception this evening. (B,L,R,D)
This morning, visit the eclectic Teatro Tomás Terry, which hosted its first opera in 1890. From Cienfuegos, travel to Santa Clara, the gateway to Cuba’s historically and agriculturally rich central region. Santa Clara, long associated with Ernesto “Che” Guevara, has been shaped by the most prestigious university outside Havana and features one of the country’s most spectacular grand colonial theaters. See the beautiful Teatro La Caridad, constructed in 1885 and one of the Eight Grand Theaters of the Cuban Colonial era, where famed musicians such as Enrico Caruso once performed. See the impressive Che Guevara Monument and walk through the comprehensive History Museum of the Revolution. Listen to a musical performance and meet the musicians of the Orquesta de Cámara; In a typical senior citizen community center, learn more about social welfare in Cuba and enjoy conversations with its residents and staff, who will introduce you to a longtime Cuban dance tradition, the danzón. (B,L,D)
Developed from the wealth of the sugar industry in the 19th century, UNESCO World Heritage-designated Trinidad retains much of its colonial charm, with terra-cotta tiled roofs, pastel-hued houses, cobblestone streets and ornate tiled courtyards. Walk through 18th-century Plaza Mayor and visit the neoclassical Palacio Cantero, showcasing the history of Trinidad’s residents. Enjoy lively rumba and salsa performances at the Palenque de los Congos Reales, an outdoor music center devoted to traditional Cuban music and dancing; Visit the authentic Casa Chichi, a multi-generational pottery workshop established in 1892 that still uses clay sourced from Cuba’s caves. (B,L,D)
Enjoy onboard discussions and time at leisure while cruising the Caribbean Sea. (B,L,D)
Cuba’s second largest city is perhaps the island’s most vibrant and culturally rich, with its lively music and attractive colonial architecture. On the panoramic city tour of Santiago de Cuba, see Céspedes Park including historic City Hall, where Fidel Castro announced victory of the Cuban Revolution in 1959, and 15th-century Casa de Diego Velázquez, the oldest standing house in Cuba. Visit the expansive Cementerio Santa Ifigenia, the grandiose final resting place of former president Fidel Castro; Cuban national hero and important Latin American literature figure José Martí; Emilio Bacardí Moreau, known for his namesake rum; and Compay Segundo, guitarist of the Buena Vista Social Club. (B,L,D)
View imposing Revolution Square and historic San Juan Hill, a pivotal site during the Spanish-American War. See the original Bacardí rum factory, first opened in 1868, and enjoy a traditional Cuban rum tasting. In the lush Jardín de los Helechos, walk among over 350 species of ferns and 90 types of orchids. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Castillo San Pedro de la Roca (El Morro), a 17th-century fortress built to protect the important port of Santiago de Cuba Bay. Enjoy a colorful performance and tour at the Casa de la Trova, a vibrant, multifaceted institute that celebrates Afro-Cuban music, dance and culture; Tour the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Cobre and visit La Virgen de la Caridad (Our Lady of Charity), the patron saint of Cuba, a brilliant shrine and Cuba’s most sacred pilgrimage site, which Pope Francis visited. Interact with Cuban pilgrims, and hear the captivating legend behind this revered shrine; Enjoy a performance by a female Cuban vocal quartet. Attend the Captain’s Farewell Reception on board. (B,L,R,D)
This morning, disembark Le Ponant and transfer to Holguín for your return flight to the U.S. (B)
Cost and Details
Cabin Categories (Prices are per person, double occupancy)
6 - $6995 Ocean-view Stateroom with one fixed queen bed and a porthole. Marie-Galante Deck, forward.
5 - $7995 Ocean-view Stateroom with one fixed queen bed or one queen bed convertible to two twin beds and a porthole. Marie-Galante Deck, aft.
4 - $8795 Ocean-view Stateroom with one fixed queen bed or one queen bed convertible to two twin beds and a porthole. Marie-Galante Deck, mid-forward.
3 - $8995 Ocean-view Stateroom with one queen bed convertible to two twin beds and a porthole. Marie-Galante Deck, midship.
2 - $9495 Ocean-view Stateroom with one fixed queen bed and a window. Antigua Deck.
1 - $9995 Larger ocean-view Stateroom with one fixed queen bed and a window. Antigua Deck. (limited availability)
Singles are available in category 5 at $13,495 and in category 3 at $14,995.
Add $1000 for reservations made after June 20, 2017.
*Taxes are an additional $495 per person and are subject to change.
Included
Comprehensive 10-day educational travel program; Exclusive people-to-people hosted excursions and Cultural Enrichments; Accommodations for three nights in Havana’s comfortable Melia Habana Hotel; Six nights aboard the deluxe, exclusively chartered, small ship LE PONANT; Meals as specified in the itinerary; Complimentary alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages are served throughout the cruise; Complimentary Wi-Fi available throughout the ship; Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Receptions; Visa fees; All entrance fees and tours as described in the itinerary; Transfers and luggage handling abroad for participants whose arrival(s)/departure(s) coincide with the scheduled group transfer(s); Gratuities to local guides and drivers on included excursions and transfers; Hospitality desk aboard ship; Experienced Gohagan & Company Travel Directors throughout the program; Pre-departure materials, including a reading list; Automatic $250,000 flight insurance policy for each participant ticketed on flights by Gohagan & Company.
Not Included
International airfare; Taxes of $495 per person (subject to change); Gratuities to ship personnel (approximately $90 per person); Hotel staff gratuities ($6 per person) and gratuities for activities on your own; Passport fees; Meals and alcoholic beverages not listed as included; Transfers and baggage handling to/from airport/hotel on day(s) of arrival and/or departure if you are arriving earlier or later than and/or departing earlier or later than the scheduled group transfer(s); Any overnight on land due to flight schedule(s); Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and Internet access; Accident/sickness, trip cancellation and baggage insurance; Baggage charges on aircraft; airfare and associated local taxes not listed as included; Airport facility taxes and federal inspection fees not listed as included; All other services not specifically mentioned in the “Included” section.
Terms and Conditions
Cancellations
Cancellations for all or any part of the trip including Pre/Post Program(s) reservation(s) will not be effective until received in writing in the offices of The Commonwealth Club. Should you have to cancel, the following terms will apply:
From the time of booking through 120 days prior to departure: $200 ($50 Pre/Post Program(s))
From 95 to 119 days prior to departure: $800 ($200 Pre/Post Program(s)) per person
From 60 to 94 days prior to departure: 70% of the published full regular tariffs
59 days or less prior to departure: No refund
A “no-show” or early return from the trip will result in forfeiture of 100% of the published full regular tariffs.
In addition, any applicable airline cancellation fees, optional excursion cancellation fees and administrative fees may apply.
Discounted Reservations
Discounts apply only to those reservations received in the offices of The Commonwealth Club in writing, accompanied by the required deposit, by June 20, 2017. In the event a “discounted” reservation must be cancelled, no “replacement” reservation can be substituted at the discounted rate. A “replacement” reservation is a new reservation and can be substituted only at the full-fare tariff. Cancellation penalties may apply.
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance. In the event that you must cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation insurance may be the only source of reimbursement. Information will be sent upon registration and can be viewed Travel Insurance Services website.
Eligibility
We require membership to the Commonwealth Club to travel with us. People who live outside of the Bay Area may purchase a national membership. To learn about membership types and to purchase a membership, visit our membership page or call (415)597-6720.
Airfare
Airfare is subject to change and availability and, depending on the fare basis, likely is nonrefundable. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between you and the airline, even if purchased through Gohagan.
Luggage
Luggage allowance policies are set by the airlines and may change without notice.
Physical Accessibility
All programs require physical independence and mobility. Any physical or mental condition that may require special medical attention or physical assistance (for example, the need for a wheelchair) must be reported in writing when you make your reservation. Travelers must be able to embark or disembark motorcoaches alone or with minimal assistance from your traveling companion and climb stairs and step over raised thresholds without assistance. Travelers requiring assistance must travel with a companion who will be responsible for handling equipment.
Rates
Prices quoted are based on fares in effect at the time of printing and are subject to change at any time. On land and/or cruise programs, even after full payment, Gohagan reserves the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in supplier costs, currency fluctuations or fuel or energy surcharges and all such increases are to be paid to Gohagan upon notice to the tour participant of such increases. On programs which include Gohagan purchased interstate or international air (which originates or returns to the United States), no increased costs will be passed on after final payment except for subsequently imposed governmental tax increases.
Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Binding Arbitration Agreement Responsibility
The Commonwealth Club and Thomas P. Gohagan & Company and its and their employees, shareholders, subsidiaries, affiliates, officers, directors or trustees, successors, and assigns (collectively “Gohagan”), do not own or operate any entity which is to or does provide goods or services for your trip including, for example, lodging facilities, airline, vessel, or other transportation companies, guides or guide services, local ground operators, providers or organizers of optional excursions, food service or entertainment providers, etc. All such persons and entities are independent contractors. As a result, Gohagan is not liable for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such person or entity or of any other third party. In addition and without limitation, Gohagan is not responsible for any injury, loss, death, inconvenience, delay, or damage to person or property in connection with the provision of any goods or services whether resulting from, but not limited to, acts of God or force majeure, acts of government, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, bites from or attacks by animals, insects or pests, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind or the threat thereof, sickness, illness, epidemics or the threat thereof, the lack of availability of or access to medical attention or the quality thereof, overbooking or downgrading of accommodations, mechanical or other failure of airplanes, vessels, or other means of transportation, or for any failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart timely or safely. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors, you are required to spend an additional night(s), you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. Baggage is entirely at owner’s risk. The right is reserved to decline to accept as a trip participant, or remove from a trip, without refund, any person Gohagan judges to be incapable of meeting the rigors and requirements of participating in the activities, or who is abusive to other trip participants, leaders or third parties, or who Gohagan determines to detract from the enjoyment of the trip by others. Specific room/cabin assignments are within the sole discretion of the hotel or cruise line. Gohagan reserves the right to change the itinerary or trip features at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and Gohagan shall not be liable for any loss of any kind as a result of any such changes. Ship schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, sightseeing events, special programs and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change or cancellation. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute motorcoach transportation using hotels, inns or lodges for cruise accommodations if necessary due to weather, water conditions or levels, other events of force majeure, mechanical or other conditions beyond the control of Gohagan. Gohagan is not responsible therefor and is not required to compensate passengers under these circumstances. Gohagan may cancel a trip (or an option) for any reason whatsoever; if so, its sole responsibility is to refund monies paid by the participant to it. Gohagan, however, is not required under these circumstances to refund the cost of any purchased travel insurance. Gohagan is not required to cancel any trip for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, World Health Organization or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. Gohagan is not responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if Gohagan makes the flight arrangements or cancels the trip. Gohagan reserves the right to substitute vessels, hotels or attractions of a similar category for those listed in this brochure.
Binding Arbitration
Any dispute concerning, relating or referring to this Agreement, the brochure or any other literature concerning the trip, or the trip itself, shall be resolved exclusively by binding arbitration pursuant to the Federal Arbitration Act, 9 U.S.C. Sections 1-16, either according to the then existing Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA) or pursuant to the Comprehensive Arbitration Rules & Procedures of the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. (JAMS). Such proceedings will be governed by substantive (but not procedural) Illinois law and will take place in Chicago, IL. The arbitrator and not any federal, state, or local court or agency shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, conscionability, or formation of this contract, including but not limited to any claim that all or any part of this contract is void or voidable. Please understand that by agreeing to these terms and conditions, the participant and Gohagan are waiving the right to a trial by jury.
Acceptance of Contract
By forwarding of deposit, the participant certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other participants and accepts the terms contained in this Release of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Binding Arbitration Agreement.
