All Inclusive Colors of Cuba Cruise

YMT Vacations
4.2 . Great
67%
Travel Style: Array Relaxed
Physical Level: All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included. Moderate
Lodging Level: Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels. Value (3*)
10 days
From: $ 3,998 $ 400 / day
Checking price

Overview

Highlights (Bullets)

  • 2-nights at an all-inclusive beach resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica
  • 7-night cruise visiting 4 ports in Cuba
  • Visit the historical cities of Cienfuegos, Havana, and Santiago de Cuba
  • Full-time People-to-People Program of on-board activities and included shore excursions
  • Learn about and experience Cuba's culture, history, cuisine, nature, music, dance and the people
  • Enjoy the pristine beach of Punta Frances on the "Isle of Youth"

Short Description

Twenty-first century Cuba promises to be like nowhere else you've ever visited! Board your cruise ship Celestyal Cruises' Crystal in Montego Bay, Jamaica for an authentic Cuba experience including 4 Cuban ports and an exciting full-time program of educational and cultural exchange activities.

Style Small ship cruise
See all the highlights and popular spots on a classic tour.
Itinerary Focus Classic Highlights
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Lodging Level Value (3*)
Flight & Transport Inclusions All internal ground transport
Start City Montego Bay
End City Montego Bay

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica

Your adventure begins as you depart the US and arrive in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Overnight at an all-inclusive resort at the beach. Stroll along the pristine beach or take advantage of the amenities of the resort.

Day 2

Embarkation Montego Bay

This morning you will be transferred to board your ship, Celestyal Cruises’ Crystal. In the afternoon, meet a Professor of the University of Havana, for an orientation briefing. Enjoy a talk about Cuban visual art in the evening before you learn how to dance like a Cuban because it is Salsa time!

Day 3

Santiago de Cuba (8:00 AM–4:00 PM)

Santiago de Cuba is a historical and cultural treasure and often regarded as the root of the Cuban Revolution. After a presentation about the African-cultural influence of the city you get to experience a dance performance and the chance to talk to the performers. Then enjoy a panoramic tour including iconic locations of Cuban's history and revolution. In the afternoon, it's time for a talk about Cuban history and the birth of the nation. Meet and greet with the Cuban staff on board.

Day 4

At Sea

An informative and colorful Cuban day aboard your ship awaits. Get a taste of Cuba during a mouthwatering cooking lesson and a "Cuban Cigars" presentation. In the afternoon, watch a documentary film about Cuba, attend a Cuban culture lecture, and a talk about the history of rum and a taste of the magic. The evening program includes another dance lesson and this time it's the Cha Cha!

Day 5

Havana (9:30 AM)

Welcome to the Caribbean's largest and most vivacious city! After a presentation on board, you will begin the day with a walking tour of the historical center of Old Havana. See the Arms Square, the Royal Forces Castle, and Old Square before visiting a graphics workshop where you get the chance to interact with local artists at work. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided bus tour through the 19th and 20th-century transformation of Havana into its modern iteration.

Day 6

Havana (Disembarks at 5:00 PM)

Today's morning is all about Cuban music and rhythm - learn about Cuba's unconventional musical instruments before enjoying a Afro-Cuban music and dance performance. In the afternoon, you will visit the Museum of the Revolution, housed in the former Presidential Palace. The evening starts off with a talk about Cuban flora and fauna and continues with Cuban dances and live music.

Day 7

Punta Frances on the Isle of Youth (1:00 PM–6:00 PM)

Punta Frances on the Isle of Youth, is a palm-fringed oasis of sugar-sand and clear water amidst banana fields, orange groves and tobacco plantations. The ship anchors off the island and you will be transferred to the beach of pure white sand surrounded by crystal clear warm waters - discover Punta Frances and her natural wonders at your own pace.

Day 8

Cienfuegos (8:00 AM–3:00 PM)

Enjoy a morning tour of Cienfuegos, situated at the heart of Cuba's sugar cane, mango, tobacco, and coffee production. The tour includes a stop at the University and the rare opportunity to interact with the university's dynamic and engaging professors. The last day on ship and in Cuba concludes with a cocktail making lesson and a last Cuban dance party - learn how to make the best Cuban cocktail, hear about rituals, stories, and urban myths behind these drinks and dance like a Cuban.

Day 9

Disembarkation in Montego Bay (8:00 AM)

You will disembark in the morning and be transferred to your all-inclusive resort at the beach. Lean back, relax, and reminisce about the real Cuban experience of the past week.

Day 10

Depart for Home

Note: The itinerary and People-to-People Program are subject to change.

Important Note: The Cuba cruise is operated by Celestyal Cruises who work with Mediterranean Cruise Consultants, Inc., the sponsoring U.S.company that will accompany your group to ensure participation of all U.S. passengers on this people-to-people program and who will issue certification of compliance to present to any U.S. authority requesting it. Celestial shore excursions and onboard program are designed to comply with OFAC regulations. Guests will be required to sign an affidavit to confirm that they are traveling under a people to people license and are aware of the travel rules. YMT is neither sponsoring nor organizing the Cuba cruise or the people-to-people program in Cuba.

Please note that this is a proposed itinerary; the actual itinerary may vary due to season, special events, or weather. Because our tour arrangements are often made a year or more in advance, YMT Vacations reserves the right to alter the itinerary. Itinerary changes are made to improve your vacation experience, as well as respond to any unforeseen circumstances that mandate alterations. By their nature, all tour vacations involve a certain level of physical activity. While YMT tours have been designed with our guests in mind and are not physically demanding, this tour does include walking and periods of standing during the sightseeing visits. You will also encounter steps and some uneven ground along the way, particularly at older, historical sights.

Availability

Checking price
Price From $ 3,998
Price Per Day: $ 400 per day
Checking price
  • Single Supplement: $ 1,200

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with YMT Vacations.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

52 YMT Vacations Travel Reviews & Ratings

67%
4.2 out of 5 (100+ reviews)
Excellent 37
Great 4
Average 1
Disappointing 5
Terrible 5
Value
4.2
Guide
4.2
Activities
4.2
Lodging
4.2
Transportation
4.3
Meals
4.2

All Inclusive Colors of Cuba Cruise

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Company Reviews

Not as Advertised

3.0
Details
Value3.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging3.0
Transportation5.0
Meals3.0
Tour is advertised as an "active" tour. However, YMT sold the tours to seniors and others who were unable to walk more than 1/8 mile, unable to navigate stairs or had to walk with the aid of walkers. As a result, 80 percent of the "explorations" were to visitor centers, look out points, stores or washrooms, that were within 100 feet or less of the bus. This tour should be categorized as "relaxed". A big disappointment!

The bus driver was friendly and accommodating and drove us safely from one site to another. He sold water to the guests in small bottles for $1 each. I think YMT should be more conscientious of the environment and at least offer bottle refills, especially since the guide practically demanded that each person drink one gallon of water per day.

The tour guide was marginally knowledgeable about the area and spent too much time telling us about her private life and friends. She led one hike, but talked mostly about how the rains had changed the landscape. One day she left two guests at the hotel and wanted the people on the bus to take responsibility for not letting her know that people were missing. We were encouraged to find hikes to take on our own, which I felt compromised safety, especially when we had an hour or so to "explore" - there was no safety or backup plan, especially if something untoward happened on a hike. She opted out of taking us to the sunset tour of the Grand Canyon telling us that it was raining and we wouldn't be able to see anything. So a couple of us went to the site on our own and it was possibly one of the best experiences I had on the entire tour (and not a drop of rain!). I often felt bullied into purchasing lunches or meals "offered" by the guide, who made it sound like there were no other options. It was difficult to listen to her brag about how well she was doing and how happy everyone was, when many people were complaining that the tour was not what they expected - mostly because it was too active!!!

The accommodations were mostly good - a couple of anomalies (one with a plugged sink and no hot water for a shower, another with a pervasive bad odor).

The excursions offered at the time of booking were mostly unavailable later (except for the over-priced meals). Another disappointment because I booked the tour partly because of one of the excursions offered at the time of booking.

I would not recommend this tour, because I don't think it is advertised correctly.
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YMT CANCELLED OUR TRIP

1.0
Details
Value1.0
Guide1.0
Activities1.0
Lodging1.0
Transportation1.0
Meals1.0
I did not cancel our trip and now they refuse to give back the $500 deposit,,,,
WORST COMPANY EVER, DONT BOOK WITH THEM

Melbourne is a beautiful city our trip was exceptionally great

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
The trip to Cairns was awesome if you snorkel .we felt rushed and lack of organization by YMT Hosts. Sydney was awesome. Must tour Opera House, Sydney Tower,Water Front ,Food. People are exceptionally friendly.
Cruise to New Zealand (12 ) Days was awesome must have Green Mussels. Melbourne is a beautiful city our trip was exceptionally great,( Food ,People,weather and the Norwegian Jewel ) Would take this trip again.
We would not use YMT again due to lack of organization.
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Great job-AGAIN YMT!!!

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Great job-AGAIN YMT!!! From meeting us at the airport to our centrally located hotels, to our city tours of Sydney and Melbourne, to our Harbor Cruise in Sydney to the Penguin Parade in Melbourne. Great value for the money!!!!
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Had a marvelous time

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
Went to the Rose Bowl Parade and did the tour of LA with YMT vacations. Had a marvelous time. Got to see the flowers that students from Cal Poly put on the floats up close and personal. The rose parade was great. Chaka Khan was the Grand Marshall. It was a very well organized tour and kudos to YMT vacations for putting it on.
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4 island Hawaii tour was great

5.0
Details
Value5.0
Guide5.0
Activities5.0
Lodging5.0
Transportation5.0
Meals5.0
4 island Hawaii tour was great. Our guide Kalili was very informative, professional and was extremely patient with people who was on our group who never paid attention to his instructions. We enjoyed time on our own so we could explore. Thank you Kalili for making us feel like ohana. Again look us up if you make it back to Kentucky you are welcomed here anytime cousin.
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Details

Flight & Transport Inclusions

All internal ground transport

Group Size

Standard Group - 25 + people

Trip ID#:

ColCubYmtVac

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