Havana Bound: A Royal Caribbean Odyssey

Step aboard a time machine, for Havana beckons! This once-forbidden city, its streets vibrant with music and history, is now within reach thanks to relaxed travel restrictions and cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. Join us on a four-day adventure aboard The Empress of the Seas, a jewel in Royal Caribbean's crown, as we sail from Tampa, Florida, to the colorful shores of Cuba, with a delightful stopover in Key West.

Day 1 - Tampa

Our adventure began in Tampa, a city where sunshine meets Southern charm. We settled into the luxurious Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, where a delectable dinner awaited at the Waterside Grill. Lobster and chorizo pasta, perfectly accompanied by a Cigar City Jai Alai IPA [Cigar City Jai Alai IPA] (https://cigarcitybrewing.com/beer/jai-alai-ipa/), tantalized our taste buds, while a stroll along the waterfront walk afterwards painted a picture-perfect scene.

Day 2 - Sailing

Embarkation was a breeze aboard The Empress of the Seas. Though smaller in stature, the ship's charm was undeniable. A quick check-in, a commemorative photo, and soon we were waving goodbye to Tampa as the ship's horn blared, signaling the start of our voyage. The rest of the day was dedicated to unwinding and exploring the ship's many offerings. A delicious dinner in the dining room and a movie under the stars by the pool set the mood for a relaxing evening at sea.

Day 3 - Key West

Lunchtime found us docking in the whimsical paradise of Key West. With only a few hours to explore, we set off for Ernest Hemingway's historic home, a short walk from the pier. Inside the writing studio, we envisioned the literary giant crafting his masterpieces, while outside, a curious infestation of cats added to the island's quirky charm.

Duval Street, the artery of Key West, pulsated with life. A mouthwatering lobster roll from DJ's Clam Shack satiated our hunger pangs, and souvenir shops and trendy stores like Gap lined the way back to the port. No Key West experience is complete without a taste of local culture. The Porch, a converted turn-of-the-century house transformed into a lively beer bar, offered a cool respite with its impressive beer list and a soundtrack of 80s classics. For the quintessential Key Lime Pie, we found ourselves drawn to the aptly named Key Lime Pie Factory. The friendly staff member's historical tidbits only heightened our anticipation, and the pie itself lived up to the hype.

Day 4 - Havana
As dawn broke, the Malecon, Havana's iconic seaside promenade, stretched out before us, a tantalizing glimpse into the day ahead. To truly immerse ourselves in the city's unique spirit, we opted for a half-day classic American car tour, fulfilling the "People-to-People" travel requirements while offering a fun and authentic experience.

First things first – currency exchange. Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUCs) are essential for tourist spending, as ATMs and credit cards are largely out of commission. Our tour bus whisked us away, offering stunning views of the Malecon en route to our starting point – the opulent Hotel Nacional. Here, we met Arturo, our charismatic driver, whose limited English was no barrier to connection. His stories, from the car's multi-generational family history to the stark realities of life in Cuba, painted a vivid picture of the city beyond the tourist facade. We learned the locals' currency pales in comparison to the CUCs, highlighting the economic disparity.

The tour traversed iconic landmarks like the Plaza de la Revolution, where rows of classic cars added a touch of nostalgia. A hidden gem revealed by Arturo was a lush park, a popular hangout for ditching high school students. Our journey culminated back at the Hotel Nacional, steeped in history and rumored to have once been owned by mobster Meyer Lansky.

The official tour ended with a less-than-successful attempt at a celebrity chef-endorsed paladar (private restaurant). Undeterred, we ventured into Old Havana, where a charming paladar awaited, offering a taste of local cuisine and a chance to wander the city's vibrant streets. As the Caribbean sun dipped below the horizon, we boarded the ship, hearts brimming with the unforgettable sights, sounds, and stories of Havana.

The final day at sea was a relaxing epilogue to our whirlwind adventure. A breathtaking display of nature, witnessed from the ship's deck, served as a final flourish before our return to Tampa.

This Royal Caribbean cruise wasn't just a voyage; it was a portal to a bygone era, a vibrant culture, and the undeniable magic of Havana.