My friend, Chanel the Bear, has been traveling a lot this year. In March she and her mom, the Tour Manager, led two different groups on cruises around, and stopping in, Cuba. Chanel’s mom is a Tour Manager for Friendly Planet tour company. Chanel and her mom flew to Montego Bay, Jamaica and stayed in a resort for a night.
From resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica
They met their first group and boarded Celestyal Crystal ship on Celestyal Cruise line. Jamaica is near the southern coast of Cuba, so the first cruise port is Santiago de Cuba, an old city on Cuba’s southern coast. For a few years, Santiago de Cuba was the capital of Cuba. Havana was then named the capital and has remained so since 1607. The African Cultural Center was wonderful.
African Cultural Center in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Santiago de Cuba is close to Jamaica and also to Haiti, so these countries had an influence on southeastern Cuba. I, Zeb the Duck, really liked these photos from the African Cultural Center.
African Cultural Center in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
And look at this ferris wheel near Loma de San Juan, also in Santiago de Cuba.
Ferris wheel near Loma de San Juan, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
It would be so much fun. And here is Loma de San Juan in Santiago de Cuba.
Loma de San Juan in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
This is the famous San Juan Hill where in 1898 future American President Teddy Roosevelt, reportedly led a calvary charge, with the famous Rough Riders up San Juan Hill, defeating the Spanish. Chanel visited Revolution Square in Santiago de Cuba.
Revolution Square in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Fidel Castro formerly lived and studied here in Santiago de Cuba. We believe Fidel Castro would have given many speeches near Revolution Square. Chanel’s last stop in Santiago de Cuba was El Morro Castle.
El Morro Castle, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
El Morro Castle was built between 1590 and 1610 as a defense against raiding pirates. There were 4 main levels and 3 large bulwarks to house the artillery. El Morro survived attacks, but was damaged by several earthquakes. El Morro was restored during the 1960’s and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Chanel, thank you so much for the great photos. I especially enjoyed them because when mom and I went to Cuba with you, we did not visit Santiago de Cuba. We look forward to more photos from your next port in Cuba.
Colorado Traveling Ducks 
My parents are cruising to Cuba next year. I’m sure they’ll enjoy it.
I’m sure they will enjoy the cruise. Cuba is nice and the Caribbean is my favorite for cruises. I’m envious.
Me too!