Cruising to Cuba on Majesty of the Seas

One of my favorite ways to travel is on a cruise. It gives you the chance to explore new countries without the commitment of staying overnight, and everything you need is right on board. One of the most unique cruises we’ve ever taken was a 5-night sailing to Cuba on Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas.

Getting Started

Our cruise departed from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. To make things easier, we flew down the day before and stayed overnight at a nearby hotel. The next morning, we arranged private transportation to take us to the port, a smooth and stress-free way to start the trip.

Onboard, we stayed in a Grand Suite. The Majesty of the Seas is one of the older ships in the fleet, but the suite gave us the space we needed, complete with a balcony, living area, and plenty of room to stretch out. I always request a small welcome treat, and this time we enjoyed chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of sparkling cider waiting for us when we walked in.

Exploring Havana, Cuba

Our ship docked in Havana for two days, which gave us plenty of time to explore. After clearing customs, we exchanged currency right inside the terminal and headed out to the line of taxis waiting outside.

The taxis themselves are part of the adventure; many are classic vintage cars, making every ride feel like a step back in time.

We hired a driver for a full city tour, and he took us everywhere we wanted to go, including:

• Parque Central

• El Capitolio

• Grand Teatro de la Habana

• Chinatown

• A cigar factory in Centro Habana

• Plaza de la Revolución

• Universidad de la Habana

• Parque John Lennon

• Hotel Nacional

• El Malecón

• New Havana

One of our first stops was a cigar factory. I’m not a smoker, but it was fascinating to see the cigars being rolled fresh by hand. They also sold Cuban coffee, which was delicious.

Food, Music, and Local Flavor

After sightseeing, our driver dropped us near an area full of restaurants, shops, and entertainment. We couldn’t leave Cuba without trying a Cuban sandwich, paired with mojitos, of course. The food was delicious, and the prices were unbelievably affordable (our whole meal was under $20 USD).

Walking around afterward, we stumbled upon a live music performance. Our son loved it, dancing and enjoying the rhythms. That’s one of the best parts of traveling with kids; they bring joy to the simplest of moments.

Of course, like many popular destinations, Havana has its share of vendors and hustlers. The key is to negotiate everything and be ready to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

Before heading back to the ship, we picked up a few souvenirs and snapped more photos to capture the moment.

Nassau, Bahamas Stop

After leaving Havana, the ship continued to Nassau, Bahamas. Since we had visited Nassau many times before, we kept it simple, just a casual walk around the pier area. Nassau is always lively, and while there are plenty of activities available, this time we used it as a chance to relax.

Final Thoughts

This cruise to Cuba was an incredible experience. From the history and vintage cars to the food, music, and culture, it felt like stepping into another world.

Sadly, shortly after our trip, cruise ships from the U.S. were no longer permitted to dock in Cuba. At this time, the only way to travel there directly from the United States is by plane.

If you’re considering visiting Cuba, I highly recommend it. It’s a destination filled with culture, character, and memories you’ll treasure forever.