1st full day in Cuba: Santiago de Cuba

Encountered today in Santiago de Cuba, on the southeast coast of Cuba...

VIEW FROM THE PORT

STREET SCENES

EL TRAGUITO BAR

CESPEDES SQUARE: the main cathedral in town.

1st sunset over Cuba

1st sunset with Cuba to the west.  Our current location is just northeast of Cape Lucrecia and the towns of Banes and Moa, Cuba.

OK, we always try to find some humor on these adventures.  Today, Lisa overheard some people on the elevator complaining "too much dairy."  I could only imagine.  Later, I overheard someone describe the onboard sauna, despite the claim that it was infused with eucalyptus, that it smelled like "South Florida in August."

We do say though, that service has been excellent so far.  Skies are completely clear with just a sliver past a new moon--we should see some stars tonight.  5 foot seas are barely noticeable since the ship is outfitted with stabilizers.  Miles traveled so far: 588.9, about 1300 to go. All good!

Day at sea

At sea headed to the east coast of Cuba.  We'll round that and head west to Santiago de Cuba.  Had some rain overnight, but seas are calm.  It'll be a full day of poolside laziness punctuated by lots of coffee.  Perfect!

Departing Key West

Departed Key West today about 5 PM.  Weather is great, smooth seas so far.  Tomorrow we have an entire day at sea, looking forward to doing absolutely nothing.

Fascinated by these giant seaweed blooms we sailed through on our exit.  This stuff has been washing up on the beach fairly steadily in Miami the last couple months.

We'll have a full review of the cruise line at the end of the cruise.

Key West

Walked around Key West today, trying to avoid the tourist traps.  The place seems to have rebounded nicely from the last hurricane and we really didn't see any damage at all.  Plenty of people around seemingly up to what tourists do in Key West.  Didn't see any pirates and was disappointed at that.  Despite that, I think we all had fun just walking around the streets south of Duval. Here's some pictures...

Departing Miami

Just a few photos to share, discovering the shuffleboard court on ship, departing Miami, and the port in Key West...

Headed to Cuba

First new post in some years.  A new journey, so a new set of posts to follow.  Lisa and I are headed to Cuba for the first time.  Taking my parents along.  Really looking forward to this adventure!  Departing Miami today aboard Oceania Insignia. We'll visit 3 cities: Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos, and Havana.  More to come, stay tuned!