Cruise fans are undoubtedly already familiar with Oceania Cruises’ lauded reputation as a culinary- and destination-focused cruise line. To reinforce and even expand that status, Oceania has just announced an additional series of six journeys to Cuba in the fall of 2017 that highlight the flavors and heritage of traditional Cuban cuisine.

Traditional Cuban Cuisine

Cuban cuisine is a colorful blend of spicy, sweet and savory tastes, much like the Cuban people and culture that developed it. On Oceania’s Cuba sailings, a variety of iconic Cuban meals will be served in the Grand Dining Room and guests will enjoy a Cuban tapas menu in the Terrace Café during special themed evenings.

The menus include authentic, generations-old recipes collected from Oceania staff and employees with Cuban family backgrounds. Guests will delight in Cuban cuisine like ropa vieja, a slowly stewed dish of shredded beef, mild spices, white wine, and tomato; arroz con pollo, a Cuban staple of chicken and Arborio rice made with saffron; and crispy malanga fritters, made from a root similar to taro.

Oceania’s cuisine routinely uses the freshest ingredients available so you can expect fresh coconut, aromatic pineapple, and sweet lime to infuse seafood dishes with island flair. Local tropical fruits and expertly crafted local rums transform into signature Cuban cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris, perfect for relaxing poolside.

Bob Binder, President & CEO of Oceania Cruises said, “The vibrant and authentic dishes offer flavors to please every palate – we are thrilled to be showcasing the celebrated cuisine of this captivating island on board our ships.”

Cultural Enrichment

In addition to a vibrant culinary scene, Cuba offers nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites that have been deemed of significant value to humanity. They include:

• Remains of 19th-century coffee plantations
• Historic Center of Camagüey, one of the first seven villages founded by the Spaniards in Cuba
• Old Havana and its fortification system*
• San Pedro de la Roca Castle at Santiago de Cuba*
• Trinidad*, an open-air museum of Spanish colonial architecture
• Urban Historic Centre of Cienfuegos*, representing early urban planning in Latin America
• Viñales Valley, where traditional techniques are still in use for agricultural production

Oceania guests can visit four of Cuba’s UNESCO sites on the Cuba journeys (noted by *). To further bolster guests’ understanding and appreciation of the Cuban culture, Oceania provides knowledgeable and approachable experts to deliver lectures on Cuban history, art, and music during the journey.

Oceania Cuba Itinerary Highlights

Panoramic Caribbean – 10 days from Miami visiting Havana (two days), Roatan, Santo Tomas, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, and Nassau. Departs November 14th.

Hemingway’s Hideaways – 7 days from Miami visiting Key West, Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Departs November 24th.

Timeless Cuba – 7 days from Miami visiting Havana (two days), Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Departs December 1st and 8th.

Vibrant Vistas – 6 days from Miami visiting Key West, Havana, Cozumel, and Great Stirrup Cay. Departs December 15th.

Holidays in the Tropics – 13 days from Miami visiting Key West, Havana (two days), Roatan, Santo Tomas, Harvest Caye, Costa Maya, Cozumel (two days), and Nassau. Departs December 21st.

These new itineraries are selling quickly! To secure your space on one of Oceania Cruises’ popular Cuba sailings, contact the cruise specialists at Covington Travel right away.

* Disclosure: Covington Travel is pleased to recognize Oceania Cruises as a valued partner and sponsor of this post.