Upscale tour leader Tauck expanded its Cuba programs in 2018 to include an 11-day, small-ship cruise itinerary, Cruising Cuba: A Cultural Gem.

Working with longtime partners, Tauck was able to reduce the price of its two Cuba land journeys — the seven-day Cuba: Connecting with People and Culture and the 12-day Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey — by up to $1,400 per couple.

“Guest feedback and interest in Cuba remains incredibly strong,” said Dan Mahar, CEO, Tauck. “We’re looking forward to operating our three fully-licensed journeys in Cuba next year, and we’re thrilled to expand our portfolio in Cuba to now include small ship cruising. By working with our partners in Cuba to reduce the prices of our land tours, we’ve been able to enhance our portfolio’s value at the same time we’re expanding its breadth.”

Le Ponant © Tauck

Starting December 2018, travelers can discover Cuba by sea on an 11-day journey featuring a seven-night cruise aboard a 60-passenger yacht, Le Ponant; a two-night hotel stay in Havana with guided sightseeing; and a pre-departure overnight in Miami. Available Dec. 13 and 27, eastbound itineraries sail from Havana to Santiago de Cuba. A westbound departure Dec. 22 follows a reverse itinerary setting sail from Santiago de Cuba to Havana.

Notable experiences include a visit to Finca Vigia, Ernest Hemingway’s former winter home outside Havana; and Cojimar, a fishing village that inspired The Old Man and the Sea. Other highlights include a lunch at local paladares; visits to Playa Giron on the Bay of Pigs, site of the attempted 1961 invasion of Cuba and the tomb of Fidel Castro; and the opportunity to interact with local artists, musicians, agricultural workers, community leaders and more.

Included in the $9,990 price is everything — airfare, pre-cruise stays in Florida and Havana, the seven-night cruise, all shore excursions, gratuities, meals and drinks, port charges, taxes and luggage handling, airport transfers and more.

The 12-day Cuba: A Cultural Odyssey travels the island offering an in-depth look into Havana, Santa Clara, Camaguey, Guardalavaca, Holguin and other communities. The people-to-people program explores Cuban daily life, history and culture. Additional highlights include a walking tour through the nearly 500-year-old Habana Vieja in Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Prices start at $7,590 per person plus air.

Following President Trump’s recently announced Cuba travel restrictions, Tauck confirmed all itineraries will proceed as scheduled.