Cuba by Sea From Cienfuegos to Santiago

Y
Cienfuegos
February 11 - 18, 2017
Cuba by Sea
From Cienfuegos to Santiago
Aboard Variety Voyager
Reinaldo Funes-Monzote
Professor of History
A
Dear Yale Traveler
Plaza del Carmen, Camagüey
There has never been a better time to visit our
neighbor, Cuba. I invite you to travel with Yale to explore this
fascinating country before change makes today’s Cuba a memory.
From February 11 to 18, 2017, Professor Reinaldo Funes-Monzote will
travel with Yale travelers on a delightful vessel, Variety Voyager.
Now that diplomatic relations between our countries
have been restored, we invite you to experience Cuba at this historic
moment from an entirely new vantage point—by sea. This program
offers in-depth encounters with the culture and people of this onceforbidden land.
Next February, travel to Cienfuegos, Cuba, a southern city
with French flair, to begin a seven-night voyage aboard a privately
chartered yacht. Cruise east to UNESCO-listed Trinidad, the island’s
most charming colonial town, and explore the nearby Valley of the
Sugar Mills, where untold fortunes were made—and lost. Conclude
with two days in Santiago, second in size, but not importance, to
Havana. Along the way, studio tours, private performances, and other
exclusive events will add to the pleasures of our voyage.
Topes de Collantes, Trinidad, photo by cvan
For those who would like to experience the
highlights of Havana, Yale offers a three-day prelude in this vibrant
capital city.
Home for this voyage is Variety Voyager, a ship
featuring only 36 cabins and the perfect size for exploring this
largest of Caribbean islands. Call at lesser-visited ports, meet Cubans
from all walks of life and learn from educational talks by Professor
Reinaldo Funes-Monzote as well as Inés Powell, a lecturer for
The Metropolitan Museum of Art who has led several educational
programs to Cuba.
This exceptional program is sure to sell out. Please visit
www.yaleedtravel.org/cubasea17 or call Yale Educational Travel at
(203) 432-1952 or email [email protected] with any questions.
Happy travels,
Kathy Edersheim ‘87
Senior Director
Yale Educational Travel
www.yaleedtravel.org/cubasea17
José Martí memorial, Santiago, photo by
Richard IJzermans
Yale Study Leader
Reader’s Corner
REINALDO FUNES-MONZOTE
DR. REINALDO FUNES-MONZOTE is Coordinator
of the Geo-Historical Research Program at the Antonio
Núñez Jiménez Foundation in Cuba and Professor of
History at University of Havana. The author of From
Rainforest to Cane Field. A Cuban Environmental History
Since 1492 (2008), and Despertar del Asociacionismo
Científico en Cuba (2004), his research focuses on Cuban and Caribbean
environmental history. He is currently studying the comparative histories
of sugar cane and livestock cultivation in Cuba and the relationship between
the Cuban Revolution of 1959 and environmental issues leading up to the
1990s crisis. Currently he is a visiting professor for the Council on Latin
American & Iberian Studies (CLAIS) at Yale University’s MacMillan Center
for International and Area Studies.
Gulf of Mexico
Atlantic Ocean
Havana
Cienfuegos
Trinidad
Camagüey
Caribbean Sea
Santa Cruz del Sur
Santiago de Cuba
Highlights
Cruise Cuba’s
Experience
Delight in the
southern shore, with
its rugged mountains,
pristine beaches,
and well-preserved
colonial architecture;
and engage with
artists, entrepreneurs,
musicians, and other
welcoming locals
along the way
Cienfuegos, with its
French flair; stroll
the streets of lostin-time Trinidad;
and spend two days
in historic Santiago,
whose cultural scene
rivals Havana’s
soaring voices of the
world-renowned
choir Cantores de
Cienfuegos during an
exclusive performance
just for our group
Cover photo credit: Ignacio Artola
Want to learn more about the
history and culture of Cuba?
Here’s a good start:
REEF LIBRE, CUBA, THE LAST BEST
REEFS IN THE WORLD
by Robert Wintner
Master snorkeler Robert Wintner
traveled to Cuba once the country
opened up to tourists, discovering
the state of Cuba’s coral reefs
(they’re pristine!). He documents
his findings with clarity in large
photographs and narrative text.
FIREFLY
by Severo Sarduy
After poisoning his family during a
hurricane, Firefly stumbles into a
chaotic, seedy life in the underbelly
of urban pre-revolution Cuba, where
he encounters bizarre characters.
The plot is secondary to Sarduy’s
provocative, lyrical language.
Upcoming Trips
The Romantic Rhone
Arles to Lyon Aboard AmaDagio
9/20/16 – 9/30/16
Anna Zayaruznaya,
Assistant Professor, Music
Adriatic Odyssey
Venice to Valleta
Aboard S.Y. Sea Cloud
10/14/16 – 10/23/16
Ivo Banac
Bradford Durfee Emeritus
Professor of History
Gardens of the Caribbean
Round-trip Antigua
Aboard Sea Cloud
1/30/17 – 2/6/17
Leo Buss
Professor of Ecology &
Evolutionary Biology
For additional information on
all YET programs, please visit
www.yaleedtravel.org Yale Educational Travel
Association of Yale Alumni
Box 209010, New Haven, CT
06520-9010
Reservations: 203.432.1952
[email protected]
Itinerary
An optional three-day prelude in
Havana is offered from February 8 to 11.
U.S. A . / CIENFUEGOS
Saturday, February 11
Arrive in Cienfuegos, where Variety
Voyager awaits. Settle in for a relaxing
stay aboard your floating luxury hotel,
which remains docked overnight in a
spectacular bay. D
CIENFUEGOS
Sunday, February 12
Devote the day to the UNESCOlisted city of Cienfuegos, founded
by the French and nicknamed “The
Pearl of the South.” Admire the
magnificent, 19th-century Tomás Terry
Theater on a guided architectural
walk that concludes with lunch
at a paladar, a privately owned
restaurant. Afterwards, discover the
internationally recognized Cienfuegos
Botanical Garden, founded by an
American sugar baron; or visit an
historic cigar factory to learn the
importance of tobacco to the Cuban
economy. This evening, enjoy a private
performance of the world-renowned
choir Cantores de Cienfuegos. B, L, D
Cienfuegos, photo by Jane-Sweeney (left)
TRINIDAD
TRINIDAD
Monday, February 13
Tuesday, February 14
¡Bienvenidos a Trinidad! With its
cobblestone streets and candy-colored
houses, this UNESCO-recognized
town is one of the prettiest colonial
cities in the Americas. Stroll past its
elegant plazas and palaces on a guided
architectural tour, and chat with a
local entrepreneur. After lunch at a
popular paladar, meet local artists
and artisans in their studios. Also
learn about santería, the Afro-Cuban
religion combining Yoruba and
Roman Catholic belief. You may wish
to explore this theme further during
independent time today.
B, L, D
Culture or nature? It’s up to you.
This morning choose an architectural
tour of the charming colonial town
of Sancti Spíritus, founded by the
conquistador Diego Velázquez in
1514, or a hike through Topes de
Collantes. This nature reserve park
harbors wild banana trees, dozens
of indigenous orchid species, unique
hummingbirds, and other exotic
plants and animals. Wander the
trails and refresh yourself in one
of the park’s spectacular waterfalls.
After lunch, visit the Valley of
the Sugar Mills, former center of
El Morro, Santiago, photo by Furry Girl
www.yaleedtravel.org/cubasea17
SANTIAGO DE CUBA
Thursday-Friday, February 16-17
), Port of Casilda, photo by Simon Bordwin (right)
Cuba’s lucrative sugar industry.
Climb Manaca Iznaga Tower, famous
for its amazing views of the valley. In
the evening enjoy a performance of
local music. B, L, D
SANTA CRUZ DEL SUR /
CAMAGUEY
Wednesday, February 15
Step ashore in the fishing village
of Santa Cruz to drive to nearby
Camagüey, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site known as “the city of
churches.” Its labyrinthine layout,
unique in Cuba, is said to have been
designed to ward off pirate attacks.
Chat with parishioners at the 18thcentury Church of St. John of God,
and see the beautifully restored
Church of Our Lady of Carmen. Meet
a curator for a tour of the small,
excellent collection at the Ignacio
Agramonte Museum, housing works
by Wilfredo Lam, Victor Manuel,
and other well-known Cuban artists.
Spend two days in this historic city—
site of its first capital, birthplace of
salsa and son, and cradle of many
revolutionary movements. Visit San
Juan Hill, stormed by Teddy Roosevelt
and his “Rough Riders”; and admire
the remarkable period furnishings
in the Velázquez Museum, a colonial
mansion that is the oldest house in
Cuba. In a nearby village, explore
the Basilica of Our Lady of Charity,
a hilltop pilgrimage church dedicated
to the country’s patron saint. Back in
Santiago, witness the changing of the
guard at the mausoleum of national
hero José Martí. Enjoy views of the
jungle-clad Sierra Maestra from the
UNESCO-listed fortress of El Morro,
and relive one of the most famous
failed coups in history at the Moncada
Barracks Museum, commemorating
Fidel’s first attempt to overthrow
Batista. Celebrate your memorable
journey at a festive, onboard farewell
dinner. B, L, D
SANTIAGO DE CUBA / U.S.A.
Saturday, February 18
Transfer to the airport for independently booked flights home.
B
What is Included:
• Enrichment program of lectures
and discussions with Yale
Professor Reinaldo Funes-Monzote
and other expert lecturers
• Seven nights cabin
accommodations aboard Variety
Voyager
• All meals as indicated in the
itinerary; bottled water and
coffee/tea with all meals;
complimentary wine / beer with
lunches and dinners
• Escorted sightseeing by private
motor coach with bilingual guides
and entrance fees for visits
• Airport / pier group transfers and
porterage for those on suggested
flights
• Taxes and service charges;
gratuities to guides and drivers
• Customary shipboard gratuities
What is Not Included:
International airfare; passport fees;
Cuban visa; Cuban departure tax;
limited Cuban health insurance
policy (required for all foreign
travelers to Cuba under age 80);
personal items and expenses;
airport / pier transfers for those
not on suggested group flights;
baggage in excess of one suitcase;
trip insurance; any other items not
specifically mentioned as included.
A NOTE ON AIR TRAVEL TO CUBA
At the time of brochure printing
in June 2016, commercial flight
schedules between the US and
Cuba had not been confirmed.
Please contact our office for the
most up to date information on air
travel to Cuba.
B, L, D
Note: This day is subject to change as
we are awaiting permission from Cuban
officials for docking at Santa Cruz
del Sur.
Manaca Iznaga Tower, photo by
Jochem van Drimmelen
Colorful car in Trinidad, photo by Simon
Bordwin
Terms & Conditions
Variety Voyager
HORIZONS DECK
301 303 305 307
DINING
ROOM
302 304 306 308
RIVIERA DECK
201 203 205 207 209 211 213 215
MAIN LOUNGE
RECEPTION
202 204 206 208 210 212 214
BAR
MARINA DECK
101 103 105 107 109 111
113
SPA &
GYM
102 104
LIBRARY
106
108 110 112
C R UIS E R A T E S
(Per Person, Double Occupancy)
Cabins
Decks
Rates
Cabins 108 to 113
Marina Deck $6,995
Staterooms, double bed or twin beds
Cabins 101 to 107
Marina Deck
$8,295
Staterooms, double bed or twin beds
Cabins 212 to 215
Riviera Deck
$8,295
Staterooms, double bed or twin beds
Cabins 201 to 211
Riviera Deck
$9,995
Staterooms, double bed or twin beds
Cabins 301 to 306 & 308
Horizons Deck $10,995
Master Staterooms, double bed or twin beds
Cabin 307
Horizons Deck $12,995
Owner’s Suite, double bed
Cabins are available for single occupancy at a supplement
of 25% to 100% of the cruise rate.
VARIETY VOYAGER Christened in 2012, this intimate, 36-cabin yacht features
a sun deck and glass-enclosed dining room with panoramic views and an al fresco
option. The spa and gym offer massage, fitness equipment, and a sauna. All cabins
have DVD players, flat-screen televisions, and bathrooms with marble finishing.
yaleedtravel.org/cubasea17
AIRFARE Academic Arrangements Abroad (AAA) will
be pleased to assist with air travel arrangements for this
program, including specially negotiated group airfare
when available, suggested flights, or individual requests,
for a processing fee of $40 per person. Complete
details will be provided in your confirmation mailing.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE A deposit of $1,000 per person,
payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, of which
$350 is nonrefundable for administrative fees, is required
with the reservation application. To register for this
program, please visit www.yaleedtravel.org/cubasea17.
Alternatively, please mail the deposit and completed
registration form to: The Association of Yale Alumni,
Yale Educational Travel.
HEALTH All participants must be in good health.
This program involves extensive walking over uneven
surfaces, climbing stairs at monuments and other
locations not handicapped accessible, and climbing
in and out of various conveyances including tenders.
Any condition that may require assistance or special
medical attention must be reported at the time of your
reservation.
INSURANCE Yale Educational Travel highly
recommends that participants purchase travel insurance
as the cancellation policy will apply. However, Yale
does not recommend a particular insurance company
and Yale travelers are free to purchase the insurance
of their choice. There is usually a short window of
time (7-21 days from the first payment date) when one
can purchase travel insurance and still be covered for
certain provisions (such as pre-existing conditions).
If travel insurance is important to you, please do not
wait to purchase insurance.
CHANGES IN ITINERARY & COSTS The itinerary
is subject to change at the discretion of AAA and the
Association of Yale Alumni (AYA). All prices quoted are
based on prevailing fuel prices, airfares, and currency
exchange rates in effect at the time of brochure printing
and are subject to change without notice. Deviations
from the scheduled itinerary are at the expense of
the individual.
RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE The participation of AYA
is limited to educational sponsorship of the program
described in this brochure (The Program). AAA acts
only as an agent for the participant with respect to
transportation, accommodations, and all other services,
relating to The Program. AAA, AYA, and/or their agents
assume no responsibility or liability for any act, error,
or omission, or for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or
irregularity which may be occasioned by reason of any
defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier,
or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or
other third party, which may be used wholly or in part
in the performance of their duty to the participants of
The Program. The passage ticket issued by the carrier
is the sole contract between the participant and the
carrier. Nor will AAA or AYA and/or their agents be
responsible for loss, injury, damages, or expenses to
persons or property, due to illness, weather, strikes,
local laws, hostilities, wars, terrorist acts, acts of nature,
or other such causes in connection with The Program
or anything beyond their reasonable control. AAA is
not responsible for transportation or other program
delays and changes, nor additional expenses or loss
of time that may be incurred. In the event it becomes
necessary or advisable for the comfort or well-being
of the participants, or for any reason whatsoever, to
Cuba by Sea: From Cienfuegos to Santiago
Aboard Variety Voyager
February 11 - 18, 2017
To reserve a place, please complete and return this form with
your deposit of $1,000 per person (see cancellation policy)
payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad. Please mail
form and deposit to: The Association of Yale Alumni, Yale
Educational Travel, Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010
(Fax 203-432-0587). Or you may make a reservation online at
www.yaleedtravel.org/cubasea17.
RESERVE YOUR TRIP TO CUBA TODAY
Accommodations
Variety Voyager
Cabin Preference 1)__________________2)__________________
I wish to share a cabin with
Optional Prelude
q I/We wish to join the optional prelude in Havana
1) name as on passport
date of birth yale connection
passport origin relationship to other guest
2) name as on passport q One Bed q Two Beds
Form of Payment
q Enclosed is my check
(payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad)
date of birth
yale connection
passport origin relationship to other guest
Contact Information
Hotel Room Preference
q Credit card q Visa q Mastercard q American Express
name as on credit card
3 or 4 -digit security code
credit card number
address
city/state/zip expiration date
Each participant must sign below. I/We confirm that I/we have
read and agree to the Terms & Conditions of this program. I/
We agree to full payment by check, wire transfer, or credit
card 120 days prior to departure.
primary phone
secondary phone
email
signature required
date
signature required
date
Visit www.yaleedtravel.org/cubasea17 to book online
or return the form above, with credit card authorization or check payable to Academic Arrangements Abroad, to Yale Educational Travel, P.O. Box 209010, New Haven, CT 06520-9010 or fax to 203-432-0587.
alter the itinerary at any time, without notice to the
participants, such alterations will be made without
penalty to AAA or AYA. Additional expenses, if any,
shall be borne by the participants. Baggage and personal
effects are the sole responsibility of the participant at
all times. AAA and AYA reserve the right to accept
or decline any person as a participant at any time,
or to require any participant to withdraw from The
Program at their own expense when such an action is
determined by AAA or AYA to be in the best interest
of the participant’s health and safety, or the general
welfare of the other participants.
CANCELLATION POLICY AAA must strictly adhere
to its cancellation policy to offset costs incurred prior
to the commencement of The Program, which may
include but are not limited to: advance payments to
land operators; ship charters; communication expenses;
development/promotional expenses; and the loss of
time that might have permitted resale of reserved
space. All cancellations must be made in writing to
Yale Educational Travel, and are subject to a $350 nonrefundable administrative fee. All refunds are limited
to amounts actually received by AAA and are the sole
responsibility of AAA; AYA shall have no liability for
refunds. At the time AYA receives written notification
of cancellation, the following cancellation charges will
apply: cancellations received between 120 and 91 days
prior to departure, 20 percent of the program cost
per person; those received between 90 and 61 days
before departure, 50 percent of the program cost per
person; no refunds will be given for cancellations
received within 60 days of departure. No refunds are
given for cancellation on or after the day of departure,
or for unused portions of the tour, for any reason.
Air cancellation charges, if any, will be assessed in
accordance with airline regulations. All group fare
tickets must be issued no less than 30 days prior to
departure. NOTE: Neither AAA nor AYA shall be liable
for any airline cancellation penalties incurred by the
purchase of a non-refundable ticket. In the case of a
cancellation due to shortage of participants, AAA will
attempt to notify all participants at least 45 days prior to
departure. However, AAA reserves the right to cancel
The Program prior to departure for any reason and, in
such case, reimbursement of refundable costs of the
trip by AAA shall constitute full settlement with the
participant. In the unlikely event that a dispute arises
between a participant and AAA or AYA, the following
conditions will apply: (a) the dispute will be settled
by binding arbitration administered by the American
Arbitration Association in New York, NY; (b) the
dispute will be governed by New York Law; (c) the
maximum amount of recovery to which a participant
shall be entitled under any and all circumstances will
be the sum of all monies actually received from the
participant by AAA. The participant agrees that this
is a fair and reasonable limitation on the damages, of
any sort whatsoever, that a participant may suffer.
Upon payment of the deposit to AAA, the participant
agrees to be bound by the above terms and conditions.
AUTHORITY
TO USE IMAGES & AUDIO
RECORDINGS On occasion, Yale Educational Travel
obtains, from its staff or from trip participants,
photographic or video images of passengers and trip
activities. By participating in this travel program,
you authorize Yale Educational Travel, without
providing compensation to you, or obtaining additional
approvals from you, to include photographic and video
recordings of you, as well as voice recordings included
with any videos, in YET’s sales, marketing, advertising,
publicity and/or training activities.
Join a brand-new cruise along Cuba's less-developed southern shore
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Box 209010
New Haven, Connecticut
06520-9010
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SAN JOSE, CA
Cuba by Sea From Cienfuegos to Santiago
Aboard Variety Voyager
Reinaldo Funes-Monzote Professor of History
February 11 - 18, 2017
Learn about the
endurance of santería,
the Afro-Cuban
syncretic religion that
combines Yoruba
and Roman Catholic
beliefs, developed in
secrecy in the country’s
sugar plantations
Stay two nights in
Santiago, Cuba’s
first capital, secondlargest city, and rival
to Havana in its
importance to Cuban
history, culture, music,
and revolutionary
movements
Valley of the Sugar Mills, photo by eyebex