What Travelers Should Know and See in Havana, Cuba

Only recently have Americans been able to visit Cuba again. However, there is a lot of uncertainty as to how long will last. So if Havana is on your bucket list, I would highly encourage you to book a cruise to see this amazing city before those changes are official.

Unlike most American tourist destinations, there is a huge question mark on what to expect and where to go once you arrive in Cuba. Although there are 15 provinces in Cuba, it is the city of Havana that is a hot spot for American tourists - mainly because that is where cruise lines are able to dock. Havana is beautiful, the people friendly, and the food is amazing. Everyone should have a chance to see this wonderful city.

The best way to travel to Cuba right now is by a cruise ship. Lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival all offer itineraries including the coveted destinations. The future of cruising to Cuba could change, so go now before it's too late.

Recently I had the opportunity to travel on the Norwegian Sky, which had a two-day port in Havana. The rest of the itinerary included almost a full day at Norwegian's private island in the Bahamas - Great Stirrup Cay and a couple of hours in Key West. The ship itself was recently renovated, and the crew is so nice!

In order to visit Cuba, Americans must first apply for a visa. If your cruise ship does not arrange it for you, then you can use one of their recommended companies. The process is simple - just fill out a form with your passport information online, pay the fee - which is about $72 per visa including shipping, and wait about a week to receive your paper visa in the mail. Shipping times may vary, so don't leave this until right before you leave for your cruise.

The US government also has regulations for citizens traveling to Cuba - they must have a valid U.S. passport and your travel must compile with at least one of the twelve categories of authorized travel.

One of the easiest and most secure ways to see Havana is by booking a tour through your cruise ship. Most offer some type of classic car tour, Tropicana show or Cuban cigars tour.

But because the majority of these tours are set up through Cuban government-owned and operated tour groups, it doesn't give you a true feel for the Cuban people. Booking with an independent company before you arrive, not only benefits the Cuban people more, but it also allows you to have a better sense of what life is like outside the hotspot tourist destinations. Plus these tours are usually operated at a fraction of the cost.

During my trip, we used FerTours for a classic car ride and walking tour through the city. We got to name the places we wanted to see - which incorporated all the highlights - were recommended to a fantastic restaurant for lunch, had an English-speaking guide and the entire tour was private.

This may be one of the first things you see as your cruise ship ports in Havana. Sitting high on a hilltop, the Crist of Havana statue is over 65 feet tall and weighs over 300 tons. The statue was commissioned in 1953, and it was inaugurated on Christmas Eve in 1958 - just days before the Communist Revolt.

American classic cars are one of the most notable icons throughout the city and a favorite among tourists. Because of Fidel Castro's ban on importing foreign cars, most of the automobiles in Cuba - especially near the cruise port - look as though they were frozen in time. Fidel's brother, Raul, lifted the embargo in 2013 on foreign car imports, so a mixture of newer cars has begun to take place.

The classic cars are roomy - we were able to fit six normal-sized adults comfortably in a 1947 Chevrolet convertible. This is perfect when having an English-speaking guide and a family of four. The ride is ultra smooth and had me searching 'classic cars for sale' by the time I returned home.

The third largest fortress in the Americas is the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana, or simply, La Cabana. Construction on the fort began in 1763 after the British took control of Havana the prior year. After the British traded the city back to Spain in exchange for Florida, King Carlos III began construction on the fort in an effort to ensure the city's defenses. The fort was completed in 1774.

Don't be alarmed if you hear a canon fire at night at 9 pm. This tradition is kept from when a wall surrounded the entire city of Havana and signified that all gates should be closed for the evening.

Cigar and rum shops are littered throughout the city of Havana. You'll find - especially cigars - everywhere, including the local markets. But it's best to buy from the Havana Club to ensure that you are getting the real deal. It is also important to know what the U.S. government allows you to bring back with you through customs.

Perched on the rocky outcrop of coastline welcoming cruise ship into port at Havana is the Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro. The fortress was built to guard the entrance into Havana Bay in the late 16^th century in response to raids on the city. The fort was captured by the British in 1762 during the Seven Years War and returned a year later.

The Castillo De Los Tres Reyes Del Morro was once a school for lighthouse keepers in Cuba, and it now holds an exhibition dedicated to the lighthouses throughout the island.

If you bank with an American bank - or a bank with any ties to the U.S. for that matter - do not expect to be able to take money out of one of the local ATMs. Instead, you will need to get cash out on your cruise ship - ATMs are normally located near the casino-area and sometimes around Guest Services.

After disembarking from your ship there is a currency exchange counter in the cruise ship terminal.

One of the best markets in Havana is the Almacenes San José Artisans' Market. Stall after stall of beautiful handmade items, this is the spot to go for any souvenirs you're wanting to bring back. And yes, prices are negotiable.

Even if you have an international phone plan, you may not get service while in Cuba. It's important to check with your phone provider before leaving in case you just can't live without it while you're at port.

Located in what is known as Old Havana is the Museum of the Revolution, filled with artifacts from when Communism first took hold of the country. Even walking around the perimeter of the building, you'll see tanks, military vehicles and planes used during the Revolution. It's also not uncommon to see groups of school children here if you go during the week.

La Floridita is perhaps the most well-known cocktail bar in Havana. It was one of Ernest Hemingway's favorites and is renowned for its daiquiris. During the day, especially around lunchtime, the bar can become overly crowded. Our tour guide noted that it was best to come in the evening to the bar.

One of the popular tourist attractions in Havana is Ernest Hemingway's house. But what a lot of people may not realize is the sheer size of Havana. It's the capital city and home to over two million people. Without the modern skyscrapers most cities are accustomed to, Havana sprawls out to over two hundred and eighty square miles. And while Ernest Hemingway's house - the Finca la Vigia - lies just ten miles outside the city, it would take you about thirty minutes to travel here. Therefore it is not included on most tours of the city.

Although Communism brought about the end of organized religion in Cuba, there are still eleven cathedrals within Havana. One of the closest to the cruise port is La Catedral de la Virgen Maria de la Concepcion Inmaculada de la Habana, or more commonly known as the Havana Cathedral. Beautifully constructed in the Baroque style, the Havana Cathedral was completed in 1777 and is now a popular tourist destination.

The Tropicana has stood the test of time - or more accurately the Communism Revolution. Beginning in the late 1930s and popularized in the 1950s, cabarets still take place at the Tropicana Club in Havana. Lively dancers and Cuban music will have you swaying along to the rhythm.

Watch as waves crash over the sea wall, spilling out onto the sidewalk. This beautiful stretch of road shows the diversity of Old Havana and more modern-day life. You may even get to see kids playing a baseball game as you drive by.

Walking into the Plaza de la Revolucion you are immediately captivated by the two steel portraits erected onto the side of two different building. One is the outline of Che Guervara with the words 'Hasta la Victoria Siempre' - Until the Everlasting Victory, Always. The second is that of Camilo Cienfuegos with the words 'Vas bien, Fidel' - You're doing fine, Fidel.

Across the street is the Jose Marti Memorial - a tower that stands over 300 feet tall with a statue to the side.

The Plaza is known as one of the focal points for the Communist Revolution - where speakers rallied the Cuban people towards the Revolution.

The National Capitol Building in Havana is one of the most visited sites in all Havana. Taking up a whole city block, the building is massive in size and constructed in the mid to late 1920s. Although the original construction took only three years, the current renovations of the building have been underway for more than five. Filled with statues, gardens and even a 25-carat diamond embedded into the floor, the National Capitol Building is filled with monuments to Cuba's rich history.