Is Havana Worth Visiting on a Cruise Ship

Published February 5, 2025

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With popular cruise lines offering trips to Havana, numerous travelers are very likely to arrange a visit.

So, you might be wondering; ‘Is Havana worth visiting on a cruise ship?’ Read on to find out!

What is Havana?

Havana is the capital and largest city of Cuba, the heart of the La Habana Province, the country's main port and commercial center.

It’s a city with a lively culture and rich history, beautiful Spanish colonial buildings, an energetic music atmosphere, vintage cars, and welcoming residents, all conveniently reachable from the terminal, resulting in an engaging shore excursion.

Its primary attractions include its stunning historic center, remarkable architecture, iconic Cuban imagery, and its diverse cultural offerings.

Also, literature, politics, music, and its rich heritage, including legends and folklore, render nearly every corner of the street in this city renowned.

Is It Worth It to Visit Havana on a Cruise Ship?

Yes, it is definitely worth it to visit Havana on a cruise ship.

The city is regarded as a worthwhile destination for cruise ship travelers, especially for those eager to immerse themselves in Cuban architecture, culture, and history.

Havana provides a fascinating insight into the past with its colorful Old Town, vintage cars, and energetic vibe, making a shore excursion an excellent opportunity to sample the city.

Things to Explore in Havana

Watch a Tropicana Show

A visit to Havana wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the famous Tropicana club.

In function since 1939, the club highlights Cuban dance, culture, and intricate costumes.

Its performance, conducted in an outdoor venue surrounded by vibrant scenery, has remained largely unchanged since the 1950s.

In addition to showgirls showcasing their talents, the show presents notable performers and has featured various international stars over the decades, including King Cole.

However, with a two-hour overall duration, the show feels somewhat lengthy and is also quite pricey.

Nonetheless, different pricing arrangements exist for tickets, based on seat placement and whether dinner is included or not.

Tickets there basically include reserved seating, rum and mixers, a complimentary drink, and light refreshments.

Smoking is permitted, though could be a deterrent for some individuals.

Then, for a similar adventure that is somewhat more affordable and nearer to the port (since Tropicana requires a 20-minute drive), you can consider the Cabaret Parisien.

This revue performance is significantly smaller than Tropicana though still offers a similar cultural venture in a cozier environment.

It takes place from 10 pm to 12 am with dancing continuing until 2 am, and you are encouraged to arrive ahead of time for better seating.

Enjoy a Car Tour

When you picture Havana, classic cars from the 1950s instantly comes to mind.

And naturally, a trip in any of these cars must be included in your list of what to do.

Note that although many cruise lines provide this experience, I recommend arranging a tour with a Havana local company for a more thorough exploration and a lower cost.

You can begin with an Old Havana tour to check out many of its landmarks.

Ensure you explore multiple attractions in Vedado, Central Havana, and Miramar during your drive.

Inside Central Havana, check out Parque Central, finished in 1877 just after the walls of the city were removed.

If you have time, consider making a quick visit to the Romeo Julieta Cigar company or the Partagas Factory.

Then, if you're hungry or thirsty, you can visit Sloppy Joe's or El Floridita while you’re in the vicinity.

Also, as you proceed along the Malecon in Vedado, you may pause at the Hotel Nacional to explore it.

This iconic luxury hotel provides a stunning Havana harbor view and includes a museum inside its gardens focused on Cuban Missile Crisis.

Then, additional remarkable spots to explore with a classic car include Habana Libre Hotel (among the largest Cuba hotels), and Coppelia (a highly favored ice cream shop).

Also, check out Revolution Square which features a large Che Guevara mural and a memorial for Jose Marti, Almendares Natural Park (commonly referred to as Havana's Forest), and Colon Cemetery; a graveyard recognized for its intricate monuments.

Check Out the Ancient Forts

Parque Historico military complex contains two forts, La Cabana and El Morro, and they welcome people for exploration.

Constructed in the early 16th Century, "El Morro" is recognized for its iconic lighthouse and functioned as a significant defensive structure until it was seized by Britain in 1762.

Its lighthouse, which was installed later, has now become a Havana icon.

Today, various parts of this fort are accessible for exploration, including the 19th-century operational lighthouse.

Also, there are various exhibits outlining this fort and lighthouse history, along with a small market nearby.

Then, situated roughly half a mile away (a 15-minute stroll) is “La Cabana”, the bigger fort.

This mini-city from the 18th Century is the biggest Spanish stronghold in America.

Be sure to catch the Cañonazo in case you’re here for the evening.

This traditional cannon firing takes place every night at 9 pm and has been upheld since the colonial times to signal the closing of the wall gates of the city.

Note that certain cruise lines provide nighttime excursions to these forts, allowing you to witness this ceremony intimately.

Also, be aware that each fort has its own entrance fee.

Walk Through Old Havana

An Old Havana walking tour is a well-liked excursion provided by cruise lines since numerous attractions and activities in Old Havana are within a short walk from the port.

Venture onto the cobblestone pathways to discover the four primary squares, each showcasing its distinct characteristics and special allure.

Plaza San Francisco, situated right across from the terminal, is primarily famous for its renowned Fountain of Lions.

Then, Plaza Veija is lively with a microbrewery, restaurants, and bars, and is famous for its diverse architecture.

Plaza de Armas exists as the historical square that features a book market (here you will find Carlos Manuel's white statue, the instigator of Cuban independence wars, and the adjacent fortress).

Plaza de la Catedral is the final established major square and is recognized for its excellent Cuban baroque architecture representation from the 1700s.

Then, if you're ready for some additional exploration after visiting the squares, check out the many museums nearby like Museo de la Revolucion.

This Presidential Palace showcases exhibits on Cuban history.

At the rear of its building is Granma Memorial, which is a sizable glass structure that contains the yacht that transported Fidel Castro to Cuba from Mexico for the historic revolution.

Then, if time permits, the Museum of Rum, situated just a short distance from the terminal, provides guided tours that highlight Cuban history aspects along with a firsthand look at its rum production process.

It is nearly essential to sample the rum when visiting Havana.

Explore Hemingway's Life

In 1940, the popular American author, Ernest Hemingway, bought a house near Havana, where he resided for almost two decades, even as US - Cuba relations started to decline.

During this period, he composed what would turn into his most renowned piece, ‘The Old Man and the Sea’.

He also visited various local venues that still exist today.

Therefore, why not experience a day like Hemingway did and explore his favorite places while you’re in Havana?

First of all, visit his residence, Finca Vigia, situated in a little working-class community roughly 10 miles southeast of Havana.

In 1940, Hemingway acquired this "lookout farm" for $12500.

Then, the government of Cuba acquired the property after his death and it presently operates as a historic museum accessible to the whole public.

While there, you can spot his sea fishing vessel, the Pilar, moored at the estate premises.

Also, considering Hemingway’s fishing passion, you should visit Cojimar, the quaint coastal village where he anchored El Pilar, his boat.

This charming fishing village, situated just some minutes from Havana East, served as the setting for his popular book.

Then, for lunch in town, visit La Terraza to enjoy memorabilia and fantastic views of the popular author.

Also, a short walk from the cruise vessels, you'll find several other places that Hemingway often visited, such as Ambos Mundos Hotel and El Floridita.

El Floridita is an Old Havana historic bar that boasts the title of having the "Best Daiquiri in the World" confirmed by Hemingway himself.

So, drop by to sample a beverage for yourself.

Then, this Ambos Mundos Hotel served as a residence for Hemingway during the 1930s and 511, his room, is presently a tiny museum that receives tours every day.