This is the second of two pages giving details of the shore excursion arrangements for Caronia's very first cruise, the first of four 14-day trips to the Caribbean. The images used are those that featured in the Cunard brochure for this set of cruises.
From the pier, we motor into King Street, through the shopping centre, passing the Post Office and Government Buildings, through the Victoria Gardens, along the market square, passing the Race Track and on to the Half Way Tree Road. This road leads through the residential section, passing King's House (Governor's residence) and into the Hope Gardens.
After a visit to the Orchid House and other points of interest in the Gardens, we drive on, passing the highly picturesque aqueduct which was built in the days of slavery and is still in use as a conduit for one of the sources of the city's water supply system.
The drive continues to Old Hope Road, Waterloo Road, across to Constant Spring and up to the beginning of Stony Hill where the road branches off to the Hermitage Dam Road and Rams Horn Ridge.
Turning left, a magnificent view of Kingston and its harbour can be seen from the height of 1,300 feet, from which point the road descends into the valley revealing fields of sugar cane, banana and coffee trees.
Our road continues to wind along the gorge of the Wag Water River proceeding to the Castleton Botanical Gardens where native guides will escort us, pointing out various plants. The return drive is made past the Military Barracks, namely Up Park Camp, and down South Camp Road, along North Street by the Roman Catholic Cathedral; then down East Street passing the Institute of Jamaica, and on to Harbour Street, ending the trip at the starting point.
On our day-time tour of this fabulous city the sightseeing car takes us out through Havana's palm-shaded boulevards, lined with stately buildings designed by early Spanish architects. There stands the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in massive beauty.
Further along the restored ruins of the Ancient Church of Paula, now a national shrine, bears additional testimony to the city's religious life. We next visit Arms Square, passing EI Templete (Columbus Monument). Here it was that Holy Mass was first said in Havana.
Other points of unusual interest are the Public Library that was once proud La Fuerza Castle, and the City Hall which served as a palace for Spanish Captain Generals in the days of antiquity.
Our route continues into the Avenue of the Gulf to Luz Caballero Park, luxuriant in its tropical beauty, past the Maximo Gomez Monument, and along Missions Avenue where the magnificent Presidential Palace comes into view.
Next we pay a brief visit to the world famous La Corona Cigar Factory and see the interesting exhibits in the Museum of Tobacco Industry close by.
Our sightseeing tour resumes along the Prado to Central Park, viewing the National Theatre and stopping for an inspection of the lavishly beautiful Capitol Building.
Passing through busy Industria and San Rafael Streets, the city's main shopping district, we swing once more into the Prado and thence to the famous Malecon where the Maine Monument stands. Havana's beautiful residential section, with its quaint homes and its brilliant-hued flowers, is a sight to be remembered.
Out past the famous Columbus Cemetery we pause again for a visit to the picturesque Tropical Gardens before passing through the Columbia Military Encampment. Further along our route are the beautifully landscaped Country Club and the National Casino.
In the harbour making a bright picture are the trim yachts of the Havana Yacht Club and we watch bathers languishing on the sunbaked sands of famous La Playa Beach.
Interesting sights on the Avenue of the Americas are the National Sports Palace and Convention Hall and on the Avenue of the Presidents the Jose Miguel Gomez Monument.
Out beyond the modern hospital buildings recently built by the Cuban government we enjoy the flourishing beauty of the Botanical Gardens.
Later we enter the grounds of one of Havana's celebrated rum distilleries where we are shown the process of making this important Cuban product.
The final stage of our daytime tour takes us along La Reina Street, past the Church of the Sacred Heart, through Fraternity Park, and back to our starting point.
Under a shimmering tropical sky our excursion sets out by auto for a taste of the after-dark gaiety that has made Havana famous the world over. Passing along the Prado we see the open air cafés and at once sense the carefree abandon pervading the atmosphere. Further along the Chinese quarter intrigues us too. Next we spend an exciting hour witnessing Jai-Alai, the Cuban national ball game whose dazzling speed surpasses that of virtually every other sport.
Twelve miles out into the country we go, for a visit to the internationally famous Sans-Souci Club. Here, under a starlit sky, we join the gay couples doing the rhumba on the club's outdoor dance floor, treat ourselves to some refreshment, or stroll through the fragrant gardens.
Before our return to the city, we visit the exciting National Casino. In a setting of beauty rivalling the finest clubs of Monte Carlo, we dance to the Latin rhythms of the Casino's orchestras, or try our luck at the internationally famous gaming tables. Here indeed is a tour that will go down in our memory books. [:End:]
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Page last updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025
