Santiago de Cuba Highlights
Santiago de Cuba
by coach & on foot
Departing from the port, a short drive brings you to your first stop, El Morro Castle. The fort sits on top of a 60m (200ft)-high promontory at the entrance to Santiago harbour and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997.
Your journey will then continue past Loma de San Juan, where Theodore Roosevelt supposedly led a fearless cavalry charge against the Spanish on 1 July 1898. This was the site of the only land battle during the American-Spanish war.
Returning into Santiago de Cuba, you will enjoy a short panoramic drive through the city’s Vista Alegre Quarter: one of the oldest residential areas, with large colonial-style houses.
A more recent historical site you will see is Moncada Barracks, where in 1953 a small band of rebels led by Fidel Castro attempted to storm the encampment: an event that marked the start of the Cuban Revolution.
Parque Cespedes is located at the heart of Santiago de Cuba. Here you will have approximately 30min to explore independently. You may wish to roam some of the local streets or relax in a local restaurant and take in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Alternatively, you can admire the historical buildings surrounding the plaza, including the Santiago de Cuba Cathedral. The city’s most important church is stunning, both inside and out.
Following your free time in Parque Cespedes, you will return to the port.
Why book with us?
Plan ahead, pay later
Pre-register for your experiences online before you sail and they’ll be added to your shipboard account, with nothing to pay until the end of your cruise (or at regular intervals on longer voyages).
Competitive prices
Enjoy great-value experiences without the worry of arranging everything independently.
Protected if plans change
If we’re unable to visit a port, you’ll receive a full refund for any affected experience. And if itinerary timings change, we’ll work with our local partners to minimise disruption.
Local expertise you can trust
Our experiences are operated by experienced, responsible local partners with the appropriate insurance and expertise.
Complete peace of mind
If your experience is delayed returning to the ship, our onboard team will be kept informed and will make the necessary arrangements.
We’re with you every step of the way
Our dedicated Destination Experiences team is on hand to help you choose the right experience and ensure everything runs smoothly from ship to shore and back again.
Save up to 10% on Destination Experiences
Book early and save when booking on My Ambassador Sailing or the Ambassador App compared with our on-board prices.*
*Savings are compared with the on-board price and apply to selected Destination Experiences on My Ambassador Sailing or the Ambassador App up until three days before your departure date.
You need an active cruise booking to sign in and book Destination Experiences. Availability for your sailing is confirmed in My Ambassador Sailing.
Cruises visiting this destination
View AllNo cruises are currently available.