Cienfuegos, Cuba

Cienfuegos, known as the Pearl of the South, is a true melting pot of cultures and architectural styles. As you wander the town, enjoying its friendly but thriving atmosphere that certainly captures the lively Caribbean spirit, you’ll enjoy architecture ranging from neoclassical to art deco. Indeed the French influences in the city are easy to spot, and are mirrored in the city’s own Arco de Triunfo, or ‘Arc de Triumph’, which celebrates the independence of Cuba.

There are a number of exquisite locations you can unwind within easy reach of the cruise port. If you are interested in a day on the sands, the peaceful beaches of Playa Rancho Luna are easy to reach, offering an idyllic place to recharge as you soak up the sun. Alternatively, head inland to the Parque el Nicho, with its pools and waterfalls where you can enjoy a safe dip in a tropical paradise. If you’d rather explore than relax, then the Botanical Gardens offer a charming excursion for a day, with a vast array of exotic plants to discover.

There are two currencies used in Cienfuegos - the Cuban Convertible and the Cuban Peso. Cienfuegos is 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT -4).