Visiting Havana, Cuba by cruise ship offers unique views and experiences that a hotel or private home cannot provide. So, if you are tight on time, want tour options, or desire accommodations like home, I recommend a cruise ship. My experience was an overnight visit on Royal Caribbean's Empress of the Seas from the Port of Tampa. Royal Caribbean processed the visa application when I checked-in at the Port of Tampa. Prior to embarking on the cruise, I had reserved the tour experience, and the time and date online.

I purchased two tours. The first was a sightseeing tour of the city on an air conditioned bus that also provided exploration at several stops. Second was a walking tour of Old Havana's four plazas. After each tour, I returned to the ship to drop off my purchases and refresh. Clearing customs was quick and easy each time. I was free to come and go all day and night to explore Old Havana on my own.

This photography book is the first volume and shows Havana's highlights. Future volumes will share my ship experience and more of Havana and its people, architecture and food that I captured with my pro camera and iphone 6 plus. Check my web site for updates.

In ten years, Cuba tourism has increased from 1 million to 4.2 million.

Going under the Sunshine Skyway Bridge

Gulf of Mexico Sunset

The deck chair was an invitation to a Gulf of Mexico sunset

Havana, Cuba. July 2017.

The cruise port is located at Terminal Sierra Maestra, where small cruise ships dock. I understand a French company is to build a new cruise port for large cruise ships and make improvements on the airport. Upstairs is customs and the currency exchange. Photo is from the ground level floor. HavanaTur welcome booth is located behind me. Taxi que is at the exit behind me.

See more of the Cuban Cigar Lady at Havana Plaza Cathedral and Cuban Cigar and Rum Cafe Experience

My book, Pelican Beakon, earned a silver medal at 2017 Florida Authors and Publishers Association President's Book Award in the short story fiction category. The Pelican Beakon is a newspaper for pelicans, by pelicans, and their one staff human photographer who dreams of being a writer. Read more about the Pelican Beakon on its website.

Enjoy more stories and images of what I get to enjoy everyday!

Purchase Robert Neff's Photography online at Saatachi Art, Adobe Stock Photography and Fotolia. If you see a photograph that is not there, let me know. I can add the image.

Condo Seniors and Driving The Divas are trademarks registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office. Pelican Beakon is Trademark pending.