A cruise in Cuba

Holidaymakers in Cuba can cruise like Castro and man the helm like Hemingway thanks to the island's extensive coastline and plentiful maritime facilities.

Indeed, tourists doing so would be following in the footsteps of the country's leader Fidel Castro and the author Ernest Hemingway, who spent much of his life on Cuba, as they were both keen yachtsmen and sailors.

Hemingway's fondness of sailing his fishing boat, the Pilar, around Cuba's quays and coast, was immortalised in his novels The Old Man and the Sea and Islands in the Stream.

Having enjoyed the Caribbean island's buzzing nightlife, cigars and live music, tourists can take to the waters off Cuba to spend lazy days on top deck, lounging in the sun.

There are regular cruises which you can take around the island, visiting some of the 200 sheltered bays and the hundreds of kilometres of beaches.

The best places to pick up a break on a cruise ship include Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

Or visitors can charter their own boats and enjoy the thrill of sailing the clear, blue Caribbean waters. A relaxing way of spending one's time, sailing a boat is ideal for those who want control over where they go and where they drop anchor for a dip in the warm waters, which can reach around 30 degrees centigrade.

There are also plenty of coral reefs to explore, so make sure you take your diving gear with you when launch your vessel.

Many holidaymakers choose to actually sail to Cuba, which is welcomed by the port authority, though sailors should ensure they follow guidelines to getting docking clearance.

These instructions can be found at www.gocuba.ca, where there is also useful general information about sailing and cruising in Cuba. XXX