While precious little official news has been released on the subject, by far the greatest cause for speculation and concern across Cuba remains the health and future of President Fidel Castro. Castro turned over control of the government to his younger brother Raul in July of 2006, and has not been seen in public since. Conflicting reports have surfaced as to the nature and severity of his illness, but it seems clear that the iconic Cuban leader is seriously ill, and may not return to power. For the time being, there has been little change in daily life in Cuba, and few direct consequences to the tourist industry. Castro was conspicuously absent from massive national celebrations of his 80th birthday which were held in December 2006, even though his actual 80th birthday was August 13, 2006.
On a more positive note, Cuba survived the 2006 hurricane season unscathed.
Planning Your Trip
The British company Language Courses Abroad (www.languagesabroad.co.uk) has begun offering Spanish study courses in Havana, Trinidad and Santiago. In each instance, courses are intensive immersion style affairs, with small class sizes. Students live with a local family, furthering the immersion experience.
Cuba's state-run cigar company, Habanos has announced that it will introduce new lines of specially aged cigars in 2007. The new lines will include a "Classic Cohiba," as well as a new "1492" brand.
Not to be outdone by the cigar company, the state-run liquor company has launched a new premium beer, "Bucanero Max." This dark amber brew is 6.5% alcohol content, so be careful when ordering another.
Havana
The new Montehabana Aparthotel (Calle 70, between 5th and 7th Avenues, Miramar; tel. 7/206-9595; www.gaviota-grupo.com) is an extension of the Occidental Miramar hotel. The 101 apartments here come with kitchenettes, and are well suited for extended stays. There are also 76 standard rooms here. All guests have access to the pool and other facilities of the Occidental Miramar.
Havana has a new museum. The Museo Compay Segundo (Compay Segundo Museum) was opened on October 27. It features memorabilia, old instruments, a cigar humidor, and photos and paintings of the prolific musician, who rocketed to fame late in life as part of the Buena Vista Social Club. The museum is located on Calle 22, between Avenidas 1 and 3 in the Miramar section of Havana. Admission is CUC$2.
Papa would be proud. Ernest Hemingway's private fishing yacht, the Pilar, is receiving some long overdue and much needed restoration work. Work is being conducted at the ship's traditional display site, as part of the Museo Ernesto Hemingway (Ernest Hemingway Museum).
Varadero & Matanzas
The Sol Melia group has taken over management of the large luxury resort Sandals Princesa del Mar and rechristened the property the Paradisus Princesa del Mar (Punta Francés, Varadero; tel. 45/66-7200; www.solmeliacuba.com).
Sol Melia has also added another hotel to its various offerings in Varadero. The Meliá Las Antillas (Autopista Sur, Carretera Las Morlas, Km 14, Varadero; tel. 45/ 66-8470; www.solmeliacuba.com) is a 350-room four star all-suite affair reserved for adults only.
Trinidad & Central Cuba
The 900-room Meliá Las Dunas (Cayo Santa María, Jardines del Rey; tel. 42/35-0100; www.solmeliacuba.com), has officially opened on Cayo Santa Maria in the Cayeria del Norte area outside of Santa Clara.
El Oriente
The Carlos Manuel Céspedes Airport in Bayamo is slated to receive some maintenance and improvements, and will perhaps receive more frequent commuter traffic in the coming years.