There's no denying it: Cuba is the hottest new cruise destination in years. This island has long been a mystery to Americans, but the recent easing of travel restrictions has meant that its borders are opening up to U.S. citizens who want to visit. The new Fathom Adonia was the first U.S. cruise ship to dock in Havana in more than 40 years when it pulled into port in May 2016, and we set sail just a few weeks later. 

Even with fewer travel restrictions, people-to-people programs are one of the only legal ways for U.S. citizens to see the country. Adonia arranges a variety of excursions that revolve around cultural exchange, focusing on the citizens, history, and music of the country. We sailed on a seven-day Cuban voyage in June and spoke with the head of Fathom’s Cuba program — as well as passengers — about the experience of cruising to the country. Watch our video above for an inside peek at what it's really like to see Cuba, and meet the Cubans.