CIENFUEGOS, Cuba – The first U.S. cruise ship to dock in Cuba in almost four decades arrived to its second stop Thursday -- Cienfuegos.
More than 700 passengers got off the Adonia ship, which is part of Carnival's Fathom brand, to see Jose Marti Square and other historic sites.
The famous Jose Marti Square is where you'll find freshly painted neo-classical buildings with French influence. The city was founded in 1819 by the French.
"This is kind of a taste of a small town in Cuba. We saw the big city in Havana," passenger Lee Hughes said.
Passengers got a history lesson of the small port town and learned that about 10,000 people live there.
Some passengers also went into the town's theater and saw a private performance.
Passengers were able to interact with musicians and some locals in the town.
One Cuban couple told Local 10 News that they know the historical significance of the ship's arrival and said they welcome American tourists.
"It's a way our two countries can get to know each other," Alexis Duena Roura said.
But the couple said there should be more interaction.
Taking pictures of it all, Patricio Chaviano, said he's able to run his small private photography business because of the relatively new Cuban laws that allow people to open private business.
"The economy gets better for all of us," he said.