150 days to go…

Thanks as always for subscribing to the Southern Cross Brigade newsletter. There have been plenty of developments since the June edition. We’re edging closer and closer to the 28 December, with just over 150 days to go, and a number of next year’s participants having already finalised their registrations!

(Largely) finalised itinerary and costs

Last month, I provided an overview of the draft itinerary – the details of which can be found here. We have had some slight amendments to dates, locations and costs since then.

As brigadistas from this year can attest, the inflationary pressures and economic instability being felt everywhere is particularly acute in Cuba. As they prioritise providing the fundamentals (food, electricity, housing and social programs) to all Cubans, the costs of certain "luxuries", including tourist transport and food, have grown. As a consequence, this year’s Brigade will be more expensive than the 2022 edition. We will also be spending one day fewer at Korimakao and in Cienfuegos than previously planned. By making this change (and spending an extra night at the International Camp), we’ve managed to keep costs as reasonable as we can for the 24-day tour. At this stage, we estimate that brigadistas will need to pay Amistur around $1400USD or $2000AUD. This is about $250AUD more than last year. Amistur will provide an online payment link option in the coming months.

If this additional cost will be a significant impediment to your previous plans, please let us know. Please note that the costs will come down the more brigadistas attend.

The cost and logistics of flights are by far the most complicated part of organising the Brigade. Unfortunately, the number of airlines flying to Cuba not via the United States is few and this has been further complicated by Air Canada no longer flying directly into Havana. Below, I will list a few options for Australians and New Zealanders to consider. Fiddle around with dates and departure locations to see what works best for you. Please note, that I am not including any options via the US. If you wish to discuss any of the options more, please contact us.

Sydney

… to Varadero. This option is currently around $4200 from Sydney with a range of dates available. Air Canada is not currently flying into Havana, so Varadero is your best bet if you wish to fly with them (and fly on the one airline the whole way through). Varadero is roughly 150km from Havana, though bus and taxi options are quite plentiful. If enough brigadistas fly this way, we may be able to organise a dedicated bus on the 28th.

… to Mexico City. Right now, there are still relatively affordable flights from Melbourne to Mexico City via Santiago de Chile. From Mexico City, you can fly to Havana for around $500-$600.

… to Varadero. Australians take note too! Flights from Auckland to Varadero on Air Canada are still reasonably priced. For our New Zealand friends, this is a real win, but for Australians able to get a cheap flight over to New Zealand, this is a good option as well. It’s the one I took this year from Canberra!

Registration

You can find an updated information booklet and registration form below and on the website. Please give it a good review before committing to the 40th Anniversary Brigade. Once you’re ready to go, follow the information on how to make the $250AUD deposit. If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Full payment (following the deposit) for the Brigade will be made online via a link provided by Amistur. Registrants will be updated once this link is available for use.

If you wish to discuss logistics, including flight options, please contact southerncrossbrigade.

Flying into Australia this past week, Ivan and Marianniz have already successfully completed events and talks in Brisbane before moving onto Melbourne today. This weekend, they will attend the National Consultation of the Australia-Cuba Friendship Society. Details on the events in Melbourne can be found below.

After Melbourne (leaving 2 August), Ivan and Marianniz will travel to Auckland from 2/8-5/8, Sydney from 5/8-9/8, Adelaide from 9/8-11/8, and Perth from 11/8-14/8.

For more information on activities in your city, please contact your local ACFS branch.

From Australia to Cuba with Love is wrapping up in time for the National Consultation this weekend. Following up on last year’s very successful campaign to collectively cover the distance from Australia to Cuba, this year’s participants have already met the distance goal (14,886km) and raised over $5,000.

A huge congratulations to everyone involved!

Readers are encouraged to sign up (you can add any kilometres you have done during the campaign post hoc) and encourage their friends, neighbours, workmates and relatives to join or donate.

Solidarity,
Adam 🇨🇺 (National Coordinator)