Brightline and Rail Events Productions Celebrate Cuban Culture on Havana Special Rum Train

One-of-a-Kind Experience Departs Virgin MiamiCentral Station Select Dates June 14 to 29

Miami – May 28, 2019 – All aboard for a cultural experience like no other! Brightline and Rail Events Productions have announced the launch of the Havana Special Rum Train, departing Virgin MiamiCentral select dates June 14 to 29.

Designed for adults 21 years of age and older, the Havana Special Rum Train presents the deep historical and cultural connections between Cuba and Miami. Told through the lens of the railroad (which played a critical role in the development of Miami) and highlighting the future of South Florida rail travel via Brightline, the Havana Special Rum Train will transport passengers back to a golden era paired with premium rail travel. In partnership with Cuban-American rum distilleries, professional entertainment, and historical commentators, this one-of-a-kind summertime event is a must for lovers of Cuban culture. Tickets are on sale now at www.therumtrain.com or by phone at 770-516-3836. Prices are $125 for individual seats or $140 for table seats (purchased in groups of two or four).

“We're thrilled to work with Brightline to offer this unique experience from beautiful Virgin MiamiCentral Station,” said Carolina Perozo, On-Site Event Manager for Rail Events. “We have worked closely with our rum distillers, musical talent, and historical narrators to create an authentic, immersive environment that will capture the essence of Cuban culture and its connection to Miami.”

The full experience will last approximately 2.5 hours with guests arriving roughly one hour before the departure of a 1.5 hour train ride. Upon arrival at Virgin MiamiCentral Station, guests will check in and be shown to a private lounge waiting area where they will enjoy a delicious rum cocktail and Cuban/Latin influenced passed hors d'oeuvres. Additional beverages will be available for purchase at the station. Credit card purchase only. No cash accepted.

Virgin MiamiCentral Station Experience

Upon arrival at Virgin MiamiCentral Station, guests will check in and be shown to a private lounge waiting area where they will enjoy a delicious rum cocktail and Cuban/Latin influenced passed hors d'oeuvres.  Additional beverages will be available for purchase at the station. Credit card purchase only. No cash accepted.

Train Ride

Car Attendants will greet passengers as they board the train with a second special rum cocktail. Once en route, guests will enjoy tasting three rums from our partner distilleries while learning about the unique process of rum creation and the fascinating history between the Cuban and American rum companies. Intermixed with the tastings will be roaming musical entertainment and historical experts colorfully relating the important connections between Cuba, the founding of Miami and the railroad. Before returning to Virgin MiamiCentral, guests will enjoy a final dessert offering and specialty rum cocktail.

 

Each ticket includes:

  • Three crafted rum cocktails (one at the station, two on the train) from Havana Club and Miami Club Rum
  • Cuban-inspired hors d'oeuvres at the station
  • Option to purchase additional alcoholic beverages from the station bar (Credit or Debit Card Only)
  • Three additional rum samples from Miami Club Rum on board
  • Education on each rum sampling and the influence of rum on Cuban culture
  • Onboard musical entertainment by The Cuban Trio and Leslie Cartaya
  • Historical cultural narration focusing on the history of the railroad and the development of Miami
  • Single serve dessert shooter on board the train

 

Musical Entertainment

The Cuban Trio guarantees an incredibly rich and authentic Cuban experience with musicians from the most prestigious Cuban music school. Their careers have taken them to share stage with the biggest stars in latin music. The trio specializes in traditional Cuban music such as Buena Vista Social Club, Trio Matamoros, Arsenio Rodriguez, Benny More, Polo Montañes, Enrrique Jorrin, Septeto Ignacio Piñeiro, and more.

Leslie Cartaya has traditional Cuban music in her veins, and jazz, American Funk, and Latin American music have shaped her artistic personality. Caribbean, Afro-American, Afro-Latin, and Latin American musical rhythms create a harmonious fusion in her music. She is a Grammy and Latin Grammy Nominee singer-songwriter and producer that has been able to tour internationally as an independent artist. Leslie has a wide range of repertoire from the most danceable and hot Latin rhythms to more soothing and romantic sounds.

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About Rail Events Productions

Rail Events Productions is the production wing of Rail Events Inc., the industry leader in rail-related special events management. In 2018, the company licensed events that hosted over one million guests at 50 partner railroads in the US, Canada, and the UK.  Rail Events Inc. and Rail Events Productions are wholly owned subsidiaries of American Heritage Railways, which is the premier operator of heritage railroads in the United States.

About Brightline

Brightline is the new benchmark for travel by train in America with express inter-city passenger rail service connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, with expected future service to Orlando and Tampa, and expected future service connecting Las Vegas and Southern California. Providing a travel option that lives at the intersection of transportation and hospitality, the service will ease the stress of traffic, provide a simple and intuitive experience from door to destination, and foster new opportunities to explore more of Southeast Florida and the Southwestern United States. Brightline is the only privately owned, operated and maintained express intercity passenger rail system in the United States. For more information, visit our website: www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About Virgin MiamiCentral

Virgin MiamiCentral is the new hub for all things transportation, leisure and business. The transformational, transit-oriented development spans six Downtown Miami city blocks and features Brightline's Miami station, in addition to connectivity to Metromover, Metrorail and future Tri-Rail service. At Virgin MiamiCentral, retail and dining venues, including a food hall experience, make-up an expansive promenade surrounding two residential towers with over 800 apartments collectively known as Park-Line MiamiCentral. The monumental development, by Florida East Coast Industries, has completed its office component delivering both 3 MiamiCentral and 2 MiamiCentral, reimagining Miami's Central Business District. Underway and opening in phases, Virgin MiamiCentral offers a first-of-its-kind lifestyle destination for transit, dining, entertainment, living and business.