1. Which heroine did you identify with more --- Elena or Catherine? What characteristics in their personalities did you find similarities with? What differences?

2. Many of the characters throughout the novel make sacrifices on behalf of others. What examples did you find? Did you agree with the characters’ actions in these situations? How would you have handled these decisions?

3. In this story, the Morro Castle sets sail in 1934, during the Great Depression and a year after the Cuban Revolution of 1933. How do these two events affect the characters, the setting and the story?

4. Both Catherine and Harry board the Morro Castle with their own agendas and as outsiders on the ship. How do they relate to each other? How does this bring them closer throughout the cruise?

5. Catherine and Harry are both faced with difficult decisions in their lives where they are confronted with an opportunity to avenge people who were wronged by another. Do you see similarities in their situations? Do you agree with how they handled these decisions? Why or why not?

6. What role does motherhood play in the choices Elena makes throughout the novel? What sacrifices does she make for her daughter? How does her love for Ava motivate her?

7. Throughout the cruise, a friendship develops between Elena and Julio. What experiences bring them together? What do they have in common? Do you think their friendship will blossom into something more?

8. Elena and Catherine are both heavily influenced by the trauma they have experienced --- first the fire in New York City, and then the fire onboard the Morro Castle. How do they both handle what they’ve experienced? How does it define them? How do they use it to further their aims?

9. Have you ever traveled on a cruise ship? What was your experience like?

10. Prior to reading THE CUBAN HEIRESS, were you familiar with the Morro Castle? Were you surprised by what you learned about the ship? What do you think caused the fire onboard?

11. At the time, the Morro Castle fire drew a great deal of attention and had a huge impact on those who survived the fire as well as the rest of the world. How do you think the fire shaped the characters’ lives? What similar world events have influenced your life? What memories do you have of them?