only one government approved cuban team was permitted in this contest. >> good morning. >> reporter: authorities were out in force just in case along the docks. matching and rematching passports to every passenger one of whom was former navy man joe sweeney, whose only other trip before -- to cuba before this was at the u.s. base in guantanamo. >> being a sailor all my life and being loyal to the american flag, there are so many emotions that go through you. i don't think we're part of something political, but in a small way i do believe this is something political. >> reporter: scientist jeffrey boutwell was on board, as well. >> it's finally a normalization of relations that should have happened decades ago. >> reporter: what do you think people will find out about cuba when they come? >> they'll see it for what it is, both its positives and its negatives. [horn honks] >> reporter: with vintage cars clogging the streets and slums lining the roads, the cuba of