Gate54

It's also a matter of opinion as I've enjoyed both the food and entertainment on Marella cruises. I also noticed that from reviews of other cruise lines the same criticisms have been voiced.

There is a website called 'What's in port' which might help decide whether you want to take ship excursions.

Have a look at my review of the Discovery 2 to get some idea of what people were complaining about.

I definitely would have complained if our visit to Havanna had been shortened.

We did have one change of port due to bad weather.

The reviews are mixed.

I have enjoyed both of my cruises on Marella ships and have left reviews and given some of the things people have complained about. On review sites you often find that people who have something to complain about are the ones who write reviews whereas those who were satisfied don't write reviews.

The cruises are not perfect but one thing I like is the fact that there aren't any surprises at the end of the cruise as you know what you have paid for.

I believe that they are good value for money.

Can't help with the pre booking but they do have smoking areas.

There is a nice beach not too far from the port. As you come out of the port turn right, keeping the sea on your right, keeping the walls of the city on your left. (There is a small part where you walk through parts of the city walls). You will pass people selling trips around the harbour and further afield. You will then come to a car park, cross that and there is a restaurant on the right, pass that and then you are at the start of a pleasant beach where you can hire umbrellas and loungers if you wish.

The walk would be about 10-15 minutes at most.

Went to Chechin Itza on our cruise and although it was a long day it was well worth it.

I must have low standards as I've just returned from a Discovery 2 cruise and really enjoyed it despite there being different types of people onboard.

Thanks for that.

Thanks for that. Won't try in Cuba. What's it like in other ports?

Ok. Thanks for that. I'll just try to get it in the ports.

I asked at Tui travel agent and they told me that the visa was included in the price.

Going on Cuban Fusion followed by Pride of Panama next week and would like to keep in contact with family whilst away. I know that we can get wi Fi in some ports but probably not in Cuba which is when we would like to contact them.

So should we sign up to a package on the ship?

Good to have a view which balances up away from the negatives. I like the fact that you get people from different walks of life. I know that not everyone behaves appropriately.

Although you had a bad time with some cruisers it doesn't mean that everyone will have the same experience.

Cruised with Thomson for the first time in May and really enjoyed it. Taking a second cruise with them in January. Will let you know if same riff raff types are on board!

I have been to the caves and they are good but not great. Palma itself is worth a visit.

Thanks for that. We booked on line and when I emailed Thomson they just referred me to their website which wasn't much help.

Looking forward to the cruise as it is our first time to this part of the world.

Going on this cruise in January. Could anyone tell me for definite if the visa for Cuba is included with the cruise or do we need to apply for it separately?