WAHMto5

We were actually on the one right after!  It actually wasn’t one of our best stewards, the two fall Escape trips before that were excellent. Here is a photo of one of them.  We also let them know ahead of time at dinner and they brought her a little cake for the table (free of charge) and sang to her. 

We cruise almost every year on our youngest child's birthday.  We started out purchasing the package every year, for the past few years we now bring our own decorations and decorate the room ourselves.   We have been lucky to have great cabin stewards over the years that always seem to add something special like a decorated towel cakes, special towel animals, a special happy birthday sign from them, etc.

Thank you for the review! Heading out this weekend!

So sorry for your loss.

We went in June and candy was one of the things that we did bring for the kids and they loved it!! My daughter-in-law in from Cuba and she highly suggested it.

As noted above, make sure you look up and know the difference between the two different currencies used.

We just cruised to Cuba in June and loved it!! My husband is a Police Officer (for 32 years now) and I was an officer and no one asked any questions about his profession or anything like that. Our daughter in law and her family are from Cuba, they did though advise us not to bring his badge/ID or freely let them know we are in law enforcement but of course would not lie either if questioned. I do not know why they would ask though.

I called once for the Escape and was told that only the Family Mini Suites had tubs, the rest were just full showers. I would think it would be the same for that full class of ships.

We jut sailed on the Sky to Cuba in June and really enjoyed it. I'm not a big fan of the smaller ships, but everything was excellent. The rooms/décor did show some wear, but nothing that would bother a cruise in the bit. The staff was excellent and very attentive. Bar service was by far the best we have ever had!

I also recommend Mr. Sanchos! By far our favorite place to go in Cozumel. Next month will be our 8th time there and have always had great food, drinks, service, and fun!

We had one on the Escape and loved it! Really enjoyed having a lounger on the balcony to relax.

Yes they do, but very small and old! I would bring your own.

We just did this cruise a couple of weeks ago and it was overnight, left the next morning at 6:00am as you stated. We also went through the same thing as this was the first cruise my husband booked (as a surprise anniversary gift) and thought we would have 2 days in Havana due to the wording on the advertisements. Luckily he told me a couple of weeks in advance so I was able to call and figure out that it was really only 1 day. We would have loved to have 2 days in Havana though!

We also spend most of the time in the pool area, which is huge! Lots of chairs around pool and beach area. Just remember that food and drinks are not included on the island.

We used Blexie last week and can't recommend his Company enough! We had Roly and he was excellent!! There was a delay in getting off the ship due to customs being backed up so we ended up being 1 1/2 hours past our meeting time. Not only was he still waiting for us, we extended our tour to the full time. Totally unexpected and much appreciated. He was full of soo much great information.

We were just there last week and this is what we found. They do charge a 10% fee to exchange USD to CUC and then 3% to change any remaining CUC to USD. There were some places that did take USD, you just had to ask around. When you do exchange the money make sure to get some lower bills and even coins for tips, toilet paper, etc. Also, be sure to watch when you do receive change that you receive CUC back and not the local CUP. They are different and at a different exchange rate. I did have 1 person try to give me change in CUP and I caught it and he went to get me the change in CUCs.

We haven't been on the Breakaway (yet), but we did go on the Escape 3 times and LOVED it each time!

When I asked Blexie what was most needed he said most anything is appreciated and welcome especially for the children. I read a post here somewhere before we left that they had witnessed a long line of little girls all waiting to hold one Barbie doll. We took several large bags of toys : dolls for the girls, superhero figures, coooring books and crayons, pens, games, “theme” toothbrushes and lots of other toiletries and OTC meds like aspirin. The whole country is baseball crazy so anything related would be great I’m sure . We took baseball caps with our team logos . Blexie said it’s hard for him to find good polarized sunglasses and - believe it or not - dishwashing detergent. I think CDs of American movies are good also since some don’t have TV. Blexie took us to an orphanage for small children and we gave the bags to the teachers for distribution. We were offered a tour of the facility and got to see the children singing . It was a highlight of the trip for us.

Thank you for the information! My daughter in law was actually born in Cuba and only remembers that getting candy or a doll was something VERY special.

Thanks for the review! Glad to hear you had a great time. We are heading on the Getaway this Fall and can’t wait. We were also platinum Carnival cruisers and decided to try NCL and were hooked;)

Thank you for the review! Glad to hear you had a great time, we are heading out next week and can't wait!

I would email him and ask. They need the strangest things they cannot get. He took us to a market and if you have money it is pricey. If you do not you do without.

Thank you! I will be sure to send him a email.

We also have a tour booked it’s Blexie next week and can’t wait! Looking for recommendations on items to bring that may be needed/wanted by the drivers or others?

Thanks for the review. We leave next week and can’t wait. Strange question I know, but are we able to bring dog treats to port with us in Cuba?

So far we have only been on one NCL ship, the Escape (3 times). Our two favorites were District Brew and Tobacco Road!

Just found that out this week. Something I wish they would change!

We returned yesterday from an overnight cruise to Havana on Majesty of the Seas. Fabulous!

We did not book any excursions through the ship; but booked direct with Blexie Tours ($130 CUC for 4). Rode in a 1955 Ford for 6 hour walking and driving tour. Lester, our guide, and Junior, our driver, were beyond wonderful.

It was truly a wonderful experience and are making plans to return.

 

We stopped at the Hotel Nacional to book direct for the show at the La Parisien.($35 CUC/each vs $104 ship/each on ship). Styed after the show to sit outside the hotel on the veranda until 1AM!

 

Took a 1960 candy apple red Dodge convertible from port to Hotel ($10 CUC) Driver stopped to photograph us in convertible on the Malecon.

Taxi back to port was $15 CUC - really late so didn't mind paying the extra.

 

Havana was surprisingly clean, no street people, everyone very nice.

We have traveled all over the world and experienced hassles in Egypt and Mexico, but not Cuba.

We never felt unsafe.

Thank you for your great review and information! I was wondering the same thing as we plan to do the nightlife ourselves while in port. We also have a tour booked with Blexie in a couple of weeks and can't wait.