My Cuba Cruise

[ONT-CA]

...I'll be so glad to escape this winter. Today when I went out to get the newspaper from the driveway I got soaked up to my knees from the snow drifts! Have a great weekend.

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Still a little early for us but I have you in mind ~Jo~ with this current miserable weather. Yes, a lot of snow but time enough for authorities to get it out of the way and this bright although extremely cold sunny morning can aid in that. And with the forecast as it stands you will have an all-clear send-off at Toronto. All that remains is to wish you a bon voyage and a cruise surpassing everything fantastic we have heard it to be.

Edited January 26, 2014 by ONT-CA

[retiring soon]

HI all!

 

jinky ~ I think somebody on one of the TA threads (links on page 20 I believe) went to Trinidad & said it's not to be missed. I'm still undecided whether to do this or do the Cienfuegos one Atomica did.

 

As for Montego Bay are you interested in birds? If so, a taxi to Rocklands Bird Sanctuary where you can feed Hummingbirds is what I plan to do. Kim did this & enjoyed it.

 

ONT-CA ~ thanks for your good wishes. I'll report back when I get home.

 

Just want to say Bon Voyage to BLaliberte & jilliebean55! We'll be joining you on Friday & can't wait.

 

Have a good week folks.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[Balloon Man]

Evening DUCAR: from which company did you hire your van? We would like to do something similar. I want to hire a self drive car but my wife (who being born in Colombia speaks fluent South American Spanish) isn't to sure.

[bjm07]

For those possibly interested in Trinidad, I did visit there in the 70's when there was a lot of restoration going on. However, since that time it could be that not much has been done, since there has been little money to spend on such things more recently. However, I do recall that the streets were the original works from the 1400's (they told us) and that there were a lot of old buildings making for very interesting sightseeing. I plan to go there myself as soon as we are able to do this cruise.

 

Barbara

[DUHCAR]

Evening DUCAR: from which company did you hire your van? We would like to do something similar. I want to hire a self drive car but my wife (who being born in Colombia speaks fluent South American Spanish) isn't to sure.

 

I used:

 

 

Pototo Tourist Services

Calle San Francisco # 214

Between Neptuno and Concordia

Centro Habana

Cuba

Phone: (+53) 7 878 5973

Cell: (+53) 5 291 0643

http://www.pototocuba.com

[ONT-CA]

Evening DUCAR: from which company did you hire your van? We would like to do something similar. I want to hire a self drive car but my wife (who being born in Colombia speaks fluent South American Spanish) isn't to sure.

 

Part of a video that we had watched some time ago strongly suggest to NOT rent an automobile in Cuba. They found the price to exceed $100 us/day due to high insurance. They only had possession one day and their licence plates were stolen. Does not sound like the thing to do.

[BC_Brent]

Hi There everyone, it's exciting to hear all the positive feed back regarding Cuba Cruise! We just booked one out of Havana March 17th. Its been far too long since our last cruise and we can't wait.

 

Normally we try and do some exploring by our selves rather than ships excursions because it seems less frantic and we're free to spend time on things that interest us.

 

My question for those that have been on the ship already is

-Where exactly are the piers that the ship docks at/ tenders too?

 

any help is appreciated!

[kahlolin]

Seemeilen ................ would you by chance be flying to Montego Bay on Air Transat? They offer a bus transfer to the ship from the airport and back for $7 p.p. each way. The bus was waiting for us when we landed and the drive was very short. The bus was also waiting (same driver) when we left the ship a week later to take us back to the airport. Great service! :o

[On y va!]

Haven't gone yet, but have arranged for a driver, van and guide to go to Trinidad for 160CUC total for the four if us. Drive is maybe 1-1/2 hours each way so will go there first, then come back for dinner and to explore Cienfuegos as ship doesn't depart until 9pm that evening.

Just a note. We did the ship's tour to Trinidad. Yes about 1 1/2 hours one way. Our tour guide had the driver drive through downtown Cienfuegos and stop for 15 minutes in the central square because she felt it would be dark by the time we returned from Trinidad. She was right so we were grateful that she took the time to show us a bit of Cienfuegos first. The tour of Trinidad de Cuba was very full, with lots of walking on cobbled streets, some of which were uphill/downhiss....nothing onerous but to be aware.

Janet

[On y va!]

Hi There everyone, it's exciting to hear all the positive feed back regarding Cuba Cruise! We just booked one out of Havana March 17th. Its been far too long since our last cruise and we can't wait.

 

Normally we try and do some exploring by our selves rather than ships excursions because it seems less frantic and we're free to spend time on things that interest us.

 

My question for those that have been on the ship already is

-Where exactly are the piers that the ship docks at/ tenders too?

 

any help is appreciated!

If our memory serves: Piers: Havanna: 1 block from old Havana. Just walk on (or off) and you are there; Antilla (Holguin): short tender to the pier, outside the small village of Antilla, controlled access, not many services but limited taxis outside the enclosed port area, a short walk, an hour or so to Holguin (someone on our cruise hired a taxi just to go around the countryside and was very happy with her day); Santiago de Cuba: dock in industrial heart of city. Taxis of all sorts available at end of dock....very aggressive entrepreneurs until you get 4-5 blocks away from pier, in the old city, then just enjoy!: Montego Bay pier is about 10 minutes to downtown shopping etc. Taxis available at pier; Cienfuegos longer pier some taxis available, downtown not walkable from the ship.. about 5-10 minutes by our bus; Isle des Jeunes tender. No services other than ship's facilities available.

In all cases, if you take a taxi, negotiate price before getting in. This also is an opportunity to judge if the driver has enough English to suit your needs.

Janet

[BC_Brent]

If our memory serves: Piers: Havanna: 1 block from old Havana. Just walk on (or off) and you are there; Antilla (Holguin): short tender to the pier, outside the small village of Antilla, controlled access, not many services but limited taxis outside the enclosed port area, a short walk, an hour or so to Holguin (someone on our cruise hired a taxi just to go around the countryside and was very happy with her day); Santiago de Cuba: dock in industrial heart of city. Taxis of all sorts available at end of dock....very aggressive entrepreneurs until you get 4-5 blocks away from pier, in the old city, then just enjoy!: Montego Bay pier is about 10 minutes to downtown shopping etc. Taxis available at pier; Cienfuegos longer pier some taxis available, downtown not walkable from the ship.. about 5-10 minutes by our bus; Isle des Jeunes tender. No services other than ship's facilities available.

In all cases, if you take a taxi, negotiate price before getting in. This also is an opportunity to judge if the driver has enough English to suit your needs.

Janet

 

Thanks so much! its taking a little more digging than the more visited ports of call to get all the details worked out for each day!

[ONT-CA]

Although I have absolutely no power over the climate in this country for which I would feel compelled to apologize, I do have to apologize to you ~ Jo ~ for believing the meteorologist who said that what happened during the night wouldn’t happen. Why we continue to employ these people is beyond me but beyond me still is my continuing to believe them. That said I still think all will be fine for your Toronto flight. Cold but clear. That may not be what “they” say, that’s what I can make out on the weather maps.

[Kim Viktor]

Beautiful inlet to Santiago de Cuba.....

 

....until I saw this. ;)

 

View over the city!

 

Don't miss el castillo del morro. Just 20 miuntes with taxi from the ship.

 

 

Sunset above Bahia de Santiago.

[where_to_next?]

I am just back from Your Cuba Cruise, Montego Bay/Cienfuegos/Isle of Youth/Havana/Antilles/Santiago/Montego, Jan 17 to 24.

This was my first cruise, I always have been reluctant to cruise, as I thought I preferred land for more random decisions during travel. Was I wrong.

 

The Summary:

The cruise, ports and variety are beyond amazing.

Book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

Cuba will not be this way forever.

 

Some of the details…. Too many to mention.

Jan 17 Air Transat Toronto into Montego Bay, flight on time, Jamaican immigration appeared busy, but it processed quickly in 10 or 15 minutes, no problem mahn, taxi to the ship, (We shared a van with 5 people, $10 per person, taxi drivers appear to have this rate fixed.)

Boarding the ship was painless, dropped luggage at entrance to ship, and walked up to the ship reception, received room card, purchased a $30 cuban entry visa, room safe key and went straight to the 5th level Caruso bar to test my card and have a coffee and rum. Praveen who works the Caruso Bar was a great guy, sharing stories of his experiences. The coffee on board is excellent, I stuck mostly with Café Lattes and espresso. (Brewed coffee at breakfast was just fine).

I proceeded to my room on the 7th level, expecting a small cabin, I was very surprised by the amount of space, with lots of storage, a couch, 2 beds creating a large King…. And very clean.

My luggage was already there, so I quickly unpacked and started to explore.

 

Dinner was at La Scala. Beautiful linen, attentive service, menu was a choice of 3 apps, 3 salads, 4 mains and a variety of deserts, and changed every night. Say Hi to our main waiter Ronny who knew all our names after only one introduction.

Wine choices and prices were great, Malbecs, Riojas and Cabs, for just over $20 a bottle. I complement Your Cuba Cruise for having the opportunity to charge more, to a captive audience, yet they kept the prices reasonable.

Overall the food was great, I had four dinners at La Scala over the week, and found the variety and quality to be excellent.

Breakfast was at La Scala each morning, a buffet, with a great choice of fruits, meats, yogurts, cheeses, eggs, pastries…. And also cooked to order eggs, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, etc.

 

Saturday, first stop, Cienfuegos.

Entry into Cuba, hassle free, passport shown, (they do not stamp it, so no problem for those USA travelers who are of course “not spending money in Cuba, therefore not breaking the rules”.)

I met a quite a few Americans on board, none had any reservations about visiting Cuba. Just don’t bring back Cuban goods (cigars) to the USA… that is illegal.

We went by bus to Cienfuegos and Trinidad. In Cienfuegos we stopped in the main square, had a traditional mojito at a nice bar, and some of us had our sketches drawn for 1 cuc. Turns out I look like Quentin Tarantino!!!

Trinidad was equally beautiful. People and music everywhere. Everyone friendly. Lots of cigar sellers, but you soon ignore them. True cohibas are expensive, 20/25 each, but we found 3 and 5 cuc cigars that were just fine.

The ship sells great cigars at 25/30, and I was told well worth it, they were true high end Cohibas. I am not a cigar aficianadeeososo…. So I stayed with the cheap cigars.

 

Sunday into the private Punta Francis beach on the Isle of Youth. An incredible horseshoe shaped beach, pure white sand, middle of nowhere. Lounge chairs dotted the beach, it was not crowded with 150 to 200 people spread over the length. A great day of relaxation, with a Pina Colada, or at your option, dancing with the cruise performers in the shallow surf. I saw some teenagers find some great conch shells by exploring the length of the beach.

 

Monday into Havana. The ship stops directly next to Old Town. Passengers who took the morning walking tour loved it. Also the Flamenco was a great destination on the evening tour. The tours are well worth the money, as you cover two to three times more than if you went on your own. I have been to Havana twice before, so we opted to walk around on our own, find an ATM to get some cucs, and then take 2 seater motorcycle taxis into the nice area Playa, for a seaside restaurant. Many people took the old American vehicles from the 50’s around town, worth it just for the photo op. Went to the Revolution Museum, which covered the takeover of Cuba by Fidel and Che, very interesting (8 cuc entry). Havana is too large to see in a day, so don’t try to do it all. You will make the decision to return anyway.

 

Finished the Havana evening finding a random restaurant with 6 flamenco dancers, had a couple of Cristal ( 1 to 1.5 cuc), then back to the boat. In Havana the boat entertainment brings on a local group from Havana, who perform, and then leave the ship just before departure. Same thing happens at some of the other ports.

The entertainment was incredible, the ships band was 6 piece, and amazing. The acts were a mix of circus performers from Quebec and Cuban dance/music. A very creative, colorful, talented and original mix of artists. The Crew show was very funny, waiters performing Elvis, and original singing/dancing…. Whenever we left port, there was a Sail Away dance party on the pool deck. Live music, salsa, congo, and the majority of guests participated.

Hats off to Danny, MJ and Enrique for organizing such an eclectic mix of performers. When the trapeze artist is named Zowie, you know it will be creative.

The two mellow singers in the Rendezvous lounge are a couple from the Phillipines. Great singers.

 

Tuesday was at sea, a good relaxing day, get some sun on the top deck, recharge the post-Havana batteries.

 

There is a Spa….didn’t go, heard it was great.

There was an exercise room, did not go, walking tours were sufficient to pretend I was getting enough activity.

 

Wednesday was into Antilles, an old fishing town. Some took the 150 person catamaran for an adventure. Others went to Holguin or local beach resorts. I saw some passenger photos of the dolphin encounter, and if you do this you must organize to have the two dolphins lift you out of the water standing up, for a once in a lifetime experience. We decided to stay in Antilles and venture on our own. I had brought a quantity of school supplies to donate to a school in town. I found one just north of the main square, and they truly appreciated the markers, calculators and supplies I brought. We had local food for lunch, pork/rice/beans/yucca. The artwork upon walking back to the ship was the most authentic, original paintings for 25 cuc, leather goods, wood carvings, a good spot for a souvenir. Local bar near the boat was good for a Bucanero beer and 8 piece band before reboarding the ship.

 

Thursday, into Santiago. The guide showed us the original Bacardi factory, and interesting facts on how the Cuban Bicardi family transferred the Bicardi name to Bahamas so they could continue to sell under the Bicardi name post Fidel. The “original” Bicardi rum is now called Santiago. Or something like that, I was drinking rum when told this. The cities are beautiful and the architecture incredible. There is much to restore, but the imperfect condition is part of the mystique.

 

Friday 7 am, back to Montego bay, for a lazy 930 am departure back to Sangster airport for noon flight back to Toronto.

 

The casino on board and the Sports lounge were perfect. Not large, but also not busy. I won 2 hundred at Blackjack and gave it back the next night. The professional staff from Uzbekistan, or was it Turkistan?, were always dressed classy, which was a nice touch. The magician visits the casino to perform incredible magic tricks at times. I notice the casino locked up the chips when the magician arrived. :)

 

Dress was casual, there was a classy night, “Captains Cocktail”, I wore a jacket, no tie, which fit the bill.

 

We ate twice at the upscale Prime restaurant. You must try it at least once. The antipasto plate was served from 4 foot platters, seafoods, peppers, meats, cheeses, a meal in itself. A butchers block was brought to the table with cuts of Alberta beef, prime rib, filet mignon, ribeyes… Sides of mash, roast, beans….. Could also opt for ribs, chicken, fish. Ambiance, service, great food and wine… what more could you ask for?

 

If you are celebrating a birthday on board, let the kitchen know in advance. A live band will help celebrate tableside.

 

I suggest you experience a bridge tour, if possible during one of the port entries/exits. This ship has a 6 m draft and was entering 7 m and 8 m water next to the docks, where no other cruise ship can go. You cannot experience Cuba on the big USA boats, because 1) too large and 2) US owned. The narrow entries into the bays, and very specific navigation channels was interesting to experience on the bridge. Don’t worry, no risk at all. A good safety drill was performed on board.

The boat was very stable. Only one night, dancing in the 10th level Club 10 disco did I experience some movement port to starboard…. and it made me dance even better.

 

I tried to think of some negatives, to balance the glowing comments, but could not think of any. Tipping is added to the bill at $70 for the week per person. On the last day I thanked some of the extraordinary staff with additional tips.

 

In conclusion, my one week felt like 3 weeks…. a true complement to being away, being busy, and thoroughly enjoying every moment.

I will be back for more.

And next time, I can take a different direction at each port, and have a completely different experience.

[retiring soon]

HI all!

 

ONT-CA ~thanks for your encouraging words. I am getting a little scared about our drive to Toronto on Wed but fingers crossed it's okay.

 

Kim ~ great photos once again. Love that sunset!

 

where_to_next? ~ thank you so much for that glowing report. What do you use to gamble with, Canadian dollars or your ship card please? I like to put a little through the slots on a holiday. This time next week we'll be in Havana & I can hardly wait!

 

Have a great week!

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[where_to_next?]

The casino is Canadian dollars (not the ship card). There were a dozen slot machines in the main casino and another bank of slots in the Sports bar. Plus blackjack, roulette and poker. Dollar minimum roulette, 5 dollar blackjack, I didnt play poker.

I took down Canadian and American dollars, and did not use my American dollars (other than taxi in Jamaica)

Our first port in Cienfuegos had a place to change dollars (CDN or USA) to CUCs. In Havana we found ATMs. Most of the other ports had easy to find currency exchange.

Good luck, have fun.

[Rikka]

Rikka, my friend and I are boarding in Havana next Monday. If you leave me a note at the Guest Relations desk on Monday with your room number, I'll get in touch with you. Perhaps we can meet up on Monday evening or Tuesday.:D

Happy Sailing

Hazel Perez

Hazel - I did leave my name and room number at the desk when we were in Havana. We were in 6000, the Presidential suite. Did you manage to board the ship? We never connected.

[Rikka]

We had an overnight flight to get to Jamaica and arrived at around noon the day before boarding the Louis Crystal. Other than getting some sleep and taking it easy, we didn't have time to do much in Montego Bay. However, my husband taught in Jamaica for two summers many years ago and we have had several visits since. On one of our vacations, we spent three weeks touring Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios. So we didn't feel the need to tour around this time.

[Rikka]

I am just back from Your Cuba Cruise, Montego Bay/Cienfuegos/Isle of Youth/Havana/Antilles/Santiago/Montego, Jan 17 to 24.

This was my first cruise, I always have been reluctant to cruise, as I thought I preferred land for more random decisions during travel. Was I wrong.

 

The Summary:

The cruise, ports and variety are beyond amazing.

Book as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

Cuba will not be this way forever.

 

Some of the details…. Too many to mention.

Jan 17 Air Transat Toronto into Montego Bay, flight on time, Jamaican immigration appeared busy, but it processed quickly in 10 or 15 minutes, no problem mahn, taxi to the ship, (We shared a van with 5 people, $10 per person, taxi drivers appear to have this rate fixed.)

Boarding the ship was painless, dropped luggage at entrance to ship, and walked up to the ship reception, received room card, purchased a $30 cuban entry visa, room safe key and went straight to the 5th level Caruso bar to test my card and have a coffee and rum. Praveen who works the Caruso Bar was a great guy, sharing stories of his experiences. The coffee on board is excellent, I stuck mostly with Café Lattes and espresso. (Brewed coffee at breakfast was just fine).

I proceeded to my room on the 7th level, expecting a small cabin, I was very surprised by the amount of space, with lots of storage, a couch, 2 beds creating a large King…. And very clean.

My luggage was already there, so I quickly unpacked and started to explore.

 

Dinner was at La Scala. Beautiful linen, attentive service, menu was a choice of 3 apps, 3 salads, 4 mains and a variety of deserts, and changed every night. Say Hi to our main waiter Ronny who knew all our names after only one introduction.

Wine choices and prices were great, Malbecs, Riojas and Cabs, for just over $20 a bottle. I complement Your Cuba Cruise for having the opportunity to charge more, to a captive audience, yet they kept the prices reasonable.

Overall the food was great, I had four dinners at La Scala over the week, and found the variety and quality to be excellent.

Breakfast was at La Scala each morning, a buffet, with a great choice of fruits, meats, yogurts, cheeses, eggs, pastries…. And also cooked to order eggs, Eggs Benedict, Eggs Florentine, etc.

 

Saturday, first stop, Cienfuegos.

Entry into Cuba, hassle free, passport shown, (they do not stamp it, so no problem for those USA travelers who are of course “not spending money in Cuba, therefore not breaking the rules”.)

I met a quite a few Americans on board, none had any reservations about visiting Cuba. Just don’t bring back Cuban goods (cigars) to the USA… that is illegal.

We went by bus to Cienfuegos and Trinidad. In Cienfuegos we stopped in the main square, had a traditional mojito at a nice bar, and some of us had our sketches drawn for 1 cuc. Turns out I look like Quentin Tarantino!!!

Trinidad was equally beautiful. People and music everywhere. Everyone friendly. Lots of cigar sellers, but you soon ignore them. True cohibas are expensive, 20/25 each, but we found 3 and 5 cuc cigars that were just fine.

The ship sells great cigars at 25/30, and I was told well worth it, they were true high end Cohibas. I am not a cigar aficianadeeososo…. So I stayed with the cheap cigars.

 

Sunday into the private Punta Francis beach on the Isle of Youth. An incredible horseshoe shaped beach, pure white sand, middle of nowhere. Lounge chairs dotted the beach, it was not crowded with 150 to 200 people spread over the length. A great day of relaxation, with a Pina Colada, or at your option, dancing with the cruise performers in the shallow surf. I saw some teenagers find some great conch shells by exploring the length of the beach.

 

Monday into Havana. The ship stops directly next to Old Town. Passengers who took the morning walking tour loved it. Also the Flamenco was a great destination on the evening tour. The tours are well worth the money, as you cover two to three times more than if you went on your own. I have been to Havana twice before, so we opted to walk around on our own, find an ATM to get some cucs, and then take 2 seater motorcycle taxis into the nice area Playa, for a seaside restaurant. Many people took the old American vehicles from the 50’s around town, worth it just for the photo op. Went to the Revolution Museum, which covered the takeover of Cuba by Fidel and Che, very interesting (8 cuc entry). Havana is too large to see in a day, so don’t try to do it all. You will make the decision to return anyway.

 

Finished the Havana evening finding a random restaurant with 6 flamenco dancers, had a couple of Cristal ( 1 to 1.5 cuc), then back to the boat. In Havana the boat entertainment brings on a local group from Havana, who perform, and then leave the ship just before departure. Same thing happens at some of the other ports.

The entertainment was incredible, the ships band was 6 piece, and amazing. The acts were a mix of circus performers from Quebec and Cuban dance/music. A very creative, colorful, talented and original mix of artists. The Crew show was very funny, waiters performing Elvis, and original singing/dancing…. Whenever we left port, there was a Sail Away dance party on the pool deck. Live music, salsa, congo, and the majority of guests participated.

Hats off to Danny, MJ and Enrique for organizing such an eclectic mix of performers. When the trapeze artist is named Zowie, you know it will be creative.

The two mellow singers in the Rendezvous lounge are a couple from the Phillipines. Great singers.

 

Tuesday was at sea, a good relaxing day, get some sun on the top deck, recharge the post-Havana batteries.

 

There is a Spa….didn’t go, heard it was great.

There was an exercise room, did not go, walking tours were sufficient to pretend I was getting enough activity.

 

Wednesday was into Antilles, an old fishing town. Some took the 150 person catamaran for an adventure. Others went to Holguin or local beach resorts. I saw some passenger photos of the dolphin encounter, and if you do this you must organize to have the two dolphins lift you out of the water standing up, for a once in a lifetime experience. We decided to stay in Antilles and venture on our own. I had brought a quantity of school supplies to donate to a school in town. I found one just north of the main square, and they truly appreciated the markers, calculators and supplies I brought. We had local food for lunch, pork/rice/beans/yucca. The artwork upon walking back to the ship was the most authentic, original paintings for 25 cuc, leather goods, wood carvings, a good spot for a souvenir. Local bar near the boat was good for a Bucanero beer and 8 piece band before reboarding the ship.

 

Thursday, into Santiago. The guide showed us the original Bacardi factory, and interesting facts on how the Cuban Bicardi family transferred the Bicardi name to Bahamas so they could continue to sell under the Bicardi name post Fidel. The “original” Bicardi rum is now called Santiago. Or something like that, I was drinking rum when told this. The cities are beautiful and the architecture incredible. There is much to restore, but the imperfect condition is part of the mystique.

 

Friday 7 am, back to Montego bay, for a lazy 930 am departure back to Sangster airport for noon flight back to Toronto.

 

The casino on board and the Sports lounge were perfect. Not large, but also not busy. I won 2 hundred at Blackjack and gave it back the next night. The professional staff from Uzbekistan, or was it Turkistan?, were always dressed classy, which was a nice touch. The magician visits the casino to perform incredible magic tricks at times. I notice the casino locked up the chips when the magician arrived. :)

 

Dress was casual, there was a classy night, “Captains Cocktail”, I wore a jacket, no tie, which fit the bill.

 

We ate twice at the upscale Prime restaurant. You must try it at least once. The antipasto plate was served from 4 foot platters, seafoods, peppers, meats, cheeses, a meal in itself. A butchers block was brought to the table with cuts of Alberta beef, prime rib, filet mignon, ribeyes… Sides of mash, roast, beans….. Could also opt for ribs, chicken, fish. Ambiance, service, great food and wine… what more could you ask for?

 

If you are celebrating a birthday on board, let the kitchen know in advance. A live band will help celebrate tableside.

 

I suggest you experience a bridge tour, if possible during one of the port entries/exits. This ship has a 6 m draft and was entering 7 m and 8 m water next to the docks, where no other cruise ship can go. You cannot experience Cuba on the big USA boats, because 1) too large and 2) US owned. The narrow entries into the bays, and very specific navigation channels was interesting to experience on the bridge. Don’t worry, no risk at all. A good safety drill was performed on board.

The boat was very stable. Only one night, dancing in the 10th level Club 10 disco did I experience some movement port to starboard…. and it made me dance even better.

 

I tried to think of some negatives, to balance the glowing comments, but could not think of any. Tipping is added to the bill at $70 for the week per person. On the last day I thanked some of the extraordinary staff with additional tips.

 

In conclusion, my one week felt like 3 weeks…. a true complement to being away, being busy, and thoroughly enjoying every moment.

I will be back for more.

And next time, I can take a different direction at each port, and have a completely different experience.

 

Cool cruiser - thanks for a great review. We were on the ship with you and agree with everything you said. We have been on many cruises and I thought the entertainment onboard this ship was outstanding. Also the crew were exceptional. We like the size of the Louis Crystal too. It is big enough to have lots of facilities and small enough to have a very intimate friendly feel to it.

 

We hope you have many more wonderful cruises in your future.

[Rikka]

Louis Cristal is not a very large ship... and the balconies therefore aren't very large either. But we comfortably had two chairs out there (moved from the room). Not like balconies on the more contemporary ships... but certainly functional and enjoyable.

 

We booked the Presidential Suite 6000 which, all things considered, was a very good deal. Our balcony was huge. It was completely private and had plenty of room for a table and four chairs, four lounge chairs and a private whirlpool spa.

We had a very large living room with a bar, bar fridge and lots of seating, a separate bedroom with a king size bed and a walk-in closet. There were three other closets in the suite and several large banks of drawers. Also had a nice desk area that was handy for our laptop.

[kahlolin]

where to next? ............... great review of the Cuba Cruise ........... we agree, there was not one negative the whole week. In over 20 cruises we have done, it was very close to the best. Also a great way to break up this nasty SW Ontario winter! If anyone is "considering" this vacation, they should just book it! They won't be sorry. :o

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

where_to_next? ~ thanks for that gambling info. Did you happen to notice at the exchange place at Cienfuegos if they exchanged other currencies such as Euros & Pounds? We have a Euro account so I took some of those out rather than pay for US dollars. I'm hoping to change Euros into Jamaican dollars for the cab rides we'll need to the port & the Bird Sanctuary. Would that work in your opinion or would US be better in Jamaica?

 

Rikka ~ that sounds like a fabulous cabin. Is that the one you're having ONT-CA?

 

Thank you all for your helpful info which I'll soon be putting into practice!

 

~ Jo~ :)

[ONT-CA]

... Rikka ~ that sounds like a fabulous cabin. Is that the one you're having ONT-CA?... ~ Jo~ :)

 

Yes ~ Jo ~, but the one on the starboard side. There are two, one Presidential and the other Imperial. George W. stayed in the former and I am not sure who the Royal from Europe was who occupied the latter. We were trying to keep the details under our hat but now that the cat is out of the bag, we will likely not get this cabin again until a long waiting list has run it's course. This photo gives you the idea of the "balcony" if you can call it that. Hope to utilize it for social occasions.

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/Balcony.jpg

[retiring soon]

HI again!

 

ONT-CA ~ looking good!:D Wish I was on your cruise to see it.

Did you have miserable weather again today? I'm so afraid of tomorrow if it's the same as today. Wonder how long the 3 hour drive to the airport will take.

 

SO many good reviews & only that one disappointing one where the person had problems at the beginning which could have influenced the rest of the cruise. I know some of my least favourite vacations were those that had a bad start eg missing the ship due to airline problems before I learned to fly in the day before.;)

 

All packed & ready to go. Leaving here tomorrow to meet up with DD & SIL

if all goes well, before heading to the airport hotel.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[ONT-CA]

HI again!

 

ONT-CA ~ looking good!:D Wish I was on your cruise to see it.

Did you have miserable weather again today? I'm so afraid of tomorrow if it's the same as today. Wonder how long the 3 hour drive to the airport will take.

 

SO many good reviews & only that one disappointing one where the person had problems at the beginning which could have influenced the rest of the cruise. I know some of my least favourite vacations were those that had a bad start eg missing the ship due to airline problems before I learned to fly in the day before.;)

 

All packed & ready to go. Leaving here tomorrow to meet up with DD & SIL

if all goes well, before heading to the airport hotel.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

We have to keep negative critiques in perspective for, as you say, the author had a very poor beginning to their cruise. The two points that bothered me was the statement that the tap water aboard could not be consumed and one had to purchase bottle water. I have been on many ships and I have never heard of unsuitable potable water aboard. The other was the tissue disposal problem, which did not seem logical unless there was an extreme failure with plumbing. But no mention of these points has been made by any other passenger.

 

Hope you sail right through to Toronto for your flight because the forecast has absolutely nothing to do with reality as we have learned. It would have been nice meeting you both and showing you the Imperial balcony/deck. Perhaps you will meet the occupants on your cruise at dinner or elsewhere and hope they will invite you in for a tour.