My Cuba Cruise

[jmbklj]

Last year when I was booking our Cuba cruise week, I wasn’t thinking about the timing of the Super Bowl. We’re on the 2/5 sailing from Montego Bay and now see that the Super Bowl is Feb 7th. Do you think think there is any way the ship might get the broadcast? Or there might be another way to see it? I guess Feb 7th would be the day we’re at sea, right?

 

About 25 years ago this same thing happened to us on a Hawaii cruise. Many people on the ship were interested in seeing the game; the ship hurried to the Kauai port earlier than scheduled in order to hook up via a satellite to view the game. That was Hawaii…..…..and that was also 25 years ago.

 

It is, what it is, but it would be nice to be able to see the game. Was there satellite tv on board?

[kahtrav]

Last year when I was booking our Cuba cruise week, I wasn’t thinking about the timing of the Super Bowl. We’re on the 2/5 sailing from Montego Bay and now see that the Super Bowl is Feb 7th. Do you think think there is any way the ship might get the broadcast? Or there might be another way to see it? I guess Feb 7th would be the day we’re at sea, right?

 

About 25 years ago this same thing happened to us on a Hawaii cruise. Many people on the ship were interested in seeing the game; the ship hurried to the Kauai port earlier than scheduled in order to hook up via a satellite to view the game. That was Hawaii…..…..and that was also 25 years ago.

 

It is, what it is, but it would be nice to be able to see the game. Was there satellite tv on board?

I suspect it will be a wait and see situation, but others will know what happened last year, though more Americans this time around. We tend to be totally cut off from the world when we're at sea, so aren't generally aware of sports events that others want to see.

 

Another group that got caught off guard with the Super Bowl were the folks joining the Queen Victoria's World Cruise in San Francisco that weekend and can't find anyplace to stay. Things you don't think about.

[oneidealvacation]

Last year when I was booking our Cuba cruise week, I wasn’t thinking about the timing of the Super Bowl. We’re on the 2/5 sailing from Montego Bay and now see that the Super Bowl is Feb 7th. Do you think think there is any way the ship might get the broadcast? Or there might be another way to see it? I guess Feb 7th would be the day we’re at sea, right?

 

About 25 years ago this same thing happened to us on a Hawaii cruise. Many people on the ship were interested in seeing the game; the ship hurried to the Kauai port earlier than scheduled in order to hook up via a satellite to view the game. That was Hawaii…..…..and that was also 25 years ago.

 

It is, what it is, but it would be nice to be able to see the game. Was there satellite tv on board?

 

Last year there was a choice of a few channels onboard including CNN, so there is some type of satellite service. I've been onboard a cruise (Carnival Splendor in 2014) during the Super Bowl before, and the game was broadcast in the theater and pool side. They did make sure to remind everyone repeatedly that it was a satellite connection and the connection was therefore not guaranteed. The casino did a huge business that day, with all kinds of bets possible, including on the coin toss, the first team to get a point, what the first point would be, and so on. It was fun for me even though I don't usually watch sports, or gamble!

[camusboy1]

We will be on the January 22 sailing. All the information is so helpful. P2P sounds iffy, but probably no worse than the guest lecturers Royal Caribbean had on sea days back in the day! Now they just try to sell us stuff and call it a port explorer. Looking forward to the cruise and I'll post my experiences.

[Bryna123]

I am not sure if this link is already posted somewhere in this thread, but it is worthy of another look, regardless. It is a bit dated but Havana doesn't change too fast. There is a good map to take a walking tour and suggested places to eat.

 

http://www.7daysinparadise.com/smf/index.php?topic=6052.0

[tring]

We leave the ship on the 7th March at Havana and will need to arrange a transfer to a hotel in Varadero. We want to get a transfer arranged for that before we leave home on the 18th February, but are wondering what time to arrange it for.

 

Can anyone tell me how the timing of disembarkation is going in Havana this year and if there are facilities in Havana port, (toilets and seats), were we could wait if we are disembarked before our transfer is due. If there are facilities we are thinking of arranging transfer for about 11am to make sure we are ashore and the hotel will be ready to take us.

 

Any help appreciated.

Edited January 19, 2016 by tring

[graybeard2]

We were given the option by the Cuban customs agent ......my wife and many wanted passports stamped. A minority including me opted out, possibly fearing that the new election may result in deportation for those stamped.

[graybeard2]

The few reviews on Cruise Critic for this season are not great. Regardless, after having been to Cuba numerous times at the all inclusive resorts, I think this will be a big step up in food and service. We are still very excited for the trip.

Last week Sheila and I took a “bucket list” cruise to Cuba, by way of Jamaica (to avoid some added charges/limitations on direct arrival from US) We first flew to Montego Bay, Jamaica and stayed one night before boarding the Celestial Crystal operated by CubaCruise.....Canadian owned, Malta flagged with Greek senior officers and international crew, including 60 Cuban nationals both entertainers and service staff. All the crew/staff spoke English and were very friendly. The total cost for us was $4014, not counting gifts. Souvenirs, meals/drinks ashore.....but the cruise fare of $2665 covered unlimited alcoholic & non-alc drinks and all end-of-cruise tips, but not medical insurance required by Cuba and a “People to People” educational/excursion package required for US citizens.

Flying to Jamaica on Spirit was cheap but spartan.....clearing customs at Montego was tedious and frustrating. We stayed at a quaint Doctor's Cave Hotel, sampled some jerk dishes at Sophistcakes, a new so-so restaurant by the hotel. We got on board before noon with minimal hassle, and started sampling an array of drinks and dishes before departure at sunset. The ship is mid-sized, with a max of about 900 passengers. Three restaurants, and some upgrade options for lobster/filet etc. At least one restaurant offered buffet for each meal. We were pleased with the varied menu of French, Greek, and Carribean dishes to suit the varied passengers from New and Old world, mostly Yanks and Canadians, plus groups of Germans, French and Japanese. Some memorable dishes included a series of chilled soups, mostly fruits such as mango and banana, and vegetables such as zucchini, yucca, and potato.

Marvelous breakfast spreads with custom omelets, plus cold cuts all varieties of eggs/meats with grilled tomatoes and baked beans for Brits, pickled/smoked fish for Scandanavians, and lots of cereal/vegetarian options like muesli and fruits. Lunch and dinner buffets always offered some sort of roast meat....even lamb and Canadian bacon in addition to many entrees and sides. Desserts and pastries were marvelous, and even more varieties with cookies at afternoon Tea.

Plenty of activities provided on board, including casino, dance lessons, 5 bands/duos, games like Bingo with drink prizes, and a professional show each evening by a troupe of Canadian and Cuban dancers/singers/acrobats, with lots of Cirque-like trapeze numbers. The bar menu included extensive Cuban/Caribbean drinks and I tried to sample all in 7 days, drinking more in quantity and variety than my average month. The People to People lectures were mostly given by a pair of very young Univ. of Havana “Professors” (PhD students), covering Cuban history, culture, art, dancing, flora, fauna , and pervasive political comments, claiming great progress since the Castro revolution, very defensive about a poor economy, and urging friendlier relations (money flow). Tour guides were similarly nationalistic, decrying the Yankee-backed corruption of the prior Batista regime while downplaying the decaying buildings, pervasive poverty and shortage of everything. However the streets did seem safe, and most street people were friendly with a few non-aggressive panhandlers, and lots of hustlers selling cigars, hats, rides, “sugar” from some street ladies, and anything you want (Jamaican hustlers were worse).

The cruise made 4 stops in Cuba, plus Montego. First was Santiago de Cuba where we had a 2-hour bus tour with a presentation of Afro-Cuban dance, music, religion and culture. The guides assert there is now full religious freedom and have kind words for the Pope, but the tours tend to showcase Afro-Cuban, non-protesting culture. Heavy history in Santiago including San Juan Hill of Rough-rider fame. Did not even stop at the beautiful cathedral, the oldest in the Americas but did go to Revolution Square honoring Jose Marti, Maceo and Che Guevara, noting Cuban law forbids monuments, statues, currency honoring living “heroes” like the Castros. Heard a sad tale of how the rich, greedy Bacardi family refused to let the new regime use its formula for making rum after the revolutionaries confiscated their distilleries, sugar plantations, homes and other properties.

Second stop was Havana for 2 days. First day was a walking tour of Old Havana, immediately adjacent to the only operating cruise dock (two others are unuseably deteriorated. We walked for nearly 2 hours, seeing San Franciso Convent (now a museum), “plastico” apartments used to house resident from decaying building temporarily evicted for rehab, but now resisting leaving the minimal but cheap (less than 1 dollar monthly rent) with running water, intact windows, etc. Walked past many old buildings being restored but saw far more continuing to decay. Walked by many street shops/vendors, to the mouth of the harbor to see the Plaza de Armas fortifications and the Cathedral Plaza which was barricades for making a movie. Saw lots of art galleries/studios and learned Cuba is rich in artists who get a free University education but cannot find salaried jobs...our tour guides were chemists, English Instructor, pharmacists, etc. Afternoon was a bus tour ranging further from the docks to the Malecon waterfront, seeing the US Embassy, National Hotel, University, and another Revolution Plaza, where the Pope said Mass with an icon of Che watching. Also saw an array of old US cars from the '50s, along with bici-taxis, horse-drawn carriages/carts, and coco-taxies...basically a motorcycle with egg-shaped cover to carry driver plus 2. My remark on the durability of the US cars elicited a counter that most now have Russian diesel engines. Bus tour ended at a warehouse jammed full of little shops/sellers offering crafts/souvenirs at great and negotiable prices....got straw hats for $3-4, maracas for $2. Declined covert offers of Cohiba cigars and rum, because of dubious provenance and non-competitive prices compared to the Cuban customs terminal. BTW going through Cuban Customs was a breeze, greeted by very efficient young women in uniform and patterned stockings....and several small spaniel dogs who cheerfully sniffed everyone for “drogas” and accepted head scratches

Our best day in Cuba was Havana day 2 when we could walk on our own. So we went back to San Francisco to see the ancient religious art and artifacts.. The we did some street shopping/negotiating, and returned to the Cathedral which was open and beautiful. It is still an active church with some great art. As we were leaving we heard music up front and saw a group of about 20 young people informally dressed by singing latin hymns acapella. We recognized them as the chorale from Ramapo College that were on our tour on did several concerts on board. Stopped at La Bogedita del Medio, one of Ernest Hemingways favorite bars. We then had lunch at “No es un cafe” in the shadow of the Cathedral and next to an engraving studio/school. I first saw it reviewed on http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g147271-d66199… It is tiny but very creative and delicious....they are not government operated and have severe limitations on supplies (ran out of napkins and could not get more) I had a great lobster lunch with shrimp apps, a full lobster tail with wine, bread and coffee for $20 Convertible Pesos (about same as dollar with 10% penalty for converting US Dollars. Had a great running conversation with chef and server...who wants to come to Florida...and not just a visit. Final stop was the Havana Club museum of rum where we had a drink, but waited to buy our rum at the terminal ($8 for liter of Havana Club 7-year Reserve, and lowest priced premium hand-rolled cigars...got 2 Cohibas and 2 Romeo/Julieta for under $20. Returned to the ship exhausted but happy and unfortunately lost our main camera.

Next ship stop was at Maria de Gorda, a beach resort on the far west end...with optional bus excursion to San Antonio. No suitable docks but went ashore by tender, did some beach combing, had some Bucanero Cuban beer...only other brand is Cristal...from the same brewery. Relaxing but not the most exciting stop for Floridians...”Hey, lets go see a white-sand beach!!!” But fun for snorkelers with lots of coral reefs and outcroppings.

Final Cuba stop was Cienfuegos, probably the cleanest, most prosperous we saw. Originally founded by the French so some architecture is different and less decay evident....but some real grim shacks housing the poor off the main drags. We visited a cool graphic arts studio, drove around some and stopped at their revolution square, which also is the cathedral square where we were able to leave some art/school supplies for distribution to the kids. On the sides of the square were more sellers, and the driver candidly told us that one group were government shops where prices were higher and no negotiations...so we went to the free trade sellers.

Returning to Montego was no big problem, and went direct to the airport for a long wait...and delayed flight. Going through Miami customs was a nightmare...worst of all landing with huge lines to go through multiple points for checking pass port, luggage that had to be off-loaded and carried as you wait for it to be released, then back in line for boarding.....we missed our scheduled connection but lucked out to get the last plane to Tampa, that boarded late also...then sat to check a potential mechanical problem. Got home after 2 am...and crashed. Overall loved the trip and hope ferry traffic resumes soon so we do not have to go through Jamaica or Miami. BTW go to http://www.cubacruise.com for more details/ prices for the cruise.

[ONT-CA]

Having made this circumnavigation of the Cuban Island four times in two season I was pleased to read your excellent review. Perhaps we may have been a little more understanding of the Cubans' reasoning for their current conditions but we do get to see it all. I wonder if you too felt that seven days was not enough to take it all in. It is why we do the back-to- backs. And a beach is a beach is a beach... So much could be done with that day. But as the political situation is eventually resolved and as you say the ferry system reintroduced, then there would be no need for the stop in Jamaica and people could have as many days in Havana as they wish thereby freeing up the ship for yet another port of call. Thanks for your review.

 

Chimo

[ONT-CA]

I happened upon a Youtube video about the pre Castro Cuba and its night life and the underworld. But there are some shots of the Tropicana show taken both back then and as currently presented for those who might wonder what the excursion to this show might hold for them . FYI

 

[Bryna123]

Are there any wi-fi spots in Montego Bay near the port?

[ONT-CA]

Are there any wi-fi spots in Montego Bay near the port?

 

Here is a rough outline of the dock area. When you leave the building X and turn left you go through local security and their gates to let you into this abandoned shopping area. There is a small restaurant which offers unlimited WiFi for $5 US dollars. You will see crew members there. There are other locations perhaps cheaper but some distance from the docks.

 

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag158/ONT-CA/Montego%20Bay_zpsyvjjal5n.jpg

Edited January 20, 2016 by ONT-CA

[ONT-CA]

On January 27th the Students Torch March to honour the birth date of Jose Marti will take place, unfortunately the night after we leave Havana. Can't win them all. But for those still in town...

 

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag158/ONT-CA/Marti-FEU-escalinata_zpsi55zklj1.jpg

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

graybeard2 ~ thank you for such a great review.:D Sounds like you had an

amazing time. Too bad about your camera & the return flight problems.

 

Ron ~ bet you're getting excited for your next cruise on Cristal & to see the changes. When are you flying out? Bon voyage!!

 

Chimo!

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[ONT-CA]

Ron ~ bet you're getting excited for your next cruise on Cristal & to see the changes. When are you flying out? Bon voyage!!

Chimo!

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Thanks Jo. We stay over in TO this coming Sunday for our flight out on Monday morning. I understand we fly into a different airport with Transat than with Air Canada so that will be new. Weather looks promising for this Sunday but we always have Tuesday to catch the ship should anything go wrong. Will be glad to see the back of this minus 20C. Heard from our favourite waiter asking about our arrival, so it's like a home coming in a way. Have got to tour the new balconies if for no other reason than to see the engineering. Our deck has been fitted with new and more modern furniture which will be appreciated. Not sure if anything has been done with the interior as it wasn't that bad to begin with. But I will be reporting back at some point along the way.

 

Chimo

 

Ron

[Bryna123]

Ron, we also fly Transat and our transfers read Varadero, although the flight detail says we arrive Havana. Where did Air Canada arrive?

[ONT-CA]

Ron, we also fly Transat and our transfers read Varadero, although the flight detail says we arrive Havana. Where did Air Canada arrive?

 

Firstly, Transat has several and different flight to Cuba. I believe if you booked the package, cruise plus air you will be taken to Veradero with appropriate land transportation. But we booked our cruise first a year ago and then later made our reservation with Transat. This Transat flight arrives at Ciudad Libertad Airport. Those previous years flights with Air Canada went into Havana's Jose Marti International and main airport. You know me, a pictures is worth a thousand words.

 

Attached

 

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag158/ONT-CA/Cuban%20airports_zps5ata5pnj.jpg

[neepawa]

The Canadian Government App – “Travel Smart” has the following info for Cuba:

 

“All electronic devices with GPS technology, including cellular phones, are illegal and may be confiscated upon entry to Cuba”.

 

I plan to take my iPad and Smart phone on our February 23rd sailing.

 

Has anyone had problems and/or confiscation of these devices?

 

Cheers,

 

Don

Edited January 31, 2016 by neepawa

[KandCsailing]

Interesting...our Air Transat charters when in and out of José Marti last year.

 

I had my cell phone and tablet with me. I left my GPS turned off on both unless I wanted to check the location of the ship on Map Me. It's an offline app that I use a lot on my tablet.

[tring]

This has been mentioned on cc's sister site, Trip Advisor. The general response seems to be that it is only 'stand alone GPS devices' that are a problem and they do not bother about other items.

 

I wonder if a Cuban Official may decide to think otherwise if someone has a nice looking item though.

[ONT-CA]

The Canadian Government App – “Travel Smart” has the following info for Cuba:

All electronic devices with GPS technology, including cellular phones, are illegal and may be confiscated upon entry to Cuba”.

I plan to take my iPad and Smart phone on our February 23rd sailing.

Has anyone had problems and/or confiscation of these devices?

Cheers,

Don

 

We are currently aboard the Crystal and can report that we have seen numerous passengers from the p2p program use their cells whenever and wherever they can find signal. We experienced no such question upon entry into Cuba and in fact this trip was the most laisse-faire experience with their immigration. Even personal temperature tests are minimal

 

Chimo

 

PS Having a great sail with weather slightly cooler than previously experienced.

Ship and staff maintain their excellent service

[Bryna123]

We returned Monday from the Havana port. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip overall. The food was tasty but not the huge selection like you find in other all inclusives. Quality and service amazing. Drink selection very good.

A few thought to share.

The included excursions are well worth it. We did not do the one at Maria Gorda as the day was sunny and we stayed at the beach. Snorkeling from shore was disappointing but the beach day was nice. If we wanted to swap out the $63 included tour for the $41 snorkel tour it was still an extra $21 p.p so we did not bother. FYI wifi was available on the beach for just $2 per hour. Not sure how the speed was since we left devices on ship.

 

Cienfuegos is beautiful but we had a poor guide and our day was no where like the reports from other passengers. Our sullen guide had us back to the ship about 40 minutes before anyone else.

Santiago was our favourite day! If you can get on Angel's tour bus do it. He is a retired English teacher now doing tours. We have done many tours in many countries and his tour is in top 3. He loves his city.

 

A note regarding the great service from reception on board. They went way beyond to help us when my husband discovered he left his cell phone at Havana airport while coming through the scanners. We arrived on a Monday and the lady at reception tried continually and was able to contact the airport Tuesday and have them hold it until we departed the following week. Amazing he got his Iphone back.

 

We love the Cuban people everytime we visit. This cruise is far better value, food,and experience than the all inclusive hotels we have visited in the past.

 

Enjoy everyone! Life is beautiful.

[VillageGirlTraveling]

Hi all

 

I just yesterday wrote a 1 minute read on 8 things you need to know before you travel to Cuba. Whilst not specific to cruising there is some really helpful info especially about currency.

 

You'll find it here:

 

http://www.sandracottam.com/#!8-things-you-need-to-know-before-heading-to-Cuba/qspgj/56b2cd5a0cf2683289388467

 

 

Enjoy!

Sandra

http://www.sandracottam.com

Edited February 6, 2016 by VillageGirlTraveling

[tring]

We returned Monday from the Havana port. We thoroughly enjoyed this trip overall.

 

Enjoy everyone! Life is beautiful.

 

Thanks for the report - glad to see you had a good time.

 

We go on 29th March from Havana and hope to arrange a transfer from Havana to our Varadero hotel when we disembark and it seems the best value/reliability is if you book ahead, which we hope to do with a company we have identified. I have seen reports of chaos at the port on disembarkation, so can I ask advice?

 

Our details say disembarkation will likely be from about 11am to 1pm, so we are thinking of arranging our transfer for about 12.30pm and hope to wait in the port terminal if we can get off the ship earlier than that. Do you think having a transfer driver pick us up about 12.30pm is about right and are the facilities in the terminal OK to wait? Is there a priority order for disembarkation from the ship - eg deck order? We will in no rush to get to Varadero.

 

Any help with that will be gratefully appreciated,

 

Barbara

[Bryna123]

Hi Barbara. This was our experience on disembarking.

 

You have to be out of your cabin by 7 a.m Monday. Large suitcases need to out by midnight Sunday. Breakfast is 7 - 9 and once the luggage is off loaded and scanned by Havana port, they allow disembarking. For us this was about 9:30 a.m. but things can go very slow if a luggage cart breaks, a scanner breaks, the sniffer dog is late etc. There was no deck order to follow, and we never heard an announcement, as we were listening to a lecture in the lounge and we, and others, were just tapped on the shoulder by a staff member that we could now leave. From what I gather, no announcement was made over the P.A maybe so it wouldn't interrupt the lecture going on. Disembark on deck 5.

 

Once off the ship customs moves fast but my hubby called it a "**** show" as we headed downstairs to the mass of waiting buses, looking for our luggage, and no Transat rep to direct us. When asking anyone for directions and they indicate they speak " a little English" be wary. We were put on an elevator to go back to the ship!

We found our suitcase downstairs beyond the first few buses just sitting on terminal floor. Finally a Transat rep appeared with a sign and we boarded the right bus for the airport. The ride is about 30 minutes as we got there before 11 a.m for our 1:30 flight. Again, no Transat sign indication where to check in. The electronic board said Hall A but it was actually Hall B where we needed to be when they finally opened the check-in desk.

 

All that being said...in your case collect your luggage and head away from the buses and confusion. The old square is right across the street and you can wait there and enjoy people and car watching. A 12:30 pick up would be lots of time and likely too much. I would suggest 11:30. Any transport you arrange should wait, although there are lots of taxis right there at the port and square all the time so I would not bother with pre-arrangements and waiting.

 

Hope this helps.

Edited February 6, 2016 by Bryna123