Empress to Cuba 4-19-17

[hannibal54]

Sorry if someone has already started this. I saw where friends of mine booked this cruise. I had my TA look into it, but I am not sure how to qualify for 1 of the 12 licenses needed to get into Cuba. Sounds interesting.

[jamesboat]

Sorry if someone has already started this. I saw where friends of mine booked this cruise. I had my TA look into it, but I am not sure how to qualify for 1 of the 12 licenses needed to get into Cuba. Sounds interesting.

 

Talk to a local.

 

Congrats, youve qualified.

[erbunny]

I just booked a cruise to Havana on Empress. The licenses are required only if you are venturing on your own instead of using a ship sponsored excursion. The agent also told us that we will not be able to use US$ even for tips, we must change for Cuban money. I think we would be using the ship's excursions anyway because their tourist industry is so new, and it would be hard to get good references.

[easyboy]

I just booked a cruise to Havana on Empress. The licenses are required only if you are venturing on your own instead of using a ship sponsored excursion. The agent also told us that we will not be able to use US$ even for tips, we must change for Cuban money. I think we would be using the ship's excursions anyway because their tourist industry is so new, and it would be hard to get good references.

I agree. The locale and the tourists will still be adjusting to the new situation and I would rather take the ship's excursions than venture on my own.

[hannibal54]

My TA sent me a list of Royal excursions that you can take that would qualify you to sail to Cuba. Time for me to make a decision. There is also a $75.00 per person Visa permit that Royal will handle, they will add it to your on board account.

Edited December 15, 2016 by hannibal54

[lhanson38]

I have done a lot of research on tour company's for Cuba there are quite a few of them. They are getting very good reviews many have the trip advisor certificate of excellent.

[Havingfun2010]

I agree. The locale and the tourists will still be adjusting to the new situation and I would rather take the ship's excursions than venture on my own.

 

Ummmmm the tourist have been coming from all over the world for a very long time, and the tourist areas have existed. The only tourist that was restricted was from the USA.

[capecruzer]

^This. Cuba has long been a tourist destination for Europeans (and Canadians). While the upcountry will seem a bit third-world and Havana is definitely not Miami, the beach resorts should be similar to other Caribbean island resorts. Its been 16 years since I've been there but I don't expect there are huge changes given their economy. If you really want to see Cuba, avoid those beach resorts and venture out to where the locals are.

[Cruising-Snowbird]

I just booked a cruise to Havana on Empress. The licenses are required only if you are venturing on your own instead of using a ship sponsored excursion. The agent also told us that we will not be able to use US$ even for tips, we must change for Cuban money. I think we would be using the ship's excursions anyway because their tourist industry is so new, and it would be hard to get good references.

 

 

We are booked on the Empress for the first Cuba cruise on Apr 19 2017.

 

Here is a link to the RCL Cuba Checklist:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cuba/content/uploads/cuba_checklist.pdf

 

Here is a link to the RCL FAQ on Cuba cruises:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cuba/faq/

 

Here is a link to the Passenger Affidavit you have to complete and turn in when you check in for the cruise. Note, you check the box in 'Part A' when taking an RCL excursion.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cuba/content/uploads/2016/12/Royal-Caribbean-Alternative-Passenger-Affidavit.pdf

[easyboy]

^This. Cuba has long been a tourist destination for Europeans (and Canadians). While the upcountry will seem a bit third-world and Havana is definitely not Miami, the beach resorts should be similar to other Caribbean island resorts. Its been 16 years since I've been there but I don't expect there are huge changes given their economy. If you really want to see Cuba, avoid those beach resorts and venture out to where the locals are.

Thanks. That is what I am interested in.

[easyboy]

We are booked on the Empress for the first Cuba cruise on Apr 19 2017.

 

Here is a link to the RCL Cuba Checklist:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cuba/content/uploads/cuba_checklist.pdf

 

Here is a link to the RCL FAQ on Cuba cruises:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cuba/faq/

 

Here is a link to the Passenger Affidavit you have to complete and turn in when you check in for the cruise. Note, you check the box in 'Part A' when taking an RCL excursion.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/cuba/content/uploads/2016/12/Royal-Caribbean-Alternative-Passenger-Affidavit.pdf

Thanks for sharing.