Cuba Cruises

[Avril]

I've always wanted to go to Cuba and as a Canadian, I've always been able to with no restrictions. :D I just haven't gotten there yet. I started to go on cruises and any desire for a land vacation disappeared (something I think most of us here can understand), haha. Now that cruise ships are starting to go there, combining the 2 seems like a great idea!! My question is, would NCL know that I'm a Canadian and don't have the restrictions/requirements that Americans do or would I have to participate in the P2P activities/events since NCL might not know that we don't have to and I'm guessing they're responsible for making sure passengers fulfil/comply with the regulations? I am interested in getting to know the people and culture of Cuba so even if we don't have to, I might be interested in participating anyway. What kinds of thing are required for the P2P requirements?

Also, the ship. I've been on 4 NCL cruises (Epic twice, Breakaway, and Jade) and loved them all!! I know the Sky is a smaller, older ship but what's she like? Will I enjoy her after the other ships I've been on? I think any ship is good, being on a cruise sure beats being at home!! :D Does the ship stay docked in Havana for the overnight or do they sail away and come back in the morning? I was thinking they might sail at night so they can open the casino and shops (after all, they are in it to make money). It'd be great if they stayed docked though, that way you can go enjoy the nightlife on shore!! :D

Thanks so much from a Canadian who's very excited to get the chance to go to Cuba on a cruise ship!!!! :D

[cruising_knc]

We took Royal to Cuba. They seemed to be aware of the documentation requirements of the various passport holders on board. Even the differing requirements of Cubans, depending upon what year they emigrated.

 

 

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[Avril]

We took Royal to Cuba. They seemed to be aware of the documentation requirements of the various passport holders on board. Even the differing requirements of Cubans, depending upon what year they emigrated.

 

Ok, thats good to know, thanks!! :D Do you think NCL would be the same? I didn't know Cubans had certain requirements for entering their own country (or at least, the country they came from). I'm not sure if we need some kind of travel visa to visit Cuba like the Americans do, that would be something I'd have to check out because if needed, we would have to get one of those since it has nothing to do with the cruise line and they probably don't care if we have one or not. Just curious, did Royal say what you had to do for the P2P requirements? I might be interested in joining in just for the experience!! :D

[herdingdogmom]

Check out this great review of The Sky's inaugural cruise to Cuba. It will answer all your questions. Call NCL about the visa and ofac self certification requirements for Canadians, but I think since the ship sails from Miami the regular pink tourist card "visa" and ofac affidavit is required.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2493583

[jollyjones]

If your cruise departs from a US port, as your does I think, you are subject to the same rules as US folk - that's US of A rules, your nationality is irrelevant. As a Brit, I've just booked an Azamara Cuban cruise sailing from Miami and I have downloaded the affidavit from their website, no problem, and they do the visa for $75 - I get it when I board. I expect NCL will be similar - try searching their website.

 

 

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[whtbearfan]

If your cruise departs from a US port, as your does I think, you are subject to the same rules as US folk - that's US of A rules, your nationality is irrelevant. As a Brit, I've just booked an Azamara Cuban cruise sailing from Miami and I have downloaded the affidavit from their website, no problem, and they do the visa for $75 - I get it when I board. I expect NCL will be similar - try searching their website.

 

 

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You are correct. NCL will do the Visa for $75. You can fill out the affidavit online and your visa will be waiting at the port at check-in.

 

 

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[whtbearfan]

Also, the ship. I've been on 4 NCL cruises (Epic twice, Breakaway, and Jade) and loved them all!! I know the Sky is a smaller, older ship but what's she like? Will I enjoy her after the other ships I've been on? I think any ship is good, being on a cruise sure beats being at home!! :D Does the ship stay docked in Havana for the overnight or do they sail away and come back in the morning? I was thinking they might sail at night so they can open the casino and shops (after all, they are in it to make money). It'd be great if they stayed docked though, that way you can go enjoy the nightlife on shore!! :D

 

Everything about the Sky is nice. I like the fact that you can move from one end of the ship to the other in no time. The Getaway (like the Breakaway) seemed like it took forever to get from the back to the front. The Sky stays in port all night. From the reviews a number of cruisers have gone to late shows and back on ship after 1 or 2 in the morning.

 

 

The parties on board are fun and the poolside cookout is very good. The two times I have been on the Sky we had a blast. With it being an almost completely open bar now, it will be even better.

 

Hope you will enjoy your cruise.

 

 

 

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