Cuba

[loving life]

Where are the posts on the Cuba cruises?  Any of you Americans up for it?  Don't want to sail alone 😞

[Zimmy]

You are not sailing alone, Loving Life. Which voyage are you on? We are on a back-to-back, starting in San Juan on the 26th with the last two days of that voyage being in Cuba, and then the first Cuba voyage (2/4) from Cienfuegos to Havana. We are extremely excited. Although we have spoken to many of our friends who have been to Cuba over the last few years, it seems like the rules change a lot so I don't know what to expect. For instance, one friend was there at a time when you couldn't exchange American dollars to CUC's, and they had to bring euros or pesos to exchange. Others say they had no issue exchanging dollars, although the commission was much higher on dollars than it was on euros.

 

I'm also wondering about the wifi on SD. We all know that it is normally not the best, but I'm wondering if we will have any wifi in Cuba. And if we do have wifi on the ship, will that mean that we would be able to have our communications (phone, email)? That sounds too good to be true. 

[Jim Avery]

2 hours ago, Zimmy said:

You are not sailing alone, Loving Life. Which voyage are you on? We are on a back-to-back, starting in San Juan on the 26th with the last two days of that voyage being in Cuba, and then the first Cuba voyage (2/4) from Cienfuegos to Havana. We are extremely excited. Although we have spoken to many of our friends who have been to Cuba over the last few years, it seems like the rules change a lot so I don't know what to expect. For instance, one friend was there at a time when you couldn't exchange American dollars to CUC's, and they had to bring euros or pesos to exchange. Others say they had no issue exchanging dollars, although the commission was much higher on dollars than it was on euros.

 

I'm also wondering about the wifi on SD. We all know that it is normally not the best, but I'm wondering if we will have any wifi in Cuba. And if we do have wifi on the ship, will that mean that we would be able to have our communications (phone, email)? That sounds too good to be true. 

Hi Trap.  The wi-fi goes through the satellite to major land stations.  Not sure which one will be available, probably same one used in Caribbean.  Don't believe they could use a Cuban one.    I don't know if they use available land stations but I would suspect the usual spotty wi-fi.  Ship's business still goes on and they use the satellite internet.  Hoping it is good enough for a Trapper Zimmy on the spot reporting!🍸

Edited January 9, 2019 by Jim Avery

[TrapperZimmy]

I wonder, Jim, if they might be close enough to Key West to get wifi from there.  It will be tough being incommunicado for as many days as we will be gone.  But then again, it might be a welcome relief.

Sorry about what happened Monday night.  I feel for you.  We got double-doinked on Sunday.

btw, Zimmy was greatly offended that you looked at her and thought it was me.  Remember, you are the guy who insisted I get my own presence.  Even suggested the pic, which doesn't look at all like the beautiful Zimmy.

[Jim Avery]

33 minutes ago, TrapperZimmy said:

I wonder, Jim, if they might be close enough to Key West to get wifi from there.  It will be tough being incommunicado for as many days as we will be gone.  But then again, it might be a welcome relief.

Sorry about what happened Monday night.  I feel for you.  We got double-doinked on Sunday.

btw, Zimmy was greatly offended that you looked at her and thought it was me.  Remember, you are the guy who insisted I get my own presence.  Even suggested the pic, which doesn't look at all like the beautiful Zimmy.

Forgive me! I am old and drooly and was not wearing my glasses.  And I regularly get smacked about the head by my DW also from Chicago......😳

[ctbjr1309]

While on board SD II last week I discussed wifi with a SeaDream exec.  For what it's worth he told me that SD wifi is delivered by satellite so my guess (and that's all it is) is that the on board wifi during the Cuba voyages will be the same as experienced elsewhere on SD.

[floridaag]

On a different line, the same thing took place.  WIFI on board was available.  No service while ashore.

 

You will not be able to get WIFI from Key West.

[loving life]

On 1/8/2019 at 10:45 PM, loving life said:

Where are the posts on the Cuba cruises?  Any of you Americans up for it?  Don't want to sail alone 😞

OK Zimmy , see you there.  I wanted to do both weeks and originally booked both when they said they were 7 days each, but then found out 9 and 7 and the husband said "Do you want me to get fired"...  so we are just doing Cuba.  This will be a first where the Canadian Dollar is King.  We can change them with ease, without paying 10% because we're American.  We leave on the 30th to Havana, staying at the Kempinski until the 4th.  Air Canada has the strangest flights, and only 1 option... Fly 9pm arrive midnight, leave 7am arrive Toronto 10am???  Anyhow, super excited, jealous you get to do both.  Enjoy!  See you soon.

[Zimmy]

Loving Life, I looked at your past posts, and it looks like you were on the initial Costa Rica back to back from Barbados. So were we - we must know you! Or at least recognize each other, since we were 14 day on the same small ship. 

 

 

[mbswfla]

I am seriously considering doing this cruise in 2020.  Since it starts/ends in Cuba, I am a bit concerned that I might have trouble with getting flights.  I know regulations have changed re Cuba travel.

Did you have any trouble booking flights?  I'd appreciate any help/insight you can give me.

Thanks!  Mary

[TrapperZimmy]

We are on our way to SJU right now to catch the ship to begin our Cuban cruise on Saturday.  Departure board at MIA shows American and SwiftAir flights to Havana.  We will be flying back from Havana through MIA.  No issues, unless there are no TSA personnel when we get back.

 

I will try to provide updates, if wifi is working.

[Jim Avery]

Bon Voyage Trapper Zimmy and Zimmy.  Looking forward to your comments.  Don't know how you manage to tear yourselves away from Chicago in the Winter Wonderland time of year.😎🍸

[cwaj45]

Hi Trapper Zimmy,

We’ve been on board with ya’ll in the past including the Costa Rica sailing. We will joining Sd2 in Cuba and look forward to seeing you. 

Safe travels,

Cole

[Always enjoying]

Hello fellow travelers:

My husband and I and our dear friends are leaving for Havana on Feb 25 on the SeaDream ll. Very excited!

We had a fantastic trip on the SeaDream to the Greek Islands many years ago and are finally getting back to cruising.

Any recommendations on shore excursions on our own, or with a separate guide, rather than those proposed by the ship. 

Has anyone been to the Bay of Pigs? Any comments?

Also not clear on the use of the American dollar. Any comments?

Thanks everyone! 👱🏻‍♀️

[TrapperZimmy]

Sailed out of San Juan Saturday at 2330 with 60 passengers, 50 of whom are repeaters and 30 of whom will be continuing on to Havana. 

 

Sunday was a sea day so there was a lot of laziness. They showed a movie in the lounge and had a trivia contest. Can’t tell you anything about either. 

 

Today we we had an excursion in Dominican Republic. Did a river boat up the setting for Apocalypse Now. Col. Kurtz was not spotted. 

 

Next two two days are sea days again. Have to cut down on food intake if I’m going to spend more time on a chaise. 

 

This morning we got information about excursions in Cienfuegos. Don’t know if they are doing this just for those staying on, but Americans must have an approved tour that day. A complimentary tour of the city or an optional all day tour to Bay of Pigs. Don’t remember the price at this time but $129 sounds about right. (Zimmy just informed me that these tours are only for the B2Bs.  I suspect that anyone who is not aboard already but wants to do the Bay of Pigs can probably find a tour, but don’t expect SD to do it for you.)

 

Be be aware that the elevator is currently out of order. We have never used it, but it is an issue for some passengers. Hoping it will be repaired soon.

 

OTOH, Wi-Fi is working well - so far. 

 

More later. It’s time to eat again. 

[Jim Avery]

Great start Trapper.  🍸

[loving life]

On 1/17/2019 at 4:13 PM, Zimmy said:

Loving Life, I looked at your past posts, and it looks like you were on the initial Costa Rica back to back from Barbados. So were we - we must know you! Or at least recognize each other, since we were 14 day on the same small ship. 

 

 

Yes, with a busted engine 🙂

 

[Commodore Tim]

Hi, All!

We are joining SeaDream II next Sunday in Cuba, and was wondering what the word is on tornado damage to the island?

The pictures of damage to the city of Havana are concerning....

Looking forward to our 25?, 26th SeaDream trip!

Our favorite!

Tim

[TrapperZimmy]

Other than a brief paragraph in the ship’s newspaper we have heard nothing. You probably have much better information than we have. Chief concern I have is the status of the airport.  We have another day at sea today before we get to Ocho Rios on Thursday. Looks very overcast this morning. Will probably encounter some showers during the day. Other than that (and the elevator) things are good. 

[TrapperZimmy]

Mostly overcast today and a little chill in the air this afternoon. Spent most of the day at the crow’s nest, except for the compulsory meals. Last two nights dinner was served on deck, and they are hoping to do it again tonight. If it is moved to the dining room we will probably stay on deck regardless. 

 

Something new today. Apparently there is a special travel insurance for Cuba that everyone must have. Ship has to show this to enter Cuban waters. Easier to pay the $25 than fight about it. 

 

Apparently waiting for for a custom made part for the elevator. Does Big Bang Theory come to mind?  No yellow tape  -  just a sign. 

 

Heard that a nice location has been scouted out for the Cuba splash. It will be in the middle of the cruise. This week’s cruise, though, has no splash. Hope we still have the barbecue. Maybe the last sea day. 

[Commodore Tim]

TrapperZimmy,

 

Thanks a MILLION for the update!

We LOVE eating dinner on deck!....glad they are doing it this cruise!

Who is the Hotel Manager on this cruise? Matre'd?

Your Big Bang Theory comparison made my wife chuckle! 

Exciting news on the Cuba Splash! We were so used to the Caribbean ones, that the European and Mexican ones took some getting used to!

Would love to catch up with you onboard!

It's 9 degrees here in Delaware tonight (with wind chills in the - 20's)!

Can't wait to get out on Friday morning!

Be well and happy cruising!

 

Commodore Tim

[TrapperZimmy]

With our combined number of cruises, Tim, it wouldn’t surprise me if we have already met. But the best way to get together is to ask the maitre d’ Nicola to point out the Brass Specialist. He’ll know. The hotel manager is Christof and Tomasz is the chef. Matthew Glass is the club director. 

Fly safe. 

[Commodore Tim]

Will do, "Trapper"!

So great to hear we'll be seeing Christof, Tomasz and Matthew again in a few days!

Tell Chef Tomasz we'll be requesting his Polish specialties again (for my wife) this trip!

Ciao!

Tim

[TrapperZimmy]

Looks like there will be several of us on board next week. Like I told Tim, ask Nicola for the Brass Specialist. 

 

Loving Life, we just had dinner with Captain Steiner. The other couple at dinner was also on the Panama Canal cruise. They didn’t remember us per se, but they remembered the lady in the cast. 

 

Tomorrow we we are at our first Cuban port, Santiago de Cuba. It is a very important city, with a lot of history, but it isn’t on the regular Cuban itinerary. 

 

The mandatory excursions all seem to have early starts, like 8:15. So don’t plan on sleeping in. But we will be back aboard for lunch. 

[Skysurfr]

Thanks for keeping us updated on the Cuba voyages. 

 

I'll be joining on 11th of Feb in Havana. 

 

Any tips, don't miss etc  are appreciated.