Armonia 5-13-19 sailing to Havana

[NCTribeFan]

I used to write long, detailed reviews of every sailing I took because I loved reading reviews and looking at the photos that people would post, especially for sailings I had booked or that I was considering.

 

Now, I'm just too lazy! 😊  It is very time-consuming, and I really appreciate that others do this so I don't feel compelled to do it any longer.  I did write a review for the actual Review section, but I don't believe it's been posted yet.  I was disappointed that I couldn't add photos.  After the first, every pic I tried up load was rotated and I'd get a message that the file was not an image. Uh, yes they are!  I'll see if I can add photos to this thread from my computer tonight (I'm at work).

 

ANYWAY, this is just a summary of my thoughts rather than a full-blown review.

 

We flew to FLL and took a shuttle with QLS.  Embarkation was smooth.  We were at the port around 11 and on board quickly.   This was DD's first on MSC and we'd done a status match to Gold.  When we checked in, the young man said her card wasn't there and he'd have to print one.  He came out with a blue card and I pointed out that it was supposed to be Gold.  He said it wouldn't matter so off we went.  We were also not given a boarding number and just after we sat, they started calling boarding groups.  I went to the closest MSC person I saw and told her we hadn't received a card and she said we should just go ahead and board.  Turned out we were at the priority boarding area so we inadvertently skipped the boarding line.  When neither of us could connect to the internet, we went down and got in the rather long line.  A young woman came over to expedite and when see looked at DD's card she said, "you're supposed to have a gold card."  Yes, we know.  Told her what the check-in agent had said and her response was that we should go to the Service Desk at some point prior to Grand Cayman and get the correct card since it would matter when it came to boarding a tender.  We had a ship excursion so I knew it wouldn't be an issue, but we did go a couple of days later after the line was negligible and got her a Gold card.

 

THE SHIP:  I liked her.  Hadn't been on a ship that small since my first 2 cruises (2001 & 2003).  I was expecting the cabin (inside Fantastica 9205) to be miniscule.  After we had Argy, out cabin steward, split the bed, it was perfectly fine.  Must say that the shower WAS miniscule, though.  We're not particularly large women but I had to fight the clinging shower curtain the whole time and since it doesn't quite touch the rim of the shower lip, the result was always a rather wet bath mat.  Not a big deal, but I do wonder how large people manage to shower in there!

 

Every other ship I've ever sailed (I think this was cruise #33 or somewhere in that neighborhood), has the even-numbered cabins on the port side - port/left/even - those nice 4-letter words.  Not on Armonia!  So even though she's a small ship and I should NOT have been turned around the entire cruise, I was.  At least I was trying to find the cabin!  Thankfully, someone a couple of cabins down had balloons on their door which helped!

 

Smaller ships just feel so much more personal.  After the first day, you see the same crew members around and they recognize you, which is nice.  I just don't need huge ships with so many venues that I never get the chance to find my "favorite" places to hang out.

 

FOOD:  Small buffet but adequate.  Not much of a buffet fan for lunch so usually had pizza or a burger.  Really like the burgers on MSC (was on Divina in December).  Had breakfast in the MDR on our sea day and it was slow and just OK.  Dinners in the MDR were good, but not great.  Still, didn't have anything that I thought I couldn't consume.  Didn't send anything back or re-order.  Service was good enough.

 

ENTERTAINMENT:  I not a huge fan of the production shows, but DD likes them.  I thought the shows were better than they were on Divina.  And the Latin dancers were incredible.  Also enjoyed (most) of the music in the bars although we didn't spend a lot of time in those venues.  The Entertainment staff were terrific, especially the tall, gangly guy (South African, I think).

 

I'll add more later.  Really must get to work!
 

[NCTribeFan]

I had booked the Express Dunn's River Falls excursion for Jamaica.  I've been a few times and never done the falls, mostly because I was always solo there and was mildly concerned that my fellow climbers wouldn't be that interested in helping me.  I was just worried that I'd slip and fall and ruin my trip.  So, since I had DD (who works out) with me, I decided she could just haul me up those rocks!  It was a lot of fun and I'm very glad I did it.  Yes, it's something all the tourists do but there's a reason some things are considered a "must do/see" and this is one of them.

 

I didn't have anything else planned until Havana.  But a couple of weeks before we sailed, my SIL called and said he wanted to treat us to some excursions.  DD's birthday was 5/8 and Mother's Day was 5/12, so it was his gift to us both.  So, he booked the Amphibious Bus in Grand Cayman and the Best Of island tour in Cozumel.

 

Both were OK.  I apparently hadn't read the description closely enough for the AmphiBus since we didn't realize there was a beach stop and didn't wear our suits or bring towels.  DD went for a walk down the beach and I sat at the bar and had a delicious local brew called Mango Tango.

 

 

 

 

I'd done an almost-identical tour in Cozumel on a Carnival sailing a couple of years ago, so knew what it entailed.  Nothing fantastic but a nice day out and about.  DD ended up buying a bottle of the 7-year tequila to take home to her husband.  Surprisingly, they did NOT confiscate the booze when we returned to the ship!  Talked to multiple people who said that was a first for them, too.

 

[NCTribeFan]

For Havana, I booked everything with Strawberry Tours.  I decided to reserve a classic car for the two of us since the cost was only $99 (less than MSC wanted for one person on their tour).  Note that their prices seem to have just gone up and are now varied, based on time of the tour.

 

We were cleared to disembark earlier than scheduled so those of us on independent tours had about an hour to disembark before the ship tours started.  It was really quite painless.  There were lots of people but the line went quickly.  Then through the terminal to the currency exchange.  I changed $120.  Not even sure how many CUCs I got.  Didn't matter.  I was going to spend it all!

 

We crossed the street and wandered through the church, then straight up Tentiente Rey Street to the meeting point in front of a little bar/restaurant.  We were there plenty early so decided to have a drink and a light lunch.  DD had a frozen daiquiri while I had a local beer.  We then ordered appetizers and steamed yucca on the side.  All was quite tasty.

 

We then went out to meet our driver.  There was a family of 5 waiting for the other car.  We, naturally, got the Barbie Pink Chevy convertible. 

 

The other folks wanted to go to a cigar store, so we made a quick stop there.  While inside, it started to rain so the cars had their tops up when we came out.  I'll just note that the tops didn't fit terribly well but it wasn't raining so hard that we got wet.

 

The drivers weren't guides and spoke little English.  If you want a guided car tour, you have to hire a guide to come along.  We were happy just riding around.  We did make a few others stops.

 

Got mildly lost walking back to the ship.  Went down some streets that had we been anywhere in the states, I would've been very uncomfortable.  But our CD had assured us that nothing was going to happen and we had nothing to fear.  The Cuba people need the tourists too much to risk committing any crime against them (and apparently the punishment for those crimes is much more harsh than against a local).

 

[Até]

It looks like you tendered in Ocho Rios?

 

ETA: Oh, that's probably Cayman Islands.

Edited May 28, 2019 by Até

[NCTribeFan]

Back on the ship, we had just enough time to change then run down for open-seating dinner.  Service was so slow and we had to be back out there and at our meeting place before 8.  Rushed out and realized that we couldn't get to the street we needed so kept walking along the waterfront.  Decided to grab a cab so we wouldn't be late.

 

This was the "free" Nightlife Tour.  The 5 folks from the car tour were there along with probably another dozen people.  We stopped at three bars.  At the first, we were taken upstairs and had our choice of "natural" or pineapple daiquiris for 3 CUC each.  I had the natural and DD had the pineapple (which was too sweet for me).

 

Next stop, again upstairs, I opted just for a Cuba Libra.  DD had something I'd never heard of.  We watched a couple dancing to a salsa version of Adele's "Hello" which was a bit surreal!  We then packed onto the tiny dance floor for a lesson.  Those drinks cost a bit more.

 

Last stop, we were back on Teniente Rey street, closer to the church, where we sat outside on little stools and had a Mojito.  I opted for the one with an extra shot of the good Havana Club rum.  Those drinks were 6 CUCs each.

 

We were probably back on board before midnight.  We all went up an had some pizza before heading to our cabins.  Enjoyed this tour a lot!

[NCTribeFan]

8 minutes ago, Até said:

It looks like you tendered in Ocho Rios?

 

ETA: Oh, that's probably Cayman Islands.

That photo was of the ship from our Amphibious Bus.  But, yes, tender in GC.

[NCTribeFan]

Dang.  Lost my post just as I was getting ready to Submit Reply. 😞

 

Sunday morning - 3 hour walking tour of Old Havana.  Folks, it was hot!  Lots of walking, then standing listening to our guide give us lots of historical info.  Honestly, I start to tune things out after about an hour.  I just can't absorb all that info (and I can look it up from the comfort of my sofa once I'm home).  I would've liked a little more time to stop and take photos along the way between the various squares we visited.  Still, it was good even though I thought I'd have heat stroke!

 

After the tour, the guide was leading some of the folks to go have lunch.  We asked where we could go for Cuban sandwiches (they weren't on the menu at the restaurant where we had lunch on Saturday).  Turned out there was an "English Pub" very near that restaurant that she recommended.  So, we go to Havana, to an English pub, to have a Cuban sandwich.  Crazy world, isn't it?

 

It was delicious!  I'm afraid I didn't take a pic (just the beverages while we were waiting and cooling off in front of the a/c and fan!).  DD took one but I don't have it on my computer.  But believe me, it was good.  About a foot long and crammed with pork, ham, cheese, onion, pickles and I can't remember what else!

 

Then it was back to the ship.  Had leftover CUCs so stopped at the store in the terminal and bought rum and coffee.  Onto the ship, where we had to dance our way past the Entertainment gang.

[NCTribeFan]

Booked a late flight home because it was non-stop and cost less.  Could've taken an earlier flight with a stop (and plane change) but wouldn't have gotten home much earlier, so why pay more?

 

Our disembark time was 9:45.  I think it was about 8:45 when the CD came on and said disembarkation was paused for a while.  A few minutes later, he came back and said an alarm had sounded in the terminal building and it had to be evacuated!  Later, it said it was a fire alarm and they couldn't resume disembarkation until the building had been cleared.  Imagine the mob scene when those folks were let back in, had to find their luggage, and get back in the line to go through immigrations/customs!

 

Made me sort of glad I had booked such a late fight!  You never know what might happen.

 

So we were back at my place around 10:30 and had to get up and go to work the next day.  Ugh.

 

Overall, I really enjoyed the cruise.  I'd have no problem booking another on MSC.   MSC does have some interesting itineraries and I like their prices.

 

This morning, I booked another cruise!  Again to Cuba but on Carnival (some friends are booked) and not until next April - and who knows whether we'll still be able to even go to Havana by then.

 

I'm so glad I went when I had the opportunity!  It was everything I hoped it would be!

[sanbixby]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[thetaro]

The Cuban sandwich is an American thing. 

[NCTribeFan]

Maybe it is.  Whatever!  I was in Cuba and I wanted a Cuban sandwich and had a very delicious one.  And when I go (if I get to go back), I'll go have another and multiples of the "lizard" beer. 😁

[mef_57]

4 hours ago, thetaro said:

The Cuban sandwich is an American thing. 

Not sure that is the case. We lived in Cuba late 1950's (misplaced Canadians for 4 years) and my mom would make them.  They were street food in Cienfugos and she loved them.  It could, of course, have been adapted in the past 60 years.  Or introduced to the US from the Cubans cum Floridians?  Hmm.....

[NCTribeFan]

Also, during our walking tour on Sunday, while tuning out our guide, I realized we were standing only feet away from a street vendor making churros.  So, for 1 CUC, I got two paper cones filled with hot, fresh, sugared churros to snack on as we continued our walk.  Just what I needed at that point in the day!

[NCTribeFan]

A couple more things...

 

The casino was not kind to me.  The only slots that seemed to be paying were the ones back in the little smoking corner, which was always packed, and which I wouldn't have played unless I was the only one around (which was never the case) as the smoke gives me asthma.

 

The only table game I play is Roulette.  First time I played, I doubled my starting $50.  Yay!  Went back the next night, had a different guy at the wheel, and blew through $50 without winning a single chip.  Guy had no personality.  I know it shouldn't make any difference at all who is spinning the wheel, but it does.  Tried again another night and was doing OK, but after a few spins, they switched out and the awful guy was back.  Lost on 4 straight spins and cashed out.  Didn't go back. 

 

Actually liked the little casino.  Convenient bar and friendly staff (except that one guy).  I would've liked it a lot more if I'd won, but staying out at least meant that I returned home with some of my gambling cash unspent.  That's rare.

 

One evening at dinner (maybe GC day), I ordered a bottle of wine.  A few minutes later, our assistant server came back with a "better" bottle and said it was compliments of someone in the entertainment staff!  Really?  OK!  I had no idea why we would receive a gift from anyone on board.  Later, a guy came over and asked if the wine was OK.  It was.  Then he commented about us at Dunn's River Falls.  I guess I had a blank look on my face and he laughed and said, "you don't remember me being there, do you?"  No, I'm sorry, but we had a really good time!  I suspect he had just noticed my daughter (who got a lot of attention thanks to her purple/plum pixie-cut hair). 😄

[travelingtink]

Glad I read your post. I used Strawberry Tours on my last trip but some how missed that the car tours have individual options. I just assumed you had to book the whole car like everyone else. Since I'm solo, it doesn't save me anything over the ship tour. But now I see I can book a seat with Strawberry at a significant cost break. I just want to ride in a car, don't need a formal tour, so this is great. 

 

I also grabbed some churros from one of the street vendors. I added chocolate sauce to mine, so yummy. 

[NCTribeFan]

I did bring home the daily sheets but didn't scanned them.

 

If anyone has any specific questions about what was open when, show times, etc., I'll be happy to look them up.

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

Is there a link to that tour for Cuba? We go July 1sr and hadn't booked anything yet. Dad wants classic car... 

[EngIceDave]

I used foodtourshavana.com 

Our guide was awesome, not just with the food, but explaining about rations and her ration book and showing us a local market, trying fresh produce right there in the market.

 

The ride was a good day as well....went to Fusterland, outside Havana, instead of a cigar factory, which was good w me since I don't care for cigars

 

5*

IMO

[Kingofcool1947]

Nice review and photos.

On your next voyage to Cuba, will you be visiting Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos?  How many evenings in Havana?

Enjoy your cruise, and Mojitos!   🍹🍹🍹🍹

 

Edited June 4, 2019 by Kingofcool1947

[NCTribeFan]

17 hours ago, AerynSun_JohnCrighton said:

Is there a link to that tour for Cuba? We go July 1sr and hadn't booked anything yet. Dad wants classic car... 

 

https://strawberrytours.com/havana/tours/classic-car-tours-havana?gclid=Cj0KCQjwrdjnBRDXARIsAEcE5YnJ9y7yc5KwNE2N-J7J1CTLOKp3lkk3SsWF2tRgNDK4zn9U_2DBQEsaAmpdEALw_wcB

 

They also do a food tour.

 

Kingofcool - it's another day in Havana.  Believe the ship arrives at 8 am and leaves at 6 am the next day.  So, technically, it's an overnight.  But that's the reason I booked Armonia instead of another line the first time - price and the fact that you really were there overnight.

 

But since I've been once, I know what I'd like to do the next time and what I didn't get a chance to do on the first visit.  I want to go over to the fort/castle, do a food tour, and do the Nightlife Tour again.  I should be able to get all that in!

 

Oh, and take a ride in a Coconut cab!

[EngIceDave]

When I did Armonia to Havana, we got there about noon on saturday and had to be back on board sunday by 3:30, departure at 4pm

 

You could come and go all night if you wanted....can't imagine what immigration and ship security must've been like at 4am

 

Seriously, other than the initial arrival at Cuban immigration to turn in visa, it was really no big deal to go on and off the ship, other than the usual security junk

[Kingofcool1947]

4 hours ago, EngIceDave said:

When I did Armonia to Havana, we got there about noon on saturday and had to be back on board sunday by 3:30, departure at 4pm

 

You could come and go all night if you wanted....can't imagine what immigration and ship security must've been like at 4am

 

Seriously, other than the initial arrival at Cuban immigration to turn in visa, it was really no big deal to go on and off the ship, other than the usual security junk

 

On your cruise did you go to any other ports of call in Cuba besides Havana?

[EngIceDave]

No, only Havana for the weekend

 

Looks like that won't be happening any longer

 

😞

 

 

[NCTribeFan]

I'm SO GLAD that we went when we did!  I just figured this was going to happen.  Looks like I'll be cancelling my Carnival cruise for next April. 😥

 

I feel bad for the people who booked just to get to Havana.  I know how disappointed they must be right now!

[AerynSun_JohnCrighton]

On 6/5/2019 at 8:07 AM, NCTribeFan said:

I'm SO GLAD that we went when we did!  I just figured this was going to happen.  Looks like I'll be cancelling my Carnival cruise for next April. 😥

 

I feel bad for the people who booked just to get to Havana.  I know how disappointed they must be right now!

Very. Do you still have the daily papers? Looking for boarding day ships tour time..

 

Also any mixology classes, wine tastings or cooking classes/demo specially or anything else that stands out on sea days. We now have 2... with the change.