sail7seas Posted July 23, 2017 #76 Share Posted July 23, 2017 (edited) I want to do a cruise stopping in Cub a but will not book any of the exisiting one being offered by HAL. I will wait until something better appeals to me. I sense the rush to get something out there to sell right away did not result in the greatest choice of itineraries. IMO I think more will soon be offered and hope they are better., or more to my liking. Edited July 23, 2017 by sail7seas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJ2002 Posted July 23, 2017 #77 Share Posted July 23, 2017 We recently returned from a 12 day land tour of Cuba. Looking at the cruise itineraries so far, it appears that most lines are stopping at Havana, and in some cases also Cienfuegos. However, there are two lines (Azamara and Oceania) that are also calling at Santiago de Cuba. For those really wanting to see as much of Cuba as possible, I'd recommend an itinerary with Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba if timing and budget permit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted July 24, 2017 #78 Share Posted July 24, 2017 I've read too many negative comments here to risk sailing Oceania.... However, I could possibly consider Azamarrra. I am interesed to see what other ports b esides Cuban they will visit. I don't wish the whole cruise to be about Cu b a. Of course, I know many here could feel very differently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Louis Sal Posted July 29, 2017 #79 Share Posted July 29, 2017 I want to do a cruise stopping in Cub a but will not book any of the exisiting one being offered by HAL. I will wait until something better appeals to me. I sense the rush to get something out there to sell right away did not result in the greatest choice of itineraries. IMO I think more will soon be offered and hope they are better., or more to my liking. I have to agree-the total itinerary for this cruise is not my favorite. But my husband and I aren't getting any younger and he has had some pretty severe health issues. I felt this might be our best chance to get to Cuba. And when we cruise at Christmas sometimes the dates are hard to fit for everyone's schedules. This one just sort of fell into place. Since there is no really bad day on a cruise I figured we'd go for it. If we decide once is not enough for Cuba we may try another cruise in the future. St. Louis Sal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keg1 Posted July 30, 2017 #80 Share Posted July 30, 2017 I've read too many negative comments here to risk sailing Oceania.... However, I could possibly consider Azamarrra. I am interesed to see what other ports b esides Cuban they will visit. I don't wish the whole cruise to be about Cu b a. Of course, I know many here could feel very differently. We've sailed Oceania many many times. Never have had any negatives. Officers and crew all great. Meals outstanding. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wineart Posted August 4, 2017 #81 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Am I missing something? I've never sailed Holland America before, but was looking at an itinerary for January 2018 that looks odd. It arrives into Havana at 2pm, and departs noon the following day. No shore excursions are listed, other than 2 that are in the evening the day of arrival (one was a night club package, don't remember the other one). Since I don't think Havana is a port that you can wander around on your own, I'm reluctant to book without more information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare 3rdGenCunarder Posted August 4, 2017 #82 Share Posted August 4, 2017 Am I missing something? I've never sailed Holland America before, but was looking at an itinerary for January 2018 that looks odd. It arrives into Havana at 2pm, and departs noon the following day. No shore excursions are listed, other than 2 that are in the evening the day of arrival (one was a night club package, don't remember the other one). Since I don't think Havana is a port that you can wander around on your own, I'm reluctant to book without more information. I think cruise lines are still working to get tours set up. Nobody knows what the rules will be for cruise passengers until some time in September, when those rules are supposed to be announced. If independent touring is completely ruled out, the cruise lines will have to scramble to try to increase tour capacity or they will have very disappointed passengers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted August 15, 2017 #83 Share Posted August 15, 2017 There are some excursion s announced for Decemb r() HAL cruises toCuba and one has to think similar will b e ofered for the June cruises. Between now and then, there is plenty of time for more to be added. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted August 16, 2017 #84 Share Posted August 16, 2017 For personal reasons particular to me, I decided against this cruise but it sounds good. :) I came very close to booking i t. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted August 19, 2017 #85 Share Posted August 19, 2017 it has been announced that six U.S. diplomats ( though I have heard it is as many as 12 have come down with an odd illness with a number of symptoms including deafness. Apraently there is some mystery as to cause . Canada has stated at least one of their diplomats, also has come down with this illness. Before all these cruise ships head off to Havana, I suspect we may hear more about this illness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avian777 Posted September 23, 2017 #86 Share Posted September 23, 2017 it has been announced that six U.S. diplomats ( though I have heard it is as many as 12 have come down with an odd illness with a number of symptoms including deafness ... Before all these cruise ships head off to Havana, I suspect we may hear more about this illness. ... unless you've already been to Cuba!!! LOL :evilsmile: :evilsmile: :evilsmile: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MortgageChick Posted September 28, 2017 #87 Share Posted September 28, 2017 Why was the HAL Amazon/Rio cruise cancelled?? Was it related to Hurricane Maria...I am assuming not.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted September 29, 2017 #88 Share Posted September 29, 2017 ... unless you've already been to Cuba!!! LOL :evilsmile: :evilsmile: :evilsmile: All Americans working at U.S. Embasssy in cuba have geen ordered home,,,,,,,,,, (a)pember 29, 21)`7. announcement wswas made today that for some of those who werre atttackeede, it happened in hotel rooms. .S. has not broken ediplomatic relations with Cuba hads stated they will contine investigation and U.S. has said they will assist. Some of those cruises the freuise lines hope to sell, may not happen given this circuumstance. Speaking only for my self I have shelved any idea of going on one of those cruises in he near fuuture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KY FL Cruiser Posted September 29, 2017 #89 Share Posted September 29, 2017 I have already cancelled my 04/18/2018 Holland cruise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avian777 Posted September 29, 2017 #90 Share Posted September 29, 2017 All Americans working at U.S. Embasssy in cuba have geen ordered home,,,,,,,,,, (a)pember 29, 21)`7. announcement wswas made today that for some of those who werre atttackeede, it happened in hotel rooms. .S. has not broken ediplomatic relations with Cuba hads stated they will contine investigation and U.S. has said they will assist. Some of those cruises the freuise lines hope to sell, may not happen given this circuumstance. Speaking only for my self I have shelved any idea of going on one of those cruises in he near fuuture. Thanks for the update, sail! And I'll likely not be going on a cruise to Cuba anytime in the NEAR or DISTANT future ... too many other interesting places to visit that are not anti-USA ... I have already cancelled my 04/18/2018 Holland cruise. Congrats - smart move IMO (y) (y) (y) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cardboardcharlie Posted September 30, 2017 #91 Share Posted September 30, 2017 when will Holland America notify us about the change for the cuba trip that's the only reason we are going is for cuba,what a disappointment we will cancel if they change the ports of call Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avian777 Posted September 30, 2017 #92 Share Posted September 30, 2017 when will Holland America notify us about the change for the cuba tripthat's the only reason we are going is for cuba,what a disappointment we will cancel if they change the ports of call My best guess is that HAL will issue a notice as soon as it has made a final decision about going or not going to Cuba. But, to insure that you don't miss the notice, I suggest you contact your TA or HAL directly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sail7seas Posted September 30, 2017 #93 Share Posted September 30, 2017 (edited) when will Holland America notify us about the change for the cuba tripthat's the only reason we are going is for cuba,what a disappointment we will cancel if they change the ports of call IF they are going to make any annnouncement, who knows when it will be? :) Have you heard they are making a change? Has anyone heard that from HAL or their TA? Of course , they can make any itinerary change they need or want to make, They likely do not yet know what if any change or cancella tion they may make. The most rec ent State Department public message on Cuba and U.S. diplomats, mentioned above. was issued just yesterday. Edited September 30, 2017 by sail7seas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WouldBeCruiser Posted October 4, 2017 #94 Share Posted October 4, 2017 We have already booked the 7 day " Authentic Cuba" cruise with HAL. in January. Due to personal issues it was something of a rushed decision, but now I am surprised to see that there are no excursions in Cuba, other than 2 "nightlife" events, which don'really interest me. We are Canadian, and I'm wondering if it will be acceptable for me to organize my own tour? Anyone have any ideas? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avian777 Posted October 4, 2017 #95 Share Posted October 4, 2017 We have already booked the 7 day " Authentic Cuba" cruise with HAL. in January. Due to personal issues it was something of a rushed decision, but now I am surprised to see that there are no excursions in Cuba, other than 2 "nightlife" events, which don'really interest me. We are Canadian, and I'm wondering if it will be acceptable for me to organize my own tour? Anyone have any ideas? Suggest you see if there is a CC Roll Call for your cruise and, if so, sign up. If there isn't already a RC for your cruise, you may want to start one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
travsol Posted October 4, 2017 #96 Share Posted October 4, 2017 Hi We are going on the Jan.17th cruise. I'm sure they'll be more excursions coming. If you want to see some things that may be available, go to Shoretrips.com and put in your cruise date. Used them before, they're really good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Gail & Marty sailing away Posted November 4, 2017 #97 Share Posted November 4, 2017 I hope they plan some for 2019. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Louis Sal Posted November 10, 2017 #98 Share Posted November 10, 2017 Latest I've heard on Cuba travel: The US government announced additional sanctions and travel restrictions on Cuba Wednesday, following up on an announcement by President Donald Trump earlier this year. Among the specific changes outlined by the Treasury Department are restrictions on travel to Cuba for educational or cultural exchange groups, which will now be permitted only for sponsored groups in the United States, and with the participation of representatives from those groups. Individuals traveling for so called "people-to-people" outreach will no longer be able to visit the country, except where travel arrangements have already been made, or in cases where these individuals are accompanied by permitted, US-based sponsors, a senior administration official explained to reporters on a conference call. The State Department has also published a list of 180 entities including hotels, stores, rum makers, marinas and a economic development zone at the Port of Mariel, which are believed to financially benefit the Cuban military, intelligence and security services and which US citizens will no longer be permitted to frequent. "Channeling economic activity away from entities controlled by the Cuban military will encourage the government to move towards greater political and economic freedom for the Cuban people," another senior administration official on the call asserted. I believe the cruise we have planned for December 22 is "grandfathered" in. I'm still confused about the permitted excursions. Anyone have any other information to share? I am going to post this on my roll call as well. St. Louis Sal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmbklj Posted November 12, 2017 #99 Share Posted November 12, 2017 The ships dock right in the heart of Havana and it's perfectly safe to walk around that area. We did a cruise to Cuba a couple of years ago on Celestyal Cruises, spent 2 days and 1 night in Havana. One day we did our own thing, taking the local HOHO bus tour around the city; the only problem is there is no narrative in English on the bus. It's a short walk from the cruise terminal to the the HOHO stop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shadow1224 Posted January 23, 2018 #100 Share Posted January 23, 2018 With the new regs going to Cuba is a big rip off now. Holland American tours are so jacked up in price it is really bad. You have no choice now. You can't even get off the ship unless you pay up at there rates in Cuba now. They are taking advantage of there customer in a very bad way. 400 to 800 dollars just to see Cuba for 2 in less than 24 hours is sky high pricing to me. If I would have thought about it more I would have never gone. It just isn't worth it to me. I only wanted to go to Cuba. Been to Mexico so many times. It was a very expensive visit. Live and learn. Been cruising for 40 years and think this is my last cruise. Tired of cruise lines trying to pick my pockets for every cent they can. While providing less and less for it now. Cruising used to be a great deal and fun. Now it has become just another racket. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now