Hipstergal

We will be in Cuba and taking ship sponsored shore excursions.

 

Are Cuban tour guides independent contractors or do they get paid by Oceania?

 

Thanks,

Clarification - I was referring strictly to the O tours; this was first sailing in directly from U.S. with multiple documentation requirements and emphasis to save tour records 5-7 years . Brand new big buses, drivers and guides all in logo shirts, all 4 tours started with script of welcoming to island, indicating they love Americans, they are proud of their country...practically rote. Government owned tour company used. The book your own guides that Europeans have used for years I.e. Vintage car tours with drivers on the corner are indeed private contractors on their own as others have stated.

We will be in Cuba and taking ship sponsored shore excursions.

 

Are Cuban tour guides independent contractors or do they get paid by Oceania?

 

Thanks,

The guides are actually "Government employees" You will find they have very good English skills and are most knowledgeable. Cuba wants us to experience with their best. Language skills require fluency to even get an interview to apply as a tour guide. They primarily moonlight, and since they are granted an exemption on declaring tips.....they can earn triple their monthly salary. We went last year, and in a private conversation during a stop my husband learned the guides are coveted competitive jobs for the previously stated reason. One guide was a professor, another a medical doctor. Their salaries a premium of $20 per month over laborers as is socialist economy believing you work based on your skill set but all get pay fairly equal. So to say tipping appreciated is putting it mildly. Have a great trip, a wonderful, warm people await . Info assumed correct as relayed by locals though not discussed openly.

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