BONITAJ

I frequently sail alone.  I had the same encounter with MSC in December.  I have always considered cruising a safer means of travel for single women.  I do not understand the point of creating solo cabins and then penalizing solo travelers. 

I disagree with the notion that solo travelers spend less money.  Solo travelers often book more excursions through the ship for safety reasons.

BTW. I ate in both the main dining room and the buffet.  I am not a foodie and not too particular about food.  If I  complain about food, it must be really bad.  lol

There are movies during the day, just not poolside.  It rained 6 out of 7 days, so I can't comment on poolside crowds.  I spent a lot of time in the lounges during the evening because the bands were pretty good.  However, some were brought on for the inaugural sailing.

Overall the cruise was OK.  The food was terrible.  Dining service was slow and the food was warm to cold.  Bar service was slow unless you went to the bar yourself.  Understand that this is the first time that this ship left from North America with many American passengers.  Breakfast was geared towards the European diet with many cold meats, fruits,  yogurt and bread

  There was one omelet station.

The shows were good and different.  One of the main features was the Latin bands in some of the lounges.  Once they work out some kinks, I would try the ship again.

You do not need an MSC tour to disembark.  We went on a private tiur.  Cuba immigration is not interested in your tours.

On 12/18/2018 at 11:58 AM, OceansOfTravels said:

Hello,

 

I know responses may be limited or slim, as the ship is only on its second RT from Miami that stops in Havana, but I thought I would starthis thread so people can help with Armonia and Americans-In-Cuba specific questions.

 

My biggest questions relate to the disembarkation in Cuba. Is it really true you need an MSC excursion to disembark? Could I organize an excursion beforehand from a local company and go that way? Or is disembarkation like any other port, where I could come and go freely? I really want to start planning my two days in Havana and this will help me do so. Thank you!