worldtravelerforlife

Hello!

Just like some others have mentioned, not many people dress up anymore.  When first cruising with HAL in 2004 in Alaska, everyone dressed fancy for Gala nights. Then went back to cruising this March to the Panama Canal after a 10 year cruising hiatus and most people now dress more causally for Gala nights.  Technically, tuxes and formal wear are required but I only saw maybe 2 men wearing tuxes this past 10 day Cuban Explorer cruise on the Veendam (got back on Monday).  While by the front desk of the ship, they had an example of what Gala attire looked like and had a mannequin torso in a tux.  But no one enforces the policy.  For men, collared shirt with nice slacks and shoes are fine.  For women, "little black dress" or skirt/blouse/slacks is fine.  For me, I tend to dress up more for dinner even on smart casual days (when else am able to wear formal wear? and I'm a 29 year old female.)  For smart casual nights, I've seen guests wear souvenir t-shirts which I feel are way too casual.

Just as my preference, I like to stay in my dinner wear  the rest of the evening until I go back to the room. But some change into jeans for the show. 

Thanks! Did you go out on your own in Cuba at night? If so, did you do one of HAL's excursions? And did you exchange US money to Cuba currency and where did you do so if you did?

Thanks again,

worldtravelerforlife

Did the Modern Havana and Classic Cars (HAL Tour) last Christmas cruise - which was comprehensive and a good over-view of many of the highlights. Too much time wasted at lunch but that comes with the territory on group tours. Others have made private arrangements which are more flexible since none of the HAL tours went to everything I had wanted to see.

 

Ours was the first time HAL had been to Cuba so no one really knew how restrictive things would be along with the new US guidelines at that time. Much more relaxed now but you still need to be accountable to the Dept of Treasury regulations any way you best see fit. Can't recommend you ingore those - 8 hours people to people - one way or another. Then you can go out, late into the night, on your own.

 

Did the long distance HAL tour to Trinidad out of Cienfuegos and it was great to see more of the countryside, how people live locally outside of the larger cities and the historical colonial town was of some interest too. Again, lots of wasted time during the group lunch at a nice hotel, but it is what it is under the circumstances. Both tours recommended with reservations.

 

This is not really a water sport itinerary though your best bets will be Cozumel and Georgetown - probably need to arrange something privately in both those ports if you want to dive or snorkel. Cozumel was once a great diving spot but I believe there has been a lot of coral damage due to hurricanes, poor regulations and over-use. That info may need to be brought up to date.

 

Georgetown had some lovely rugged beaches within walking distance - probably the nicest Caribbean port - lots of offshore money parked here and not the sense of looming crime, drugs and rank poverty like other Caribbean islands.

 

I think your best bet for water sports are the ABC islands, much further south. Enjoy Havana, a truly grand city - wish we had at least two days there - so much to see, take in and savor. Be jealous about your time there and make sure you get to do exactly what you want to do during that far too limited time.

Hello!

I will be traveling to Cuba and other Caribbean ports in a couple months. Undecided which excursions to book. Looking for recommendations as some ports have similar offerings and most have no reviews on the ship website. Which port is better for water activities (scuba, snorkel, submarine, beach)? What are excursions to avoid and which ones were great? Never been to the ports listed below.

Destinations:

Georgetown, Cayman Islands

Cienfuegos, Cuba

Havana, Cuba

Cozumel, Mexico

I'm in my late 20's,<250lbs, and fairly active (can take strenuous activity level). I know how to swim and have snorkeled and zip-lined before. Never scuba-dived. I'm a social drinker and a foodie. Non-smoker. Cost doesn't matter.

Wouldn't mind doing a water activity at either Cayman Islands or Cozumel. Looking for a good tour in Havana that involves walking and seeing the architecture/classic cars (deciding between Best of Havana, Modern Havana & American Classic cars, and Old Havana Walking Tour & Fortress Visit excursions)-any pros/cons and difference between Old and Modern Havana?.

Thanks in advance!

worldtravelerforlife