ONT-CA

Where does it say that it is tendering? I have looked at all the info I have from Fathom and my travel agent (vacations to go) and can't find any info on whether it is a tender or a dock at port. I believe we are on the same sailing in March?

A few shots of the Crystal docked at Santiago De Cuba.

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/Santiago%20de%20Cuba.07.jpg

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/Santiago%20de%20Cuba.10.jpg

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/Santiago%20de%20Cuba.9_1.jpg

A question for anyone who has had one of a new balconies aboard the Crystal. Is there a lounge chair on the balcony? Or can one be obtained for use on the balcony?

Thanks

I agree with the assessment of the way U.S. citizens have been indoctrinated about Cuba (and for that matter, anything to do with the BIG C). But this included China, Russia, Vietnam, etc, where U.S. citizens now travel without the media hype....

American citizens were never forbidden to go to the countries you have mentioned. Cuba was verboten by law. The one grace in this reversal of policy is that when a place like Cuba is experienced then that experience cannot be erased. Ignorance is no longer bliss. I hope that this door will remain open.

Before we sat and listen to an impromptu "concert" of music played by young people on the steps of a building we had "experienced" the gaudy club floorshows of the 1950's era. And before we were invited to partake of the epicurean delights of a pig roast on an open lawn, we "dined" on some very unpalatable food. One cannot experience the real Cuba in one visit. But one visit can convinced most visitors that what they had been led to believe for so many years is just not so.

Usually you're pretty sensible ONT-CA, but you're making it sound much more complex than it is to go to Cuba from the U.S...

Based on life expectancy rates, every U.S. citizen has been subjected to negative information about Cuba for their entire life. From cradle to now they have been bombarded with only the negative aspects of this country. And within the last few months since travel has been permitted you want them to erase all that? Of course they are concerned. And no amount of assurances as to the contrary from we Canadians who have been travelling to Cuba for over 50 of these years will placate them. We also understand that once the tourist first experiences the real Cuba they will be back. But they must have that first experience and if that be via a cruise ship, then so be it.

...which would cost a couple of hundred dollars max if flying in from Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, plus $30/night for a room in a casa particular.

The cruise does sound like an expensive way to see Cuba. But to most, Cuba is a big unknown. With our cruise, we visit a Cuban port, get to see as much as we can in one day, hopefully taste the epicurean delights, maybe see a show and then we go home. And by home I mean to the known environment of the ship. It takes a bit of daring to fly to Havana, book a Casa particular go out on the town and fend for yourself. A regular visitor might be comfortable with that and in time we too might be. But so little is known about this wonderful country and to coin a phrase, with so much False News most people book on the side of caution. At least for now.

Thanks!

 

I went back and checked the revised itinerary and it does specify "Tender Required" for our stop in Santiango de Cuba. Possibly there is another ship that has docking priority.

Guess we'll find out when we get there.

Charlie

Tendering into this port will be a first for us in four years. However, at the mouth of the large dock I had pointed out, there is a small landing for water taxies and ferries so I can only assume then that is where the tenders will tie up.

Oh, good information. I am planning on exchanging euros since I have some left over from a trip. Is that going to be an issue since my passport is US? I am guessing it wont be an issue, but it doesn't hurt to confirm.

There is no problem with your foreign currency. We also converted left over European currency long with our Canadian. The passport is only to show that you are a tourist and not a local who would be forbidden to use the kiosk for currency conversion.

We will be in Santiago de Cuba for one day in March.

• What is the location of the tender boat pier? I've looked at several maps and found what looks like the probable location.
  
• Do you have any "must sees" in Santiago de Cuba?
  

Charlie

Here is a map of the docking location. (1)There is direct docking at this port. (2)The white dot is the Currency Kiosk. (3) There is a lovely new park created with benches and trees great for people watching and, (4) a restaurant (which we have yet to try.)

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/Santiago%20De%20Cuba_1.jpg

Anyone on the cruise observe there are catholic services while aboard? Thanks.

I have reviewed my Sunday copy of the Daily News from last years cruise and can find no mention of religious services. Perhaps with the high number of Cuban employees aboard there may be some sort of Catholic service for the staff which you may be able to join. I would avoid the desk and check with one of the Cuban staff found about the ship.

Go to the shop in the fort in Havana and just buy them. If you get them there they will be genuine ones, if you buy them from a street trader you might be buying anything

Give that man a cigar If the price is too good to be true, it is. From the stories relayed aboard the ship after a port call, caution is the key word as counterfeits abound. As mentioned above stick to the government sanctioned supply locations.

Partagás Serie D No. 4s, the most popular cigar made in Cuba, sell for about 174 CUC per box of 25, or about $7 per cigar. Some are priced at the equivalent of $33 US for each cigar and therefore with the maximum import allowance of $100. one can come home with 3...

We're sailing in March and also had the itinerary change to Santiago de Cuba.

We've currently opted for the PTP tour (your #2). However I'm still exploring the option of DIY. Hopefully someone who has made the stop will add to the thread here with some insight.

Charlie

When on foot, the hilly streets of Santiago De Cuba can be challenging. There is an abundant number of Pedicabs operating in Santiago that hold two passengers. Should you be interested in having the driver of one show you around, note the following. Few if any of the operators speak much English. You will be quoted a price but later that price can be revealed to be per passenger and that price may or may not include a trip up to Revolution Square without an additional cost. Because they are licensed and as some do gamble on operating without one, ask to see his "permiso", for if caught without one by any of the abundant police bike patrols, you will be asked to vacate the vehicle wherever intercepted.

The Pedicab may be the only source of income for these operators and their families and they can successfully take you about showing you places of interest like the old Bacardi distillery for example but they, like most tourist ventures have learned how to maximize the "adventure". So do hale one if you are so inclined but I recommend that before climbing aboard you have full agreement on the total price, the areas covered (or duration) and that he is licensed to take you around.

Going on private tour and will need to exchange money for tour guide. Does your guide take you to money exchange or do you have to make your own plans? Will be coming off cruise.

When disembarking from a cruise into Cuba you will readily find a currency conversion kiosk located either right on the docks or close by. Have your chosen quantity of currency and your passport ready because it can be busy and time consuming and the sooner done the sooner the tours begins.

It has been quite a long time since I have been to Cuba. Years ago we were told that school supplies, berets, nail polish, etc. was appreciated by the staff for tips, along with money of course. Is this still the case? I don't want to offend anyone by leaving something they don't want. We always chatted to our maids, gardeners, etc. and found out if they had children and then left things for them to take home to their kids. Can anyone help me out. Thanks

We take with us on our annual visit something for a school. Last year we handed 30 packets, each containing a protractor, a ruler and the two customary triangles, that which we thought would be appropriate for a grade school. The previous year is was a big bag of tooth brushes and tooth paste with some ball point pens.

As to personal gift presentation, we no longer cart along small gifts that we once offered, for it is difficult to determine just what it is that is needed and appreciated. But the one item that is in short supply and more than just appreciated is cash. So when ashore we tip in CUC's remembering that while one CUC is roughly equivalent to one dollar, one CUC will buy a lot more in Cuba than our dollar can buy at home. However, aboard the ship we tip in our home currency with the exception of the Loonie/Toonie coins (*) which are not exchangeable in Cuba.

(*) For those not familiar with Canadian currency, our one dollar and two dollar bills were withdrawn and replaced with coins. The one dollar coin bears the Loon on the reverse side and was nicknamed the Loonie. When the two dollar coin came along, well ...

Come on. The President-elect of the US himself doesn't even appear to know what he has in mind, right now, let alone 5 minutes from now on his Twitter account. Anti-Commie vs. anti-business? Who knows which he'll pick.

If there are jobs and business to be had in the Cuba travel industry, the PEOUS will ensure Americans are not excluded. Hotel blueprints are probably already being studied.

Actually it would be an opinion...

However, if this is such a great (or is that grate?) fact, fortunately neighbours to the north and south take a much more enlightened view on international travel...

An take advantage they did. Over the last three cruise seasons aboard the Crystal we met many Americans who embarked/disembarked at Montego Bay Jamaica. Their flight itinerary was home/Montego Bay/home. As they said, what they did in Jamaica was their own business.

Taking away one's right to go to Cuba results in the destination Cuba travel business going to only foreign airlines and foreign cruise lines. That's not what the President-elect of the US has in mind.

I totally agree with this. We are going on the Norwegian Sky in may to cuba. We would like to see it before it becomes trendy... I didn't think it was expensive at all. Not if you compare it to taking say a disney cruise somewhere.

I agree with your approach in keeping in mind that the cruise to Cuba is not just a means of getting there. It's a cruise in itself PLUS you get to see Cuba. Our cruise this month aboard the Celestyl Crystal will be the fourth consecutive year in doing so, with a total time aboard of 9 weeks. This is our Caribbean winter get-away in the sun, being looked after and entertained PLUS it has been giving us the opportunity to experience something other than the customary island jewelry stores and their like.

This one already has the topic: Cuba or not.

I just feel that there should be some explanation as to why or why not. We are often asked if we would like to go to Alaska. We would not, but just saying so does little for the conversation. So we explain that as Canadians who are beset with long and hard winters, the last thing we need, want or deserve is to travel to a location where one is surrounded by snow capped mountains. The disbelief exhibited by our initial answer is usually placated by the reasoning.

At this time ... NO Desire to go to Cuba!

Perhaps a new thread? Ports We Do Not Wish To Visit

Cuba is a communist country, we will not support a communist country with our money.

Have you been looking at the [Made In...] labels on the things you are buying every day? The word you should be looking for is CHINA.

And speaking of words, there has never ever been a "communist" country in this world of ours. The word you are looking for is Socialist.

Fair enough everyone deserves a shot at a French door refrigerator from Lowe's.

And they almost had just that. When we first visited Cuba back in 1978 we booked accommodation at Los Pino in what turned out to be a rather nice house. The previous owners were, I believe, to be found in Miami... The six bedroom home housed tourist from Canada who shared a living room, dining room, kitchen, etc. It was there that I noticed a rather uniquely designed refrigerator. Closer examination revealed it was manufactured in the USSR. That sent us to other appliances and TV's and found they were all make in the USSR. Had the Soviet Union not been abandoned I have to wonder if visiting Cuba today would be a much different experience, including perhaps finding French door refrigerators.

But experiencing the use of goods manufactured in the USSR prompted us to make plans to visit that country which we did in 1981 for two great weeks.

... The prices that cruise lines will charge are making me laugh. It's like a trip to Mars for crying out loud. They aren't realy aliens. If you have the $$$ then be first in line otherwise wait it really isn't that 'special'.

A cruise to Cuba is two distinct things. While aboard the ship, although we sail around the Cuban Island, we could be anywhere on water. We enjoy the sailing, accommodation and the amenities offered us, for we are on vacation.

Each day however we disembark into a new part of Cuba as tourists to experience and hopefully enjoy the people and their culture. With the exception of Havana, and now even there we hear, none of these ports could offer such a large grouping of people accommodations. The Cuban government approved the original cruise plan because it was a means of having large groups visit them without placing strains upon their hotel systems. The ship therefore then becomes both our hotel and the means of transportation. Taking into consideration the added ship's land tours, it allows us to experience far more of the country than being a guest at a resort. We think the cruise method is good value when taking everything into consideration.

Leaving this week for cruise out of Montego Bay. Wanted to make sure outlets in our cabin will accept chargers for kindle and ipads. We have adapters from earlier European travels. Should we bring?

So excited. Dream of a lifetime to go to Cuba.

Papa O & Mamom

Cabins have both 110V and 220V outlets. The one in the washroom will need your European adapter if you have an electric shaver or if you wish to use a night light.

My upcoming cruise has an extended time docked here, and while I plan to do a lot, I expect I'll spend at least a little time on my balcony, enjoying seeing the city.

 

I found photos on line that show Fathom docked with Port side alongside, which would be my preference, I prefer a port side cabin.

Can anyone remember which side of their ship faced the most scenic view while docked here?

 

I know on other islands it varies depending on the captain and traffic that day, and I accept that, just looking for other people's experiences here.

Obviously, I'm not going to be on Fathom, that's why I'm asking.

 

Thanks in advance

The ship may be birthed either bow to stern or reverse. We have been aboard for both. We too once made a decision based on docking starboard but got it wrong.

ERROR: SORRY I WAS REFERRING TO THE CRYSTAL.

I'm going and cannot wait. I've been prevented from traveling to Cuba for all of my adult life and now I'm going to try and get their and I don't care about the politics. I want to see it for myself.

Now you are a tourist that will be received with open arms in Cuba. They love people with open minds. Those who hold grudges against the country and it's government and do not wish to travel there are wise not to, for their attitude would not be well received by the people. Those that want to wait for a few years until thing change miss the point of going. You will have no point of reference. The time to go is now so you can go back again and see what transpires. So very few of us ever knew what was gong on in that country before the revolution. We talk of poverty but compared to what? We talk of freedom but compared to what? Most Cubans will tell you with pride of the many improvements and accomplishments that have been made since the revolution. Yes, the facade of buildings have deteriorated due to lack of public funds but everyone in the country can now read. Only 40% of them could read pre revolution. Cast your eye away from the material want in the country and look at the health of the people. Their health system and health science education is outstanding. So let these things be your point of reference and in time when you return to see the material improvements you will be able to better understand how and why they take such pride in what they have already accomplished, for few of us ever knew just how bad it was.

There are more than a few Canadians who have told us that they discourage Americans from ever going to Cuba with a view to continuing to enjoy the status quo of their annual Cuban visit. :D And expats who once had and lost their lives of luxury will attempt to dissuade you from going to prolong the hardship they helped impose on the people of Cuba as revenge. But enough. What is the best reason for going to Cuba now? Because it is there.

We got back from this cruise on Dec. 2nd (via Montego Bay) We were told that the reason they changed from Marie la Gorda was because of the coral issue. I guess they didn't think the coral at Punta Francis was the same, so they switched to that stop. Unfortunately, the Govt put the nix on that stop as well... ]

This may bode well for a return to the port of Antillia on the north side of the island. The first two seasons included a call at this wonderful port reached via tender. We considered this small remote town to be the highlight of these cruises. They received us like royalty. Alas they pulled it from the itinerary in favour of a beach day, firstly at Punta Francis then moving it to Marie La Gorda. There are beaches to be had anywhere in Cuba. However, if coral is the call of snorkelers and the ship can no longer accommodate them, then we pray there will be a return to Antillia.