ONT-CA

Great videos. Lots of good historical info. Brought back great memories. Thanks so much.

However, the buildings you chose for the Havana videos seem much better taken care of than was my impression of the general charmingly crumbling state of city, which gives it such unique character.

Watching these well assembled videos did strike that chord with me. For the most part, whenever a western newspaper or publication writes anything about Cuba, one can bet they will attached a photo of a crumbling building or a horse drawn cart or someone's back yard disposal. Their object is to imply that the country is in total ruin. Their deceit is unmistakable.

The restoration of Cuba did understandably commence with historical treasurers of churches, community squares and official buildings and as the videos in question do feature those, the many as yet restored residences which await their turn are omitted. But even among the many crumbling losses are the occasional completed units with their unique restored facades and colourful paint choices, perhaps completed with private funds. And with each of our visits we are seeing more and more of such restoration. I would not classify the decay that occurred over the many years of the embargo as unique character, but in the interim it can serve as a reminder of the damage that was inflicted.

For anyone visiting the cemetery where Fidel Castro was just buried, I assume they will change the ceremony of the soldiers to Jose Marti's grave, and would be interested in knowing if they will work Castro's grave into the same routine.

 

It was interesting to see the site on television, after having visited it recently.

We assume the ship tour will now include a stop at the sight. We will find out in late January if no postings before then. But I doubt there will be a changing of the guard ritual as found at Marti's grave, although there is bound to be some sort of security. Fidel's wishes were such as to prevent what he referred to as a cult of the personality. But the one word plaque on his final resting place says everything,

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/Fidel%20Castro%20Tomb120416.jpg

As of sunup this morning

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/Crystal.jpg

We're US citizens. Credit cards won't work in Cuba. Did you bring cash off the ship? If so in what currency? And how much per stop? Thanks for replying.

When you first disembark in Cuba at Santiago, there is a kiosk on the wharf that converts currencies into Cuban CUC's. These kiosks will be found at all points of your tour of Cuba. As they can be busy and time consuming, I would recommend that you convert $100. at the first point. You shouldn't need that much but in so doing you will have some CUC's for the next port(s) of call. You can then judge your requirements and purchase accordingly along the way. Any remaining CUC's can be converted back into your currency at the exit point from Cuba.

If you don't mind, what are the dinning room requirements?

For dinner, they refer to the dress code as "Casual" and will prevent seating to those wearing shorts, flip flops and any beach-like attire, much like any cruise line. Rarely seen is a full length gown or a man's jacket.

For the Captain's Party it is "Elegant Attire Optional". We see some men wearing sport jackets or blazers but the lighter the better it seems. The ladies have been wearing a wide variety of sheik dress but rarely formal. We find that this definition gives the passengers the opportunity to take it up a notch without having to be too discerning.

All other meals are very casual with shorts welcomed, but there is a limit when it comes to beach wear. Hope this helps

Thanks for the update ONT-CA! Now I just have to rethink all my packing plans since Legendary Journey booked us back from Montego Bay to Fort Lauderdale on SPIRIT, which charges for everything, including CARRY-ONS as well as the first checked bag. Luckily we have no problem going there, since we're on Carribean Air which allows first checked bag free (as well as carry-ons).

Remember, there is no formal night per se aboard the Crystal. Everyone is very casual although meeting the dining room requirements. A large plastic bag can be found in each cabin which when filled with laundry can be washed and folded, for twenty bucks, delivered the next day. We have yet to meet a passenger who didn't say "Brought too many clothes".

As in previous years, The Crystal is currently headed for Barbados and will be there tomorrow. So with her first 2016 sailing from Montego Bay scheduled for November 18th (not the 14th - my bad) there is no question that she will meet her itinerary.

Would you please provide a link to that information?

I too was curious about this so went onto the net and found this:

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/cuba/article114076713.html

But as I understand it, it is more a question of "might" rather than "will". None the less, a Cuba Cruise now is worth two in 2020...:D

Thanks for the info ONT-CA.

We're thankful we're booked now. Trump has said he is going to close it back up when he takes office, which may mean no travel to Cuba again for Americans. :eek:

That does seem strange. The one thing that Cuba could use most at the moment is a couple of Trump Hotels...

I wanted to add that I now realize that the positioning site for the Crystal was being shown as of three days ago so I wouldn't be surprised if she docks tomorrow.

We're supposed to board her in Montego Bay on Nov 25th. Any clue as to her whereabouts now? :confused:

She has covered about one third of the crossing distance between the west coast of Africa and Jamaica. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, she should meet her November 14 Montego Bay sailing, thereby making your embarkation fine. On previous crossings she called at Barbados overnight but I don't think she can afford that this time around.

We are curious to hear from those who may have planned on booking the Crystal cruise or had actually booked this cruise only to given up the idea due to the current state of the Canadian dollar. The original Cuba Cruse was priced in Canadian dollars. That has changed now to US currency and so when taking into consideration the current status of the dollars means that Canadians must pay the posted price plus about an additional 40%. This is bound to have had an effect on many plans and it would be interesting to hear from those who fell into this mode of cancellation.

Puff, puff, chug, chug, went the little white Crystal. I think I can - I think I can - I think I can, as she makes her way to the Strait of Gibraltar and out onto the Atlantic ocean, headed for Montego Bay and her date with Havana.

On the other hand....

Well, back to Barcelona again and once more moored just alongside the Circular Trade Centre building, which is most inappropriate for any possible if needed repair.

http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af114/Yarkerhill/BARCELONA.jpg

Where next is anyone's guess. Just hope they haven't forgotten they have a date to be in Jamaica on the 18th...

Well, she left Genoa this morning and is heading west again.

Yes, I see that. Not unlike watching a Pin-Ball machine in slow motion. But as I did received an e-mail from our favourite crew member this morning enquiring when we will again be aboard, I think the Crystal may now be on her way to Jamaica. We'll see... Should those who will be boarding her before our return be so interested, I hope they will be able to find out what the Mediterranean shuttle was all about and post the answer here on CC.

The ship has to be on some sort of tour, it's now tied up in Monaco, and I really don't think you'd be doing repairs there.

According to the locator the Crystal is currently at Marseille France having spent several days at Barcelona. The official European season itinerary ended September 30th. Her itinerary only then resumes on November 18th sailing from Montego Bay. We have to assume the open time between these dates was reserved for dry dock which I believe did occur, followed by the trans Atlantic sailing. Spending several days in port at Barcelona infers something other than a cruise. Then, rather than continuing Westward to Gibraltar for the Atlantic she sails Northeast to Marseille. All very mysterious. We continue to follow her course.

The Crystal has now been moored at Barcelona upwards of three days. We initially assumed that this was a one day port of call but now believe something is amiss and repairs or corrections are being made. She is due in Montego Bay Jamaica on November 18th and for her to follow he previous course across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean would mean she would be late. Of course she could make better time than she has in the past but this stopover in Barcelona poses some questions.

Well, the Crystal sailed from Barcelona this morning after having been moored there for several days. But rather than setting a course for Gibraltar, she appears to be headed north again.:confused:

Well, we see the Crystal is finally en route to Cuba. She had a stopover at Ancona, Italy which was a surprise as she does not show an itinerary for her crossing. We booked her 24 day crossing on the second season but with less than 100 passengers aboard you can appreciate why it may not be repeated. However, presently she is rounding the tip of Italy headed towards Sicily and now we can all begin our countdown to our own individual sailings.

The Crystal has now been moored at Barcelona upwards of three days. We initially assumed that this was a one day port of call but now believe something is amiss and repairs or corrections are being made. She is due in Montego Bay Jamaica on November 18th and for her to follow he previous course across the Atlantic and into the Caribbean would mean she would be late. Of course she could make better time than she has in the past but this stopover in Barcelona poses some questions.

ONT-CA, it's good to know you enjoyed the ship even before some of her refurbishments enough to sail on her again. (I hope the diversion to Sicily was not due to any mechanical or other problems, but if so, at least it was obviously corrected.) Anticipation is definitely an important aspect of any trip! Thank you for the links and your input! Hope some trip reports will start being posted soon!

We have been sailing Cuba Crystal since the inaugural year and have chalked up 73 days aboard. We are scheduled for an additional 14 commencing in January 2017. Yes, we love the ship but the primary reason for our return is and has been the crew. We have never been so well treated in all our 37 cruises and now consider crew members our friends. That is one of the reasons at this time of year we check both the calendar and the location of the Crystal.

Well, we see the Crystal is finally en route to Cuba. She had a stopover at Ancona, Italy which was a surprise as she does not show an itinerary for her crossing. We booked her 24 day crossing on the second season but with less than 100 passengers aboard you can appreciate why it may not be repeated. However, presently she is rounding the tip of Italy headed towards Sicily and now we can all begin our countdown to our own individual sailings.

Medical care in Cuba is still a use of supplies and staff that should be directed toward Cubans, not rich tourists who can well afford to pay for their own medical care.....

The point remains that should one be taken ill while travelling in Cuba they will receive the best of care available. A tourist who succumbs to a heart attack is certainly not going to refuse treatment for fear of taking away some aspect of the Cuban health system. And the thought of there being an excess numbers of graduated doctors available in Cuba is in itself comforting. The call to the medical profession is not based on the prospect of wealth, at least not in Cuba, for why would so many students seek enrolment in this science.

Regarding insurance coverage, check Asistur (the "official" insurance coverage for foreign visitors to Cuba)...

 

 

...Can you fathom that supplies are extremely limited, largely due to the long-term US embargo?

Can you fathom that medical care and supplies should be used for Cuban citizens (who earn about $30 per month) who need them, not (comparatively) rich foreigners who can be a drain on the system?

Should you get care and a Cuban who needs it not receive it because there are no supplies to use?

.

Anyone visiting Cuba who has the misfortune to fall ill will be afforded the best of medical attention. The country is noted for it's commitment to the medical profession graduating more doctors per capita than any other country. Therefore I say that anyone who unfortunately does fall ill and in need of medical attention need not be concerned that it will be related to the availability of a credit card. Of the 13 entries we have made into Cuba in the last three years not once have we been asked for proof of medical coverage although we are totally covered in personal policies. That said, we would strongly discourage anyone travelling to Cuba or for that matter anywhere today to do so without proper insurance coverage.

We would recommend checking with your personal insurance policy agents to see if "out of country" coverage applies to Cuba. If so and in the event of immediate need, your medical costs can be charged to some credit cards for eventual claim, as CNN reported:

"Americans who want to visit Cuba don't have to worry about how to pay for things once they get there.

American Express and MasterCard said they'll let customers use their credit cards in the Communist country."

We could not fathom required medical treatment in Cuba being withheld due to method of payment. The rest is paper work.

... Today you can still find her whereabouts at:

http://www.cruisemapper.com/Celestyal-Crystal-location?imo=7827213

We note that she will be in dry dock from September 30th until sailing late October, for she is to commence sailing from Montego Bay on November 18th. .

Today we see that the Crystal is now in dry dock but in Valleta, Malta, not Greece. And based upon our previous 24 day crossing aboard, she should be heading for Cuba the week of October 23rd.

In it's inaugural year, we booked our first Cuba Cruise aboard the Crystal (then Louis Crystal) and paid for it in full even though we were not certain we had not bought a "pig in a poke". We needed to know that the ship had sailed from Greece and was in fact en route to Cuba. So we kept tabs on her all the way across the Atlantic which not only assured us so but increased the excitement and anticipation for the cruise.

Today you can still find her whereabouts at:

http://www.cruisemapper.com/Celestyal-Crystal-location?imo=7827213

To find her current and future itinerary, go to: http://www.cruisemapper.com/ships/Celestyal-Crystal-644

We note that she will be in dry dock from September 30th until sailing late October, for she is to commence sailing from Montego Bay on November 18th.

It's that time of year again and it's nice to again see Roll Call entries for the Crystal, for even thought this will be our forth year, we again look forward to being aboard in 2017.

HI all!

 

I saw this article written by CC UK editor Adam, who I met on an excursion from Antilla on our 1st Cuba cruise..

He's writing about the changes on the ship as he just sailed in the Med.

http://www.cruisecritic.com/news/news.cfm?ID=7220

 

Ron ~ we've just returned from a 17 day road trip to Yellowknife & the hummingbird feeder looks pretty much as full as it was when we left. Have the little birdies flown south?

 

Have a nice weekend.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

Jo, our miniature feather friend have decided they have had enough of this destructive drought and have headed south. The pair using our feeder all but drained it before packing up.

We appreciate the site for these further updates on the Crystal ship. We are still on for our two week new balcony trial in lieu of the full private decks found with the two suits on Deck 6. From the review it sounds like we will not be disappointed. Hopefully the improvement in food quality objective will have been met by the time of our arrival. And of course we are looking forward to embarking at Montego Bay for the first time rather than our previous Havana sailings allowing us to continue our winter sojourn on into Florida.

Hope the Yellowknife excursion was all you had hoped for. Envy that.

Chimo

Ron