girlofthewest

We filled out our visa application before we even boarded the ship...seemed it was a requirement. Was this form they sent you the reasons for your visit? If so, make sure you check #4 if you plan to do private tours, not ship tours which they will try to make you believe that is the only way to see Cuba. We just did this in April of this year.

Some of the shore excursions through RCCL say dress nice. It depends on what you book.

Shorts are fine, but always remember what country you are from. Always be neat and tidy as well as respectful in your choice of clothing.

We did Cuba on Empress last August. People still dress up. Some people go in jeans, but usually paired with a buttoned shirt. Most people wear slacks and polos, nom-formal dresses, blouses, etc. We even went suit and tie one evening for fun and didn't feel out of place (in fact we discussed this at dinner the night before, so the whole table was suit and tie on the same night).

 

I may have seen some shorts in the dining room, but it was usually children or so few of them that it didn't offend me. Dress how you want.

 

At any other time except dinner, it's only shorts.

We were there in April, had a table to ourselves. Some others dressed more formally, but we were fine with shorts or bermudas.

That is about all I saw on our tour as well. We were there in July also. It was too hot to wear anything besides shorts. :D

Cuba will be very hot in July. We were there in April and many people were already wearing shorts. In the evening, it can be a bit more formal.

We used Humberto Mesa and were very happy with him. We did a walking tour our first day and then used Humberto the following day to visit the outlying areas such as Fusterlandia, and Hemingways home.

We purchased rum and were never questioned when we returned to the ship. Sent it through the ships security, picked it up and brought it right to our room. There is a place in the immigration building where you can buy rum, limited selection but prices are good. $3 for small bottle of Havana Club.

It might be pushing it a bit, depends on how many get off the ship. Remember they still have to go through immigration and get their passport stamped, then through security, then obtain CUC's. I think 9:30 would be a better time without worrying.

Just returned from the Empress. You can do whatever you choose to do any time. You do NOT need to take RCL's expensive tours. You could hire a driver to take you all over for less money and get to go to the beach or wherever you want to go. I spent a lot of time researching this and was worried, but they let you off the ship, you go out to the street and can hail a taxi. Very simple.

I too would like any input on anyone's experience just walking off the ship.

Anyone experience just leaving the ship?

I have been trying to find those thread. Any suggestions?

There is a ton of confusion on these boards about getting of the ship and walking around Havana on your own. RC Is saying you must take their tours. Has anyone recently returned from their Royal Carribean cruise that can provide any information on getting off the ship without a tour?

Cancelled my Clarion reservation and made one for the Wyndam through Hotwire and now have reservations at the park and go. Feeling much better.

Thanks for all the wonderful responses. We might be joining you with the wagon filled with wine cases upon boarding. My husband loves to collect wines and we will definitely be bringing some better wines with us.

I was researching wine and what you could bring onboard and was wondering if anyone had recent knowledge of the pricing of a bottle of wine. If you bring more than 2 bottles onboard, they will charge you a corkage fee of $15.00, it is cheaper to pay that then buy a bottle during dinner? :confused:

sorry, I meant Palm Sunday. I did call Choice and they assured me that the hotel is new (or renovated) and it will open the end of February. I my just book another and then cancel just to be safe.

The address for this Clarion is 1055 N. Federal Highway. I have tried the phone but no one answers it. I just don't want to get down there and find it a dump and then can't find another hotel for Pal Sunday weekend. Thanks for any info on this.

Has anyone any knowledge of this hotel for parking while cruising. Cannot find any reviews of this hotel anywhere and have been searching for over an hour. Help???:mad:

We have always booked with a travel agent. They handle all your documents and if you have any problems, you have the assistance of an agent to take care of you.

Hi, I know this probably has been asked a zillion times, but I'm going to ask anyway. :confused:

We've never sailed anywhere before so I'm going to say that

we would not qualify for reserving in the two speciality restaurants ahead of time as this is only available to do for guests that have sailed on Azamara before?