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Did not see the Spins picture, so I posted my version.  Not the best of pictures because, like many of them, it was taken through the bus window.  Our guide didn't say a word about these holes, because he was talking about the housing across the street, but this was the site of several revolutionary attacks.  BTW, Castro's attack here was not successful and he was taken prisoner.  It makes you wonder what would have happened in Cuba if he hadn't been released to regroup and try again.

Finally, the symbolism of this building is incredible.  Modeled after the US capitol, the Cubans voted for major changes to their constitution on the Sunday we were in Santiago de Cuba.  Like their government, this building has been under restoration for years.  Only time will tell how successful they will be in embracing capitalism.

A glimpse of Cuba's future as they try to embrace tourism as a new source of wealth.  Cruise ships have been vital to creating jobs that pay as much in half a day as the average Cuban makes in a month.  The Cubans who work in the tourist industry are very grateful for the cruise ships that bring in the wealthy tourists and their cash.

Fun at Fusterlandia.  It's difficult to capture everything that this artist has created in his neighborhood.

Entrance to the Port of Havana.  The largest fortification built by Spain outside of Europe.  It continues to the right for quite some distance along the water.

Tender dock in Cienfuegos.  This was more typical Cuban housing--abject poverty.

Sailing into Santiago de Cuba, this is luxury living for many Cubans today.  This home was huge by Cuban standards and it was on the water. I suspect it was occupied by two or more families.

Ceiling of a previously wealthy Cuban's house in Cienfuegos that is now used as a party venue.  The rest of the house was just as amazing as this ceiling.  We had a pre-lunch rum and coke (ironically called a "Cuba Libre" if made with Bacardi in Puerto Rico) in this house near the Melia hotel.

El Cobre cathedral 30 minutes from Santiago de Cuba.  Very popular with Cuban religious pilgrims.

Theater ceiling in Cienfuegos.  The scaffolding was just coming down after restoring the painting.  Hurricane put a hole in the roof and the leak went undetected for almost a year until it had damaged the ceiling quite a bit.

Saw mine and the first one from Spins.  Text but no pics for all the other.

I LOVE this idea.  I suggested it to Seabourn after a cruise to Asia where we were visiting local fish markets during the day and eating the same tired menu at night.  Just got off the Spirit and never went to Indochine.  I would love to have a variety of other menu choices featuring local foods.  Isn't local food a really important part of travel that we often give up on cruise ships?

Got all my photos downloaded, but not yet edited.  Here's one from Havana just for fun.

Amazing day in Havana.  Santiago and Cienfuegos were interesting, but Havana is in a class all by itself.  We had an 8 hour shore excursion and only scratched the surface of all the things to see here.  Being docked made it so much easier for everyone.  Crew was very excited to finally get off and see Cuba for themselves.  Our butler said he got about an hour in town.

18 hours ago, spinnaker2 said:

we4, sorry we missed the m and m. 

 

 

 

We are getting together with DonnaR at Atlantide tomorrow (last sea day) for lunch at 1:00 PM, if you are interested.

I haven't been on CC during the cruise because WiFi is somewhat slow and unreliable--not unusual for many cruise ships, but at least it's free.  And that's the point--you get what you pay for.  There is a higher level of access that would theoretically allow us to post pictures and stream video, but you have to have high club status, a high end suite, or pay extra.  With a little patience this basic level works fine for email.  It works even better when everybody is asleep but me and the cleaning staff!

Spinnaker2 -- Sorry DonnaR and I missed you at the Meet & Mingle.  It was last minute and only arranged because I pressed the issue with the Future Sales Lady.  Not sure if we will be able to meet unless you slip a note under our cabin door or call 664.  We may have already met and just don't know it. -- D&C

Leaving next Friday on Silver Spirit from San Juan and never got a silver box.  It's too bad, because as cruisers new to Silversea I'm sure there would be some useful information in the box.  Trying to find everything online is possible, but time consuming.

Do you want quick and easy or the most luxurious spa on the island for a full day experience?

no rentals, its a man made beach not the ocean. there is some snorkeling near the rocks. not at all representative of Aruba beaches. go to Eagle beach or Palm beach. best snorkeling is Malmok

Baby Beach is not man made, although it may look like it. Nature and the storms have changed it over the years, but it is still a great beach. It is especially well suited for kids because of the shallow water and enclosed space. Hence the name "baby!" There are newly built facilities and the roads have all been recently paved. You can rent beach chairs and shade huts, but availability is limited. Snack bar food is available. There are no jet skis or other water sports. I'm not sure if anybody rents snorkel equipment because it is primarily a local beach and the locals all bring their own equipment. I snorkel there frequently, but it is very different from the other areas on the northwest shore. I've seen squid and turtles there, which are rare sights in the other areas.

HOWEVER, Baby Beach is a long drive from the cruise port. If you want to rent a car and spend a day hanging out with locals, then enjoy. Otherwise, a bus or taxi will get you to the northern beaches much more quickly.

Eagle Beach isn't the place to snorkel. In fact, there's no real snorkeling at Palm Beach either. If you want good snorkeling near Palm Beach, you need to go up the road to Malmok or Boca Catalina for the best places. Or take a catamaran tour from Palm Beach that will take you to the Antilla ship wreck and one of the two areas mentioned above.

Yemanja is behind the parliament building and they are currently working on the street and parking lot in that area. However, don't let that dissuade you from going because the restaurant has a very private ambiance that shuts out the surrounding area. Also the food is fantastic and it is easy to walk to from the cruise port. My recommendation is the teriyaki skirt steak (melt in your mouth fantastic) or one of their fish specialties.

Barefoot is also a fantastic restaurant on the beach and the place to go if you want to see the sunset at dinner. It is halfway to the airport, so it would be a VERY long walk. I would recommend a cab.

Both restaurants can get quite busy and usually require reservations.

La Petite Café in Royal Plaza Mall (downtown) is out of business.

I've heard good things about the West Deck, but I'm reluctant to go there because of the setting in the trees near the beach. It looks like a mosquito haven.

Make sure you put on your bug repellant for Barefoot or West Deck.

Palm Beach is nicer and there are plenty of places to eat at the various hotels that line the beach and the restaurants (and fast food places) on the other side of the street from the hotels. Food is less available on Eagle Beach, particularly in the area of the jet skis. You can rent a chair and umbrella from many of the concessions on Palm Beach. Almost all of those concessions also offer water sports, including snorkel catamaran tours, parasailing, and jet skis. If you decide on jet skis, they will transport you via boat to and from Eagle Beach. There is no need to commit to Eagle Beach if you want to jet ski. You can take a bus or a taxi to either beach. The bus goes right by Eagle Beach (Low Rise area) on the way to Palm Beach (High Rise area).

We are taking this cruise St. Maartin to Aruba on 15 Feb.

1. The shore excursions are pretty limited in Anguilla and Martinique. Any insights on the best things to do? Besides "The Baths" on Virgin Gorda, are there any "not to be missed" activities on the other islands?

2. Was the formal night on the sea day between Martinique and Bonaire?