kahtrav

Last year Scrapnana started a very successful live thread for the 2014 Queen Elizabeth world cruise with others picking up the ball after she disembarked in Fort Lauderdale. Like her, I will be disembarking in Ft Lauderdale but others on the roll call have indicated interest in a joint thread. I will give daily reports from my segment but hope my shipmates will chime in with their views as well. I cannot be everywhere on the ship or do everything so a mosaic of opinions will give a rich picture of the cruise.

 

I am boarding QM2 in Brooklyn and that roll call has been quiet so it will almost certainly be just my views on that segment. I have crossed on QM2 many times but this will be my first in mid-winter. This will be a compound trip as after disembarking QV I will fly to Buenos Aires (Nonstop from Florida rather than a connection from the frozen north) and will have 38 nights on the Crystal Symphony BA-Antarctica-Miami. If you bear with me I plan to start each of my posts with the location of my “other” 2 ships. Today, the Crystal Symphony is at sea from Fortaleza, Brazil to Recife, QV is at sea from Lisbon to Southampton, and QM2 is in Basseterre, St. Kitts.

 

There will be at least 2 blogs with pictures. Mine will be http://aroundamericabitbybit.wordpress.com, In my case this is part of a larger trip and string of trips which will completely circle North and South America. I’ll leave it to roscoe39 to introduce his blog.

 

My luggage is already in White Star Luggage’s facility in New York and I leave home New Years day and will start reporting then.

 

Roy

I, too, will look forward to your "live from" posts as you sail. Having sailed our first world cruise on the QE last winter, it will be fun to imagine all of you as you go. Bon voyage !!

I'd love to hear more about the cruise - we had to cancel for this winter but hope to go next year. I'd really like to hear the "American" P2P experience.

Personal testing units are now available (at least here in Canada) and although a little expensive, we travel with ours for peace of mind while keeping an eye on things while aboard our cruises.

Thank you - we are definitely planning to go that way, but may not be able to do that soon enough - i think they want your INR pretty stable first - at least USA Medicare does. We'll know more after this week. Just hoping we can still go to Cuba :)

Just wondering if anyone has experience with doing INR (blood thinner) testing on the Crystal? Most lines can do that and i will check with Cuba Cruise and see if anyone knows anything. My husband was just put back on Coumadin due to another blood clot. Hopefully his levels will be good by then and that he'll be okay to travel by then.

I am truly sorry to hear you say that for our intent is to verbally pave the way for anyone who has not as yet experienced the wonderful welcome you are about to receive in Cuba. They have been waiting for you for over 50 years. But we understand you will not have as much free time as others and if there is information we can offer that will maximize your experience ashore we gladly offer it.

Thank you - that is what I enjoy about Cruise Critic. I do think the rather major change this year is due to the focus on Americans by the Cuba Cruise program. We are very independent travelers, so this rather mandated excursion program will be a challenge for us and if we are not "released" to do our own thing a bit, it will be frustrating. Trying to just go with the program and enjoy this glimpse of Cuba before American big business gets there. Thanks for your reply.

Jo, you will remember how we entered the beautiful port of Cienfuegos early in the morning and didn't sail away until well after dark. (That in itself was a navigational treat on each of our visits). Well, this year we sail out of the harbour buy 3:00pm. Likewise, the departure from the port of Santiago De Cuba is equally early. In fact, we will spend a longer day at the beach than we will in these two wonderful cities. It is hard to understand just why this change in itinerary but it has been suggested that the more time we spend on board the higher their revenues...

 

Chimo

Another issue may be that there are more ships this year and maybe higher charges by the ports - it's all a money thing, I'm sure.

Just an FYI - the details for the "American" excursions indicate some free time. I'm trying to "go-with-the-flow" as one of those pesky Americans, but the attitudes here by those of you lucky ones that have been able to go before are starting to make me feel pretty unwelcome. Just saying.

Hi all!

 

Ron ~ that's strange the TA is ending at Montego Bay as I could swear that it was ending in Havana when I saw the itinerary earlier. Wonder why the change?:confused:

 

Kerri ~ I don't watch either of those shows but am always interested in seeing shows about Cuba. Neat that somebody else you know is taking the Cuba cruise.

 

Have a great week.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

I think sometimes different sites will list a back to back as one cruise (in this case, maybe adding the 1/2 Cruise to Havana?).

Ahoy! Our final payment done today with Transat! Now we wait for our edocs in January and then start to pack :)) It is feeling real now.

I am wondering how to get the most out of each port as far as experiencing the community. I am still uncertain if we will take the included tours as they may feel "herded" and crowded. I will be very interested in the early feedback when the cruise starts next month.

Also wonder about swim / beach time. How is the pool on the ship? Is it open at night? I think 2 suits should be plenty for the week.

As Americans (Bryna123, I see you are Canadian - different rules :), I think WE are expected to take excursions (but wonder how well they can "herd cats"). However, Maria del Gorda is primarily a diving location (and the beach sounds a bit iffy - need bug repellent for sand flies, etc. From what I've read, the diving boats will take snorkelers as well. We'll have our own snorkel gear with us (I'm not sure renting snorkeling stuff is an option). I see, however, that we are scheduled for a 11:45 excursion - that sure takes a chunk out of the middle of the day - I'll have to check it out since it basically sounds like nothing is close to Maria del Gorda.

I just came across this link on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum for Cuba. I thought others might find it interesting.

 

http://www.lahabana.com/guide/

Another link that may be helpful or at least informational:

http://www.wola.org/commentary/9_key_questions_about_new_cuba_regulations

Other posts on Thorn Tree indicate that US credit cards and debit cards were still not working recently (personal experience). It also looks like the 10% surcharge on US$ is still in effect - if someone knows otherwise, please post.

I just came across this link on the Lonely Planet Thorn Tree forum for Cuba. I thought others might find it interesting.

http://www.lahabana.com/guide/

Hi World Juggler, I am Nancy and my husband is Steve.They are starting to book up for the Dec 18th cruise but probably a lot of people are not on Cruise Critic. We are really looking forward to the Cuba cruise, having sailed around Cuba several times on different ships and flown over it as well. This will be our 48th cruise so we were looking for someplace we have never been. We have been on Sailing Ships. Steam Ships, River Cruises, and Cruise ships large and small to almost all of the Countries in the Caribbean, Alaska. Hawaii and Mexico plus the major cities in Europe and land tours in many other countries. We sailed on Louis Aquamarine in the Greek Islands so we are familiar with the Company. Your name implies you have traveled the World also. I am happy to be in contact with others sailing on CubaCruise and especially on our sail date. We will have to set up a Meet and Greet before the cruise so we can get together after we embark.

You can easily set up a roll call for your specific sailing - lots easier than being all together (though the combined info is helpful). On the Roll Call section of CC, there's a "all other cruise lines roll calls".

I know someone, a U.S. citizen, who traveled to Cuba last year under the radar screen. In other words, it was not an authorized visit under the People to People program.

 

He paid $300 USD to the immigration agent to NOT stamp his and his girlfriend's passport.

 

What a difference a year makes.

 

Woody

There have also been stories of several thousand $$ fines if the US government did find out about the trip - just not worth it, plus not really into breaking the law. I'm not crazy about a $95 required DONATION when our itinerary should supply the needed documentation, especially with the detailed schedule of People to People programs listed. BUT, we will do it if we are required to do so. I think it may be Cuba Cruise that is requiring that to cover their licensing for carrying Americans even though they don't seem to require it for sailing in MB.

This thread is completely dizzying, I wish Cruise Critic would get us a separate category for Cuba Cruise. Oh well, I'm slowly reading through this entire thread to make sure I don't miss anything. Though it seems a lot has already changed from last season to this season.

 

Its a long shot, but I'll ask on here. My wife will be traveling on her Venezuelan passport and the customer service reps at Cuba Cruise are not sure if they can get her a tourist card has everyone else had good luck with getting a tourist card if you are a citizen of more unique locations besides USA, Canada, and UK?. They are supposed to be calling me back with the information. If they can't I guess we'll be making a weekend trip to Washington D.C. to visit the Cuban embassy.

Have you checked the "roll call board for other cruise lines". There is a roll call for Jan 22, though others are using it - I just found it today. At least it's not as long as this one - I think information from the last two years is helpful as reviews for the cruise in general but totally outdated as far as specifics. I think the information from about July on is starting to have more up-to-date information (though whether it's final information, I'm not so sure).

Thanks for the info, I didn't know we had a choice.

I think it's best to just do it. If we've done our P to P registration, itshouldn't be an issue. There has never been a guarantee that not stamping the passport really worked. I don't know what the tech level is at immigration, but with all the scanning of passports electronically, i think more is known of our travels than we think.

Karen,

 

The information and links are on the Cuba Cruise website.

Try this page http://yourcubacruise.com/your-cuba/travelling-cuba

 

Woody

Thanks, Woody. I haven't been on the website for awhile - it was changing every day for awhile there and I figured I'd wait for it to get sorted out. I'll go back and check it all over again now.

Ron,

 

We were forced to add an "all-inclusive" package to our booking (consisting of an excursion package, a beverage package, and pre-paid gratuities). They said the excursion package is to satisfy the People to People program.

 

Our balance is still in CAD and due 30 days before sailing.

 

Woody

Hi Woody,

Do you have any current info. re: the People to People Registration requirement for US citizens? I know this isn't the place for official info, but it's helpful. We missed the CAD pricing (just waited a little too long) and by the time we booked, the excursions were included - still a good deal and our first time to Cuba :-)

Thanks, Karen

U.S. Dept. of State - Tourist travel to Cuba is prohibited under U.S. law for U.S. citizens and others under U.S. jurisdiction.

 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses within the 12 categories of authorized travel for many travel-related transactions to, from, or within Cuba that previously required a specific license. Travel-related transactions are permitted by general license for certain travel related to the following activities, subject to criteria and conditions in each general license: family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials; and certain authorized export transactions.

 

Americans on Cuba Cruise will be sailing under People to People agreement. Cruise price includes 4 excursions (embarking in MB), prepaid gratuities and open bar package.

Hi Kiwi935,

The info re: People to People is helpful - however, please clarify if the last paragraph about Cuba Cruise is on the US site or your addition. From what Cuba Cruise has said (at least earlier web versions), they don't ask for the People to People, it's only for return to US with Cuba as a destination - still waiting for a bit to do the people to people registration since it seems the USA rules are changing week by week.

Our booking includes 5 excursions and I see now updated info on the Transat website for this cruise. We will not likely take all included trips as have done some before on other trips.

This cruise is so intriguing I am not minding the unknown.

 

http://www.transatholidays.com/en/South/Cuba-Cruise-Discover-a-Cuba-beyond-the-resort?ID=55578&tmpl=DO

Thanks, even though we booked directly with Cuba Cruise (from USA)for Jan 22 , info. here is helpful.

We had booked this cruise back in March after following along with this thread for the past 2 seasons. I feel as if I already know many of you as I contribute regularly to a thread that includes Kerri, Burm and Jo. I just started following again because I know there are many great tips posted by previous visitors aboard this ship. I am aware that the itinerary has changed but still should be able to benefit form your shared knowledge.

 

We will sail from Montego Bay on Jan 22 because we are travelling with dear friends of ours that we met while cruising around South America in 2010. I cannot express how excited we are to be going on this fantastic voyage and seeing the places, meeting the people, experiencing the adventure of all that is Cuba and exploring what the Crystal has to offer. The idea of perhaps travelling with a full ship as opposed to your former less than full cruises is a little disconcerting, but even the tp situation in not new to us and therefore not a problem. I may from time to time have some questions for you experienced Cuba cruisers and will pose them here. Ron, it is my understanding that you are booked again for sailing in the new season, and I wonder if we will be able to meet up. I certainly hope so as it is my understanding that we are almost neighbours. We live just south of Bancroft with plans to move to Kingston in the spring.

 

Every time I log in to this thread, I get just a little more excited about the upcoming adventure and often get that familiar feeling I experienced as a kid early on Christmas morning. That is entirely due to the wonderful way you guys have expressed your joy about your Cuban adventure over the past seasons. So thanks very much. I look forward to continuing to chat with you over the next few months as part of the cruise anticipation.

 

Nikki

Hi Nikki,

This is the first reference I've seen to our sailing date (jan 22, Montego Bay). I wish there was a roll-call list for these cruises. We are also sailing with friends from a previous cruise. It looks like this sailing will have two large groups (both Globus and RoadScholars have a few days on this ship during that week).

Anyway, still reading, but wanted to connect with another Jan 22 passenger.

Thanks Kathy for your good wishes. There is something wrong with my life today as have had to cook my own breakfast and make my own bed. After 61 nights on Queen Elizabeth, I miss her.

 

Sorry I didn't post much due to internet time etc. I know that John and Andrea were posting regularly and I really didn't have much more to add. Used to meet up with J & A and caught up with all the news.

 

I had an amazing trip and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I cannot understand all these people that moan and complain. Not everything is always perfect and you have to understand that.

 

Must now look at the brochures and think about booking another one.

Hi Pat, thinking of you this morning as I read the story of the BA flight in Las Vegas that had to evacuate on the runway. The crew did a great job getting that plane safely emptied. We enjoyed the stories you shared during our voyage together and am reminded of you when I see BA in the news, or at yet another airport as we head off on another adventure. Hope you are well.

Karen

The last time we were in Stockholm (2006), we tried to take the water taxi from near Gamla Stan (the ship was docked nearby). We didn't have Krona and they didn't take USD or a credit card (there were no ATMs nearby). Does anyone know if they will now take a credit card (10 years is a long time in our techie world). What about the city buses (I've seen that taxis take CC, but that looks like a pricey option).

How far out will the tour companies book? For example, we are on the Serenade of the Seas, departing Copenhagen on May 29, 2016, and will be in St. Petersburg on Thursday, June 2 (only one day). I tried looking at SPB Tours' website to see what excursions are available, but I get an error message -- something about that ship or date being incorrect.

 

Is it too early just yet for them to have late May 2016 info posted?

TJ tours is booking now for June, 2016 - see my post above. Maybe a direct email to SPB would be helpful - their website may not have the ship info yet.

I just booked a Two-day All Highlights with TJ Travel. The reviews looked good and they were very quick with personally tailored responses in addition to the general information. They offered a 5 % discount for reservation within 72 hours (no payment until 2nd day of tour) and also another 5 % if you are on the cruise critic roll call.

I got our tour tickets (which serve as the blanket visa) today.

Obviously, we haven't toured with them before, but I thought I'd send my contact experience.

Another one to check is Icelandair. If they fly into your home airport, it's a quick hop to Reykjavik (with an option to stay 7 nights without additional airfare costs), then on to your city (Non-stop to Denver, don't know about others). We did this coming back from a World Cruise in May (Gatwick to Denver, 1 week in Iceland). I'm going to check Norwegian for this summer, too.

Hi Barbara,

 

Just a quick update, we will hopefully be on Queen Victoria next year, enjoying the Hong Kong to Southampton sector across the Indian Ocean to South Africa. Mostly new ports for us, and we do enjoy Hong Kong, so a few days rest after the flight there first.

 

Anybody else ?

 

John

Don't know if it will happen, but I was looking at that - trying to get to Africa by ship (or embark there). I've been reading Carolyn's blog (50th Anniversary), so it's getting my thoughts going.

Not sure I can manage the planning for 2016 though - we'll see.

Karen Hill