My Cuba Cruise

[ONT-CA]

... I had read somewhere (scouring the internet) that the ship can hold 1200 passengers but they book only 800 max. for the Cuba cruise. Of course no way to verify that I know of. Maybe someone else can add some insight to the number of passengers?...

 

Yes, the ship does hold 1,200 passengers but that is not to say that they will book 1,200 passengers. Many cabins are listed as being available for four passengers but will only be occupied by two. Our booking was meant for three but there will be only two of us and so on.

 

When aboard the Crystal on both it's TA and the Cuba cruises, we got to know maitre d' Carlos well and had many a chat with him about his ability to handle a full compliment of passengers. That is when we were given the 800 number when dealing with "this form of dining". I have no idea how it is handled out and about the Greek islands but he seemed to indicate that the conditions were different and so felt that 800 should be the maximum number. We have to realize that the management of the cruise will not create a capacity situation aboard that will give it bad reviews. Their business depends a lot on word of mouth... and of course Cruise Critic...;)

[burm]

As with others here, I am quite excited about this upcoming cruise. Not having info about excursions is a little bothersome, but I have decided today that because the 20% off deal ends shortly, I can temper my enthusiasm for a couple of weeks in hopes that the website may be more forthcoming at that time. We already have planned to use the HOHO bus in Havana, perhaps do the Tropicana and walk everywhere. As we will board in MB, there is a beach day, and a sea day, there is not too much to worry about.

 

For those who have done this before, I may start asking about excursions once they are posted, but like Bryna123, we would rather do our own thing and avoid lines and the couple from every excursion who hold everyone else up.

Nikki

 

Nikki, keep in mind when planning your HOHO that although all information led us to believe that one ticket covered both lines (they were not running all 3 anymore) we were told on the busses that a separate ticket was required for each route. Considering the price, it is still a good deal.

 

The very end of route T3 will take you several miles out of town to the Hotel Atlantic, where you will find a lovely beach with thick white sand. In front of the hotel there is a stand selling pina coladas for 1 CUC.

 

I feel a bit sad that many people here seem to expect very little of the Louis. While we adore Oceania's elegant ships, this is a different experience that is very special in it's own way. Although we have cruised on several lines, our Louis experience will always stand out in memory as one of our favourites.

 

As Ron said, the ship is built to accommodate 1200 passengers, and although the earlier cruises were spoiled rotten by the low numbers, I am positive that even with a full ship, passengers will not be made to feel like sardines. Perhaps there will even be other pleasures which we did not have with fewer passengers- added activities, different dining experiences, etc. Kerri, do you remember how many were on our cruise? By the second year, already the numbers were fairly high.

 

If someone came to me and offered me a choice of 2 tickets, one for the Louis, the other for a mega ship belonging to anther line carrying 5000 passengers, or even 2000 passengers, I would pick the Louis without thinking twice.

[ONT-CA]

... If someone came to me and offered me a choice of 2 tickets, one for the Louis, the other for a mega ship belonging to anther line carrying 5000 passengers, or even 2000 passengers, I would pick the Louis without thinking twice.

 

Brava burm, brava. I wish I could better express just why we feel that way. Perhaps it was because that while aboard we felt more like part of an adventure rather than being just another paying passenger to somewhere. I think the wonderful Crystal staff also accounted for this preference.

 

And the expressed negative anticipation for the quality of food aboard is not warranted. As any restauranteur knows, the more customers the larger the budget and as they did so well with so few of us on the inaugural sailings, think of what they will do with a full compliment of passengers.

[gubby]

Nikki, keep in mind when planning your HOHO that although all information led us to believe that one ticket covered both lines (they were not running all 3 anymore) we were told on the busses that a separate ticket was required for each route. Considering the price, it is still a good deal.

 

The very end of route T3 will take you several miles out of town to the Hotel Atlantic, where you will find a lovely beach with thick white sand. In front of the hotel there is a stand selling pina coladas for 1 CUC.

 

I feel a bit sad that many people here seem to expect very little of the Louis. While we adore Oceania's elegant ships, this is a different experience that is very special in it's own way. Although we have cruised on several lines, our Louis experience will always stand out in memory as one of our favourites.

 

As Ron said, the ship is built to accommodate 1200 passengers, and although the earlier cruises were spoiled rotten by the low numbers, I am positive that even with a full ship, passengers will not be made to feel like sardines. Perhaps there will even be other pleasures which we did not have with fewer passengers- added activities, different dining experiences, etc. Kerri, do you remember how many were on our cruise? By the second year, already the numbers were fairly high.

 

If someone came to me and offered me a choice of 2 tickets, one for the Louis, the other for a mega ship belonging to anther line carrying 5000 passengers, or even 2000 passengers, I would pick the Louis without thinking twice.

 

Thanks Burm for these tidbits. I have added these to my 12 page document that I culled from the various posts that this thread has given all new travellers. A pina colada for 1 CUC may be a highlight of the day! Your last comment is the type of endorsement that made us want to book this cruise and I know that it will be special in what it is. I got an e-mail this morning from Pearl cruises offering a 10 day/11 night cruise around the island from Miami for a price of over $8000US/pp. To all those who slammed the Louis, how much more are you willing to pay for much the same experience? I am more than willing to listen to the posters here and benefit from their experiences. The week will be what we are willing to make it, and a chance to visit this exciting destination before it is spoiled is what we are most looking forward to.

 

Nikki

[Kiwi935]

I've been reading this thread all day, fascinating stuff! I am looking to book soon (although my hubby isn't quite as thrilled :) I have alot of the same questions that some have had regarding whether the "all-inclusive cost" comes with drinks and land excursions included or not.

 

My biggest question right now is how to book. Should I feel comfortable booking online directly with Cuba Cruise website? My other option it appears would be to go through a travel agent in Florida, but I live in Wisconsin and feel comfortable booking flights on my own. Any suggestions or advice?

 

I'm sure I'll have more as I continue to research, but it sounds like there is a great group here that has some experience with this trip!

I booked 7n cruise, embarking in Montego Bay, online with My Cuba Cruise. Today I submitted Person to Person form, made donation and purchased medical/travel insurance. I had a few nagging questions, emailed Customer Service and concerns were addressed promptly.

[burm]

I got an e-mail this morning from Pearl cruises offering a 10 day/11 night cruise around the island from Miami for a price of over $8000US/pp.

 

I got that email, too, and really liked the 10 day itinerary. Same as we did last year but with Maria la Gorda and another port on the east side which should also be good for snorkelling. I would like to do that cruise on the Louis with Cristal prices!

[burm]

Nikki, your comment on Eh about taking food to Bermuda reminded me of a thought I had the other day.

 

While in Havana, the hostess at our first Casa Particular told me that she would give me the entire week free if I could find her some butter during any of our excursions. I tried, but everyone told me, "No butter in Havana".

 

Ana told me that many people bring her butter from Canada, but I really don't think I would want to carry something like that on the plane. The other day I used ghee for something, and was thinking that next time I go to Cuba I could easily carry a few jars.

For those who never use it, ghee is just clarified butter. It is inexpensive to buy at stores like Food Basics or No Frills.

[ONT-CA]

 

...a chance to visit this exciting destination before it is spoiled is what we are most looking forward to.

Nikki

 

 

Amen

[gubby]

Nikki, your comment on Eh about taking food to Bermuda reminded me of a thought I had the other day.

 

While in Havana, the hostess at our first Casa Particular told me that she would give me the entire week free if I could find her some butter during any of our excursions. I tried, but everyone told me, "No butter in Havana".

 

Ana told me that many people bring her butter from Canada, but I really don't think I would want to carry something like that on the plane. The other day I used ghee for something, and was thinking that next time I go to Cuba I could easily carry a few jars.

For those who never use it, ghee is just clarified butter. It is inexpensive to buy at stores like Food Basics or No Frills.

 

Great idea Burm. I make ghee in my slow cooker but had not though about taking that. Must check with my contact to see about duty and price of butter in Bermuda.

[ONT-CA]

...For those who never use it, ghee is just clarified butter. It is inexpensive to buy at stores like Food Basics or No Frills.

 

Live and learn. Never heard of Ghee. But in researching it on the net I see one can also purchase canned butter, also news to me. But for those who disembark in Havana and have a Casa Particular to go to, perhaps picking up some butter in Montego Bay while in port to first place in your cabin fridge and then take on to your host?

[burm]

I had never heard about canned butter. I see NZ canned butter for $7.50 that keeps for 6 years. Ideal but expensive. I don't like to carry anything in glass, but the cost of supermarket ghee is half that of tins.

 

I use ghee quite a lot because you have the taste of butter but it does not burn so easily.

[Bryna123]

I read in earlier posts from last season how many of you could tell how many and what type of cabins were still available. I have my booking # through Transat that does not work on the Cuba Cruise website, and I assume this is how you were able to tell?

I would be interested to know for the Jan 25th departure if it fills up, as we are trying to entice a couple friends to come along. Are either of the 2 suite cabins still available for that date?

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

Kiwi935 ~ congrats on your booking! Exciting times lay ahead for you.:D

 

Bryna123 ~ I checked the Cuba Cruise website but see it's really changed since last year when it was very easy to see how many cabins were available.

This is what I found for the week you're asking about:

https://yourcubacruise.com/booknow/category-page-step?shop_id=0&ComponentID=Z744840

 

Looks like only inside cabins available unless I did something wrong.:o

Anybody else want to give it a try?

 

I've heard of ghee but thought it something used in Indian cooking which I never do. Neither of us like spicy food.

 

Have a great week.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[Bryna123]

Hi all!

 

Kiwi935 ~ congrats on your booking! Exciting times lay ahead for you.:D

 

Bryna123 ~ I checked the Cuba Cruise website but see it's really changed since last year when it was very easy to see how many cabins were available.

This is what I found for the week you're asking about:

https://yourcubacruise.com/booknow/category-page-step?shop_id=0&ComponentID=Z744840

 

Looks like only inside cabins available unless I did something wrong.:o

Anybody else want to give it a try?

 

I've heard of ghee but thought it something used in Indian cooking which I never do. Neither of us like spicy food.

 

Have a great week.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Thanks for trying to help. I thought the same cabins only available too until I had called Transat to book and they were able to give me a guarantee XE window cabin that was not showing on CC website. They must be allotting a number of cabin classes to resellers this year. Another wait and see situation :)

[kwbluvsun]

Booked last week via the yourcubacruise.com website. Found out today that they double charged my credit card for the deposit, hope that gets cleared up soon!

 

Question about trip insurance...tripinsurancestore.com recommended a policy from Travelsafe. Has anyone had experience with this company? I will most likely go with the CFAR policy. My other option (with similar coverage from what I can tell) is from Travel Insured. I don't know enough myself, so I'm second guessing everything!

 

Thanks for all the helpful advice so far!

Kelly

[ONT-CA]

... Are either of the 2 suite cabins still available for that date?

 

Sorry Bryna123 but we have the Presidential for three weeks commencing the 25th, however not the Royal which we have enjoyed for seven plus weeks in the past. We assume we could not again have the Royal because it had already been taken and yet we made these arrangements last March. They are very sought after.

 

I never did understand how to review vacancies on line so perhaps Jo of retiring soon could help us in that as she has referred to it in the past.

 

Chimo

 

Ron

[Kiwi935]

Retiring

[Kiwi935]

Hi all!

 

Kiwi935 ~ congrats on your booking! Exciting times lay ahead for you.:D

 

Bryna123 ~ I checked the Cuba Cruise website but see it's really changed since last year when it was very easy to see how many cabins were available.

This is what I found for the week you're asking about:

https://yourcubacruise.com/booknow/category-page-step?shop_id=0&ComponentID=Z744840

 

Looks like only inside cabins available unless I did something wrong.:o

Anybody else want to give it a try?

 

I've heard of ghee but thought it something used in Indian cooking which I never do. Neither of us like spicy food.

 

Have a great week.

 

~ Jo ~ :)

 

Have a couple of questions. Received CC statement showing deposit plus a 3%foreign transaction fee (didn't list country). Will I be able to pay onboard expenses at week's end in cash (what currency), to avoid foreign transactions fees? Are bills/coins accepted in casino?

 

Thank you

[ONT-CA]

Have a couple of questions. Received CC statement showing deposit plus a 3%foreign transaction fee (didn't list country). Will I be able to pay onboard expenses at week's end in cash (what currency), to avoid foreign transactions fees? Are bills/coins accepted in casino? Thank you

 

You will find this as strange as we did but the Casino functions in Euros only. The system is meant for Greece and we assume too expensive to convert for our Cuban sailing. So we like most passengers just ignored the Casino.

 

Was your deposit made with a credit card and in US dollars?

 

All shipboard charges are in Canadian dollars. If you do not present a valid credit card prior to the cruise, a cash deposit will be necessary. But in either case, upon completion of the cruise you may choose to settle your account in cash. The ship does not convert local currencies. I assume they require either US or Canadian currency. Paying in US should be to your advantage with the favourable exchange rate which I assume will be offered. Others on this board spoke of converting their US currency into Canadian at their residential locations prior to departure thereby achieving the best conversion rate. Plus they did this because the Cuban authorities were charging a 10% conversion charge specifically on US currency over and above the normal conversion rates. This punitive action may no longer be in effect with the softening of relations. But if so, it then would be to your advantage to convert to Canadian prior to converting into CUC's.

 

To Canadians travelling to Cuba it should be understood that the conversion rate for Canadian to CUC's is based on the value of the US dollar and because of the weakness of the Canadian dollar we will receive substantially less CUC's per dollar than we did in the previous seasons.

Edited August 25, 2015 by ONT-CA

[neepawa]

I am sure this question has been answered somewhere on this thread but I will ask it again.

 

Where do most passengers, especially Canadians, get their Cuban currency, at the airport on arrival, at a bank in Havana or other options?

 

I have Euros left over from other cruises, so we will be able to play and win at the casino!!!!

 

Cheers,

 

Don

[ONT-CA]

I am sure this question has been answered somewhere on this thread but I will ask it again.

 

Where do most passengers, especially Canadians, get their Cuban currency, at the airport on arrival, at a bank in Havana or other options?

 

I have Euros left over from other cruises, so we will be able to play and win at the casino!!!!

Cheers,

Don

 

There are two government currency exchanges located on the exterior of the Havana airport terminal. All things considered, one will close just as a plane with 250 people arrive... But patience will get you currency needed for cab rides etc. You can further exchange currency at most hotel lobbies but for best rate stick to the banks or government kiosks which you will also find on each dock of the ship's itinerary. Upon our arrival of the TA from Europe we had Pounds, Euros and dollars to convert to CUC's. Each individual and separate transaction was tedious and time consuming. Have your passport available.

 

Chimo

[Kiwi935]

You will find this as strange as we did but the Casino functions in Euros only. The system is meant for Greece and we assume too expensive to convert for our Cuban sailing. So we like most passengers just ignored the Casino.

 

Was your deposit made with a credit card and in US dollars?

 

All shipboard charges are in Canadian dollars. If you do not present a valid credit card prior to the cruise, a cash deposit will be necessary. But in either case, upon completion of the cruise you may choose to settle your account in cash. The ship does not convert local currencies. I assume they require either US or Canadian currency. Paying in US should be to your advantage with the favourable exchange rate which I assume will be offered. Others on this board spoke of converting their US currency into Canadian at their residential locations prior to departure thereby achieving the best conversion rate. Plus they did this because the Cuban authorities were charging a 10% conversion charge specifically on US currency over and above the normal conversion rates. This punitive action may no longer be in effect with the softening of relations. But if so, it then would be to your advantage to convert to Canadian prior to converting into CUC's.

 

To Canadians travelling to Cuba it should be understood that the conversion rate for Canadian to CUC's is based on the value of the US dollar and because of the weakness of the Canadian dollar we will receive substantially less CUC's per dollar than we did in the previous seasons.

 

ONT-CA

 

Thank you for your response. My deposit was made w/Bank of America card and in US dollars. I plan to apply for a Capital One card that has no foreign transaction fees. I will bring some Euros for the casino!!!

[ONT-CA]

Further to my post regarding the number of passengers we can expect with a sellout crowd, below are the number of cabins and the maximum capacity for each type. There are a total of 155 cabins that are specified for 5 passengers each. I think you can see that like most cruises there will be but two passengers in most of these cabins thereby making the total population aboard much smaller than the 1,200 capacity stated;

 

CAT..DK…No.

 

SI…..6…....2…..IMPERIAL…..3 persons

SB….7…....8…..BALCONY…...3…..”

S…….6…....2…..SUITE………...3….”

S…….6…....4…..JR/. Suite……3….”

SJ…..6…..53….DLX. OUT…....3….”

XF….7…....30….DLX OUT…....4….”

XE….6…....73….PRM.OUT…....5….”

XD….4+3..53….PRM.OUT…....5….”

XC….4+3..29….SPR.OUT….....5….”

XB….5+3..42….SPR.OUT….....2….”

XBO..6…...42….SPR.OUT….....4….”

XA…..2…...17….STD.OUT….....4….”

XAO…5…....4….STD.OUT….....2….”

IE…..7+6...23….DLX , IN……..3…”

ID.7+6+5…62…PRM.IN……....4…”

IC……..4…...42…SPR. IN……...4…”

IB..5+4+3..31….STD. IN…....4…”

IA……3……....5…..STD.IN……..4…".

[retiring soon]

Hi all!

 

Ron ~ I'm not able to find out how many cabins are available like I was last year. The website has really changed!

 

Don ~ coming in to Montego Bay we did our exchange at the 1st port which was Cienfuegos. There was a booth set up there. When we've flown to Cuba for an AI we got the money at the airport.

 

I received an email today from a travel company in Toronto that is offering the cruise for the 2nd time & they say space is very limited. Seems that the current offer ends soon.

 

Chimo!

 

~ Jo ~ :)

[gubby]

After watching the value of our dollar falling against the US dollar, I am so thankful that we were able to make our reservation and payments in Canadian dollars. Sorry that we will not be doing quite so well when we exchange for CUC's but this will still be much less expensive than most cruise vacations that are priced in the greenback. We also booked our air when the value was a little better.

 

I certainly pray that the slide stops soon. Because of the weather here in the first 3 months of the year, we have become accustomed to travelling to S.C. for the winter. At this point, our accommodation will be increased by an extra thousand dollars. That is less than heating our home, buying gas and snow tires, and electricity would cost if we were to stay home, but the tipping point is not far off.

 

Nikki

Edited August 26, 2015 by gubby