Not on my Bucket list for a cruise.

[Kamloops50]

Have done a land trip to Cuba . After the trip I was very upset as to the treatment of the Castro's to the general population. I don't think that we'll see mainline cruises to Cuba , no infrastructure to support the numbers.

[ONT-CA]

Have done a land trip to Cuba . After the trip I was very upset as to the treatment of the Castro's to the general population. I don't think that we'll see mainline cruises to Cuba , no infrastructure to support the numbers.

 

 

I can't think of a better way to get your point across to the people of Cuba than by visiting them. A People To People sort of thing. While I agree that the infrastructure could not support ships like Displacement Of The Seas, vessels like the Renaissance originals would be ideal and could certainly be accommodated. And of course ships take the pressure off supplying accommodations ashore. I would imagine that their entry into this market would be based on the bottom line, not politics.

[Di Princess]

I love the 800-pax R-ships and think they are perfect.

 

Actually, it was just recently announced that Carnival Corporation has a new cruise line with one of them and she is going to do Cuba next year. ;)

[Despegue]

Have done a land trip to Cuba . After the trip I was very upset as to the treatment of the Castro's to the general population. I don't think that we'll see mainline cruises to Cuba , no infrastructure to support the numbers.

 

The Castro's treat their fellow Cubans tens of times better than the USA backed Batista regime before the revolution.

Education, healthcare is totally free in Cuba, and is of a higher quality than in a lot,of areas in the USA, where the healthcare and education system is that of a Third World country where you have to,be affluent to get good education /care.

 

 

The poverty is mainly because of the embargo which was put into place under pressure of large corporations like Bacardi and the rich exiled Cubans in the USA.

[flamingos]

I had a teacher who visited Communist Russia during the Cold War and even though they were heavily monitored, had a minder and their photos were censored, she brought to us a vivid picture of real, live people instead of this frightening Red Menace that we were afraid would drop a bomb on us. It changed my outlook to learn about life behind the Iron Curtain.

 

I am looking forward to going to Cuba as soon as possible, and every dollar spent on the local economy there helps real people more than it helps the government.

[cirman52]

Flamingos, very well said.

[Kamloops50]

The Castro's treat their fellow Cubans tens of times better than the USA backed Batista regime before the revolution.

Education, healthcare is totally free in Cuba, and is of a higher quality than in a lot,of areas in the USA, where the healthcare and education system is that of a Third World country where you have to,be affluent to get good education /care.

 

 

The poverty is mainly because of the embargo which was put into place under pressure of large corporations like Bacardi and the rich exiled Cubans in the USA.

 

Have you visited Cuba. Last time we where there lawyers and other professionals where quitting and becoming tour guides. The wages where better and tips were in foreign currency. The locals couldn't count on getting food that wasn't in season.

[Donsyb]

Have you visited Cuba. Last time we where there lawyers and other professionals where quitting and becoming tour guides. The wages where better and tips were in foreign currency. The locals couldn't count on getting food that wasn't in season.

 

Which is compatible with what the poster said? The reason they can only get food in season is BECAUSE of the US embargo.

 

As it's a communist country and wages are dictated by the state then it makes sense that a job dealing with tourist would end up being better paid, as they can get 'under the table' payments through tips etc - doesn't necessarily mean they're ill treated (I cannot say whether they are or not as I haven't yet been).

[Kamloops50]

Which is compatible with what the poster said? The reason they can only get food in season is BECAUSE of the US embargo.

 

As it's a communist country and wages are dictated by the state then it makes sense that a job dealing with tourist would end up being better paid, as they can get 'under the table' payments through tips etc - doesn't necessarily mean they're ill treated (I cannot say whether they are or not as I haven't yet been).

 

It's not because of the embargo . Cuba imports a lot food from countries other than the US. Food in the markets is based on what is in season and is cheap to buy.

[Donsyb]

It's not because of the embargo . Cuba imports a lot food from countries other than the US. Food in the markets is based on what is in season and is cheap to buy.

 

Which is a very good way to eat, and certainly being heavily promoted in the UK these days.....

Edited October 28, 2015 by Donsyb

[keltic]

Some idealistic and mostalgic view of Cuba here, and reality is much worse. Of course revolution made cubans to get rid of a tyrant but getting another And making one of the most devoleped country in the world with huge gaps of poverty into one where mostly everybody is poor.

[KirkNC]

I am taking a wait and see approach.

[Kamloops50]

If Cuba is so great . Why do university professors work as tour guides? They make more as tour guides then professors.

Why do they have to import oil ?

Cuba isn't a utopia of socialism , it's the worst of socialism.

Why did Fidel go to Mexico for medical treament?

[MommaBear55]

I remember the Bay of Pigs and nuclear bomb drills at school and the fear of a possible missile strike. While I am aware that a lot of that was hysteria of the 60's, it leaves me with bad memories and no interest in visiting Cuba.

[keltic]

Cuba appart from the thugs they are in power is millions of people who need help and support. People who make a living out of tourism. Move on guys. We in Spain have done it. It hard to remember that millions of Spaniard who moved in the early tuenties have been pundered. We have friends and relatives there who are not having a good time, but embargo hasn't proved to be helpfull. Cuba is nice people awesome colonial cities, incredible prístine beaches and landscapes.

 

Don't behave as world global cops. Just go, enjoy and load your luggage with things to make them happy. Medicines, clothes, cosmetics.

 

It's amazing seeing that the same prejudices are not applied to China where many americans travel, and buy dozens of chinese stuff. Nobody force anyone to go. It's your loss folks.

 

Enviado desde mi GT-N8000 mediante Tapatalk

[Pet Nit Noy]

I had a teacher who visited Communist Russia during the Cold War and even though they were heavily monitored, had a minder and their photos were censored, she brought to us a vivid picture of real, live people instead of this frightening Red Menace that we were afraid would drop a bomb on us. It changed my outlook to learn about life behind the Iron Curtain.

 

I am looking forward to going to Cuba as soon as possible, and every dollar spent on the local economy there helps real people more than it helps the government.

 

Dining in restaurants or staying in a B and B is the best way to get money directly to the people of Cuba. The government allows some private ownership in those two industries. Every hotel is owned by the government.

[Keith1010]

I look forward to getting to see Cuba first hand.

 

Part of travel is discovery.

 

I have learned over the years that I can get learn so much more by seeing places through my very own eyes then those of others.

 

Thankfully we have sailed many places around the world.

 

The irony to people who have these memories is the same could be said about so many other countries.

 

WWII (Japan, **** Germany), (Vietnam War), China (Communism) Russia (Cold War) and the list goes on and on and on.

 

Times change.

 

Keith

Edited April 2, 2016 by Keith1010

[Pet Nit Noy]

I remember the Bay of Pigs and nuclear bomb drills at school and the fear of a possible missile strike. While I am aware that a lot of that was hysteria of the 60's, it leaves me with bad memories and no interest in visiting Cuba.

 

I'm of the same generation and, as someone who lived nine miles from the capital building in DC, we knew for certain that we were one of the prime targets for those missile strikes. (We even got a letter that if there was an incoming missile warning, walkers would be released from school to go home, but bus riders would shelter in place in the school. What a joke!)

 

However, I came to a very different conclusion than you do. I was thrilled that I had lived long enough to form a new impression of a country that had been a boogeyman in my life for so long. I visited last December on a People-to-People land program and we really stuck to the rules. No beach time and lots of cultural and historical experiences with excellent guides. Fascinating. A real trip down memory lane between my own memories of that era and the cars from the 40s and 50s on the road.

 

I don't feel a need to return, but I'm delighted to have gone once.

Edited April 2, 2016 by Pet Nit Noy

[keltic]

Semi private restaurants are called "paladares". Some quite remarkable, and most in private houses. They have to share the benefits with the government. The same is applied to private accomations, small tour operators or transfers owners.

[Pet Nit Noy]

Semi private restaurants are called "paladares". Some quite remarkable, and most in private houses. They have to share the benefits with the government. The same is applied to private accomations, small tour operators or transfers owners.

 

All of this is true, but I was responding to the poster who wanted to get money into the local economy. At least in the case of the restaurants, tour operators, and B & Bs, some of the money goes directly to the private individual. Paying your hotel bill or the admission fees doesn't get the money into the local economy in the sense that I suspect the poster meant.

[keltic]

All of this is true, but I was responding to the poster who wanted to get money into the local economy. At least in the case of the restaurants, tour operators, and B & Bs, some of the money goes directly to the private individual. Paying your hotel bill or the admission fees doesn't get the money into the local economy in the sense that I suspect the poster meant.

Sure¡¡¡. It's a practise here in Europe when we go to Cuba to have our luggage full of things and going back with our suitcase empty. They do appreciate the aid of small items like cosmetics or even regular soap. It's a direct way to provide direct assistance.

 

I don't know if things have changed lately but they even have problems with common drugs. They are supposed to have universal free medical assistance but they can't find treatments except in private drugstores where prices are in dollars.

 

I was sending insuline to a friend for a while until he was able to move out of the country.

[tring]

. Every hotel is owned by the government.

 

This statement is untrue.

 

Many hotels are owned by hotel chains outside Cuba. Two immediately come to my mind, as we have recently stayed in them. They are the Melia Habana (owned by Melia Hotels) and The Blau Varadero (owned by Blau Hotels). Most of the upmarket hotels are privately owned, the one exception I can think of is The Nacional. Presumably they will be well taxed, but remember a lot is provided by the Government, including accommodation for the local people and other services. Staying in Hotels also gives jobs to local people and the opportunity to gain tips, which are well appreciated by the staff.

 

Regarding health, my husband needed medical care when he was in Cuba and some drugs were only available in the local pharmacy and not in the international pharmacy. A local lady was able to obtain them for us. Supply can be a problem for some things, but we were able to buy an important item from a pharmacy over there, that we have since not been able to get on a UK prescription since our return as the wholesalers are out of stock.

Edited April 2, 2016 by tring

[Pet Nit Noy]

This statement is untrue.

 

Many hotels are owned by hotel chains outside Cuba. Two immediately come to my mind, as we have recently stayed in them. They are the Melia Habana (owned by Melia Hotels) and The Blau Varadero (owned by Blau Hotels). Most of the upmarket hotels are privately owned, the one exception I can think of is The Nacional. Presumably they will be well taxed, but remember a lot is provided by the Government, including accommodation for the local people and other services. Staying in Hotels also gives jobs to local people and the opportunity to gain tips, which are well appreciated by the staff.

 

Sigh, please remember my comments were made within the context of Flamingo's comment about helping the local economy. ("I am looking forward to going to Cuba as soon as possible, and every dollar spent on the local economy there helps real people more than it helps the government." Yes, the Melia Hotels and the Blau Hotels are owned by private foreign corporations in partnership with the Cuban government. This is a fact, but it is not in the spirit of of meeting Flamingo's goals, the occasional tip notwithstanding. Not even the money spent at private restaurants, on tours, and in small B & Bs goes entirely to the "real people" but it sure comes closer to that goal than staying at the Melia and Blau hotels.

 

We'll agree to disagree.

Edited April 2, 2016 by Pet Nit Noy

[Pet Nit Noy]

I don't know if things have changed lately but they even have problems with common drugs. They are supposed to have universal free medical assistance

 

I don't know anything about private drugstore with prices in USD, but as of December, the state-run clinic we visited had serious problems with antiquated equipment and limited inventory of medicine.

 

We visited a clinic for the residents of Las Terrazas because it is visited less frequently than clinics in Havana. There were no doctors in our group so no one brought RX medicines, but everyone brought lots of over the counter medicine. My husband and I brought antibiotic ointment, adult and child vitamins, adult and children's toothbrushes, and aspirin. Collectively, we were very generous, but I could see how quickly the supplies would be consumed.

[tring]

Sigh, please remember my comments were made within the context of Flamingo's comment about helping the local economy. ("I am looking forward to going to Cuba as soon as possible, and every dollar spent on the local economy there helps real people more than it helps the government." Yes, the Melia Hotels and the Blau Hotels are owned by private foreign corporations in partnership with the Cuban government. This is a fact, but it is not in the spirit of of meeting Flamingo's goals, the occasional tip notwithstanding. Not even the money spent at private restaurants, on tours, and in small B & Bs goes entirely to the "real people" but it sure comes closer to that goal than the Melia and Blau hotels.

 

We'll agree to disagree.

 

There is nothing to 'agree to disagree' about. Your statement I had commented on was 'all hotels are owned by the government' - it is NOT true, so your statement is wrong.