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ScottC4746
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ScottC4746

ScottC4746

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I have an April 2019 cruise to Cuba that I am not sure if I am going to go ashore or not. This is on the Empress. What is left on board to do while in port? This is my first time to Cuba and I know other port cities have a cruise village if you will, but Cuba is different as I cannot use US cash there.

 

I have read a problem with the Cuban Peso is there are two varieties: The Convertible which I can then exchange back before boarding the ship and the Standard for locals. I have read some exchange houses that look legit will actually exchange the standard with the tourist so they are stuck with it. I am not THAT savvy and makes me want to stay in my stateroom with the covers over my head. :D

 

I know on past cruises whilst in port the shops and casino are closed but I believe the pool, spa, and bars are still open. Correct?

 

I guess this is when port talks are important to attend.

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msmayor

msmayor

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I am one that will often enjoy a day on the ship when it is in port, but I'm curious to ask why you would take a cruise that includes Cuba (and likely has a pricing premium because of that port) and NOT get off the ship?

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ScottC4746

ScottC4746

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I am one that will often enjoy a day on the ship when it is in port, but I'm curious to ask why you would take a cruise that includes Cuba (and likely has a pricing premium because of that port) and NOT get off the ship?

At 53 years old I finally got the opportunity to go to college and earn my degree. This falls perfectly during my spring break.

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BekkaW

BekkaW

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I have an April 2019 cruise to Cuba that I am not sure if I am going to go ashore or not. This is on the Empress. What is left on board to do while in port? This is my first time to Cuba and I know other port cities have a cruise village if you will, but Cuba is different as I cannot use US cash there.

 

I have read a problem with the Cuban Peso is there are two varieties: The Convertible which I can then exchange back before boarding the ship and the Standard for locals. I have read some exchange houses that look legit will actually exchange the standard with the tourist so they are stuck with it. I am not THAT savvy and makes me want to stay in my stateroom with the covers over my head. :D

 

I know on past cruises whilst in port the shops and casino are closed but I believe the pool, spa, and bars are still open. Correct?

 

I guess this is when port talks are important to attend.

 

I have been researching this as we are on Empress to Cuba in November. There is an exchange place literally in the terminal as you exit the ship. No need to use any other place.

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Grandma Dazzles

Grandma Dazzles

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Many ports don't have a "cruise village" as you call it. Cuba is a different port to visit - can't imagine why you would not want to get off the ship.

 

I frequently stay on the ship in Caribbean ports - kind of been there, done that, feeling. However, I will often get off the ship, walk around, perhaps take some pictures, and get back on the ship. Don't need money as I don't spend anything!

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upwarduk

upwarduk

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We have recently returned from a Baltic Cruise.

I didn’t buy any Danish or Swedish Kroner, but just used my Credit Card.

Is it possible to do that in Cuba?

I would also join the Roll Call for your Cruise and put this question there and on the Ports of Call board. I think you might get more appropriate answers.

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av8tr21

av8tr21

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I have an April 2019 cruise to Cuba that I am not sure if I am going to go ashore or not. This is on the Empress. What is left on board to do while in port? This is my first time to Cuba and I know other port cities have a cruise village if you will, but Cuba is different as I cannot use US cash there.

 

 

 

I have read a problem with the Cuban Peso is there are two varieties: The Convertible which I can then exchange back before boarding the ship and the Standard for locals. I have read some exchange houses that look legit will actually exchange the standard with the tourist so they are stuck with it. I am not THAT savvy and makes me want to stay in my stateroom with the covers over my head. :D

 

 

 

I know on past cruises whilst in port the shops and casino are closed but I believe the pool, spa, and bars are still open. Correct?

 

 

 

I guess this is when port talks are important to attend.

 

 

 

We took a 5-night Cuba cruise last July before the restrictions tightened. While I wouldn’t go back, it was on my bucket list and I’m thankful to have been able to go. I would highly encourage you to get off the ship, book an excursion. We booked a guide for the day and rode around in a 1956 Bel-Air...this was a private excursion. I’ll have to go through my email and find the name. Highly recommended!

 

I agree with others, silly to book a Cuba cruise and not get off the ship.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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cruisinfromtampa

cruisinfromtampa

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I have an April 2019 cruise to Cuba that I am not sure if I am going to go ashore or not. This is on the Empress. What is left on board to do while in port? This is my first time to Cuba and I know other port cities have a cruise village if you will, but Cuba is different as I cannot use US cash there.

 

I have read a problem with the Cuban Peso is there are two varieties: The Convertible which I can then exchange back before boarding the ship and the Standard for locals. I have read some exchange houses that look legit will actually exchange the standard with the tourist so they are stuck with it. I am not THAT savvy and makes me want to stay in my stateroom with the covers over my head. :D

 

I know on past cruises whilst in port the shops and casino are closed but I believe the pool, spa, and bars are still open. Correct?

 

I guess this is when port talks are important to attend.

 

 

There is a Currency Exchange in the terminal immediately after you go through immigration. You are able to exchange there.

 

 

We were on a tour through the ship, and everywhere we went took USD. It wasn't an issue at all.

 

In July, we took both sets of parents with us, all in their mid to late 60s, and they absolutely loved it. They are so glad they were able to go.

 

Pool/Spa/Bars will all be open while in port, as well as the buffet for lunch.

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cruisinfromtampa

cruisinfromtampa

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We have recently returned from a Baltic Cruise.

I didn’t buy any Danish or Swedish Kroner, but just used my Credit Card.

Is it possible to do that in Cuba?

I would also join the Roll Call for your Cruise and put this question there and on the Ports of Call board. I think you might get more appropriate answers.

 

US issued credit cards are not accepted on the island. While I know cards were being used, I am not sure what kind/which countries they were from.

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