Cuba - 0530am sailaway from Havana (WHY)

[downundermatt]

So we were looking forward to our two days in Cuba on Majesty of the Seas this May.

Turns out we are scheduled to depart at 0530 (so in fact are in Cuba less than 24 hours)

 

Just wondering has anyway done this cruise, have heard mixed reviews of Majesty.

And I know Cubans party late, but the 0530 departure midweek has me totally confused.

 

And as an Australian, am I best to get the visa via the Ship or in advance ?

[Biker19]

13 hours ago, downundermatt said:

 

 

And as an Australian, am I best to get the visa via the Ship or in advance ?

The repotting is that on board the visa is $75, so very likely you can get it before hand for less than that. 

[Floridadude]

I did this Cruise on the Majesty a few months ago.

We didn’t depart Havana until 11:30 am.

Had time to get off ship for Cuban breakfast and exchange CUC’s back to US $.

Ship was good, clean and well cared for.

Food was the worst of any of my 30+ sailings. 

They automatically charge your account $75 pp for the Cuban Visa.

We did the 8 hour vintage convertible tour with Blexie. Fantastic!

Then back to the ship at 7 pm to shower, then get a taxi to the Tropicana nightclub for the 10 pm show. Highly recommend. I ordered tickets for the show 3 months in advance online.

 

 

 

Edited January 20, 2019 by Floridadude
Name error

[Cruiser24]

Thanks for the alert about 5:30AM departure on Day 2.  I hadn't noticed the change.   When I booked this cruise we were in port until 2:30 the second day.  I'm very disappointed as we already had plans that will now need to be cancelled.  I guess overnight in Havana only means overnight, not being there the next day

[ssb]

Another ship probably has priority for dock over Majesty at that time most likely. Even though Cuba has plans for more dicking and terminals, they are limited now with very high demand . There is much juggling of time slots I have observed. 

Edited January 22, 2019 by ssb

[Snit13]

21 minutes ago, ssb said:

Another ship probably has priority for dock over Majesty at that time most likely. Even though Cuba has plans for more dicking and terminals, they are limited now with very high demand . There is much juggling of time slots I have observed. 

This is most likely the correct answer.  We went on Empress in Oct. 2017 and had to sit outside harbor entrance until a Carnival ship departed as there was only dock space for one cruise ship at a time.  I have not heard/read any reports of the Cuban Socialist Government opening another dock even though the space is available.  Their docks are falling down and repair does not seem to be a priority.

[ssb]

9 minutes ago, Snit13 said:

This is most likely the correct answer.  We went on Empress in Oct. 2017 and had to sit outside harbor entrance until a Carnival ship departed as there was only dock space for one cruise ship at a time.  I have not heard/read any reports of the Cuban Socialist Government opening another dock even though the space is available.  Their docks are falling down and repair does not seem to be a priority.

Global Ports Holding Plc, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, is pleased to announce that it has signed a 15-year management agreement with the Cuban company Aries S.A., for the operation of the cruise port in Havana, Cuba.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Group will from 21st June 2018, use its global expertise and operating model to manage all of the cruise port operations over the life of the Agreement. 

As consideration, the Group will be paid a management fee that is based on a number of factors including passenger numbers, with growth based incentives. In addition to operating the cruise port operations, the Group will continue to work with our Cuban partners on the design and technical specification of the cruise port investment program, including proposed new terminals. Once these have been completed GPH will take responsibility for the marketing and commercialisation of these new facilities.

The Agreement is part of significant investment by Cuba into the port area and the tourism infrastructure in Havana. The port currently has capacity of two berths and in 2017 welcomed c328,000 cruise passengers, a growth rate of 156% compared to 2016, with over 500,000 cruise passengers forecast for 2018. 

As part of Cuba’s significant investment program into the port and surrounding area the number of berths will increase to six by 2024, significantly increasing the passenger capacity of the Havana port.

Cuba, located in the northern Caribbean, is the largest island in the Caribbean. Havana, the capital city of Cuba, is its major port and commercial centre and offers visitors a truly unique experience. The port itself is situated at the heart of Havana and only a 30-minute drive from Jose Marti International Airport, making it an ideal home porting destination.

Global Ports Holding, Chairman and Co-Founder Mehmet Kutman said:

“I am very happy that we have signed an agreement for Havana Cruise Port, the first step in the Group’s growth strategy for the Americas. This spectacular city and country is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted by world famous architecture, a vibrant music scene and the famous local hospitality. We very much look forward to working with our Cuban partners to deliver a fantastic cruise port experience.”

Global Ports Holding, CEO Emre Sayin said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the management contract for the Havana cruise port and look forward to playing our role in developing the cruise port and the wider visitor experience in Havana, as well as Cuba more broadly.

This represents our first Agreement in the Caribbean, in line with our strategy of expansion into the Americas cruise port market and therefore marks an important step in the development of Global Ports Holding. The GPH team looks forward to working with our local partners and local staff to drive continued growth in cruise passenger volumes at Havana Port and deliver both world class cruise port facilities and a great cruise experience for all passengers visiting Havana.”

Caribbean cruise market

The Caribbean is the largest cruise market in the world, with 9.6m passengers enjoying a cruise in the Caribbean in 2017, representing a global market share of c35%2. While the Caribbean market is by far the largest cruise market in the world, it has continued to grow strongly in recent years, with passenger volumes rising at CAGR of 4.5% since 2012.

Industry forecasts indicate that growth is expected to continue over the medium term. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is currently forecasting capacity3 in the Caribbean to grow at a CAGR of over 6% out to 2020, which is above the long term CAGR of 5.4% that has been experienced globally since 2001.

(Global Ports Holding Plc)

[Dave85]

Did this cruise last month. Majesty is dated but in good shape. Layout is choppy and inefficient compared to newer ships, but Majesty felt less crowded, which was nice. Food was subpar compared to other RC cruises.

 

Visa can be easily purchased through RC at check in and billed to your on board account. Disembarkation in Cuba was HORRIBLE - took us 2 hours ship to street... Allow plenty of time. We used FerTours (private tour) and had an excellent experience. Overall no regrets taking that cruise and I would do the whole thing over again.

Edited January 22, 2019 by Dave85

[Snit13]

26 minutes ago, ssb said:

Global Ports Holding Plc, the world’s largest independent cruise port operator, is pleased to announce that it has signed a 15-year management agreement with the Cuban company Aries S.A., for the operation of the cruise port in Havana, Cuba.

Under the terms of the Agreement, the Group will from 21st June 2018, use its global expertise and operating model to manage all of the cruise port operations over the life of the Agreement. 

As consideration, the Group will be paid a management fee that is based on a number of factors including passenger numbers, with growth based incentives. In addition to operating the cruise port operations, the Group will continue to work with our Cuban partners on the design and technical specification of the cruise port investment program, including proposed new terminals. Once these have been completed GPH will take responsibility for the marketing and commercialisation of these new facilities.

The Agreement is part of significant investment by Cuba into the port area and the tourism infrastructure in Havana. The port currently has capacity of two berths and in 2017 welcomed c328,000 cruise passengers, a growth rate of 156% compared to 2016, with over 500,000 cruise passengers forecast for 2018. 

As part of Cuba’s significant investment program into the port and surrounding area the number of berths will increase to six by 2024, significantly increasing the passenger capacity of the Havana port.

Cuba, located in the northern Caribbean, is the largest island in the Caribbean. Havana, the capital city of Cuba, is its major port and commercial centre and offers visitors a truly unique experience. The port itself is situated at the heart of Havana and only a 30-minute drive from Jose Marti International Airport, making it an ideal home porting destination.

Global Ports Holding, Chairman and Co-Founder Mehmet Kutman said:

“I am very happy that we have signed an agreement for Havana Cruise Port, the first step in the Group’s growth strategy for the Americas. This spectacular city and country is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted by world famous architecture, a vibrant music scene and the famous local hospitality. We very much look forward to working with our Cuban partners to deliver a fantastic cruise port experience.”

Global Ports Holding, CEO Emre Sayin said:

“We are delighted to have been awarded the management contract for the Havana cruise port and look forward to playing our role in developing the cruise port and the wider visitor experience in Havana, as well as Cuba more broadly.

This represents our first Agreement in the Caribbean, in line with our strategy of expansion into the Americas cruise port market and therefore marks an important step in the development of Global Ports Holding. The GPH team looks forward to working with our local partners and local staff to drive continued growth in cruise passenger volumes at Havana Port and deliver both world class cruise port facilities and a great cruise experience for all passengers visiting Havana.”

Caribbean cruise market

The Caribbean is the largest cruise market in the world, with 9.6m passengers enjoying a cruise in the Caribbean in 2017, representing a global market share of c35%2. While the Caribbean market is by far the largest cruise market in the world, it has continued to grow strongly in recent years, with passenger volumes rising at CAGR of 4.5% since 2012.

Industry forecasts indicate that growth is expected to continue over the medium term. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), is currently forecasting capacity3 in the Caribbean to grow at a CAGR of over 6% out to 2020, which is above the long term CAGR of 5.4% that has been experienced globally since 2001.

(Global Ports Holding Plc)

Good news.  Thanks for informing me/us.

[clarkie02360]

My wife and I are booked on an upcoming Majesty of the Seas cruise with an overnight in Havana.  The RCI website says the ship leaves port at 5:30 am however the Havana Cruise port schedule has the boat leaving at 1pm and the next cruise ship Marella Fusion arriving at 2pm.   So I'm wondering if the 5:30 departure is to make sure all passengers are on the ship and not left behind?   I'd be interested in hearing from cruisers who have been on this itinerary and what time the ship did actually leave port.   I did see an earlier response of 11:30am, but would like to hear from others.  

We would love to be able to walk around Old Havana for a few hours on the second day.

[kcbookworm]

We are doing the 5 night Key West/Overnight in Havana itinerary departing April 8th.  Our itinerary shows departing Havana at Noon.  I sure hope that is right! 

[kcbookworm]

On ‎1‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 8:29 AM, Dave85 said:

Did this cruise last month. Majesty is dated but in good shape. Layout is choppy and inefficient compared to newer ships, but Majesty felt less crowded, which was nice. Food was subpar compared to other RC cruises.

 

Visa can be easily purchased through RC at check in and billed to your on board account. Disembarkation in Cuba was HORRIBLE - took us 2 hours ship to street... Allow plenty of time. We used FerTours (private tour) and had an excellent experience. Overall no regrets taking that cruise and I would do the whole thing over again.

Could you please tell me more about the disembarkation in Cuba?  What was the holdup?  What time did you setup your tour to begin?  We do not want to book with RC and don't want to be late for our tour!

 

[kcbookworm]

On ‎1‎/‎20‎/‎2019 at 2:51 AM, Floridadude said:

I did this Cruise on the Majesty a few months ago.

We didn’t depart Havana until 11:30 am.

Had time to get off ship for Cuban breakfast and exchange CUC’s back to US $.

Ship was good, clean and well cared for.

Food was the worst of any of my 30+ sailings. 

They automatically charge your account $75 pp for the Cuban Visa.

We did the 8 hour vintage convertible tour with Blexie. Fantastic!

Then back to the ship at 7 pm to shower, then get a taxi to the Tropicana nightclub for the 10 pm show. Highly recommend. I ordered tickets for the show 3 months in advance online.

 

 

 

Did you book the night club on your own or thru RC?

[kcbookworm]

We are looking at Jazz Night at La Zorra y El Cuervo nightclub excursion thru RC.  Has anyone done this one?  We wondered if we would feel more comfortable in Havana at night with an RC excursion?

[Dave85]

1 hour ago, kcbookworm said:

Could you please tell me more about the disembarkation in Cuba?  What was the holdup?  What time did you setup your tour to begin?  We do not want to book with RC and don't want to be late for our tour!

 

Can’t tell you for sure what the holdup was or whether that level of delay is common, but our tour guide indicated that it’s often slow and people are often late. We tried to leave the ship at 9 for a 10:00 tour, and weren’t out of the terminal until 11:00. Fortunately it was a private tour for just our party, so the (FerTours) guide didn’t mind waiting. She was great.

[Floridadude]

On 1/31/2019 at 6:20 PM, kcbookworm said:

Did you book the night club on your own or thru RC?

I booked online tickets thru the night clubs website.

Did the $85 tickets, great seats.

There was 4 of us so we got the complimentary bottle of Havana club rum and Cola mixer. 

Ladies received a flower and Gentleman a cigar.

There was dinner available, but heard it was just mediocre.

We ate on the ship before getting a taxi at 8 pm. Show ended around midnight.

This was the view from our table.

Cheers!