Empress of the Seas-Cuba

Just returned home from the inaugural cruise to Cuba. Had a great time. Empress and her staff was great! Any questions, I'll try to answer.

Did you do an excursion from RCCL, or private?

Yes. We took the walking tour around old Havana. Half way through the tour, we boarded a coach for a scenic tour with a stop at a restaurant to sample rum, cigars and coffee. Very interesting and the guide spoke very good English.

Yes. We took the walking tour around old Havana. Half way through the tour, we boarded a coach for a scenic tour with a stop at a restaurant to sample rum, cigars and coffee. Very interesting and the guide spoke very good English.

Is this the Old Havana Heritage Walking Tour, or the Old Havana City Sightseeing?

Hubs and I are leaning VERY strongly toward the latter.

What kind of activities did the ship offer?

It looks like you took the 4-hour tour? What did you do for the remainder of the time?

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Following

The Nordic Empress was our very first Royal cruise. I don't remember much about her.

We don't mind smaller ships, but how was the entertainment?

Are you happy that you did this cruise? Can you write a small review?

Thank you in advance.:):)

I am a little concerned about a comment from Karen who sailed on the April 19th inaugural, saying: ....... The VISA from RCL ....You can only leave the ship once. . our ship is an overniter, and we will be there from Wednesday around noon, until Thursday around 8PM...so I would want to get off the ship twice. Was your ship docked for just a short time ?

I am a little concerned about a comment from Karen who sailed on the April 19th inaugural, saying: ....... The VISA from RCL ....You can only leave the ship once. . our ship is an overniter, and we will be there from Wednesday around noon, until Thursday around 8PM...so I would want to get off the ship twice. Was your ship docked for just a short time ?

The Visa is good for your entire stay. You can go and come from the ship. You have to go through immigration each time. The first time they keep the visa and take your picture. After that they compare with the database they created to see how long the visa is for.

Following we go in july

We leave on May 20th and are on the 8 hour tour. Is there time to get Cuban $ at the exchange booths before the tours and if so are the lines LONG for exchange?

The Visa is good for your entire stay. You can go and come from the ship. You have to go through immigration each time. The first time they keep the visa and take your picture. After that they compare with the database they created to see how long the visa is for.

Thanks for this. I read the same concerning info that LIsLO did and panicked.

Appreciate the correct info

Need to know. Just received an email from Royal ShorEx that there are exchange booths ON BOARD THE SHIP ???? True??

So the Cuban people do not accept American money?

So the Cuban people do not accept American money?

Some do but many don't.

So the Cuban people do not accept American money?

Hello, We were in Cuba a few years ago (brits have been going there for a while) and found that most vendors and street sellers all accepted US dollars, we did not have any cuban currency at all.

Hope this helps.

Which side of the ship was facing the port/land, and is this usually how it is or is it a toss-up?:rolleyes: Thanks for all of your helpful information!;)

Is this the Old Havana Heritage Walking Tour, or the Old Havana City Sightseeing?

 

Hubs and I are leaning VERY strongly toward the latter.

We did the Old Havana Heritage tour. About half way through we got on a bus to see more of the city. We also stopped at a restaurant to sample rum, cigars and coffee. Really enjoyed it. Lot of walking

What kind of activities did the ship offer?

Activities on the ship or off?

It looks like you took the 4-hour tour? What did you do for the remainder of the time?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

After the tour we walked around town more shopping and stopped at a bar for a drink. We were beat! Needed a leg and foot message when we got back!

The Nordic Empress was our very first Royal cruise. I don't remember much about her.

We don't mind smaller ships, but how was the entertainment?

 

Are you happy that you did this cruise? Can you write a small review?

 

Thank you in advance.:):)

Loved the cruise! I will try to write a review this weekend.

So the Cuban people do not accept American money?

Was just there last week, i ran across a store somewhere in Ciego de Avila and found the prices of soda and cigarettes displayed in CUP,CUC and USD , if i remember it right its 75CUP,2CUC and 2.50 USD for a can of soda. They do accept it but are not always preferred as i was told that when locals try to exchange US at the bank they pay a nominal fee.

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Loved the cruise! I will try to write a review this weekend.

Looking forward to it!!

I am a little concerned about a comment from Karen who sailed on the April 19th inaugural, saying: ....... The VISA from RCL ....You can only leave the ship once. . our ship is an overniter, and we will be there from Wednesday around noon, until Thursday around 8PM...so I would want to get off the ship twice. Was your ship docked for just a short time ?

This was only a day in port not an overnight ear. As far as I understand you can get on and off multiple times. But you need to go thru their customs each time.