barnsdall

We arrived back from Havana this past weekend and I would like to thank all those who gave info, tips, etc. on this board. It really helped us as first-timers to Cuba.

The cruise was great!!

Sure, there were a few minor annoyances but nothing to get really upset about. We had some problems with our door not locking but our cabin steward had the repairmen fix it in no time. The toilet paper situation is no big deal for us as our daughter lives on a Gulf Island here in BC, is on septic and her only source of water is rainwater collected in a cistern.

Food, entertainment and service were very good and the atmosphere generally was warm and friendly. There were quite a few Canadians, a large group from Norway, Luxembourgers, Germans, Dutch, Jamaican, English, Turkish, American and, no doubt, many others who I didn't meet.

We took the excursion to Biran which was our favourite by far. We also enjoyed swimming at Punta Frances. So I guess we are lucky that we took the cruise when we did.

Again, a huge THANK YOU to all of you who took the time to post info on the board.

Thanks so much, Liz54, ont-ca and retiring soon for all the great suggestions.

This thread has invaluable info regarding currency, shore excursions, etc. which will be a great help.

Starting to get excited!!

I have read the 80-odd pages on this thread and only wish I had come across it *before* I made our arrangements as this is our first trip to Cuba. I hope that some of the experienced travellers on this site will be willing to answer some questions.

We leave on the red-eye from Vancouver on Air Canada, connecting in Toronto, arriving in Veradero around noon. We are staying a couple of days in a casa. Will book the bus to Havana online, arriving about 3pm. Is 4 pm a good time for embarkation? I hope our outside cabin isn't the one with the foggy window:)

Unfortunately, I'm not good at walking long distances right now as awaiting knee surgery in May. How are the transfers from the ship to the tender? I have visions of leaping from one to the other and my bad leg crumbling under me....Yikes!! Are there any of the shore excursions to be avoided because of limited mobility?

We will stay in a casa in Vedado Havana for 5 nights after the cruise and plan to take taxis.

Thanks for any suggestions.