Isla Girl

How were you charged for tipping on drinks? Did you pay a tip for each individual drink, or did you pay the tip on the drink package?

We didn't pay any extra for this for drinks. On our final bill at end of week our service charges of 9 euros pp per day we paid. Service for drinks for us wasn't great so we didn't tip extra. We did give our dinner waiter a tip at the end of the week and the gal at customer service who helped us with our room upgrade. Our drink package was included in the price of our cruise. With respect to the smoking, the staff did talk to the smokers and asked them to move but that didn't do much. We would opt fr a non smoking cruise next time.

I haven't had a chance to write a review yet but if anyone has questions, I will answer them.

Bring motion sickness pills - sailing out and into Havana was rough. We didn't use them but we certainly came close!! Have them just in case. We upgraded after 3 nights to a room with a window, cost us just under 300 Canadian. Walls in rooms are thin - you can hear your neighbors doing everything!!!

Excursions seemed organized. Leaving the ship the last day wasn't well organized from a ground point - groups left the ship every 15 minutes - we left at 3:00 pm, our bus was picking us up at 5:00 pm so we waited in the very hot terminal with many passengers for 2 hours after getting our luggage. Then when the busses showed up, our guides were outside, after they told us to remain in the building. I'm surprised people didn't get left behind!

We thought the food was very good and well presented with plenty of options. At the sit down dinner you could have a 5 course meal and more each night if you wanted to. We have been to 5 star, 6 diamond and Sandals resorts and thought the food was amazing on this cruise. Service for the drinks in the bars or by the pool was hit or miss. Our cruise came with the drink package but they hounded everyone to buy the package or upgrade their package but then their service lacked. You would have to flag down the servers for a drink and then they would come by to pick up your empty glass an hour later and not ask if you wanted anything else.

Excursions are pricey and in euros. We did the Tropicana, the Havana by classic cars and Stingray City in Grand Cayman. That with our daily service charges of tips and upgrading our room - our bill when we left was $841 euros.

I would recommend at least the Allegrissmo drink package as this includes, water, coffee, tea, beer, wine, liquor, gelato, sparkling wine and sparkling waters. You can keep tabs on what you order as you have to sign for all drinks you order. The price is on the receipt of what you would have spent. I think it was 9.60 euros for each draft beer. Almost 3.00 euros for a coffee. This was our first cruise. We chose it because of the price and the ports of call (we've been to all of these places except Cayman Islands) and wanted to enjoy the boat. On sea day it was very busy by the pools and deck. Hard pressed to get a lounger or chairs. Excursion days we had the pools to ourselves! That was really a nice treat.

Lots of the European smokers smoked in no smoking areas and didn't listen to the staff when they were asked to move. You can smell the smoke on decks 5 and 6 because they can smoke in one of the bars and the casinos on these levels. If we ever cruised again we would look for a non-smoking boat. Hope this helps and if you have questions, ask.

We are going Dec 24 to 31st. I will write a review and post here as well when we get back. I asked some questions but haven't gotten many replies. I wanted to know about white night and 70's night and Cuban convertible pesos.

We are new at cruising. Wondering is there a place near the dock in Havana to buy Cuban pesos? Is American currency ok for Cayman Islands? When is White night and 70's night on the ship if they have these and what time do these start in the evening? Any other information you can offer to newbie cruisers would be appreciated. We are seasoned travellers but first time for a cruise. Thanks!!

We are booked Dec 24 to 31st. Booked through Sunwing. Got a great deal and I believe the prices have dropped so even better if you book now. We are looking forward to the cruise. Our first cruise. We have been to all of the port of call except Cayman Islands. Will enjoy time again Havana, this time at night and spend time on the ship. I will post a review upon our return. Any info anyone has, we will take.