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Cuban Cruise Review - May 1st, 2017 - The very FIRST Norwegian sailing!!!

CTCruiser001

By CTCruiser001,
in Norwegian Cruise Line

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jenidallas

jenidallas

Posted
Posted
Again, I am NOT upset they do not speak English. I am VERY upset that NCL triples the cost of the show and gives you NOTHING but a bus ride and entry into the show. I am ONLY going to tour directly through Cuban companies. I want my money to go directly to the people. BUT taking into consideration the triple price, the LONG hot sweaty line to get in to the show AND not understanding a word .... it's all to consider for me.

 

It's easy to get to the shows directly on your own from the pier. If you want to see the show at the Parisian Cafe, have a taxi or driver take you to the Hotel Nacional - should be no more than 20 CUC and probably less if you are willing to negotiate. You can buy a ticket to the show, watch, and when done, the doorman at the hotel will get you a taxi back to the pier.

 

You can also see the classic 50s style Buena Vista Social Club show which is closer to the pier (a few blocks away). It was 30 CUC and included 3 drinks. (Or 50 CUC for 3 drinks plus dinner). No hot sweaty lines and if you saw the 1999 documentary about the Buena Vista Social Club, it's a very fascinating scene to witness even though most of the original performers are now passed.

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CruiseGal999

CruiseGal999

Posted
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What did people do for cell phones? Did anyone buy Mobal Int'l phone? Does your carrier have service in Havana? I want a phone ONLY to call the tour co. if the driver isn't there and I can ask what happened? OR if it is REALLY late/long getting off the ship & through customs I can call and advise I'm on my way, but delayed. I will NOT be calling home or chit chatting to the US.

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stars0921

stars0921

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Anyone know if the Buena Vista Social Club show at Hotel Nacional has an age requirement?

 

 

 

From what I read in his post the regular requirement is 18 but the cruise line has an agreement of 13 I think I saw. If you book through the ship.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

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5YearsCruzin

5YearsCruzin

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At the check in counter, one issue I was not expecting, and I saw a lot of people getting tripped up with was that the agent was asking for the copies of our affidavits which we were told to only email back to Norwegian. It appears they also need to collect these at the counter, something not made clear to us before hand.

 

Thankfully I kept all of the paperwork in relation to this cruise, and was able to procure these quickly from my bag. Others around us at the counter were having issues since many did not have these forms with them. BRING THESE WITH YOU TO THE PORT!!

 

 

We were given our visas and cabin keys and sent on our way!

I've included a photo of my visa since several folks have asked about this - The labels are blocking my personal information.

 

17bffd16a3c7f0b9a5037d8582be0f9c.jpg

 

 

Sent from my SM-T350 using Forums mobile app

 

This was the exact information I have been looking for. I can't thank you enough for telling us they supply the Visa in Miami. The printed people to people form is helpful too. i printed mine! Sailing in October, 2017

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MaccaMom

MaccaMom

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From what I read in his post the regular requirement is 18 but the cruise line has an agreement of 13 I think I saw. If you book through the ship.

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I believe that is the age requirement for the cabaret, but on Tuesdays they also feature The Buena Vista Social Club in another area of the hotel.

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kpjb

kpjb

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This is great info. We're considering this trip and you've answered almost everything I can imagine asking.

 

One question, though. I know that at one time MasterCard said that all their cards were going to be able to be used in Cuba. Did you try to use a credit card at all to see if it would go through? I'd still exchange some money for tours and tips, but knowing that I could use the card for shows, food, or in stores would make the trip much more spontaneous than having to try to plan out everything ahead of time to make sure I had exact amounts of CUCs.

 

Thanks so much for doing this review!

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CruiseGal999

CruiseGal999

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This is great info. We're considering this trip and you've answered almost everything I can imagine asking.

 

One question though. I know that at one time MasterCard said that all their cards were going to be able to be used in Cuba. Did you try to use a credit card at all to see if it would go through? I'd still exchange some money for tours and tips, but knowing that I could use the card for shows, food, or in stores would make the trip much more spontaneous than having to try to plan out everything ahead of time to make sure I had exact amounts of CUCs.

 

Thanks so much for doing this review!

 

I've copied & pasted pieces of two articles & info. I found re: credit cards in Cuba. Overall, I think the major issue is Havana doesn't have the ability to process credit card payments and the cost of getting paid by credit cards. Companies I've emailed state they do not have printers. Having a computer and email service is a huge leap into the 20th century for them. Yes I know it's the 21st century. That's my point. :)

 

3. Re: Do American credit cards work in Cuba yet?

Nov 12, 2016, 11:07 AM

 

 

Hi...was in Cuba a few weeks back and met a man from Florida and later a woman from NYC. Both had not done research, and both assumed their cards would work. They were left without adequate funds. One was at the Cadeca trying to arrange for Western Union and the other was lucky enough to be traveling with a Canadian friend that could access cash. Bring cash!

 

I was hesitant to bring a large sum, however, it was seamless and I never felt unsafe.

 

Enjoy your trip!

No card issued by a bank that has any connection with the United States will beaccepted in Cuba, although MasterCard now say say it will lift a block on U.S. bank-card transactions in Cuba, but to date I do not believe that they have done so.. ... They can be used in ATM's or to draw money from a Cadeca or Bank.

GoSm1.png logo_webroot.png

 

 

 

 

Cuba: Currency and Credit Cards - TripAdvisor

 

 

 

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kpjb

kpjb

Posted
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Thanks. I thought the issue was the embargo, not the technology.

 

So if they can be used in ATMs, I wonder if the exchange rate through the CC company would be favorable to that of the cadeca, and if they also are required to charge the extra 10%.

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anonmom

anonmom

Posted
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One more question for OP and anyone else booked on this itinerary: when did you book this trip? I'm wondering if some people booked at normal Sky prices and then were lucky enough to get "upgraded" to the Havana itinerary.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Forums mobile app

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darienill

darienill

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One more question for OP and anyone else booked on this itinerary: when did you book this trip? I'm wondering if some people booked at normal Sky prices and then were lucky enough to get "upgraded" to the Havana itinerary.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Forums mobile app

 

Nope, we got a card in the mail announcing Cuba trips and called April 18th. Went thru Casinos At Sea.

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Yunah

Yunah

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Posted
One more question for OP and anyone else booked on this itinerary: when did you book this trip? I'm wondering if some people booked at normal Sky prices and then were lucky enough to get "upgraded" to the Havana itinerary.

 

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Forums mobile app

 

I believe we did! When we originally booked at the end of last year there was no news about the Cuba sailings as yet. At some point during this year we received the news that our itinerary would change but we were not requested to pay any extra (as far as I'm aware).

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CTCruiser001 "Live from...." Rare

CTCruiser001

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Oh my! Time really got away from me and I need to get this review finished – Here goes:

 

 

 

After we left the fort it was nearing 1 pm – Since we hadn’t stopped to eat breakfast on the way off the ship this morning, our tummies were getting a little cranky. We decided to stroll around and see if we could locate a place to stop and have a quick bite. After walking past a few bars and shops that had tables sitting in the sun (all the shaded spaces taken) we stumbled upon a little gem of a eatery called Café Paris.

 

 

 

Deciding to take the chance, we entered and mimed to the folks behind the bar if we could take the nearest table. They quickly had us seated and menus in hand.

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CTCruiser001 "Live from...." Rare

CTCruiser001

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We originally wanted to each get some Cuban beers, light for her and regular for me, but they did not have any beer here – Darn!

Plans changed, we each got a water and soft drinks – I was happy to see Orange Fanta on the list – Something I hadn’t had in a long time! We got a kick out of seeing the labels with Spanish on them. We also placed out order for a Margarita Pizza – We honestly didn’t know what to expect and wanted to play it a bit safe. Right after we ordered, a group of musicians came in and set up in the stage area – Lunch and a Show!

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