X cruiser sails Azamara to Cuba Jan 15 to 24 2019

[Bimmer09]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_Fabelo

 

 

 

 

 

 

I showed you just a few of my favorites but loved most of what I saw. Sadly no Dogs Playing Poker or a cool Velvet Elvis-real art. Thank you Michael! Now show us the restrooms. Those were way down on the ground floor and Carol asked if there was an elevator. There was and he would ask if we could use it. No problemo! We all went into this olde fashioned, concertina gate lift with a very old lady on a low stool operating the controls.  She can probably operate it in her sleep by now. In fact she may have been sleeping while she took us down to the ground floor. Michael pointed out the restrooms and we bade him thanks and goodbye and used the facilities which as always were clean but lacked anything to dry my hands so I shook them.

The tour was 5 CUC each by the way.

 

I was out front waiting for Carol who soon joined me. Her notes tell me that the restrooms on the rooftop  of the Inglaterra were "the best banos" in Habana. Everything from toilet paper to soap to water to towels! 

 

Carol had just joined me when Michael came running up from the auditorium- they are just starting to rehearse Swan Lake do you want to come in and listen? Yep! Only stipulation was no photographs. No problem.  I hadn't watched ballet before and it was interesting. People don't say "hi" when they come on stage-they leap in the air and quickly cross their ankles and spin around gracefully. It's different , I'll say that, and every note (including those to his milkman) that Piotr (Pete) Tchaikovsky ever wrote is a melodic gem.

 

I did leave before Carol as there has to be limit to how long you stay for a rehearsal where they stop the band to direct the dancers and I was ready to get back to the ship.

 

Norris

 

[Bimmer09]

24 minutes ago, DLSHS_Mom said:

Bimmer,

Thank you posting the link on the Princess board.  The Russian embassy reminded me of the Disney World Hollywood Tower of Terror. .....yyikkes.  

 

I am a longtime follower...and enjoy all your travels.

 

 

Most kind and thank you for reading what I write.

20th Century Russian architecture -yikes indeed. 

Glad you are following!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

24 minutes ago, deladane said:

 

I am so intrigued by your posts about Havana!  Such a fascinating place that I'd love to visit someday, but until that happens, I'll just have to live vicariously through your review hehe

 

We are sailing on the Carnival Dream out of New Orleans, going to Costa Maya, Roatan, Belize, and Cozumel.  We've never been to NOLA together (although we've both been with our families when we were younger), so looking forward to exploring a new city together.  3 of the 4 cruise ports will be new for us, plus we've never sailed on the Dream, so lots of new things to explore!  I've heard wonderful things about the snorkeling in Roatan and Belize, and we're trying Discover Scuba Diving for the first time in Cozumel, so I'm super excited!  Check back on the Carnival board in late March if you want to read my review!  

 

Great excursions in Roatan-meeting dolphins in nice warm shallow water at the research park.

In Belize, an air boat ride on the mangrove swamps. See my Caribbean Princess review or my Youtube channel from 2014 cruise. I liked the beach at Mahogany Bay where we docked.

Can't wait to see your photos of the Carnival Dream and those ports!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

These are the photos I forgot to post when I was in the Opera House. We had a short break and Michael asked if I wanted to take some pics from the balconies. Hell yes!

 

 

no classic car escapes my gaze!

 

 

grounds of the Capitol

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

Let's get back to the ship

we planned to take a taxi-but which one?

 

I'm thinking convertible all the way. Carol had her eye on one. Taxi? said the driver.

Si, vaminos a los terminal de crucero, pronto! said I coming over all kind of Spanish. He quoted a price that was for gringos. No gracias señor said I and turned away, spurning him like a rabid dog. He dropped his price and so we agreed to the ride.

 

Carol climbs in the back

 

 check out the color of my shirt!

 

Hey, nice radio!

 

 

His 2nd gear was shot and he had to force it with a grinding of metal 

 

 

[Bimmer09]

46 minutes ago, singinalot said:

Oh my gosh that taxi is my favorite so far

Crystal, it is the lighter pink one in this photo

 

Norris

 

[Bimmer09]

Sierra Maestra terminal

We are back at the cruise port and ready to take our places on the Journey

 

this is where you change the money

 

there's an attempt at commerce and merchandising as you head to the security scan

 

Eventually they will get more stock and become more savvy and make more money.

By this time I have spent about 31 hours in Havana, on the water or on the streets

and it was a highlight of my long life to walk those streets and see that architecture and most of all to interact with the Cuban people we met. They are open and friendly. They have very little of what we have in the USA which was hard-earned by those who went before us and by ourselves on a daily basis where we earn the money to sail on ships like the Journey and visit unique places like Cuba. They are the kind of people who help old ladies across the street.

All the people we met were courteous and smiling and very happy to see Americans visiting their country. It's been a long time coming. Thank you Mr Obama!

 

We love coming back from an exhilarating day on foreign soil to an American cruise ship where we can light a room at the flick of a switch and have a hot shower with a thick bar of perfumed soap and a fluffy towel and open a closet to choose from an array of well-made clothes and go find some delicious food which we know has been prepared hygienically.

 

A short walk on a short ship gets us to an elevator and two floors up and a couple of minutes away is the Patio grill. But first a smoke and a quick drink as we sit in Havana harbor , reflecting on our wonderful day ashore.

 

There was a very good little band-the Sparkling Trio playing on deck. Ukranian I understand and the bass player and keyboard player looked morose and robotic but the singer who had a very fine voice really sparkled and brought the energy. She even sang one of my favorite Cuban songs "El cuarto de Tula" (Tula's bedroom) with gusto. They used a backing track with bass drums and horns as I recall. I wish they were a 5 piece. All good musicians though, the men just not feeling it.

 

Smells coming from the Patio made us walk like zombies to the source

This is one of their dinner menus photographed on another night-look at the variety!!

 

 

I have only eaten at Celebrity's Mast Grill once and the server reached down and picked up a warm burger from a tray and put it on a cold bun and added some nice French Fries.

3 out of 10 for flavor and anticipation .

 

On Princess I love their Trident Grill where they cook to order (a la minute) and I get a delicious hot bratwurst with sauerkraut and crispy hot fries. Short menu though. 8 out of 10

 

On Azamara there is a table already laid with placemats, silverware, water and wine glasses.

A waiter comes to take your food and drinks order and places a number on your table. The chefs get working on it and it is delivered piping hot to your table. Yes! Yes Azamara! You go girl!

 pork loin sandwich with grilled onions, tomatoes and (greatgooglymoggly!) feta cheese!! Also some crunchy coleslaw and hot crisp fries.

OMG is delicious a word?  The best pool deck food ever for me and Carol loved her chicken brochette with grilled peppers and onions. Score= 12 out of 10.

 

We'll return to the Patio again and I will return one night to take photos of some of those responsible for its excellence.

 

Now with great fuel in our tanks we were ready for our sail away from Havana....

Edited February 8, 2019 by Bimmer09
add text

[Jasperdo]

Cine Payret, which was in a number of your photos, was built in 1951. It has nearly 2000 seats and is one of the largest cinemas in Cuba:

http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/15057

 

EDIT: Thanks for including some photos inside the cruise terminal. I was curious how it looked.

Edited February 8, 2019 by Jasperdo

[clutchcurrier]

Norris,

 

Loving all the pictures of the classic cars, especially the pink ones!!!  Always wanted a pink 1959 Caddy with white interior.  My hubby is also loving the old cars since this was his era, 1950's, 1960's of his youth. 

 

The Cuban buildings are actually stunning.  Not something you would expect in a so called "depressed" country.

 

Following along happily.

 

Linda

[Bimmer09]

Adios Havana

We spent our 5 p.m sail away on our balcony. Berlin was the only obstacle behind us.

 

When will we see this again? Will it still be here?

 

We (well, the Captain-we had nothing to do with it) reversed out of our berth and safely away from the Berlin, pivoted the ship

 

So long, Majesty

 

I look to my left

 

 

and back to the city

 

 

 

More....

[Bimmer09]

 

to my left

 

and right

 

 

left

 

right

 

new buildings going up

 

 

 

 

 

 

More later....

[Bimmer09]

Clear of the harbor we were now at warp speed and so to get pics of the Malecon I had to use my other Canon camera with a zoom.

the lofty Marti monument

 

 

 

Hotel Nacional

 

 

 

U.S. Embassy at center

 

 

 

Russian Embassy

[Bimmer09]

26 minutes ago, singinalot said:

Norris we leave for 5 days in Florida tonight so i'll be back next week to continue reading.  looking forward to more!

Enjoy the sun in Florida!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

 

We know we will return to Havana again and next time we will also use Blexie Tours and choose what we want to see or missed this time. Inglaterra hotel by night for sure, sipping a Cuba Libre or Mojito, smoking a cigar and listening to a band but we don't need a tour for that.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

While we are still within the waters of Havana I'll attach a couple of pics from Carol's Facebook page before I forget them.

 

from Buenaventura restaurant

and from the Opera House

 

I'm off to work but when I come back it will be time for dinner in Discoveries

Norris

[lovecruzin]

Norris, enjoying this tremendously. I’ve never really had Cuba in my mind as a place I want to make an effort to see now I am rethinking that. We are X cruisers with a few Azamara thrown in, Im looking forward to the rest of your blog.

Edited February 8, 2019 by lovecruzin

[littlelia]

Oh my goodness Norris, this entire blog is wonderful! We will be first time Azamara cruisers leaving Feb. 20 for Cuba. Your beautiful photos are inspiring-not sure we will need to take any photos ourselves after seeing yours. We live in the Chicago area and we are so sorry you missed the Polar Vortex experience (ha!); my husband and I need some of that Cuba sunshine and warmth right now. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and eager to read more. 

[Deck Chair Queen]

On 2/7/2019 at 6:33 PM, Bimmer09 said:

 

 

Carol had just joined me when Michael came running up from the auditorium- they are just starting to rehearse Swan Lake do you want to come in and listen? Yep! Only stipulation was no photographs. No problem.  I hadn't watched ballet before and it was interesting. People don't say "hi" when they come on stage-they leap in the air and quickly cross their ankles and spin around gracefully. It's different , I'll say that, and every note (including those to his milkman) that Piotr (Pete) Tchaikovsky ever wrote is a melodic gem.

 

I did leave before Carol as there has to be limit to how long you stay for a rehearsal where they stop the band to direct the dancers and I was ready to get back to the ship.

 

Norris

 

These few minutes watching the National Ballet of Cuba rehearsing Swan Lake in that beautiful theater was one of the highlights of my trip. To suddenly hear that beloved music in such a strange and exotic place made me feel at home and was so moving. I feel like this wherever we go in the world to see opera. Kindred spirits sharing an experience that transcends language, cultural, and economic differences. Not something that is done just for the tourists but something authentic.  Plus Cuban ballet dancers (the men, especially) are legendary. I had to be torn away, I’m afraid. I thank our guide, Michael, who somehow knew how much it would mean to me and came and called me back in from the street when he was already leading another tour group. Cuban kindness and hospitality again!  

 

Guidebook Carol

Edited February 9, 2019 by Deck Chair Queen

[Walt fan]

I am finally here Norris - I have no tardy note for you sadly - maybe I will ask my boss where I toil away long hours.  I am so enjoying your GSJ, as usual.  Your pictures are stunning and am really enjoying the videos.  It is so interesting to see Cuba through your eyes.  You can have this perception in your head that can be changed by pictures and stories. 

 

I have always had Azamara on my radar.  My SIL cruised on the Journey way before AZ had their overhaul a couple of years ago.  She enjoyed it but said the ships looked tired.  I then read about their complete re-do's. The ship is beautiful and your food pics are showing some amazing food!

 

I am here til the end!

 

On a side note we spent a whole week in Sedona early January; it was heaven.  We have never had a whole week to enjoy, and we found plenty to see and do.  Did you post San Fran on TA?  

 

Carry on sir, thank you!!

[Bimmer09]

Last night, when the ship was docked in Havana and Azamazing Evening was imminent the MDR, Discoveries, was serving a buffet. Tonight, after leaving Havana in our wake it was back to full service a la carte. Italian Night. We asked for a quiet table and got one, table #3 which you could find in the dark by following the wall of original Renaissance-built mirrors that line the entrance to the room and at  the end turning right. The nearest tables were on the dais that occupies the center of the room.

 

There is no set dining time (Traditional Dining) you just come during the times they are open and ask for a table big (or in our case small) enough for your party and the host checks his computer for availability. We only had to wait on Embarkation Day as I have already described.

 

At 8.15 the restaurant is busy. As a side note it is Asian Night in the buffet.

 

 

Our server was Ramel, from the Philippines and I give the names mainly for the Azamara cruisers reading as they may be able to put a face to them. Just another good waiter.

Drinks orders taken and as I have the Ultimate Package I can have my customary glass of Malbec. There's a New York Strip with baked potato or steak fries on the menu each night

for those who might not like the regional cuisine theme and a World Cuisine special offered too.

In tonight's case this was Kung Pao chicken with spring rolls and shrimp fried rice. Then a Chef's Special is discribed but I have already spied what I will have. 

 

Bread is brought to the table and you choose. There is always a trio of spreads including hummus, butter and salsa. The wine pours in an appropriate glass are not skimpy and I will be offered top-ups.

My Caesar salad

 

Carol enjoyed a lettuce wedge which was a baby wedge compared to Joe's.

 

Escargot

 

Carol asked me for a taste of my escargot. Hmmm- not chewy! Indeed not, just a silky melt in the mouth flavor bomb. I usually order them once on a cruise and sit there chewing and immediately consider what I am eating. Not so here. Good cooking!

 

Carol's Cream of ratatouille soup (never heard of that one before) Served cold.

 

My pork tenderloin wrapped in prosciutto  with scalloped potatoes, cabbage with bacon and broccollini.  I licked the plate when Ramel wasn't looking.

 

Carol's Kung Pao chicken with shrimp fried rice, bok choy and spring rolls.

 

The Azamara Singers were performing in the Cabaret Lounge at 9.30 but we weren't rushing from the dinner table because of it, although we are always keen to hear some good singing.

We like our leisurely meals and were not going to skip dessert.

 

My chocolate ice bombe with raspberry coulis

 

Carol's apple cinnamon aumoniere with cafe sauce (super yummy!)

 

and we each finished off a wonderful satisfying meal with a scoop of coffee gelato

 

We did poke our heads into the Cabaret Room for a minute. The show was in full swing but the room was packed and as the seats aren't tiered we wouldn't have enjoyed seeing the tops of the singer's heads above those in front of us had we been able to find a seat (get there early). We had enjoyed a busy day ashore and after a walk on deck 9 we were ready to turn in and enjoy those comfortable beds. It was 10.30 and tomorrow was a sea day.

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

In case you didn't go ashore on Havana day 2 here is the day's Insider

 

 

 

 

Sea day coming up...much later!

Norris

[Bimmer09]

We're all at sea!

I wake in the dark. Shower. Always good pressure and easily manipulated temperature.

Dress by the light from the closet. Camera bag. Into the corridor. I meet only one other person- a woman who power walks the corridors outside the deck 7 cabins. Each morning. Luckily she doesn't make a sound as she is elfin or a pixie.

 

Within a minute I am at the aft elevator. Up to deck 9, the pool deck. If it's before 6.30 a.m I go to Windows buffet for my first coffee.

 

I found this a very inviting space. This early in the morning there are just some danish pastries and croissants left out. Hot food starts at 7.30 (to 10.30). Just inside the door is the drinks station.

 

Coffee in a melamine cup and a walk forward through the heavy deck doors, past the pool to the smoking section. If I only take one picture of the sunrise it is because it is a dud.

It left a note from its mother, Mrs Orion Nebula or something . I balled it up and tossed it.

There had better be a darned good sunset tonight-that's all I'm saying.

 

After 6.30 on a daily basis the smoking section (port forward) gets this-a nice touch

 

My table of choice each day as the others were below the knee

 

The deck stewards have already adjusted the padded loungers. Towels are being placed.

 

Pool Bar won't open until 10 a.m. Closes 12 hours later

 

The only people on deck in the early hours are those who run around and around the track on deck 10, circling the pool area below. Some walk fast. 13 circuits=1 mile. Only one or two non-runners join me for coffee.

One gentleman, from Los Angeles, who has one of the two Spa Suites on 9, maybe 30 feet away, would always engage me in conversation.  A very good talker. I never saw him smoke.

He would often go fetch me another coffee from the buffet if the above set-up wasn't in place, without my asking. He would ask me each day how "the Market" was doing as if I was keeping track.

I do have an app on my phone that would tell me but seldom use it.

 

I would often bring my computer up from the cabin with me to check and work on my photos

which beats staring into space, but I find time to do that too as I have just had a few days of memorable events to consider. I haven't been all over this small ship yet but my experiences so far are enough to suggest that disappointment wasn't likely on the horizon. But only time can tell that.

First impressions from the Embarkation Hall to the welcome drink and the quiet pool deck were good. No staff member is whooping' and a hollering' and trying to get me up to dance or sell me something- I had to ask for an Ultimate Beverage Package.  I've already heard one good little band on stage in the afternoon and noticed there was no sail away party from Havana so people were left to stand at the railings and watch it slip away at 5 p.m after the band had finished. 

 

I'm looking forward to breakfast in Discoveries at 8 and am leaving the Danishes on their tray...

 

Norris

[Bimmer09]

I stopped by the Promenade deck, deck 5 on the way back to the cabin to get Carol for breakfast. Hmm. Loungers in a quiet space with a view of the sea. That says "Carol" to me.

On Princess we pay for the Sanctuary. On Celebrity we pay for the Alcoves. This space is free

and little trafficked. It only goes halfway down the ship and then you have to go inside to access the other side. Not ideal for runners. The runners and walkers have a track on 10.

 

Back in the cabin

 

What? No breakfast at 8 in discoveries ? (He doesn't read The Insider)

No- but there's a brunch at 10. (she reads The Insider)

Brunch? Count me in!

[Bimmer09]

We arrive about 10 minutes early for the brunch. Many people are waiting in Discoveries Bar while the culinary team set up the massive spread occupying the entire dais in the center of the room. An officer sees me with the one camera I have brought and asks if I would like to go in and take photos? He is the Hotel Director I later learn. Taken aback I ask "really?". Sure go on in!

 

 

Don't ask me to list all that I show you here. It was a cornucopia of delights

 

 

 

 

A band is setting up where our table 3 was last night

 

More....

[Bimmer09]

I had to be quick and at the same time stay out of the way of the dozen or so staff who were putting finishing touches to this dazzling display before me. My thanks to the Hotel Director,

Friedrich Bubner, for allowing me access.

seafood

cold meats and pate

 

 

Say "cheese"

 

People have been allowed in

 

Waffle station

 

Sweet treats

 

easy listening music

 

 

 

so elegant, so Azamara