Essential Tips to Get the Most out of a Cruise to Cuba. Hiring a local guide for having a genuine experience and knowledge of Cuba's society, traditions, and culture.
With Cuba now opening up to tourism, the country is being added as a port stop on many major lines’ itineraries. We have some top tips for cruising to the Caribbean’s largest island.
Starting 2017, three of the largest operators – Carnival Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line – will each have a ship making port stops at the largest Caribbean island. On top of that, additional lines that will be adding stops to Cuba include Oceania Cruises, Azamara Cruises, and MSC Cruises.
Whether you’re from Europe, North America or Australia, now is the best time to take a Caribbean cruise that calls at Cuba.
Pick the Right Ship and Itinerary for Your Family
With more options for sailing to Cuba, you will want to examine the different ships and possible itineraries. Non-American travelers will have the most options as those cruisers will not be bound to ships and schedules that comply with the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) guidelines for authorized travel to Cuba.
Each cruise line has its own unique style of cruising and caters to certain types of clientele. Learning a little bit about each cruise line and ship will help you pick the perfect cruise to Cuba for you and your family.
Depending on your country of origin, you will probably need additional paperwork to cruise to Cuba. Whether you are taking a cruise that departs from the US or another location, you will most likely need a tourist visa along with a valid passport. You can normally obtain these visas directly with the cruise line for a nominal fee. If you are taking a cruise that leaves from Cuba, you will be required to have the visa to board a flight to the island. For these travellers, it is best to obtain a visa from a third party.
Plan Your Time Ashore in Advance Leave Some Time to Explore on Your Own
With the influx of cruise ships sailing to Cuba, there is a growing demand for tours and sightseeing experiences in popular ports of call. While your cruise line will offer some excursions, we suggest finding a local guide for a more personalised experience. More and more it is becoming popular to book an amazing, customizable tour with a local independent guide.
This included a walking tour of Old Havana and a guided tour of some newer neighbourhoods in a classic (vintage) car. Along with intimate experience and expert insight, the tour is substantially cheaper than the cruise line offerings. Book early, as these tours sell out quickly.
Even though Americans need to structure their time to comply with the OFAC’s ‘people-to-people’ travel restrictions, this doesn’t mean everything needs to be organised. You can also make time for some ofy our own explorations to venture through more of the city, interact with the Cuban people, and learn more about modern day Cuba. Of course, citizens from other countries have always been free to wander about as tourists. Either way, finding even a few hours to go off the beaten path will give you a greater appreciation for the rich heritage and culture of the island.
Bring Plenty of Cash
The banking system in Cuba is not as modern as you may be used to, not to mention the consequences of the US embargo. Most places do not accept credit or debit cards. Most transactions will take place in cash. You will need to convert international bills into Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC). Most popular currencies that are converted are Euros (EUR), British Pounds (GBP), and US Dollars (USD). There is likely to be a conversion fee on top of the exchange rate when changing currency locally, so it’s a good idea to assess your spending needs in advance and plan accordingly.
Internet availability is spotty at best in Cuba. While there are some locations that offer connectivity, the speeds are rather slow. Acquiring the necessary sign-on cards can be both time-consuming and expensive.
Old Havana is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether with a tour guide or on your own, you can explore the plazas and historic highlights of this area easily by foot. For venturing outside of this neighbourhood, you will need a taxi. Whether you choose one of the flashy 1950s classic American cars or something a bit more moderate, make sure to go with a professionally licensed taxi. Cars will be clearly designated as a taxi with official government markers on the vehicles. Do not even think about renting a car and exploring on your own, as many roads are not clearly marked or well maintained.
Your cruise to Cuba will certainly make for a memorable holiday – and by using these travel tips, you’ll be able to make the very most of your time ashore.
If you enjoyed this article and want to be in touch with me, just write to cubamigos@yahoo.es, why not make your trip out of the common path? You can also give a call or send a whatssap on +53 52646921.
LOCAL GUIDE IN HAVANA
Humberto Linares
humbercuba@yahoo.es ,
cubamigos@yahoo.es
+53 52646921
INSTAGRAM: humberto_habana
