Pearl Mist Review
Rating by category
Additional details
Cuba has been a destination which has been available to Americans for only a few years and in many ways, it is still limited. We sailed under the visa exemption of "people to people" and participation was in, in theory, mandatory. Older people with medical restrictions were given a pass for trip excursions that were too strenuous. It also helps explain why excursion options were limited.
We sailed entirely around Cuba beginning with a two day stop in Havana, the capital and largest city. While the city has been spruced up for tourists, one could not fail to notice the absence of basic maintenance and new investment since the revolution in 1959. Most day trips had the option of a meal in town. The results were mixed.
We had two other ports of call, Cienfuegos (and Trinidad) for 2 days (Southest coast) and Santiago de Cuba, the original capital and oldest city in the country (Southeast coast) for one day. Overall the trip was very relaxing as we were at sea more than half the time.
Cabin Review
For the cabin category (2nd from top) we felt the entry way cut out took away a usable chunk of our cabin space. Nonetheless, space was fully adequate with more drawer space than we required. I should add, we have learned not to travel with everything we own.
We enjoyed having large picture windows and sliding door with access to a nice outside sitting area, which we actually used when in port.
Bathroom space was adequate. Our cabin attendant was prompt and kept us well ordered
Port Reviews
Cienfuegos
Charming colonial/country city with a concentrated downtown walking area. Good guide with better than average English skills made visit meaningful. A second day trip to the nearby mountains and waterfalls with a local lunch was very pleasant.