We chose this cruise because it circumnavigated the island and could land in ports where larger ships can't. The ship sails full with 210. We sailed with 156. The staff was wonderful. The entertainment( Stevie and Dustie) were decent. They performed a different music genre each night. The food was gourmet standard. Sit down not buffet. At breakfast you chose your lunch and dinner selections. There was even space to write in special requests. You could even enjoy 1/2 portions. Every morning at 10 fresh cookies were served in the lounge and at 3 tea, and at 5:30 cocktail hour with hors d'oeuvres. There was an early continental breakfast served and also when we came back from a late night excursion, sandwiches were ready for us. There was a 24/7 snack bar. All cabins had a balcony and were spacious. Bed was comfortable. Coffee maker in the room. Victor was a big assest on the cruise. As a US citizen but former Cuban citizen, now based in Miami, he gave a different perspective than we got from the Cuban guides who were good but trained by the Cuban government as to what it wanted us to know. Go to his lectures..The cruise directors were very innovative keeping the guests busy on sea days. Put your cell on airplane. Dont count on internet. It is off and on.

Excursions: You have a choice of whole or half day excursions. We chose half day and spent the rest of the day exploring the cities on our own. We felt safe. The local guides were good. The busses were new and comfortable with a bathroom. We were told not to give anything to street people but leave it at the schools we visited. We were told not to pay with US currency because they cant spend it. Cubans have to take the money to and exchange for CUKs or CUPS and are charged a surcharge. If you use euros or Canadian they dont have to pay the surcharge. We only paid for souvenirs. We saw Fidels grave, San Juan Hill, 3 awesome Forts, a symphonic music group, a jazz concert, the Tropicanna Show, 2 art schools, a botanical garden,Hemingways house, a ration store. Walking around towns on our freetime, we were able to poke around and find interesting things. We werent interested in the old cars. We grew up with them and didnt see anythig special. Gas is precious so they have been converted to diesel. You will see air polution. I havent said anything about the poverty. We have traveled extensively on our own in Mexico and Central America away from tourist areas. We didnt see anything in Cuba that we hadnt seen in those other countries. Colonial Cities and poor slummy areas. But it is a clean country and safe.

In retrospect we are glad we went on this adventure. We learned that Americans have a Romantic view of Cuba. It is not in reality. There is poverty. It is run as a socialist country They want the Americans to come. Everyone has a job,but the average per month is $24 USD and the highest( govt and drs) about 90USD per month. Education, medical and fent is free. If you get into the tourist industry you can make more. If you go on this tour please tip your driver and guide. It is basically their difference between living and survival dont stiff them. There is no limit on rum or cigars you can bring back. Read more