Wanted to get to Cuba before you know who closes the door again. Took the all day excursion which was nice, but didn't include old Havana. Went out for an hour or so on my own and it was beautiful! Several nice little cafes and cobblestone streets. Very European! I would have preferred an overnight trip, but this was what was available at the moment!

Empress is an old bird, but she's a good ship and in good shape. Cabin was pretty boring, but rest of ship was nice and tastefully decorated. Staff were all excellent and extremely friendly and helpful. Food in dining room was OK, not outstanding. Salsa night was a gas, didn't make it to any shows. The live music was always great!

Took a snorkel tour in Key West... water was cloudy due to weather, which the tour group informed us about before we left. It's worth the boat ride out to the reef, though. Key West looks really good considering the hurricane. Went to Blue Heaven for lunch and had a great meal and a killer Dark & Stormy!