We wanted to experience what it felt like in post-Castro Cuba. Only a day and a half's visit was offered, but it was enough time for nice sampling. All in all, it was a tremendous experience. Our 6 day journey on The Sky was good, pretty much what we expected from a 19 year old ship; not luxurious, but certainly comfortable. However internet response is horrible; not available in room, barely serviceable in public areas.

The Sky held a moderate sized passenger load, around 2000 people. Approximately 80% of them apparently tried disembark simultaneously, so there was a looong line to get off, and check through the security points. The agents were so flustered, that my wife and I accidentally swapped passports, and this wasn't noticed (or reacted to).

Apparently visiting this country is still dicey, in terms of visa regulations. It was not simply a hop on/hop off affair; as American citizens, we had to declare which of around a dozen reasons described our intentions when visiting before a visa could be issued. (we chose inter culture education). Norwegian made it easy, for a price ($75 a piece), and we had ours in hand the first day. Read more