We wanted to experience Cuba -- the people, culture, food, architecture, history. The local people were wonderful. No violent crime nor drug problems. Felt very safe. Authentic Cuban food in local restaurants was great. People were well educated -- free education for residents through doctorate degrees. People seemed to be poor, but healthy -- free health care (including dental). No street vendors nor souvenir shops; embargo prevents them from getting basic materials to make souvenirs. Main product purchased was Cuban cigars. No complications nor long lines at checkpoints entering nor leaving Cuba. It is a trip that I highly recommend.

The only problem was entering the NCL ship at embarkation. We were in a penthouse aft suite and had "priority". This was the only disorganized NCL cruise I have ever traveled on. Probably because it was NCL's first trip to Cuba this year. They also appeared to be using updated software on which they were not adequately trained. They could not find our visas, which were purchased through NCL. Very chaotic. What normally takes 20 minutes to board took almost two hours (and we missed lunch at Cagneys). Then our cabin keys did not work getting on the ship, so we had to go to guest services and have them remade. Know that none of this is typical of NCL. Had I been a first-time guest of NCL's, I would not know that, and would not return. Our wonderful butler Lazara and cabin steward Rene made up for the difficulties we had entering the ship.