Havana was fabulous! The ship, not so much...

Havana...The people, the city, the food, the atmosphere! We were off the ship by 8:30am for a walking tour through the city. Our guide was wonderful, very knowledgeable, spoke very good English and made our educational tour - well very educational and interesting. She gave us several breaks throughout her tour to walk about, take pictures, ask questions, talk to locals if we chose to. Most locals knew some English. I sadly do not speak Spanish so my communication with locals was limited. I felt very safe there. As we walked, there were police standing and observing. What they were watching for, I have no idea. They didn't engage with anyone except other officers.

My takeaway after visiting to help you and the local people when visiting is to bring travel toiletries with you. These people are in need (at least the people I came in contact with) of travel sizes of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, razors, etc. Also candy - lifesavers, pops, gum. These are things that apparently they cannot get without great expense or at all. I even had a guard ask me for candy. If you're a cat lover, bring dried food for them too. If you're an artist, bring art supplies - oil & watercolor paints such as Grumbacher/Rembrandt, brushes, etc. Also, if you're a car person - these people are in need of car parts for their classic cars. You'd be hailed as a prince if you brought some engine parts if that's possible. Read more