We wanted to see Cuba before it changed. The June time frame fit in with our schedule, but we didnʻt realize how hot and humid it would be. Going to Cuba is a challenge: things go wrong all the time, such as pollution preventing us getting into Cienfuegos and power failure in the cruise terminal in Havana. We were also warned continuously of drinking only safe bottled drinks with NO ice. And the on board staff were very concerned about making sure we did not go against any of the new rules for Americans visiting Cuba. This went in their favor since they therefore discouraged anyone from doing anything other than ship shore tours. With two days in Havana, people, by the second day, realised that no-one was actually watching us, and, contrary to public opinion, the US $ was accepted by many people and places. Havana was an interesting place to visit and worth the effort. Two days in Santiago de Cuba was not. Despite being the second largest city, there were few redeeming features.