We planned this cruise for about a year and was so excited to see Cuba before it became "Americanized." This particular cruise was the only one that fell within our timeline for our group. The embarkment and disembarkment at Port Canaveral were fantastic. When we walked onto the ship, there was no one to greet us or direct us. We simply wondered the ship - checking it out. We joined the cruise director who was giving a tour of the ship. Our luggage arrived timely. Our room was small but clean. Good thing it had been cleaned before we arrived because our steward did not touch it again. The towels were left laying on the floor for days, and we eventually ran out. The food was left in our room. No tidying up at night time and no towel animals. The food on the ship was less than satisfactory. The few restaurants included in the reservation had only a few choices. It was the same food each day. The wait staff was so rude. They would literally take the plate out from us while eating. They cleaned our tables while we were still eating. The other restaurants on board were pricey. Alcohol was complimentary and a wide variety was available. The ship's customer service center lacks professionalism. They act like they are bothered if they have to answer a question. The bars and entertainment were good. The casino was just ok. The cruise director and staff were fun. Shows were professional. Entertainment was offered nightly, except for the overnight in Cuba. Half of the crew was given leave to go enjoy Cuba. That is great for them, but a lot of the ship was closed and service was slow because few staff members were left on board. Speaking of Cuba - don't go! It is just filthy. Bathroom facilities are non-existant. The "restaurants" are so dirty that we didn't eat or drink while ashore. We had to take our own toilet paper and drinking water from the ship. Make sure you attend the seminar on what to do and not to do while in Cuba. The locals were not friendly. There was no place to shop. It is stiffling hot and there is no breeze. The stinch from sewage in the streets is nasty. Some areas are great, but other areas are not. The women and children were begging for money and some were charging $5 to take pictures of them. We went on the cigar, rum and art excursion. It was interesting. We bought cigars, rum and coffee while on the tour because of price and quality. Our souvenirs were purchased from the ship giftshop because there was nothing to buy downtown. If you do decide to go, hold tightly onto your valuables while out and about in Cuba.