I cannot believe it's been a week already since our awesome visit to Havana Cuba! This trip was for a 40th Birthday Celebration for my niece who lives in St. Thomas (aka Island Girl). There were ten of us ladies in the group with over half of them being first time cruise guests.
The 4 day adventure started out of Miami on Monday, June 4, 2018.
We used Lyft exclusively for transfers from Miami airport to hotel to pier. All transfers cost less than $10 each which is much less than you would generally pay using other options.
My sister and I stayed at the beautiful JW Marriott Marquis, close to
the pier as well as Bayside Marketplace and Mary Brickell Village.
The Norwegian Sky is still in great shape as she is an older ship.
Our balcony stateroom, although cozy, was sufficient enough for the
both of us and our luggage. Norwegian also provided enough night life
entertainment on board to keep us busy in the evenings. The food onboard was very average at best but we didn't go hungry.
Cuba was the highlight of this trip so I will focus on my experience on this historic city
I am not sure what direction we were moving in to dock in Havana, but I remember opening my eyes to see from my balcony lots and lots of buildings along the way. In some areas the buildings were destroyed and it had an appearance that it was an area that someone once lived but now forgotten. As we approached Havana, Cuba things started to appear much differently.
Although our ship was there until early the following morning, truly one day in Havana is not enough time to take in all there is to see, feel and do in this city. I did learn some valuable lessons that I will pass along to you.
I did a lot of research on finding tours in Havana. I found a recommendation from Trip Advisor that raved about this company, and I did work with them several weeks in advanced, but when the ten of us got off the ship to meet them...They were no where to be found.
Lesson #1 - you are taking a risk when working with direct companies outside of the cruise lines. Plus, your cell phones do not work there so getting a hold of someone is impossible. The tour company is yourtourhavana.com. I feel bad as I always like to give someone the benefit of doubt, but upon return, she still did not follow up with me on what went wrong. I know things run differently there, but I cannot recommend them based on this service ;-(
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| GOOD NEWS! We found Nek from Free Walking Tours!! |
Nek from Free Walking Tours to the rescue! The person that he was waiting for never showed up either so he took the 10 of us ladies and showed us around Old Havana. Free Walking Tours in Cuba is currently under construction, but you pay them based on tips only. If you want something simple, they are great to work with. I wanted
to be able to stop in each square and sample, or, see something that
was important to this area...based on time this tour did not allow the
extra time.
He was able to give history on the following areas: Saints Francis of Assisi. Old square, C
athedral Square and Main Squares.
Here are a few photos from Old Havana...
Old Havana
Next...Classic Car Tour! Now on to touring New Havana! Some my choose the cars with AC but our group decided to do it via convertibles! The tour drivers were both entertaining as well as shared their
knowledge and facts on the landmarks we passed along the way. We even
got to visit John Lennon Park.
Across the street we stopped for a visit at the Cool Old House for a mojito and a 40th Birthday Celebration with some fun lively music!
Lesson #2: If you do a Classic Car tour on your own (very easy to do) I recommend you negotiate a specific rate and specific time frame. Maybe even pay them up front and let them know you'll tip them at the end of the tour. We only wanted one hour, but with the stop for the majito, we went over the 1 hour limit and they wanted more money regardless. Sneaky way to get extra money out of us, but truly based on what the cruise lines were charging for this excursion,....This was the way better deal! PLUS, they made it really fun with the stops. JUST BE CAREFUL! They also were trying to get us to go purchase our cigars in someone's home! Since there were 3 different cars, they could say whatever they wanted to each of the cars to make it appear we all wanted to do this! WRONG! No worries, once the stories were ironed out we all made our way back to the car and back to the ship!
Here are a few photos from New Havana...
New Havana
Did I enjoy Cuba?! Yes, it exceeded my expectations! Was it enough time for those that wish to truly delve in to the heart and soul of this area? Absolutely not! We do offer tours that offer several different stops in Cuba with more detailed history and visits to important areas. If interested, ask me for more details!
I have also compiled a few lists of 'Do's & Don'ts which I will gladly share with you when it's time to make Cuba your next destination!
#VacationsByTammy
Warm Regards,
Tammy Matson, Cruise Planners
**It's always good to get feedback from the others that joined me on what was their favorite**
Thoughts on Cuba:
I personally really enjoyed the walking tour. More so because it was last minute and Nik really did step up to the plate. Showed a lot of how welcoming the people of Cuba are. Despite a few bad eggs. The history and buildings were amazing (wish I had taken more pictures though!) The classic car tour was just as fun - where else can you do that?! Overall great time had in Cuba, I’ve even recommended going to a lot of my friends.
--Jenn Mertens
I recently got back from a cruise on the NCL Sky, with an
overnight in Havana Cuba. Tammy Matson with Cruise Planners did an amazing job
of organizing my group of 10.
Havana is an incredible destination. There was so much to
take in. We did a walking tour through part of Old Havana, and I couldn’t
believe how much European influence was here. Every corner I turned it felt
like Venice, without the canals. From the narrow streets to the old historic
churches it all seemed so similar. I also was amazed how clean it was. There
was no trash on the streets. I even saw a lady walking around cleaning the
squares. I live in a major cruise ship port in the Caribbean and I find our
island is trashed after the cruise ships depart.
The Cuban people we met took so much pride in their country.
They spoke so highly of their home and grateful to have visitors to share their
knowledge with. They also have a lot of love for American’s regardless of the
politics involved.
After the walking tour, we rented the “old school” cars. In
my opinion, the only way to see New Havana is by one of these convertible
cars. The drivers were knowledgeable and
shared their insight on all the buildings and landmarks. We passed a fort and it
occurred to me that it had the charm of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico. Old San Juan
has almost the identical looking fort and overall the structures had a Puerto
Rican vibe. You need to make sure that you are very clear with the drivers.
They will charm their way into getting you for another hour. Also, they take
you to places that may or may not be ok based on the rules of the government. I
recommend to read the articles and reviews so you know what is safe.
After the day time adventure, a few of us went back into
Havana at night. The main square across from the Cruise Ship was lit up nicely.
There were a few locals out trying to get you to go into their restaurants to
support their business. Some were a little more aggressive, but nothing you
can’t handle. Over all we felt safe.
We found a quaint little restaurant on a side street that
was booming with lively entertainment. There was a 5-person live band that
really blew me away. At that moment, I really felt like I was being immersed in
the Cuban culture. The women in the band would trade instruments and take turns
singing. One of the instruments is something that I have never seen before. It
was quite incredible.
Havana is a boundless exciting place which I recommend for
anyone that is interested.
--Kim Hare
