5 Things Cruise Lines Won’t Tell You About Cuba

5 Things Cruise Lines Won't Tell You About Cuba
April 13, 2017

Of all the ports I've sailed into as a crew member, Havana is my
favorite. I fell in love with the city while working as a guide on the
first round of Cuba cruises. We were the only ship from the United
States, with just 700 passengers every 2 weeks. This summer is the
beginning of a new era for Havana. If you're considering a cruise to
Cuba, don't hesitate! But make sure you follow my insider tips to get
the most out of your visit.

#1- Don't miss the sail in: Sailing into Havana is like going back in
time. On the port side of the ship, you'll get up close and personal
with the Morro Castle as you sail through the narrow harbor. On the
starboard side, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of hustle and bustle of
central Havana, Art Deco facades, classic cars, and pedestrian traffic
on the Malécon, Cuba's ocean-front boulevard. Get a good spot on the top
deck early in the morning and bring your binoculars.

#2- Carry a lot of water with you: It's going to be a long, sweaty day
and you need water by your side. I suggest investing in a 40 oz.
Hydroflask. Fill it with ice and water from the ship before disembark.
You'll have cold water for 12+ hours and create less waste from buying
and disposing plastic bottles.

#3- Don't get stuck in the line to exchange money: Your credit and debit
cards from the United States likely won't work in Cuba so you'll need to
exchange money…and so does everyone else. Either get off the ship before
you're fellow cruisers, or get stuck in an hour long backup at the
exchange booths in the cruise terminal. Another option is to exchange
money at the San José Artisans Market down the street. Save money: Make
sure you bring Euros, Pounds, or Canadian Dollars to avoid the extra 10%
exchange fee on United States Dollars.

#4- Get away from the bus: Tours are great, but let's face it, you spend
more time stuck on a bus than you do immersing in the local culture.
Budget some time in your schedule to stroll around the Plazas of Old
Havana or visit a museum near Parque Central. Just make sure you check
the "self-guided" box when you fill out your affidavit. This means that
you agree to document the educational and cultural activities you do
while you're in Cuba.

#5- Do some research beforehand: Enrichment presentations can be hit or
miss, so don't wait until you're onboard to start thinking about Cuban
politics and culture. This doesn't mean you have to bury your head in a
long history book. Rent the movie Una Noche. It's a thriller about
teenagers who try and escape Havana on a homemade raft. If you're
looking for a quick and easy read, checkout my cruise-friendly guide 12
Hours in Havana available on Amazon.

About the Author:
Greg Shapiro is a millennial travel hacker, an expert at packing lots of
fun into short periods of time. From backpacking South America to
sailing around the world, he's visited over 35 countries and counting.

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