One Day Cuba Itinerary - help

[Philc2001]

We're celebrating our 27th anniversary, and completely out of the blue we just spontaneously booked a last minute cruise that stops in Cuba for a day. I have already realized we need a Cuban visa, an extra $150 I didn't count on, but the cruise deal is pretty sweet, so no big deal. What do you all recommend for the first time visitor with about 10 hours on the island? 

What cigar shops should I visit?

Where should I have lunch?

What is the one must see, if you can recommend one or maybe two?

Should we book the shore excursion from NCL, or just do our own thing? 

We sail in 6 days. 

Thanks in advance for your recommendations. 

[Derboesekoenig]

Here you go sir

https://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/forum/63-cuba-travel-forum/

$150 for a visa? Ouch. What a ripoff. Cruise line is making bank on you guys

Also, 10 hrs isn't a lot of time. Don't get overwhelmed

[Philc2001]

Visa is $75 x 2 = $150... I'm not leaving Mrs. Philc on the ship

Note - I only have about 10 hours, and most of the references I've read are more focused on longer stays. 

Do you think it is worth the $150 visa and any other related cost to go ashore? The ship arrives at 10:00am, and it appears we have to be back on board by 8:00pm. Seems like it will be rushed at best. 

[chris12381]

 

50 minutes ago, Philc2001 said:

Do you think it is worth the $150 visa and any other related cost to go ashore? The ship arrives at 10:00am, and it appears we have to be back on board by 8:00pm. Seems like it will be rushed at best. 

Would seem kinda crazy to stay on the boat and just look at Havana from the Lido deck, even if was $300 a visa, right?  I'd be shocked if the Cuban government didn't didn't whack you again for some sort of tourist fee getting off the boat but I could be wrong.  

From everything I've heard, you should avoid the cruise tours in Havana.  They are overloaded with people and not worth booking unless you need to do it for your license.  I would look at a cigar specific tour (feel free to PM me for info) or check out the experiences on AirBnb that cater to the cruises.  They'll pack you in the 1950s car and shuttle you to as many of the  "can't miss stops" and are well aware of your time crunch you are under.  Frankly, if you miss the boat, I can't think of worse places to get stuck.  Just make sure you have a fist full of "fulas" with you so you can enjoy yourself for a few days and still get home!

Chris 

 

 

[chris12381]

I should point out there were some OFAC changes published November 9th that do affect some of the licenses.  You'll want to peruse them before making your decision.  

[Philc2001]

 

12 hours ago, chris12381 said:

I should point out there were some OFAC changes published November 9th that do affect some of the licenses.  You'll want to peruse them before making your decision.  

The cruise line sent us forms and told us to use option 6 Educational Exchanges operated by the cruise line.

[Corylax18]

I would recomend going solo for the day. The cuise tours are just a way for the cruise line to turn more of your money into profit. You can have a far more authentic experience, for less money if you do it yourself. 

Line up a driver to pick you up at the cruise terminal, hit your shops/sites of choice, then get dropped back at the terminal when your done. Ive only flown in/out so I cant speak to the machinations of customs/immigration at the port, but if its like the airport, it will be easy. $150 is insane for a visa, $75 is the highest Ive paid, $20 the lowest. But if $150 is your only option, do it. You wont regret it. 

[oliverdst]

7 minutes ago, Corylax18 said:

I would recomend going solo for the day. The cuise tours are just a way for the cruise line to turn more of your money into profit. You can have a far more authentic experience, for less money if you do it yourself. 

Line up a driver to pick you up at the cruise terminal, hit your shops/sites of choice, then get dropped back at the terminal when your done. Ive only flown in/out so I cant speak to the machinations of customs at the port, but if its like the airport, it will be easy. $150 is insane for a visa, $75 is the highest Ive paid $20 the lowest. But if $150 is your only option, do it. You wont regret it. 

I think this is the best advice possible.

Hire a private driver for the day and do not stress and waste time.

[Nino]

We pay the official Visa price here in Germany and it's 25€ .... 75$ seems like a rip-off to me.

As for cigar shop - just across the street from the cruise terminal is Reynaldo, the LCDH Conde de Villanueva, best spot and great cigars and customs rolled cigars.

I would NOT take a tour, just pick a few spots and do your own thing.

[stogieluver]

Phil, I sent you a PM. 

[bmf30180]

I used a company called Havana Journeys on my cruise in June.  They picked us up at the cruise terminal.  We had a small walking tour of old Havana, then met the driver.  We went to a few LCDH's, then a broader tour of the main sites in Havana. Including a stop at The Nacional.  The tour lasted about 6 hours and we were dropped at the rum museum, a few blocks down from the terminal.  Very reasonable ($100 CUC for 2 people) compared to the cruise excursions, meets the OFAC rules and our guide (Amanda) was beyond exceptional.  If interested, message me and I can get you the link, but it's an easy search on Google. 

[Philc2001]

4 hours ago, nino said:

We pay the official Visa price here in Germany and it's 25€ .... 75$ seems like a rip-off to me.

As for cigar shop - just across the street from the cruise terminal is Reynaldo, the LCDH Conde de Villanueva, best spot and great cigars and customs rolled cigars.

I would NOT take a tour, just pick a few spots and do your own thing.

Unfortunately, this seems to be standard for cruise visas. Some airlines charge up to $110/pp. Cuba takes $55 I believe, and I get the cruise line takes $20 for the processing fee. 

[madandana]

Delta charges $50. I think in Cuba it’s 25 or 30. I would try on line. I used to get mine at Cubaism.com but I don’t think they sell them to US folk any longer.

[ac031898]

We did a one day cruise to Havana back in November and paid the same ($75/person) for the visa through Royal Caribbean. Ended up doing one of the shorter cruise line excursions to see the main ‘tourist spots’ since i was with a group who didn’t want to do much one-off exploring. Definitely not the most authentic view, but that was what the group wanted to do. My wife & I did do some exploring on our own afterwards. I would do what others have recommended - hire a reputable local driver/guide and get a more ‘local’ experience that’s exactly what you want.


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