Wonderful cruise to Cuba - it's all about the destination though
Empress of the Seas Cruise Review to Cuba
Contributor Level:
Purser
Cruises: 4-6 cruises
Review: 1
Helpful Votes: 34
Key West & Havana Overnight
Sail date: September 04, 2017
Ship: Empress of the Seas
Cabin type: Oceanview
Cabin number: 8612
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 7 years ago
Review summary
Definitely worth going. If you are able, do it while you can. Cuban people were very nice. If you're an American, they are used to tourists from other countries. This is new to us, not them. They know what they're doing. Didn't get hit on for money in the streets, just the occasional "invitation" to purchase artwork or souvenirs. Havana is very clean and safe. I'd like to go back and spend a couple days more exploring the culture, sites and sounds. And everything they say about the old, colorful cars is true! A wonderful journey back in time.Embarkation
We got there early, around 10:00 and we didn't have to wait hardly at all to embark. Everything was smooth and we had our paperwork in advance. This is obviously key. The groups being called ahead of us were small at that point, so ours came quickly and we got through in no time. It's a smaller number of people anyway, so in no time we were onboard!
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
The food and drink were good by all means, and it "met expectations" for a normal cruise, but I wouldn't say it was over the top. The selection was your typical variety you would find on a cruise ship. Since it's a small ship, there's not going to be multiple locations of buffets, or lots of specialty stations. I did enjoy the late night menu, as it was a more expanded menu than just light snacks.
Onboard Activities
I enjoyed the "White Night" on the Lido deck. Having it a second night showed a lack of creativity and variety, though. It was fun and the two Cruise Directors and DJ were entertaining and engaging. We didn't take part in any shows, but went to a couple events by the main staircase that was fun. It was a 5-night cruise, with one overnight in Havana, and one night cut short because we had to get back to Tampa ahead of Hurricane Irma, so we didn't have a lot of opportunity either.
Entertainment
Did not attend any shows, although we went to a couple events by the main staircase that was fun. It was a 5-night cruise, with one overnight in Havana, and one night cut short because we had to get back to Tampa ahead of Hurricane Irma, so we didn't have a lot of time to take in shows.
Children's Programs
No kids. Woo Hoo!!
Service and Staff
This was an interesting dynamic. The service was excellent, and the waiters and staff seemed to do their job efficiently, but not with a lot of "customer service" or overt going out of their way to please the customers. A lot of times when the staff was doing something, the guests would have to avoid them and move out of the way, instead of the staff making sure they didn't impede the guests. A lot of the tasks - moving things from one place to the other, restocking food items - seemed obtrusive in the timing. Again, being a small ship, there isn't an expansive amount of room to move around to be able to be avoided - especially in the main buffet - so the customer service or "pampering" that I've seen in other cruise lines didn't seem to be there. If a crew member was assigned as a "greeter" or someone that was required to be outgoing (cruise directors, etc.), they certainly did a very good job and were very nice. No one did anything bad, it was just average or not memorably special (except Carlos the Cruise Director. I was pretty cool and funny).
Ship Quality
Everything was well taken care of and since it had just been refurbished, it was very modern and comfortable. There were nice sitting and quiet areas to relax, or plenty of music and activities on the Lido Deck. It had all the things you expect on a cruise ship. One area that was lacking was the forward 11th deck where the private round chairs for two were. There were never had any pillows in them for you to lay out on. It was left out of consideration and not available to use. This provides you some privately and even intimacy to some degree, but this was skipped.
Cabin / Stateroom
This stateroom was smaller, and you had to avoid the Murphy beds on the walls on each side of the bed. However they did a fantastic job of utilizing every bit of space to the point it felt like a large cabin and you didn't have a bit of concern about storage. The shower was super tiny, though. There's nothing you can do about that, though. If you were a big man or a large frame person in general, it would have been extremely cumbersome.
Ship tip
If you've been on other ships, be prepared for a scaled down version for the Empress. It is certainly a fine ship and has all the amenities you come to expect on a cruise ship. You will absolutely enjoy yourself, but don't expect the Oasis! Royal was smart in using this ship to go to Havana in that this cruise is all about the destination, not as much the journey. There are size limitations on ships going into Havana anyway, so it works out.
Thumbs up
0
Ports of call
Great port. Early in and out and very spacious. Very personable staff to usher you along.
Always a great destination. Have been there several times so didn't do an excursion this time. Rented a golf cart and went to several of the destinations. Be sure and have lunch at Schooner's Wharf. Definitely a locals spot with good food and good entertainment.
If you can take a cruise, TAKE THIS ONE! We did one private excursion not associated with Royal, and one night club excursion planned by Royal. The Café Taberna (the Royal excursion) had a fantastic show and the food was extremely good and inexpensive. We wanted to see a "real" Cuban show, not a cheesy Vegas-style revue. The Royal connection part was below average, though. It was advertised as the price of admission and show, with 2 drinks included and a selection of light snacks. What it turned out to be was 3 drinks and no food provided as part of the package. I asked several times for something to eat and finally the waiter said we could have a cheese plate, but it was extra. And because we were with the group, we couldn't order from the menu like tables around us that weren't with our group. I pointed this out to the waiter and even said "so you're refusing to serve us food like the other tables?". I finally had to complain to our Royal host there with us to get food served. Even then there were only 2 entrees to pick from (chicken or lobster), but when our food came out, it was phenomenal!! Absolutely great. Why were they holding back??!! We were given soup as the appetizer, I had 1/2 lobster cut lengthwise, with legs left on and everything! A couple vegetables with the entrée, and dessert. My wife had the chicken. Both were incredible, and only around $50 USD for the entire meal for both of us. That would have run you $100 USD easy in the States. So in the end, it was worth the money and an incredible show. Royal just needs to coordinate this better.
Disembarkation
Smooth, quick and easy. You don't come back through Customs or have any paperwork to declare anything. There are limits to cigars and rum you can bring back, but let me repeat, you don't come back through Customs or have any paperwork to declare anything.