A good choice for a solo traveler!

Ship tip

My best boat related tip-- don't use the onboard wifi. When you hit the port in Havana, there is a phone kiosk located behind the money changing area where you can buy a phone card for $1.50 CUC (roughly equivelant to a US dollar) for an hour worth of wifi/internet service. I brought my laptop and was able to get reasonably fast wifi in the port building using the card. Also-- if you have Euros from some other trip, use those to change your money instead of US Dollars. You will pay an additional 10% to change US currency, not sure why. That surcharge is not on the Euros. If you are going to Cuba, please, please please find room in your suitcase to bring a few much needed supplies to an organization called Aniplant. They work to help all the stray animals you will see on the streets of Havana. They could really use stuff like cat and dog medications, shampoos, grooming supplies, medications (ask your vet for near expiration meds they might be able to give you). IF you are an animal lover like I am, it is heartbreaking to see some of the animals like the dogs and cats roaming with skin conditions. Keep in mind the average Cuban makes $25-$35 a month and it gives you some idea of how valued any thing you can donate to help is appreciated. Aniplant is in Havana, you can google them or look them up on Facebook and see what their current needs are. Dry cat food, batteries, etc are what they need now. Also, bring some bars of soap to hand out-- soap is $6 a bar in Cuba, out of reach for the average cuban. What a small luxury to share during your trip that doesn't take up too much room. Fishing hooks, fishing line, sewing kits... I've seen all of those things mentioned when I've researched since returning. Make a trip to the Dollar Store and bring it along. No food containing beef or pork, though. I felt safe in Havana, but then again I've lived in big cities-- use your street smarts always when in any new place.