21 Night Authentic Cuba & Southern Caribbean (Ft. Lauderdale Roundtrip)
Sail date: January 04, 2019
Ship:
Veendam
Cabin type: Oceanview
Traveled as: Singles/Friends
Reviewed: 5 years ago
Review summary
great introduction to Cuba! The ship was older and a bit tired but the ports were the reason we chose this cruise.
Embarkation
4 out of 5
Overall, embarkation was OK. We didn’t have to wait to board as long as many did.
Ship experiences
Food and Dining
4 out of 5
Only ate in dining room twice and food and service were very good. Lido buffet had problems with keeping food hot. Pinnacle was excellent but would not have paid the $49 surcharge—we received the meal in exchange for correction of multiple mistakes by booking agents.
Onboard Activities
3 out of 5
America’s Test Kitchen demos were very good. Stage shows were so-so. Musicians on ship were very good also. Daily trivia was a popular. Very disappointed that there wasn’t a thallasotherapy pool onboard—if there was, we would have gotten a spa pass. This was all OK, because CUBA was the reason for the cruise.
Entertainment
4 out of 5
These were OK—not the best, but better than average.
Service and Staff
5 out of 5
All staff encountered were very friendly and helpful. Everyone we saw in passing, asked how we were doing and if they could help with anyone.
Ship Quality
4 out of 5
The ship was clean but needs a major update. 2/8 elevators never worked and one day 5/8 were broken. This was annoying because a great percentage of cruisers had mobility issues.
Cabin / Stateroom
5 out of 5
Our room was more than adequate.
Ship tip
Be aware that it is an older ship and it is smaller than most. Book for the ports, prepare for some quirks, and do not expect continuous attractions and activities. If you come with an open mind, you will have a great time.
The port is lacking—if that is the only thing you are doing, it is not worth tendering there. However, we took a private tour with AlTournative Tours to the Mayan ruins and Howler Monkey Reserve and had a great time learning about Belize from our tour guide.
Loved this port. I just wish we had overnighted there so we could have done more exploring. The nature of the entrance to the harbor limits the time in port. We took a tour with HAL and got to meet graphic artists and musicians.
We did a land and sea tour with HAL. Going to HELL is cheesy and the stop for a rum cake tasting, very disappointing (it wasn’t Tortuga Rum Factory, but an off brand. It was obviously a ploy to get you to buy.) The Turtle Center is very good. And the Nautilus was interesting.
Loved this port. We took a private tour with CubaOutings. We did a walking tour of Old Havana, had lunch in a paladar that was very good, and got to tour the city, visit Fusterlandia, and drive the Malecon in a ‘55 Chevy Bel Air convertible. I was so interesting to chat with our guide about everyday life in Havana. I wish we had gotten tickets for one of the night club shows— Buena Vista Social Club, the Parisian, or the Tropicana.
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