Advantages of Cruising to Cuba
We recently returned from an independent land tour of Cuba to research some of the cruise ports there. While recounting our overland trip, we thought about the advantages of cruising over exploring by land. Here are 10 reasons:
- We all know one advantage of cruising is the convenience of unpacking just once. So wish that were true of a land tour. Although we packed just a carry-on to make getting around Cuba simple; there were days we wished that we had taken a larger suitcase. That’s not to say we haven’t sailed with just a carry-on, but we didn’t need to drag it everywhere with us. Nothing like unpacking and packing once for an entire week.
- Your transportation for your entire trip is the ship. You know where it docks and you need not worry about seats being available. Finding a ticket office to buy a ticket or getting between a bus station and the lodging establishment wasn’t always easy. Even worse, payment is always in CUCs.
Oceania Marina leaving Havana
- You can drink water from the tap on a cruise ship!
- After drinking all that water from the tap, you will be happy to find several restrooms on the ship and even a toilet in your room. It will have a toilet seat and abundant toilet paper. It will not cost you a dime to use.
- The pillow on your bed will not feel like the waste paper basket bag that you tied up and put a pillow case over.
- Your ship will serve a variety of food. If you like to eat spaghetti or pizza, you will find it readily available, but won’t be limited to just these two dishes that seem to appear at the top of every restaurant menu in Cuba.
- You won’t need to exchange money to spend on the ship. In fact, you can use a credit card for purchases. That means that you won’t need to carry the wads of cash that you will need on a land tour. Foreigners are definitely an easy target when traveling by land.
View of Old Havana
- Travel time is more pleasant and more efficient. There are plenty of spots on the ship to see the view. Nobody will be pulling curtains like they do on the bus to prevent you from seeing the world outside.
- Shore excursions are plentiful and totally organized for you. You just need to join and follow the leader. No worries about finding maps, exchanging money for CUCs to pay for admissions, or dealing with the language barrier.
- If you are an American, you don’t need to worry about being in one of the 12 categories that allow Americans to travel to Cuba.
Cigar smoking women posing for tourists. Tips, please!
Of course, for the more adventurous person, a land tour is a wonderful introduction to Cuba. Just remember that several hours may be spent on a bus to move you from place to place. If cruising, you just rely on the ship to transport you in a comfortable bed while you sleep, thus leaving more time to explore this fascinating island.
Sail Away!
I’ve still not done a cruise, but you certainly make the case for doing one well! What exactly are CUCs? It’s great that travel to Cuba is possible for all Americans when going on a cruise there
A CUC is a Cuban Convertible Peso – it’s the money used by foreigners. A CUP is a Cuban Peso and the money that Cubans use. However, that is a simplistic explanation as some tourists will use CUPs and locals love to get CUCs. Some establishments only accept one or the other.
Well, Cuba is a place I have definitely considered…but cruising is something I don’t normally opt for! But the advantages you list here sure do make sense. Absolutely agree that having to only unpack/pack once is a difference maker, and the general overall convenience can’t be beat 🙂
I haven’t explored by cruise yet, but not sure it is my type of trip. I enjoy scouting the streets for local foods rather than an abundance of buffet type food. I suppose I am a little more adventurous in that I enjoy getting lost in a country a bit, find the hidden gems rather than sticking to a cruise schedule. Not having to lug your suitcase around would be nice though!
I used to think the same that you did about cruising, but I can assure you that if you are adventurous, you will still find the hidden gems or at least know if you want to return to a destination. And buffet food is just one option on a cruise. Thanks for your comment.
I’d love to visit Cuba, the old school cars fascinate me. I’m yet to go on a cruise, but the luxury of a cruise certainly appeals me to me.
I would love to visit Cuba sometime soon, so thank you for the advise. I always thought to do it independently, however, you convinced me to look some other alternatives, and cruising to Cuba sounds too good to be true 🙂
Travel safe, and keep up the good work. Thanks again for sharing!
Halef
the Round The World Guys
Glad that I am so convincing. Touch base if you need more info.