My Heart is in Havana

I have been lucky enough to travel many times to Cuba ,and with Virgin Voyages finalising their contract this week to sail in 2020 into Havana, they will have the largest.newest ship to sail into Havana harbour.with one of the features  being called After Dark, itineraries beginning April 2020 and featuring an overnight stay  to experience the vibrant night culture.Everytime i have visited Havana its changed, just that little more touristy and commercial so soon is a great time to go.One of the biggest threats has always been seen as when American tourists are finally allowed into Cuba, and there is to date still no tourist category, but they are allowed to travel in on group travel or under categories such as “Support for the Cuban People “, you also have to keep all receipts and travel records for 5 years which i find a bit strange.However it means that the mass influx still hasnt started and the charm and vibrancy of the capital can still be experienced,fabulously on a cruise.

As far as money is concerned a lot of people are confused by the currency system,heres a brief guide There are 2 Cuban currencies: the Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC). .  

The Cuban convertible currency is the one the tourists use, the Cuban Peso Nacional (CUP) is the one used by the locals so its unlikely that you will come it contact with the Nacional but its useless to you to convert back, so you may have to be a little careful in small shops and bars.Everyone is confused also by credit and debit cards, the rule is that if your bank is owned by an american company you cant use them, but all you need to do is call your provider before you go and check with them the validity in Cuba.

What to do in Havana,

Top of my list was to ride in an open topped Bright Red Chevy Bel Air (Maybe 1955/6) around the Old Town. eventually the concierge at my hotel found one through a friend of a friend, and although it was a little pink looking for my liking, the trip was superb, topped off by our driver dropping us at a Cuban street party that had broken out for someones engagement.It happens quite a lot as the Cubans love to dance and everyone is invited, dont be shy.

The Malecon is the place to stroll,see the painters and musicians and lovers gazing out into the ocean and over the 5 miles of the promenade which stretches from La Punta to the Almendares river (one tip dont go near the river if you are well liked by mosquito).Around 23-25th Street is the best time in the evening for the views and where youngsters and parents/grandparents alike shoot the breeze and enjoy chatting, singing and drinking rum.There was a barbecue set up and we enjoyed little patties of pork burgers for which they wouldnt take payment.During the day we were also recommended to try the Coconut Pie baked in pastry but it was way too sweet for me.The time of the day i liked the best as with a lot of cities i have visited was early morning as the city was coming to life, the cafe owners, some markets setting up and the hustle and bustle but be warned ,Cuban always go at their own pace.We were staying 2 minutes away from a lovely square called Plaza Vieja and there was a great coffee shop called Escorial, Starbucks it aint, it is so much better and we brought back home bags of beans

So visit Havana, theres changes a coming, but it still retains its charm since it was first named as the Capital City Of Cuba in 1519.

Cruise Lines visiting Cuba  are Virgin Voyages, Msc Cruises,Marella,Azamara,Norwegian Cruise Line,Seabourn,Holland america and more.Contact me for details