Q-Tips Reviews

The Baltics Trip –  

On our ship at our favorite watering hole.

Cuban woman ironing – notice she does it with an iron with hot coals

Cienfuegos – Our day began with a tour to the city known as, “The Pearl of the South,” founded in 1819.  This is the heart of the country’ sugar can, mango, tobacco and coffee production.   Stopped at the Graphic Society of Cienfuegos and met local artists and viewed their prints – the society is known for its programs for children with special needs. Our tour continued at Project Trazo Libres: artist Santiago Hermes Martinez converted his family home into an art collective in 2009 to support local artists and collaborate with them.  We viewed unique handicrafts, murals, photographs and traditional costumes.

Then enjoyed a panoramic view of Cienfuegos and Teatro Thomas Terry.  Built between 1887 and 1889  to honor Venezuelan industrialist Tomas Terry.  The 950 seat opera house and theater is decorated with Carrara marble and hand carved Cuban hardwoods.

NOTE: They will charge you to take photos inside this opera house so be sure that you really want that photo.

Afternoon: A documentary about Cuba.

Evening: Make your own cocktail.  Mrs. Q says, ”No thank you, I prefer they make my cocktail.”

After dinner: another performance by the Cuban dancers and you can join them and dance along. We did dance along.

Day at Sea – We were supposed to go to Maria de la Gorda, but for some reason that stop was cancelled and no one seems to know why.

Morning talk & demonstration:  Cuban Culture, a cooking demonstration on Cuban Festive Dishes.

Evening: Captain’s Cocktail Party – we were asked to dress elegantly but some guests came in shorts and sandals.  Perhaps for them that was elegant dress.

Evening performance: Welcome to Cabaret! The musical “Cabaret” performed by Cuban dancers/performers.

HAVANA – The city was founded in 1519 by the Spanish and by the 17th century it became one of the Caribbean’s main centers for ship-building.

Our morning tour began with a visit to the Fine Art Museum “Museo de la Revolution.” Housed the former Presidential Palace, and is devoted to the revolutionary war of the 1950’s and the country’s post 1959 history. Then a stop at the outdoor installations of legendary Cuban ceramicist and graphic artist Jose Fuster, a pioneer of Cuban visual art.

After lunch, there was a discussion of the visual art scene in Cuba, the Museums. Dinner then a performance by the Cuban performers and a “nighcap” to talk about our day.

Inside the Museo de la Revolution

Museo de la Revolution

Outdoor installations of Cuban ceramicist and graphic artist Jose Fuster. He lives here in a very tiny home and opened his house to visitors. Pictures are allowed but not of his private residence. Mrs. Q says, his residence is very tiny. He gives any donations to other artist so they may pursue their passion. He has a tribute to Gaudi. Gaudi’s Ma Familia is in Barcelona and he was inspired by Gaudi after a visit with him in Barcelona.

HAVANA – Our day began with a “Real taste of Havana Tour.”  Drove past the Baroque and neoclassical monuments and collection of private houses with arcades, balconies, wrought-iron gates and internal courtyards. Mrs. Q says: For those who have been to New Orleans,  some of the homes resembled those of New Orleans. Then the walking tour began with a walk past the historical center of Old Havana (“Habana Vieja”). Saw the Royal Forces Castle, St. Fransis of Assisi and Arms Square.

After our lunch on our ship,  the afternoon tour included a stop at the Old Capital Building, drove past Revoluntion Museum, The Fine Arts Museum, The Parque Central (Central Park) and the Gran Teatre de Havana. Stopped at the Revolution Square for free time and a walk around. Leaving the Square drove past Old Havana’s University, the Alma Mater statue, La Rampa, Coppelia ice cream parlor, the Yara movie theater and Habana Libre hotel. Ending our tour at San Jose Market for more free time.

Dinner on the ship and then another performance from the Cuban dancers/entertainers and a  relaxing “nightcap” and to talk over our exciting day.

Optional additional evening Tours: Tour Tropicana Cabaret – USD – $149.00 pp – adults only, Tour Buena Vista Social Club Tribute – USD – $110.00pp – adults only, City Night Tour with Dinner  – USD – $105.00pp adults, $83.00pp child.  We did not take any additional tours.

Left to Right -Oldest to more moden architectural buildings.

Habana Vieja (Old Havana Center)

Revolution Square

Fun day at sea –  started our day with an introduction to the unique Cuban instruments. Bongos, Claves and the Tres, Cuba’s famed three-string guitar.

Then if you wish, taste some of Cuba’s cuisine. The Chef shows how to make Creole/Spanish cuisine.

Afternoon: a talk about “Cuban Cigars – The story behind the Smoke. If you love cigars, you will find out how the “Habanos” are produced. Was interesting even tho I don’t smoke.

Later a Documentary about Cuba.

Evening: Learn to Cha, Cha.

Anther evening performance by Cuban dancers/performers  and off to have a “nighcap.”

Cuban Claves

TRES – A Cuban three stringed guitar

Montego Bay, Jamaica – – Stayed at “El Greco” resort – it is a dump. Not that we expected it to be classy and upscale since we were there for sleeping overnight for one night. There are no elevators, so keep this in mind when they tell you where your room is.  They tend to want to put people on the third floor. If you have health issues or need to use a walker, cane, etc. demand a first or second floor coser to the office. The other side has no view and is noisy from street traffic.

Wonder why we could not fly out a day later and just board the ship? Perhaps it was our fault for not asking.  Oh well, that is what can happen when you follow along like lemmings.

The transfer ride from the hotel to board the ship did arrive on time.  The ride to the ship was a real eye-opener.  Vendors all over running in and out on the street trying to sell things to the drivers. Soft drinks, washing your front car windows, etc.  All trying to make some money.