CUBA CRUISE LINES - LOUIS CRISTAL - THE BOAT

Our Cuba Trip began on the Louis Cristal out of Montego Bay.   This is not your luxury liner or cruise ship with rock climbing walls, zip lining, etc.  Cuba Cruise Lines sails from December to March each year to Cuba.

Some background information:  The ship is old (1980).  It has been sold twice.  It is now owned by a Greek company. The boat was just comfortable enough to get you to the islands of Cuba on a seven day adventure.  If you understand this before you board, then you will have a great time.

We opted for an ocean view cabin, there are not that many balconies on this ship.  Our room size was normal for a ship and the beds were just above standard.   It was however, Clean and neat.   Our room attendant was accommodating and efficient.   The bathroom had a sign on the first day that said "do not put any toilet tissue in the toilet", put it in the garbage can.  What?  I never heard of such a thing.  Most Americans on board were appalled.  However, the Europeans onboard (who outnumbered us) did not seem fazed by this at all.  We used our judgement and we were fine.

The pool was my biggest disappointment.  They drained the pool each day around 6:00.  The food was pretty good.  There were three nights where the food was exceptional:   during the midnight buffet, the captains cocktail party and Greek night.  Changes are a coming for the 2016 cruise year....ie, more authentic cuban food.

Entertainment was mediocre nightly and the disco was ok.  There was a cuban opera singer that was absolutely fantastic and the aerial act was amazing.  Casino small but functional.  I think we broke even by the end of the week.

Customer Service -  The new company has been responsive and is clearly into customer service.  This beforehand was not a cruise you would want to be on if you are looking for refunds, gifts, or apologies for bad food, rooms or service.  They are friendly, but not going to be too accommodating with small annoyances or mishaps.  Perhaps with the change of hands from Canadian to Greek this may change.

You have to regard this cruise as a "means to an end."  Meaning you get to see Cuba inexpensively and thoroughly immerse yourself in it's people and culture.  With that being said....I had one of the best vacations of my life.  I won't remember the cruise ship in a few weeks, but I will remember Cuba for a long time to come.


midnight buffet

midnight buffet