A few questions regarding Cuba please:

1. The usual question - numbers, male/female, TM assigned etc.

2. I have received several packs of information; none mention the internal flight, any details?

3. 1st May, Labour Day – will there be any changes to the itinerary given the mass parades particularly around sites associated with the revolution, Castro and Guevara etc. Given the early starts of the parades and numbers will we even be able to get the coach on the road to Santa Clara to see Guevara’s memorial which is probably a key venue for that day? It is said to be an amazing event to witness

Normal day at Memorial:

http://thumb1.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/1619477/160382978/stock-photo-santa-clara-cuba-may-che-guevara-s-monument-and-mausoleum-in-santa-clara-cuba-160382978.jpg 

May Day at Memorial:

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/626293/121566250/stock-photo-santa-clara-cuba-may-cubans-march-in-celebration-of-the-may-day-on-may-in-santa-clara-121566250.jpg 

(Sorry tried posting pictures, lost temper, shouted at PC and Forum and gave up)

Sandy

At the moment there are 17 booked on this tour (just 3 places left). The group is made up of 7 men and 10 women with ages from early 50s through to late 70s.

In terms of internal flights I have been provided with the following information:

The internal flight will take you from Havana to Holguin on day 4, and the flying time is approx. 1hr 45mins. The flight time will vary dependent upon season, so your Tour Manager will advise of this in resort.

Please note:-

• The domestic flight has a weight limit on check-in baggage which is 20kg, if your baggage is heavier, you may be asked to pay an excess baggage charge.

• The tickets for your domestic flight will be given to you in Cuba.

• It is advisable not to carry an umbrella in your hand luggage for the internal flight as they are now classed as an offensive weapon and may be confiscated.

Passengers are also no longer allowed to take any liquid items (this also includes lipsticks, balms etc) onto the aircraft in hand luggage. Please make sure your Tour Manager and guide are aware of any Prescription Medicines you need to carry as these need to be declared at check-in.

And finally - Labour Day: Our team overseas are monitoring planned parades and other festivities at the moment and we will advise if any changes to the itinerary are required. Please ask me again closer to departure for an update.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Hi Sandy,

At the moment there are 17 booked on this tour (just 3 places left). The group is made up of 7 men and 10 women with ages from early 50s through to late 70s.

In terms of internal flights I have been provided with the following information:

The internal flight will take you from Havana to Holguin on day 4, and the flying time is approx. 1hr 45mins. The flight time will vary dependent upon season, so your Tour Manager will advise of this in resort.

Please note:-

• The domestic flight has a weight limit on check-in baggage which is 20kg, if your baggage is heavier, you may be asked to pay an excess baggage charge.

• The tickets for your domestic flight will be given to you in Cuba.

• It is advisable not to carry an umbrella in your hand luggage for the internal flight as they are now classed as an offensive weapon and may be confiscated.

Passengers are also no longer allowed to take any liquid items (this also includes lipsticks, balms etc) onto the aircraft in hand luggage. Please make sure your Tour Manager and guide are aware of any Prescription Medicines you need to carry as these need to be declared at check-in.

And finally - Labour Day: Our team overseas are monitoring planned parades and other festivities at the moment and we will advise if any changes to the itinerary are required. Please ask me again closer to departure for an update.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Thanks Julia,

Brilliant as usual, looks like a good group and I know it is a serious subject but I had to laugh about the umbrella. Otherwise, Labour Day, happy to join the melee, just like to know where I'll be to plan free time/decide on the optional tours etc. Will wait and see what is happening when we get there.

Any name in the frame for TM?

Sandy

Clearly not that brilliant as I missed the original question about the TM.

And yes - the Tour Manager provisionally allocated to this tour is Leigh Cardona Britton

Kindest regards,

Julia

My names Christine and I am on the April 20th Cuba trip too. Some of the questions you raised I was thinking about also. Only other thing I would like to do if at all possible is go to the Tropicana in Havana as I have heard it is brilliant but don't think there will be an evening free to do it but hey ho just go with the flow as they say.

Looking forward to seeing you at the airport together with all our other travelling companions and here's hoping for a brilliant trip. Hope we do get executive lounge passes as I do think it is nice to meet up before getting on the plane, especially for long haul trips.

Bye for now

Chris

Hi Sandy

My names Christine and I am on the April 20th Cuba trip too. Some of the questions you raised I was thinking about also. Only other thing I would like to do if at all possible is go to the Tropicana in Havana as I have heard it is brilliant but don't think there will be an evening free to do it but hey ho just go with the flow as they say.

Looking forward to seeing you at the airport together with all our other travelling companions and here's hoping for a brilliant trip. Hope we do get executive lounge passes as I do think it is nice to meet up before getting on the plane, especially for long haul trips.

Bye for now

Chris

Hi, nice to "meet" you.

As for evenings (or any other time really) you are generally free to do as you please. You don't have to eat with the group if you wish to do something else, but you will have to pick up the cost of the meal elsewhere, not a great expensive.

I'm a bit iffy on the Tropicana; there a mixed reviews - some saying it is so repetitive that you really only need to see 20 minutes of the 2 hour show (starts at 10p.m.), service is appalling and some seating doesn't allow you to see all the show. On the other hand, some say it's amazing, worth seeing (but maybe not more than once). The outdoor venue is about a 20 minute taxi ride from the hotel. Costs £50-£65 roughly depending on your seating allocation (camera fee on top) so some may consider that a bit steep. I believe you have to book in advance, but that is something the local guide may be able to do for those who want to go - I'm sure you won't be alone.

We should be able to ask the guys who are going in February and March their thoughts on the attractions.

Brochure does say "use of airport lounge" included, so see you there.

Sandy