Things you need to know before going on a Cuba cruise

Cuba was a lesser known island to most Americans due to its severely limited access, and the ongoing tension between the two nations. With the change of regulations in 2015, there has been some amount of reduction in the restrictions on visits between the countries. Now, more and more people are taking a Cuba cruise to rejoice in the beaches, culture, and music of the beautiful island nation. Check out some of the tips that you should follow in case you are interested in booking yourself a Cuba cruise.

Carefully compare ships
All three ships that sail to Cuba are likely to be smaller, and older vessels starkly differing in the facilities they provide. Therefore, if you are a newbie at cruising, make sure you thoroughly go through the services that these ships may provide.

Look up itineraries
Most of the cruises that go to Havana offer very limited on island time. The time may range from a one day stop over to only an overnight halt. If you are keen to explore the history, and culture of the island, it is necessary you choose an itinerary that allows you enough time on the island.

Engage in immersive exchanges with the natives
If your purpose of traveling to Cuba is educational or informative, ensure you familiarize yourself with some form of person to person contact with the local Cuban citizens.

Your credit and debit cards won’t work
Despite some leniency in the financial practice between U.S. and Cuba, our banks do not allow any kind of transaction in Cuba. Therefore, it is important you take enough cash with you and get it exchanged.

Forget about cell phones and the internet
American cells do not really work in Cuba until you get them unlocked and purchase a new SIM card. As far as the internet is concerned, you may have internet and Wi fi access up and until you are onboard on a Cuba cruise, once you enter the island, you will not have the liberty to browse when you like.

Keep all your documents travel ready
When planning to book a Cuba cruise, ensure you check your passport’s expiration date. You will also be required to complete a travel affidavit that would attest that you will be engaging in cultural exchange. Once you complete the form, you will require to file it with the cruise line you have booked with. You should also obtain your tourist visa through agencies, or directly through the cruise line.

    RECENT ARTICLE

  • Budget travel tips
  • Top tech deals to get your hands on this Black Friday
  • Treatment for endocrine disorders
  • 4 Benefits of Taking Online English Classes

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  • Top smartphones with the best reviews
    Picking the best smartphone is getting more and more difficult nowadays. In every price range, there are multiple options available. There are numerous features in smartphones under $800 too.  Let’s review a few smartphones to understand the best choice. Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra The Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra has been one of the top picks for many reviewers. According to reviews, the S21 Ultra is the best smartphone in the world right now. The smartphone has a very beautiful design, and its camera setup is top-notch. Although the smartphone is more expensive than most phones, it is worth the money and has the best smartphone reviews. iPhone 12 Pro Max According to online reviews, the iPhone 12 Pro Max is one of the best phones to buy and is practically perfect. It is one of the most talked-about phones with the top reviews. It sports the exceptional A14 Bionic chip that offers spectacular performance and complements the 6.7-inch OLED display beautifully. The battery life is better than any other version of the iPhone 12 and lasts for 11 hours. It certainly is not cheap at a price tag of $1,099, but it’s a great all-around performer. iPhone 12 Mini The iPhone 12 Mini has some positive smartphone reviews. The features on the phone are exquisite and compete with the best in the market. The phone has a 5.4-inch screen, which makes it very comfortable to hold. It’s no surprise that it is dubbed as one of the best small smartphones of 2021. OnePlus 9 Pro Released in March 2021, the OnePlus 9 Pro is a welcome improvement on the single biggest shortcoming of the OnePlus 9 – it's the camera. The OnePlus 9 Pro competes with various other top smartphones available right now. It comes with a great display offering a refresh rate of 120 Hz, impressive power, and an eye-catchy design. The battery is not the best on this one, and this is why people might not prefer to spend the extra money on the iPhone 9 Pro. However, considering the plethora of features available, this phone is worth the money spent. Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra The Galaxy Note 20 Ultra is undoubtedly an expensive phone at approximately $1,299, but it does more than practically any other phone at the moment. The S Pen has been a stand-out feature on the Note series, and with this upgrade, the pen receives some enhancements as well. The phone is smooth to work on and has an impressive camera, thus receiving positive reviews from everyone, especially business users.
  • Why Installing wireless security cameras necessary for your school’s safety
    In recent times schools have become the focal point of terror and violence. Incidences of gun abuse, ragging and physical harassment of students are becoming rampant. Schools are also the most common ground for sexual predators to find vulnerable victims. Thus, it has become essential that schools take charge of increasing the safety of students in their school by installing wireless security cameras on the premises as an efficient way to do so. Types of wireless security cameras:
    • Indoor cameras: These cameras can be installed indoors in areas that are most vulnerable to internal conflicts among students. Monitoring these spaces can prevent misbehavior by students such as theft and harassment as well as reduce the possibility of unwarranted acts by intruders.
    • Dome cameras: These are specialized cameras which offer 360° coverage. They're ideal for corridors and classrooms where a single camera can be used to monitor a larger area.
    • Fixed lens camera: These can be placed at certain angles to cover a particular area which has specific security concerns such as the door of the main entrance, terrace and other entrances of the school building.
    • Outdoor cameras: These cameras are placed at strategic points to cover the ground around the school in its entirety. With the help of wireless security cameras, it has become possible to keep track of all the activities happening outside the school building which may be a threat to the students, teachers and other employees of the school.
    • Motion detector cameras: These are specialized cameras which can be placed in an area where students are restricted from entering such as the roof or the power generator room.
    • Adjustable camera: These cameras are programmed to capture a wide field. They have a powerful lens which can be used by security personnel to zoom in and get a closer look at any suspicious person or activity taking place within its range.
    The schools which are dedicated to preventing any harm to their students and other personnel have installed wireless security cameras to be able to handle threats of violence, vandalism or terror in a more efficient manner.
  • Factors to consider before getting an air conditioner installed
    Any type of air conditioner installation requires proper knowledge and tools. This article will provide a brief insight into the types of air conditioners and the factors to be considered when getting an air conditioner installed at your home or office. There are three main types of air conditioning systems. Window air conditioning units One of the oldest types, they are designed to cool small areas such as an apartment or a living room. They are easy to install and economical to run. These air conditioning systems are installed in windows from where they draw in the air, condense and cool it before releasing it into the room area. Split air conditioners One of the most popular air conditioning systems across the country, it is referred to as "split" because it is an air conditioning system that requires both, indoor and outdoor components. The indoor component is known as a handler, containing a blower and evaporator. The outdoor component, however, comprises a metal cabinet that contains a condenser and compressor. Packaged air conditioners These types of air conditioning systems combine both, air conditioning and heat pump; this means that they have both heating and cooling equipment. This type of air conditioner installation is often seen in commercial spaces due to their flexibility and small footprint. Usually considered as a type of HVAC system, it requires ducting for air flow and ventilation. The following factors may come into play when getting a particular type of air conditioner installed. Installing new duct systems If your home or office space does not have an existing ductwork, you may choose a ductless air conditioner (for example, a split air conditioner). HVAC and other types of central air conditioner installation require a separate duct system, which comes with extra space and cost considerations. Repairing duct systems If your home or office space already has a duct system and you are planning to install a ducted air conditioner, then these existing ducts might require repair and alterations to support the new systems. Air leaks due to faulty duct systems can decrease air conditioning efficiency by up to 30 percent. This can further lead to energy loss and poor temperature control. Duct system requires proper sealing to support the new air conditioning system. Indoor air quality Air conditioner installation requires a certain level of air dehumidification. Installing only an air conditioner might not be enough for your indoor environment based on your geographical location. You might need a whole-home dehumidifier to work with your air conditioner to significantly improve the air quality of your home or office space. Apart from this, you might also need an air purifier as an add-on if you live in places with below average AQI (air quality index).
  • Popular Kitchen Cabinets to Beautify Your Kitchen
    The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home and kitchen cabinets make it more attractive and fresh. It is always a pleasure to have a well-designed kitchen as it will make you feel great when preparing various delicacies. One should select kitchen cabinets by considering the amount of storage space, convenience, layout, and longevity. In the following, a brief overview of kitchen cabinets has been given. There are four types of kitchen cabinets—Wall, tall, base, and specialty unit cabinets. Kitchen cabinets are commonly made of the following materials:
    • Wood
    • Thermo foil
    • Melamine
    • Stainless steel
    • Laminator
    • Acrylic
    • Lacquer
    Kitchen cabinets should be well organized. Keeping your kitchen cabinets well organized has many benefits such as the following:
    • Organized kitchen cabinets save time because it gives a better understanding of where everything is placed.
    • Organized kitchen cabinets make it easier for planning meals and even grocery shopping.
    • Organized kitchen cabinets make cleaning easier.
    Popular kitchen cabinet brands in the country: Some of the popular kitchen cabinet brands in the country are as follows
    • Kraftmaid: They have a wide variety of kitchen cabinets and even offer semi-custom kitchen cabinets. They have enhanced their creation to cater to all choices and tastes.
    • Snaidero: They manufacture high-end, euro-styled kitchen cabinets.
    • IKEA: IKEA is one of the largest distributors of kitchen cabinets. They provide high-end style and low-cost kitchen cabinets.
    • Artistic Cabinetry: They design and manufacture contemporary and traditional kitchen cabinets.
    • Porcelanosa: They manufacture sleek and smooth European-style cabinetry. They also manufacture traditional types of cabinets.
    • All Wood Cabinetry: They manufacture plywood core cabinets for the kitchen which are classic and traditional styled.
    • Aran: Aran is a super high-end kitchen cabinet brand. They manufacture Euro-style and sleek kitchen cabinets.
    • Canyon Creek: They provide custom and affordable cabinets for the kitchen. They also offer framed and frameless cabinets.
    Which are some of the popular kitchen cabinets to choose from? Alexandria kitchen pantry This kitchen cabinet is easy to assemble; it has two sets of tempered ridged glass doors. It comes with adjustable inner shelves and storage drawers with removable wine dividers. Windham 2-door Accent Buffet This is an adjustable shelf for custom storage. It comes with two doors with glass panes and drawers. This is an attractive cabinet with both a cupboard and a drawer. Candie Modern Multi-Storage Dining Buffet This is wooden rectangular cabinet that is slim and storage efficient. It features a glass door, storage, wine storage, and fixed shelves. Parsons Pantry Storage This has deep storage drawers and two adjustable shelves behind the doors. It is easy to assemble and comes in white color. There are many more popular kitchen cabinets which come in beautiful designs to give an elegance to your kitchen, so ensure to choose the right kitchen cabinet that fits your needs and budget best.
  • Top SUV crossovers that you should consider
    The best crossovers are ranked on the basis of their benefits of high seating position, strong styling, third-row seating that can accommodate six or more passengers and more cargo space facilities that make the rider more comfortable. Honda CR-V: It is ranked as #1 in compact SUVs. Since it uses the Honda Civic platform in an SUV body it was called "CR-V" (Compact Recreational Vehicle). Overall it has been rated 8.9 out of 10. The CR-V's average price is $24,045. It is best known for its ample back seat legroom, spacious cargo area, excellent fuel economy and advanced safety technology. It delivers mileage around 10.9kmpl in cities and 13.7kmpl in highways. Inside the Honda CR-V, there's a seating for up to five passengers to sit comfortably. BMW X5: Its base price is approximate to $56,495. It delivers about 14mpg in cities and 30mpg in highways. BMW X5 has been proved to be a successful model for BMW. It hits a top speed of 230kmph. Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless device charging are now brandings available. It has a score of 8.8 out of 10 based on data elements. Mazda CX-5: It ranks near the top of compact SUV class for its outstanding performance, high-quality interior, smooth ride, roomy and comfortable seats, and laudable features. It has a score of 8.7 out of 10 based on the research. On an average Mazda CX-5 costs around $24,000. Kio Sorento: The Sorento is a value oriented ride for those seeking to avoid the minivan stigma. Its fuel tank capacity comes around 18.8 gal. Market average costs are approximate $26,239. Kio Sorento delivers about 21mpg in cities and 28mpg in highways. Toyota Highlander: Highlander is a large three-row crossover SUV with seating for eight. The quality of the material is high in Highlander. At present, the Highlander has a score of 8.6 out of 10 based on the evaluation. It offers lots of standard active safety features, above-average fuel economy, comfortable and quiet on the highway. The Highlander starts at $31,400 approximately. It is powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine, a V-6 hybrid. Nissan Murano: Nissan Murano has a starting price of $29,770. It comes with popular features such as BlueTooth facilities, a rearview camera that helps in a wider view and a 7-inch display. Currently, the Murano has a score of 8.5 out of 10. Nissan Murano has been certified as a top safety pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Cadillac XT5: The Cadillac XT5 is a good SUV vehicle. It is best known for its safety ratings. Even though it's overall score is 8.1 out of 10. It does not require premium gasoline. It averagely costs $39,365.
  • 3 effective home remedies to treat itchy skin in children
    Itchy skin symptoms are hard enough on adults, but they can be equally painful for children as well. Not only they find it difficult to resist scratching the itchy skin, but it can bleed and become painful later. There are several natural home remedies that can be used to provide relief to children with itchy skin. Medication is not always the way to go as you are not only increasing dependency on medicines but also they may be harmful in the long run. Some effective home remedies to reduce itchy skin symptoms in children are as follows:
    • Oatmeal: Oatmeal has healing properties when it comes to treating itchy skin symptoms. Take a cup of oatmeal and mix it with water to make a paste. Apply this to the itchy spots on the skin. It not only cools the skin but also provides instant relief from the itch. It can also be used as a good soaking solution for those that suffer from dry skin. Use it in the bath tub and soak in it. Be careful not to use hot water as it can aggravate dry skin condition.
    • Essential oils: Several essential oils can alleviate skin irritations and provide relief to itchy skin symptoms. The red rashes, which cause the itches, cool down on the application of these essential oils. Some of the oils that have both anti-inflammatory and soothing powers are
      • Calendula oil
      • Geranium oil
      • Lavender oil
      • Peppermint oil
    • Coconut oil: Coconut oil has amazing healing properties and is used extensively to treat dry skin. Soak in warm bath water for a while, at least until you see wrinkles in your skin. Now, you will know that your skin is ready to be moisturized. Apply coconut oil extensively on the affected areas. This treatment should be ideally done just before you sleep. This will allow your body to absorb the moisture from the oil overnight leaving moisturized and itch-free skin in the morning.
    Itchy skin need not be treated with medications; natural remedies can be used quite effectively to get relief from itchy skin symptoms. In case the symptoms persist for several weeks, consult a doctor immediately.