Who’s ready to travel to Cuba ? TOMORROW, Thurs, July 9, your travel profession can provide you thru Apple Vacations, for traveling Sept/Oct 2015. Yes, you can bring back cuban cigars

Today I attended a seminar provided by Apple Vacations about traveling to Cuba.  Though I type 80 wpm, I truly hope I provide below, much of what was said, and correct insight provided.

 

Cuba is continuing to change quickly.  All learned today can change.  In last 10 days, there’s much change already.  Towers going up.  More relaxation to going to Cuba.  Carnival announced they will be going to Cuba in 2016.

Cuba will go on sale with Apple Vacations (through your travel professional) beginning July 9, 2015 @ 11am !  Available dates for September & October 2015 … More dates to come.

 

Why cuba ?  So much interest by Americans.  Government, beaches … Largest island in the Caribbean.  Lots of beaches.

Cuba is widely traveled by many, such as Canada, Europe, UK.  #2 island in Caribbean that is traveled to.  Great restaurants and great things to see.

Fast Faqs.

Cubans are highly educated.  Their education is free & folks further their education, ,such as PHD’s, etc. 
Architecture is gorgeous.  Develop has frozen there so you see lots that has been there for years.  Much unique.

Regulations have lightened up.

Americans can now travel through 1-12 preapproved tours, based on certain travel categories.  Thes tours are “Educational activities”.  People to people tours.  Engage with the Cuban culture; get to know the people; what they like to do; what they like to eat.  Great opportunity for education.  It is NOT A BEACH TOUR.  Must be a US license requirement tour !  It’s not a getaway to the beach.  It’s all scheduled; not much free time.  Maybe if dinner over early, you can go back to hotel for free time.  It’s US requirement that everything is fully scheduled.  This is an organized people to people organized vacation.  Eating, shopping, touring, totally escorted.  Go on buses together.  Must participate in all; can not deviate tour  … US Law.

Why Apple Vacations want to get involved.  Because this opportunity is available, Apple wants to get in and be involved.

There are 10-14 nights out there, but many American’s don’t have this much time.  So Apple Vacations offering 4-8nights and more affordable.  Right now, only 2 tours offered … A 5 night & a 7 night.

Cuba Travel Services.  Apple partnered up with them.  They charter flights with American airlines, and another airline.  They are license & experts in Cuba.

What’s included w/Apple to Cuba.  CTS plans …

Must do a night in Miami & go to a briefing for filling out paper work.  Then r/t flights from Miami.
Complimentary check back (max 44lbs there & 50lbs coming back) & carry bag.  Escorted tours.  Cuba medical insurance included. Cuban tourism visa.
Most tips (excluding hotel).

Not included, airfare from home flight to Miami, however, can be added.

Depending on tour when meals not included.  If not included, you can choose your own restaurant.
Cuban tax, pay at Miami airport.
Trip Cancel Insurance
Gratuties at hotel not included.
Some meals may not be included, based on tour.
Need to be flexible.  Things in Cub are different & things can change.
Hotel can change.  Flight can change.  Or tour changes or times change.  Or restaurant changes.  The guides fix things quickly.
Need to be able to go with the flow.

Tours

Havannah getaway – 5N’s – must arrive to Miami in time of briefing.  Leaves on Sat’s.  Sept 5, Oct 10, 17, 21 & more coming.  $2233pp, based on 2.  Max 30 in group.  All paper work must be returned to Apple vacations, no later than 40 days prior d/t need for visa.

Colors of Cuba – 7N’s.  $ 2733pp, based on 2.  1^st one is Sept 11, Sept 25, Oct 8 & more coming.  Same info as above.

 

Answers to questions
*Cuba is not setup for disability clients.  Not consistent with American Disability Act.
*Your passport must be 6 months to the good, upon returning.
*Credit Cards not really accepted; need to bring cash.  Cuba does not take US dollars; you have to exchange.  It’s $1 for $1, but commission charge is .13 cents, so you get back 87 cents on $1.  Keep est $100-200 on you; get up front.  If you have left over money, you can exchange back, but there is a cost.
*Cell phones (even if you have International plan – can use phone at hotel) & Internet won’t work.  Wifi not widely available, except some hotels (even if it does work, doesn’t work fast).
*Current groups, can only book into groups; can’t set up private groups for 2015.
*Souvenirs.  Can bring back up to $400.  $100 of this can be tobacco & Cuban cigars.  What you can buy extra that is not included in $400 is local art, handicrafts, ceramics & sculptures.
*Airfare from Miami to Cuba must be bought with package.  Can not upgrade your airfare (only 1 class of service).  These are charter flights.
*Singles cost.  Not yet known.
*New air gateways in future.  Today, only Miami with Apple Vacations.
*Guides – Excellent in English.  May speak other languages.  There will also be a tour guide from CTS.  So you will have 2 guides.
*How are the Cubans treating Americans.  Was expressed that they were treated delightful/fantastic.  Folks happy to see the Americans.  Found it to be very safe.  Vendors not even pushy; they engaged you & sold you, but didn’t push you; great approachable.
*Age requirement for Apple Vacation tours – 18 & up.
*Can only US passport holders go on tours ?  Unknown.  Will be handled case by case.

 

Cuba will go on sale with Apple Vacations (through your travel professional) beginning July 9, 2015 @ 11am !