Got information about the October 19th trip as the remainder of my money was required (done) but it raises one question.

Can you confirm flight times (gatwick) ?

There are no flight times on the paperwork other than the internal flight within Cuba.

Are we still flying direct with Virgin as origionally planned ? I'd hate to think JY have found an alternative that doesn't go direct as this trip as been sold out for quite awhile so would assume flights confirmed with carrier.

Really could do with the return to UK time so i can book train tickets, I know the Virgin flight returns at 9-50am (from their website).

Thanks

Mick

The flight times that are showing in the system are;

Depart London Gatwick (direct to cuba): 12:15hrs

Return London Gatwick (direct from Cuba): 09:50hrs

Both flights are listed as with Virgin. I would as always like to stress that these are provisional and would be confirmed in your final documents.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Hi Mick W,

The flight times that are showing in the system are;

Depart London Gatwick (direct to cuba): 12:15hrs

Return London Gatwick (direct from Cuba): 09:50hrs

Both flights are listed as with Virgin. I would as always like to stress that these are provisional and would be confirmed in your final documents.

Kindest regards,

Julia

Thanks Julia, just a little concerned that the flights don't show on my paperwork even if provisional. Never known that happen before.

The times certainly match the Virgin website so cant see it changing at this late stage.

I've flown to Florida twice with Virgin and I agree with Sarah. Way better than BA or any other company I've flown with.

Enjoy Cuba.

Paul

Thanks for the comments, I have actually flown with Virgin before but only once unless my memory is fading, was to America a few years back and agree they are excellent.

Mick

Unless there is a last minute change we should be flying on a 747-400 (jumbo). I have splashed out a bit extra to go Premium Economy. I have flown Virgin a few times and although I agree they are better than BA, that's not saying much! I watched the Virgin programme which was on recently about their new Dreamliners but unfortunately they won't be used on the Havana route.

I've just been talking to a colleague who has been to Cuba and he's really got me excited about it. I've paid the balance, arranged new travel insurance (normal company is a US based one) and booked my parking so I'm pretty much ready to go. Shame it's still 12 weeks to go!

Sally

Mick

Unless there is a last minute change we should be flying on a 747-400 (jumbo). I have splashed out a bit extra to go Premium Economy. I have flown Virgin a few times and although I agree they are better than BA, that's not saying much! I watched the Virgin programme which was on recently about their new Dreamliners but unfortunately they won't be used on the Havana route.

I've just been talking to a colleague who has been to Cuba and he's really got me excited about it. I've paid the balance, arranged new travel insurance (normal company is a US based one) and booked my parking so I'm pretty much ready to go. Shame it's still 12 weeks to go!

Sally

Hi Sally,

I'm almost sorted my insurance is through my bank account and is ok for Cuba,also paid up with JY. I've just train tickets to sort have got overnight hotel booked.

Should be able to sort the train for going down next week as its cheaper splitting the trip with singles to Kings Cross (and back) and then a return from St Pancras to Gatwick.

Really looking forward to it.

Mick.

On a previous post Monty mentioned that the Ernest Hemingway visit is the only one available to book in the UK, the others are offered in-resort. This presents a bit of a problem with budgeting for the trip. The majority of credit / debit cards are not accepted in Cuba so cash will be required, however without an idea of what excursions are available at what price it is difficult to know how much money to take. I see there is mention in the itinerary of a tour of Santa Clara and previous travellers have mentioned a Club Tropicana night in Havana.

Are you able to get a bit more info from your local tour company to help with the budget?

Thanks

Sally

I have retrieved a list of what a couple of our optional excursions approximately cost:

- The Havana Tropicana Nightclub = £80 per person.

- The Guardalavaca Indian Village = £16 per person

- Cienfuegos Santa Clara = £16 per person

- Sunset Cruise = £15 per person

- Vinales Guided Walk = £10 per person

Please bear in mind that these prices are approximate. I hope this helps, and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kindest Regards,

Monty

You'll just have to immerse yourself in the culture instead and forget about the outside world!!

Have a great holiday,

Bob

Hope you will write a review for the benefit of us in the October gang :thumbup:

Bob,

Suits me to live a couple of weeks without wi-fi but will have to keep a diary so can write up afterwards, cant trust the memory these days :huh:

Mick

I look forward to reading your review afterwards, or perhaps Sally might beat you to it!!

Have a fantastic time, I'm currently thinking about going in 2017. They might even have wi fi by then!!

Cheers,

Bob

Liz,

Hope you will write a review for the benefit of us in the October gang :thumbup:

Bob,

Suits me to live a couple of weeks without wi-fi but will have to keep a diary so can write up afterwards, cant trust the memory these days :huh:

Mick

Hi Mick! Remember me from the Minnesota splinter group of 2013? 🙂

I did the Cuba trip in 2012 and loved it all but it really was like turning the technological clock back. A few tips which probably survive the most recent changes... a torch as street lighting unpredictable, biros will be begged on the street, take toiletries for tips in the hotels as money less use when shops have no stock (uk hotel freebies fine), gifts pretty inexpensive and beware the cuba libres as mainly rum which is cheaper than coke! !!!!!! I remember my mouth becoming disconnected about 2am one morning in Havana :blush:

Enjoy:thumbup:

Diane

Hi Mick,

I look forward to reading your review afterwards, or perhaps Sally might beat you to it!!

Have a fantastic time, I'm currently thinking about going in 2017. They might even have wi fi by then!!

Cheers,

Bob

Bob,

Will definately leave the forum review in Sally's capable hands although i'll be updating my blog, Having met Sally once I'm sure we'll all have plenty of laughs and there will be plenty to report.

Mick

Liz,

Hope you will write a review for the benefit of us in the October gang :thumbup:

Bob,

Suits me to live a couple of weeks without wi-fi but will have to keep a diary so can write up afterwards, cant trust the memory these days :huh:

Mick

Hi Mick! Remember me from the Minnesota splinter group of 2013? 🙂

I did the Cuba trip in 2012 and loved it all but it really was like turning the technological clock back. A few tips which probably survive the most recent changes... a torch as street lighting unpredictable, biros will be begged on the street, take toiletries for tips in the hotels as money less use when shops have no stock (uk hotel freebies fine), gifts pretty inexpensive and beware the cuba libres as mainly rum which is cheaper than coke! !!!!!! I remember my mouth becoming disconnected about 2am one morning in Havana :blush:

Enjoy:thumbup:

Diane

Hi Dianne (or is it Dee ann, lol),

Good to hear from you it seems a long time since we were part of the Minneapolis 17, was a good laugh despite all the disasters.

Steve & June were on the same holiday (Heart & Soul) last year so was good to meet them again. In fact may see June in Sept as I'm up in the North East and she is planning to pop along for a coffee and catch up.

Met Derek & Clair ages ago when they had a weekend in York, also saw Wendy when she came through but its all a long time ago.

take care

Mick