Travel

Cuba all inclusive

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  • Apr 22nd, 2024 4:51 pm
[OP]
Jr. Member
Feb 22, 2009
159 posts
27 upvotes
Toronto

Cuba all inclusive

Any thoughts on this and recommendations would help I have heard in my extended family that the food situation in Cuba is bad at the current time. I was in Havanna pre covid 2019 i think. Food was fine for us as we stayed in a villa and didt feel any issue with food. Im concerned this time as we are looking for an all-inclusive this time, 3 -4 of use travelling and don't want an issue with food shortage, beer, and alcohol in the resort.
Any thoughts on this and recommendations would help
21 replies
Jr. Member
Nov 20, 2007
154 posts
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Toronto
We are going soon. Our plan is to pack some snacks and just arrive with low expectations and not over think it too much. Let's see what happens!
Deal Addict
Feb 19, 2019
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GTA
Been to Cuba few times prior to covid and as long as you knew what to expect you could have fantastic vacations.

Post covid we decided to avoid Cuba based on the comments from friends who went and online reviews, things apparently went from bad to worse, resorts went downhill, shortage of basic food items, drinks and so on.

I think you can still have a great time and enjoy the beaches, culture and so on as long your expectations are set low for other things.
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Feb 27, 2015
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We were there 2 times in 2023. Even got married there.

Only shortage we faced was steak and butter. None anywhere on the island. No other shortage.

We also did site visits on 10+ resorts in Varadero. We wanted to make sure our guests would have a great time.

Everyone had a blast and while not having Surf and Turf for the wedding night, the resort made a wonderful French Chicken breast.
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Feb 7, 2017
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Eastern Ontario
JRGUINNESS wrote: We were there 2 times in 2023. Even got married there.

Only shortage we faced was steak and butter. None anywhere on the island. No other shortage.

We also did site visits on 10+ resorts in Varadero. We wanted to make sure our guests would have a great time.

Everyone had a blast and while not having Surf and Turf for the wedding night, the resort made a wonderful French Chicken breast.
Steak / Beef … esp good cuts
Are difficult to come by at the best of times in the Caribbean
(Costs an arm & leg too … as it’s all imported by Ship / Plane from “the mainland” … be that NA, CA, or SA )

It’s just NOT TRADITIONAL = LOCAL Island food
(Beef requiring a lot of space to roam / graze )

Always a better choice with what’s grown / produced locally
FRESH CAUGHT Fish & Seafood
Or Chicken, Lamb / Goat, or Pork
That’s what many local dishes in the islands feature
Stick with those choices
And you’ll be surprised what’s on offer / the diverse menu of amazing flavours
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Feb 27, 2015
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Pork in Cuba is THE best.

They use coconut to feed the big and the taste is completely different.
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Feb 29, 2008
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Just had family come back two weeks ago. Very limited food selection. Lots of potatoes.
Last edited by mr_raider on Dec 29th, 2023 9:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Member
Feb 9, 2021
222 posts
254 upvotes
Ottawa
Went to Varadero in mid-November. Very limited food selection, particularly at the buffet (it was borderline awful). The restaurants were better. During an excursion, people staying at other resorts were reporting no eggs and no soft drinks.

Best to keep expectations low and bring snacks if you go.
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Feb 7, 2017
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coolmanfever wrote: which all inclusive resort offer best food selection?
I suggest you GOOGLE for your answer …
Find a recently written travel article

Cuz post Covid and Pre Covid are 2 different eras in Cuba
Due to Supply Chain issues = food shortages

So pretty unlikely that someone = one individual or a couple / family
Have been to say 4, 6, 8, 10 AIs in Cuba since 2022
To give you a comprehensive answer
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Aug 28, 2019
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fitzy7 wrote: We are going soon. Our plan is to pack some snacks and just arrive with low expectations and not over think it too much. Let's see what happens!
How did it go? which resort did you stay at?
Member
Apr 13, 2019
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Canadian vacationing in Cuba. Do I need medical insurance? I was told Cuban gov't covers it for tourists
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Feb 7, 2017
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Einsteinish wrote: Canadian vacationing in Cuba. Do I need medical insurance? I was told Cuban gov't covers it for tourists
It’s the EXACT OPPOSITE

It’s a case where Cuba requires Tourists to have PROOF OF TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE
Health insurance
You must show proof of valid health insurance to enter Cuba.

All health insurance policies are recognized in Cuba, except those issued by U.S. insurance companies. However, the Cuban immigration authorities will decide which proof of health insurance is acceptable.

Proof of health insurance may be:

* an insurance policy
* an insurance certificate
* a Canadian provincial health insurance card **

If you don’t have proof of health insurance or if the proof you present doesn’t satisfy the Cuban immigration authorities, you may have to obtain health insurance from a Cuban insurance company upon arrival. This insurance may have limited coverage. Local authorities may refuse your entry to the country.

** Canadian provincial health care coverage provides very limited coverage outside Canada. It won’t pay for medical bills up-front. It does not include air evacuation, and neither does Cuban health insurance.**

Cuban authorities won’t let you leave the country with outstanding medical bills, which are payable by credit card only. You will need to remain in Cuba until all debts are paid.

* Make sure you purchase the best health insurance you can afford
* Ensure the insurance includes medical evacuation and hospital stays
https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/cuba#
Sr. Member
Mar 1, 2014
553 posts
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I was in Varadero last December. Assuming that the Iberostar brand would pick up for some slack, I was in for a big shock.... short story; it will be a long time before I return.
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May 9, 2009
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HockeyOne wrote: Went to Varadero in mid-November. Very limited food selection, particularly at the buffet (it was borderline awful). The restaurants were better. During an excursion, people staying at other resorts were reporting no eggs and no soft drinks.

Best to keep expectations low and bring snacks if you go.
I know someone who was in Varadero last week and the situation is still similar, though she wouldn't go so far as to say borderline awful. She said there were still plenty of options and they never went hungry, but there would be days without bread and not a whole lot of fresh fruit available either. Plenty of rum and beer available too but some other "basics" like mint were missing; one of the bartenders at the resort was bringing in her own mint and simple syrup for mojitos (and consequently raking in the tips).

She went in with low expectations and ultimately was not disappointed, especially given the low price.
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Aug 28, 2019
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psyko514 wrote: I know someone who was in Varadero last week and the situation is still similar, though she wouldn't go so far as to say borderline awful. She said there were still plenty of options and they never went hungry, but there would be days without bread and not a whole lot of fresh fruit available either. Plenty of rum and beer available too but some other "basics" like mint were missing; one of the bartenders at the resort was bringing in her own mint and simple syrup for mojitos (and consequently raking in the tips).

She went in with low expectations and ultimately was not disappointed, especially given the low price.
Thanks for sharing. Do you know which resort she stayed at?
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May 9, 2009
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MarkF56792 wrote: Thanks for sharing. Do you know which resort she stayed at?
Memories Varadero but it might show up as Resonance as it recently changed ownership. It is adults only now and several areas are undergoing renovation.
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Nov 20, 2007
154 posts
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Toronto
MarkF56792 wrote: How did it go? which resort did you stay at?
We stayed at Playa Cayo Santa Maria which was one of the cheapest resorts with decent reviews. Had a great time! If you forget to tip the cleaning staff they give you the soviet-grade toilet paper but if you do you get the premium stuff.

I wanted to go back this Christmas but the prices are just so high. Ended up booking flights to Cartagena for March Break which were a good deal instead. It's crazy like they couldn't even land at Holguin airport this week because they had no power for the lights on the runway, yet resort prices seem to be going up not down.

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