Louis Cristal FAQ's
How old is the Louis Cristal?
The Cuba Cruise Louis Cristal was built in 1980. Over the years, the ship has been refurbished several times and renovated continually. The last renovations were in the summer of 2013.
Do any of the cabins windows open?
No, the windows on the ship do not open for safety reasons.
What side of the ship will face the land?
The ship will sail in a clockwise direction, so the starboard (right) side of the ship will face the island of Cuba.
Are there luggage restrictions?
Yes, two pieces per person, each max 32 kg (72 lbs). No steamer trunks.
What is the working language on board ship?
Primarily English, though announcements and printed materials are in both English and French. Reception services are available in English, French and Spanish.
Is smoking permitted?
Yes, in designated areas on outer decks, as well as one side of the “Helios” bar and poolside area.
What is the food like?
Meat and produce is mainly imported fresh from Canada weekly. The menu is based on European continental with distinct Canadian content and flavor.
Is it possible to accommodate Gluten Free meals on board the Louis Cristal?
Yes, Cuba Cruise can accommodate gluten free meals. Please contact us to make the request on your booking. You will also need to mention this to the staff once on board.
Are meals served buffet style?
Note: All meal seating arrangements onboard are subject to passenger numbers, shore excursions timing, special evening performances, etc. Changes to meal times, open restaurants, and whether meals will be served buffet or a-la-carte will be reported on passengers’ daily schedule each day. As a general rule the following applies:
Breakfast is served Buffet Style in Amalthia Restaurant (Ouranos Deck 8), as well as Leda Casual Dining (Hera Deck 9). Lunch is served “A la Carte” in Amalthia Restaurant (Ouranos Deck 8), as well as Buffet Style in Leda Casual Dining (Hera Deck 9). Dinner is served “A la Carte” in Amalthia Restaurant (Ouranos Deck 8), the Olympus Restaurant (Dionyssos Deck 5), and the Alberta Prime Steakhouse (Hera Deck 9).
Are there two seatings for meals?
Yes, for dinner only – 6:30 pm and 8:45 pm. Please be sure to select at time of booking.
Is it important to choose a dining time, either main or late?
Yes, it is recommended that all passengers pick their preferred dinner time as that will allow kitchen and wait staff to prepare and serve dinner as efficiently as possible.
Will there be assigned seating at meal times or can passengers sit anywhere they like?
Seating arrangements will rely, in large part, on how many passengers are onboard. At fuller capacity, passengers can expect the seating to be assigned in order to serve quickly and keep wait staff prompt. If capacity is lower, seating arrangements will be more relaxed. For special farewell and Captain's dinners seating will be assigned so that the greater number of passengers can be accommodated.
Can I sit with my friends or family at the same table for dinner each night?
Yes, we would be more than happy to accommodate your seating wishes. Please contact the Maitre d' upon boarding to set up the seating arrangement. Keep in mind the tables on the ship are not very big, so large parties may need to split up between two or more tables.
Can passengers make reservations for dinner? How do they go about doing this?
Passengers are welcome to check in with the main desk to determine availability in any of the onboard restaurants. Setting aside additional or special seating for a certain time will be our pleasure to accommodate. Reservations for the Alberta Prime Steakhouse should be made to guarantee seating. We advise reserving earlier than later as the Alberta Prime Steakhouse is reservations only.
What is the dress code for dinners and other meals?
Smart-casual, but please, no shorts or sandals. For the Captain's dinner feel free to dress up, but still casual.
Are there any other dining options?
Yes, the Alberta Prime Steak House (Hera Deck 9) is available as an evening dinner option for an extra charge of $30 CAD per person.
Will there be snacks served in addition to the meals?
Yes, snacks are available poolside 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, and at Tea Time (4-5 pm) in the restaurants on Hera Deck 9.
Is there room service available?
Yes, 24 hours/day for snacks, sandwiches, hot/cold beverages including beer and wine. Menu prices, no delivery surcharge.
What is the minimum age for drinking alcohol on board?
The minimum drinking age on board is 18 years of age at time of sailing.
Can bottles of wine be recorked and saved for future enjoyment?
Yes, recorking service is available.
Is the tap water onboard the ship drinkable?
Yes, all water onboard is safe to drink. Water by the glass is freely available throughout the ship and small bottles of water are a part of the beverage packages. Large bottles are sold at a small supplement (even with the packages) to discourage waste.
Are toiletries provided?
Yes, all categories.
Is there a wake up call service on board?
Yes.
How long does it take to disembark the ship?
Disembarkation time will always be subject to customs and immigration authorities, however it is most likely to take less than an hour. Priority will be given to passengers disembarking with time constraints for flights, transfers, and excursions. If you need to get off the ship quickly, contact the Guest Relations Manager at the reception desk. On day of disembarkation we ask that you disembark the ship by 10:30 a.m.
Is there a safe box for storing valuables in all cabins?
Yes, available at extra charge of $24 CAD for the week.
Are pregnant passengers permitted to travel?
Yes, 1st and 2nd trimester only.
If I was born in Cuba and am a citizen of another country can I travel with Cuba Cruise?
At this time the Cuban authorities will not permit any person of Cuban citizenship, regardless of dual nationality or country of residence, to embark or disembark at any Cuban port.
Are there computers onboard with internet access? If I bring my own laptop is there wifi? Is there an additional charge for this?
Yes, there will be computers available for use in the Internet Corner on deck 5. Wifi access can be purchased with cash or your shipboard account to use your own computer. Speak with reception upon boarding for full details.
Is there a gift shop onboard?
Yes, the ship will be equipped with a gift shop on deck 5.
Are there laundry facilities onboard?
Self service laundry facilities are not available onboard, but there are laundry facilities for an extra charge.
