7DaysinParadise

Cuba => Cuba => Topic started by: mojitomiss_cuba on June 17, 2005, 09:55:00 PM

Title: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: mojitomiss_cuba on June 17, 2005, 09:55:00 PM
Okay the BIT wants to go back to Cuba this year -yeah you'd really have to twist my arm to go back  :)  but it's her money too, and we plan on going back next may or june (on my dime) so finances are definitely a strong deciding factor for me  :)
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on June 17, 2005, 10:30:00 PM
My only concern about going in September is the weather.  It's still prone to rain and hurricanes, although who knows from year to year?
 
 Selloffs in September are great, I've watched them for years.  By November the prices are starting to go up, and the weather is getting cooler.  Not cold...you'll still be able to wear a bathing suit, but not 35 degrees.  
 
 The year we went in November it was windy and around 24 25 degrees during the day and dropped down to about 19 at night.  Still not too bad.
 
 The ocean was ok for swimming but the pool was freezing.  
 
 Others have gone in November and said the weather was great.
 
 We said that given a choice we wouldn't go back in November again, but if it means meeting up with everyone then we'll go.  
 
 It's hard to say what the weather will be like this year, look at us here in Toronto.  40 degrees last week and this week we're back to wearing jackets.
 
 Prices are unpredictable as well.  We paid $900 for Tryp Varadero in November, not a great deal even for last minute (1 week before).  Tryp normally prices at around $1200.  
 
 Tough choice you've got.    :)
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: mojitomiss_cuba on June 18, 2005, 03:09:00 AM
Heather, I posted a modified version of this over on Debbie's and I think I've got enough "negative sept/oct" responses over there to convince the BIT that we would rather go in November  :)
 I'm going to have her read them so she can hear it from other seasoned travellers. I personally would rather go in November and meet up with all of you guys than go in Sept/Oct, but like I said, she's actually paying her way so I really feel she should have a say in when we go.
 I think she'll be convinced that Nov. is better  :)
 
 Oh and of course all the Debbie regulars now want in on the "cuba night in Holguin in November" lol
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on June 18, 2005, 08:13:00 AM
Wendy,
 
 I think you're "safer" to go in November weather wise.  
 
 I read your post on Debbie's and I noticed that a couple of others wanted to join in.  I liked your response to them.     :)  
 
 We like to go away in November, but we usually go to Jamaica because it's always warm there.  We did try Cuba one year and found it cooler.
 
 When Fred and Tracie said that they were going in November I jumped in and invited myself and as you know it just snowballed from there.  It's not a private party.  But it will definately be a PARTY  
 
   :6:      :6:      :6:  
 
 Heather
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on June 18, 2005, 08:39:00 AM
mojitomiss_cuba:
 
 Well as you know Heather and John, Fred and Tracie and myself are all planning a November visit - well the fact that I'm going will probably convince you that Sept/Oct is better  :rof:  
 
 Convince the BIT that Wonderland is open until Oct 9th so she needs to get full use of her Seasons Pass!!!  Also it would be better to go in November as the clocks will have altered in Canada and the nights will be drawing in and the weather will be colder - just the right time to visit Cuba.
 
 If you go I assume it will be for one week only.  Will it definitely be the PCV or are you open to any 'deal of the day' type offer?  Finally what dates are you thinking of should you choose November?
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on June 18, 2005, 12:21:00 PM
Wendy
  We have gone to Cuba Sept/Oct for the last few years. The weather was HOT as, well you know anyway we normally would have gone the end of Oct. but getting together with Heather, John, Bellagio and hopefully you and Kristen and who ever else happens to be in the neighbourhood, was all the more reason to adjust our departure by a couple of weeks! By the way do you work for a politician? Because enjoyed reading your post on Debbie's  :)  Being in Holguin should make for better weather than Varadero, last Nov. the weather wasn't very nice in Varadero when we were there in Nov.But No Hurricanes either! We are still hoping to bring the Darryl's along depending on school etc.Who knows maybe we can get a group rate out of TO????
 
         Cheers......F&T
 
 
                :bus:        ....Road Trip  :cuflag:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on June 18, 2005, 12:23:00 PM
By the way
 
     Tracie has booked that week off at work and so have I!....F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on June 18, 2005, 12:45:00 PM
F&T:
 
 You mean you've booked the week commencing Saturday November 12th.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on June 18, 2005, 12:56:00 PM
Bellagio
  We've booked the time off work, It's a little easier for me since i'm the boss! Tracie just sort of tells them she 's going away and she has done that. I just make sure I schedule everything around that time frame. But we havn't booked anything to Cuba yet that will be later! We are departing Toronto on the 12th/13th of Nov. for 1 week!
 
            F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on June 18, 2005, 01:29:00 PM
We're in the same boat as you Fred.
 
 John is his own boss (well except for when he's at home   :D  ).  I've booked the week off at work too, I don't think there will be any problem waiting until last minute to book.  I'm going to start watching the prices and I might book earlier if I see them going up.
 
 Heather
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: mojitomiss_cuba on June 18, 2005, 01:40:00 PM
I will cancel one of my weeks in the summer, so that will leave me with a week in the fall. The only week I cannot get away is the week after thanksgiving monday as one of my co-workers is already booked off that week. My holiday scheduling in the fall is quite flexible, so grabbing a last minute deal's not a problem.
 If we go in November we would definitely go the week of Nov. 12/13
 There's no point going in November if I don't plan on the same week as everyone else.
 F&T: just checked out the 2005-2006 school calendar to see if I would luck out and hit a PA day, but they don't have one (here anyway) until Feb. 10
 When talk of meeting in Holguin in Feb surfaced, I was kind of on board with that, but in all honesty, I don't want to go in February, it's too friggin cold here when you get back. I like going away in spring and coming home to the nice weather. So that's part of the main reason I wanted to meet up in Cuba in November, but I had heard the weather was cooler in November. I hate paying all that money and going south to have to wear jackets/sweaters/pants. I love the sun and the heat and I like when it's still warm at night. A bit fussy aren't I? lol
 
 F&T: is it not definite about the boys going? I kind of figured we could let the kids all hang out and leave us adults alone, lol
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on June 18, 2005, 02:35:00 PM
Hi All
  Well that's the first step, booking the time off! We will wait till the end to book or when the right deal comes along. Who ever thought you could get to Holguin at club Amigo for $292 hell we went for $350 and never thought we would see that price again? Last Nov. we went to Varadero for $488 and hopefully we will get to Holguin for about the same! As far as the boys coming.. well who knows Scott's 18 and Sean will be 17 and of course they know everything!! But 1 week without the internet.. Not sure if they could survive!!! We are going ahead and updating their passports, as this will be the last chance of going away together for quite sometime as they are headed to college and university after next year.
  This will be our 10th trip to Cuba and I've yet had to wear long pants, except in the Ala cartes of course! Heather I know it's early but keep us informed about prices etc. and I was serious about a group rate? I even think we should look into forming a buying group for travel with one or two wholesalers, you just never know!
   Wendy are you stuck on returning to the same resort?
 
           Cheers.....F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on June 18, 2005, 03:14:00 PM
Well this is sure looking good for a gathering in Holguin in November.   I'm still up for February too or January or whenever anyone else can go.
 
 Wendy have you persuaded the BIT to drop the idea of a Sept/Oct visit now?
 
 It would be nice if some of us, if not all of us, could be at the same resort though.   I wouldn't want to be stuck at the PCV and find everyone else in different hotels because it would be great to have at least a few meals together.
 
 Looks to me like we are looking at Club Amigo definitely for F&T with the rest of us a little unsure, just waiting for a good deal.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on June 18, 2005, 03:23:00 PM
I will volunteer to be the Transportation co-ordinator. It involves large amounts of alchol, a Cuban chaffeur, a couple of pesos...oh heck you'll just have to wait!
     
                       :bus:  
 
         Cheers....F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on June 19, 2005, 07:47:00 AM
F&T:
 
 Pleased to hear that as you are far more familiar with that area than any of us.
 
 Transport Co-ordinator - I like it.  I trust you appreciate the fact that it is unpaid  :rof:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on June 19, 2005, 09:26:00 AM
Bellagio
  Thought it important that someone look after the transportation issues, especially if Mojito miss is in attendance! After a full day of Mojito's Wendy will need all of our help just to get to the next bar!  :wi:    :wi:  Sooooo having some experience in that department, thought Tracie and I would take care of it!!
 
                         :33:  
 
   It will be fun!!!......F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on June 19, 2005, 11:49:00 AM
Quote
Originally posted by FredTracie:
  Bellagio
  Thought it important that someone look after the transportation issues, especially if Mojito miss is in attendance! After a full day of Mojito's Wendy will need all of our help just to get to the next bar!  
That could well apply to me also, especially if we are in the middle of the 'Mojoto Challenge'.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on July 17, 2005, 07:58:00 AM
Fred & Tracie
 
 Are you still watching and waiting, or are you getting anxious to book for November?
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on July 17, 2005, 12:05:00 PM
Hi Heather
  Remember "Good things will come to those that wait" Absolutely haven't even thought about booking and we won't until the bitter end. Remember there are at least 4 or 5 planes departing Toronto on November 12th and 13th to Holguin, which means about 700 seats are available! We went to Varadero last Nov. and could have gone to Holguin for about 1/2 of what they want at this time! Soooo we will wait and watch!!! But will be in Holguin on Nov. 12/13 for a week!!!
 
 
          Cheers............F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on July 17, 2005, 12:10:00 PM
I guess Cuba is different because there are no Americans going there.  
 
 For other destinations at that time, the planes fill up fast.  Anything around the US thanksgiving week is busy.  I've seen us waiting until the last minute and not getting anything, we've even had to change our week.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on July 17, 2005, 12:17:00 PM
We don't really care what resort we go to so not having a specific hotel or a set in stone flight, really helps when it comes time to book! We won't be dissapointed!
                    F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on July 17, 2005, 12:18:00 PM
We don't care either, but John wants to get some diving in so a place near a dive shop would be good.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on July 17, 2005, 04:49:00 PM
Heather
  No problem, the marina/dive center is really close and all of the resorts have access! John certainly will be a happy diver. Have you and John been to the Guardalavaca area before?
 
          F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on July 17, 2005, 04:51:00 PM
Just for a day visit in May when we were at Playa Pesquero.
 
 John was diving with Eagle Ray Dive company (I think)
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: lesab33 on July 30, 2005, 08:52:00 AM
I'm sure I offered my 2 cents about why not to go in Sept/Oct - can you remind me what the bad everyone said was?  Chance of hurricane and what???
 
 October is starting to look good to me.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on July 30, 2005, 02:01:00 PM
Lesab33.
 
 Can't you wait until November 12th.   That's seems the most likely date for the Cuba Holguin gathering.
 
 It would be really fun if we could all meet up.  
 
   :ham:     bellagio
 
   :w:  lesab33, mojitomiss_cuba, BIT, flopnfly, Shine, Tracie, Sunluvr
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on July 30, 2005, 04:27:00 PM
:1:  
   Fred&Bellagio&John
 
                                       :w:  
 
  Tracie, Wendy, Sunluvr, Heather...... Oh I better wake up from this dream!
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: lesab33 on July 30, 2005, 09:12:00 PM
Wait?  No comprendo??
 
 Bellagio you just don't understand what happens to me.  It's a disease.  It starts with someone mentioning a cheap flight and then it just spirals out of control. I've been to every end of Cuba this week alone. Ask me on Monday where I am going?  Trinida area.. tuesday it's Santiago de Cuba... hey by Friday I'm back to Cayo Coco.  I need help!
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: mojitomiss_cuba on July 30, 2005, 09:25:00 PM
Quote
Originally posted by FredTracie:
   :1:  
   Fred&Bellagio&John
 
                                        :w:  
 
  Tracie, Wendy, Sunluvr, Heather...... Oh I better wake up from this dream!
Dream on Freddie ... that ain't gonna happen. I figure if we bring the kids (BIT, Bonnie, at least one of the Darryl's) THEY can do this:  :w:  
 
 Because it isn't going to be us CHICA's getting the drinks
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on July 31, 2005, 05:06:00 AM
I'd only be too pleased to fetch all you lovely ladies the drinks, but by the time I get around to being served I've usually forgotten what people want.   If everyone were  to stick to mojitos and millwoods that would be fine, but if I have five or more different drinks to get I just can't remember everyone's order.
 
 Also I'm hopeless at carrying drinks, I always manage to spill them.   Great idea Wendy to send the 'kids' for the drinks, provided they'll get served.   I just knew they would come in useful for something!!!     :rof:          :rof:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on July 31, 2005, 06:52:00 AM
Just got the passport photo's for (both) of the boys done so there is still hope that they will both join us. Better not tell them they are going to be the official waiters because I know what their response would be!!   :1:     F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on July 31, 2005, 07:40:00 AM
A very wise decision Fred.   Best to wait until we are all there I reckon before we tell them.
 
 I'm sure they'll 'warm' to the idea.   If not, no a la cartes for them, we'll banish them to the buffet!!!
 
    :1:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: lesab33 on July 31, 2005, 08:39:00 AM
Was it just 24 hours ago I was thinking cheap sunwing surprise in sept/oct???  Well 24 hours makes a difference.  
 
 Playa Pesquero & Rio de Oro charge no single supplement fee in November.  Thinking to treat myself now. AnneM & Mollygirl from Debbie's have always so highy recommended Rio De Oro... hmm???
 I have my $75 skyservice voucher to help.
 Heather please don't post those Skyservice hard landing pictures for me... I'll take my chances.
 
 I must read Bellagio's review again. Can't wait to see what tommorrow brings. Havana mabye?   :D
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on August 01, 2005, 07:53:00 AM
Lesab33:
 
 So where is it today?
 
 Breezes Jibacoa??
 
    :ham:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: lesab33 on August 01, 2005, 08:01:00 AM
Jibocao was last week for september departure.
 
 I am still on November today and Playa Pesquero. A few weeks ago they did have such good prices and no single supplement for many of the Holguin hotels. I'm going to start a new post in case someone else is thinking of the PP.
 
 I confident you will answer my questions.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on August 01, 2005, 09:50:00 AM
Lesab
 
 I think you are a little bit like me.  I can travel all over the Caribbean in one week.     :D   depending on the selloff prices.
 
 I've answered your PP questions on your other post.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on August 01, 2005, 09:52:00 AM
FredTracie,  I hope the boys will agree to come with you.
 
 Bonnie has decided that she is coming for sure, depending on her schedule of course.  Possibly bringing a friend with her.
 
 Lots of    :rof:    :rof:    :rof:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on August 01, 2005, 04:01:00 PM
Heather
  Sean is coming for sure but Scott on the other hand considers it a vacation with the rest of us away!!!Ummmmmmm??????
 I guess I did too when I was 18!!
 
          Cheers..........F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on August 01, 2005, 04:37:00 PM
Bonnie is 18 as well, but she doesn't want to be left alone, she wants to come with us.
 
 It'll be a lot of fun for them I'm sure.
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on August 01, 2005, 04:55:00 PM
Sean, Scott, Bonnie, Kristen.  They'll be having a teenagers get together.
 
 Hope they can still find time to fetch us 'oldies' our drinks.
 
 
    :ham:      :ham:       :ham:     Bellagio and party
 
 
   :rof:      :rof:
 
  :cuflag:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: flopnfly on August 01, 2005, 05:03:00 PM
I can only speak for Bonnie, but she loves going up to the bar and ordering drinks.  This is the first year that she has had an "adult" bracelet and she takes full advantage of it, it makes her feel important.
 
 No problem with Bonnie (and probably Amber) doing this for us     :w:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: JohnnyCastaway on August 01, 2005, 05:04:00 PM
:rof:    :rof:    :rof:  
 
 Nice thought, but it might more like
 
   :xixyi:  Scott    :xixyi:  Sean     :xixyi:  Kristen   :xixyi:  Bonnie
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: FredTracie on August 01, 2005, 06:14:00 PM
O.K.
  Sean says that he will be happy to get us (all) one round per day, and of course a Millwood's for the evening!!
 
             :1:      F&T
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: bellagio on August 01, 2005, 06:36:00 PM
F&T:
 
 Well that's a great start, just hope all the others fall in line.
 
   :sunin:
Title: Re: Cuba in September/October vs November
Post by: lesab33 on August 02, 2005, 08:17:00 AM
The Sunday departures are 6:10 am and arrive in Holguin around 1:00 with stop over in Cayo Coco. I'm not too fond of this. Early morning & stop over - too many hours to travel.  Sorry Mr B. - I know you travel for ever to get to Cuba... but I'm spoiled.  
 
 Strange they are not showing the saturday flight times yet on the 12th.