One of the main things in our "Havana to do" list was to go to "
Tropicana" show, also known as "Paradise under the stars".
When I was planning our trip, I found out that The "Tropicana" cabaret is Cuba's oldest (opened yet in 1931) and certainly most famous attraction/entertainment in Cuba.
We both were very excited to see the show! I thought that it will be something spectacular, similar to "Moulin Rouge" in Paris. I was imagining beautiful dancers, dressed in a signature cabaret feather colourful costumes, great music, the "wow" factor, nice food/drinks and the most important... I was anticipating feel of magic and joy, that normally appears when going to such large scale shows!
So on Monday (Day 1st in Havana), we rushed to buy the tickets (in the same
Hotel Florida , Old Havana town).
Now, if I may say: the tickets aren't cheap. The prices may vary depending on a season, but in general we have been told that there are three options to choose from:
1) cost without dinner £55 - £65
2) cost with dinner (cold snacks) £65 - £75
3) cost with dinner and a souvenir (+ £16 per person approximately)
To give you a better idea, please see below:
Offer 1 includes
• Show "Tropicana Cabaret Bajo las Estrellas"
• 1 Welcome drink
• ¼ Bottle of rum: Havana Club Añejo Blanc
• 1 Soft drink
• Assorted snacks
Offer 2 includes
• Show "Tropicana Cabaret Bajo las Estrellas"
• 1 Welcome drink
• Preferential table
• ¼ Bottle of rum: Havana Club Añejo Reserva
• 1 Soft drink
• Assorted snacks
Offer 3 includes
• Show "Tropicana Cabaret Bajo las Estrellas"
• 1 Welcome drink
• Preferential table
• ¼ Bottle of whisky or rum: Havana Club Añejo Reserva
• 1 Soft drink
• Assorted snacks
• 1 Souvenir
We have chosen a second option, as I preferred to seat fairly close to the stage, besides we thought it would be nice to have some snacks (canapés etc.) during the show time.
Getting to/from Tropicana:
Be aware that besides the tickets, you will have to pay for the taxi (round trip, the venue is located quite far from the city centre).
The tourism agencies will offer you a luxury (Old American car) or a standard taxi transfer from certain places (like Havana hotel) , however it will be much profitable if you will speak to the owner of your Casa and they will book a regular taxi for you. Locals will normally know cheaper options.
First impressions:
The venue has an outdoor, tropical setting (I assume this is where the name "Paradise under the stars" came from and this is also why the show is weather permitted) and our first impressions were positive. Musicians played something pleasant on stage while guests were finding their seats and waiters were taking orders.
At the entrance, you will be asked to pay an extra charge if you want to take pictures (5 CUC), which we did as the expectations were high.
Also, you will be offered either a flower or a cigar as a souvenir. We suggest you to choose a cigar, as even if you don't smoke, at least it might be a gift for someone!
... And reality check:
Our first disappointment was the fact, that by paying extra for "cold snacks" we have received only one tiny jar of peanuts (you know, those which you get in the bars free of charge...) We were expecting at least a sandwich, or a little bit of salad etc.
The waiter, who was serving our table was rather rude and VERY slowly. He has forgotten about my order, it took him ages to bring my partner a drink ... We do not mean to be very fussy, however at such signature famous venue you expect at least certain service level.
Then we though: forget about the meal, let's hope the show is going to be good!
Well, what can I say... the whole experience was rather disappointing. Yes, the dancers were performing OK (but it was nothing extraordinary), yes, the singers had nice voices (yet it was better not to look at them, as they had such indifferent face expressions, as if they were making their grocery shopping list in mind!), the costumes were quite outdated and overall... we did not feel the magic at all.
The tickets cost nearly as much as for The Mouline Rouge Cabaret Show in Paris, but the experience was not even near that level.
By the time the show finally ended, we felt absolutely tricked and drained, and it wasn't only our opinion. One Chinese girl at our table even fell asleep during the show, she was so bored! :)
All the guests were taking a bottle of rum from the table with them (included in a ticket price), it felt like people want to get at least something back...
Later on we have spoken to some girls from Australia, and they felt exactly the same.
It all was very sad, as I believe it really was a legendary cabaret: in 1956 A Cabaret Guide described it as
"the largest and most beautiful night club in the world" (source: wikipedia).
Here I will try to share as much pictures/video materials as I can, so that after seeing all of them you could think and decide, whether you still want to go.
I would say: it could be impressive and interesting for kids or people who haven't been to any other shows yet. Otherwise our advise is not to waste this money, as it is just not worth it.
These videos are recorded by me only and are made in the same sequence, as the show goes on. Hopefully, after seeing them you will have a feeling, as if you have been there yourself! :)
