In my first trip to Cuba, unfortunately not into chips yet, and I think late 80's, I went with a friend whose family still lived in Cuba. I used my old Dominican passport, american were not very welcomed then. His aunt, probably mid 30's, not much older then him, but not very young looking anymore, had worked in one of thosed ships. Did not want to say much but told of us of small cruise liners that made frequent trips outside the 12 miles range, either for private parties or for Eastern European tourists. There was always a casino, shows, drinks, dancing and ladies of the night. The women were all beautiful, very well educated and were allowed to keep whatever tips they made. So, all women there, regardless of where they worked in the ship, were game for tourist. She told us the ships were long gone and that the "revolution" always claimed they never existed and they were not allowed to talk about them. She also said that these were not very uncommon and were an "on & off" activity depending on how the economic situation was at the time.

She presented us with some other of her friends who ocassionally worked there, and who also gave us a very short version of the story. Unfortunately at the time I never asked about currencies or chips. And, I also never asked her or her friends what kind of work they did at the ship. Very sad indeed!