Suits Filed Against Carnival Cruises Cuban Firms Over Seized Property In Cuba
The expanded definition of these types of tour groups was first established under President Bill Clinton. It was later restricted by President George W. Bush during his first term, then loosened considerably under President Barack Obama in 2011.
In 2014, the Obama administration went even further, after reestablishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. Two years later, he moved to reduce licensing and paperwork requirements for tour operators, cruise lines and commercial air travel to the Caribbean island. Since then, “more than 2,203,490 passengers have traveled to the Republic of Cuba aboard more than 13,479 flights,” the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council reported, citing statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation. And The Associated Press reported cruise travel “has become the most popular form of U.S. leisure travel to the island, bringing 142,721 people in the first four months of the year, a more than 300% increase over the same period last year.”
Apparently, commercial flights will continue to be permitted and “travel for university groups, academic research, journalism and professional meetings will continue to be allowed,” according to the wire service.
“Cuba remains communist, and the United States, under the previous administration, made too many concessions to one of our historically most aggressive adversaries,” Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said in a statement.
Latin America
Trips Classified As Support For The Cuban People Will Still Be Permitted
American travelers were given greater freedom to visit Cuba in 2016. President Obamas administration took steps to normalize relations with Cuba and with that, allowed Americans to apply for general licenses to visit the island. There were 12 categories of authorized travel, as listed by the Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control:
Family visitsOfficial business of the U.S. government, foreign governments and certain intergovernmental organizationsJournalistic activityProfessional research and professional meetingsEducational activitiesPublic performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitionsSupport for the Cuban peopleHumanitarian projectsActivities of private foundations or research or educational institutesExportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materialsCertain authorized export transactions
The president of Insight Cuba, Tom Popper, told the New York Times that the travel company would change its tours so that they would fall into the support for Cuba category. He told the Times, You have to have a full schedule of activities like going to meet with one community project and then another. Going to hang out at the beach in the afternoon wont cut it. Visitors also have to stay in a private home instead of a hotel.
You Can Take Pictures Of The Fascinating Views
Those who have taken a cruise to Cuba will have no trouble taking pictures of the sites that are there, and this is due to the fact that there are so many cruise lines that are available. Since so many of them operate from the same places, they are easily able to serve the needs of the customers that are looking for a unique way to get to these places.
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Does Carnival Cruise Go To Cuba
Carnival Corporation the parent company of Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America and Seabourn confirmed Wednesday that the company is no longer allowed to sail to Cuba effective immediately. Additional details for currently booked cruises will be provided by the cruise lines, the company said in a statement.
Best Time For Cuba Cruises
Cruising to Cuba takes place throughout the year, with the prime time being December through March, when it’s not as humid. The weather is typical for the Caribbean, with temperatures around 80 degrees . Expect an occasional mid-afternoon shower. It can get very humid in the summer and fall months Cuba lies in the hurricane zone and diversions because of storms can take place.
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Trump Administration Officials Say The Travel Restrictions Are Tied To National Security
Treasury and Commerce implement changes to Cuba sanctions rules to keep U.S. dollars out of the hands of Cuban military, intelligence, and security services.
Treasury Department
The Trump administration has stated that the new restrictions on non-family travel to Cuba are for national security reasons. To put it simply, the idea is to prevent the Cuban regime from benefiting financially from American tourists.
President Trumps National Security Advisor, John Bolton, The Administration has advanced the Presidents Cuba policy by ending veiled tourism to Cuba and imposing restrictions on vessels. We will continue to take actions to restrict the Cuban regimes access to U.S. dollars.
Bolton continued, Cuba has continued to prop up the illegitimate Maduro regime in Venezuela and will be held responsible for this ongoing man-made crisis. President Trump has made it clear that we stand with the Cuban and Venezuelan people as they fight for freedom.
What About Canadians Or Australians
Cuba has more tourists from Canada than from any other place. There are no restrictions on Canadians visiting Cuba so most simply fly down.
There is no reason why a Canadian, or Australian, or anybody of any other nationality other than American should be unable to book on a cruise visiting Cuba.
Of course in reality this is much easier said than done. A number of British lines are still cruising to Cuba but for a Canadian this isnt usually very practical. It is possible that they could fly down to the Caribbean to join a ship but long cruises from the UK or Europe would be very difficult for the majority of Canadians.
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Trump Administration Halts Cruises To Cuba Under New Rules
WASHINGTON The Trump administration on Tuesday ended the most popular forms of U.S. travel to Cuba, banning cruise ships and a heavily used category of educational travel in an attempt to cut off cash to the islands communist government.
Cruise travel from the U.S. to Cuba began in May 2016 during President Barack Obamas opening with the island. It has become the most popular form of U.S. leisure travel to the island, bringing 142,721 people in the first four months of the year, a more than 300% increase over the same period last year. For travelers confused about the thicket of federal regulations governing travel to Cuba, cruises offered a simple, one-stop, guaranteed-legal way to travel.
That now appears to be over.
Cruise ships as well as recreational and pleasure vessels are prohibited from departing the U.S. on temporary sojourn to Cuba effective tomorrow, the Commerce Department said in a statement to The Associated Press.
Treasury said the sanctions would take effect on Wednesday after they are published in the Federal Register.
Cuba Cruise Port Highlights
Havana:Havana is so wrapped up in history and romance that the moment you arrive you find yourself swept up in its charms. The heart of the city is Habana Vieja, or Old Havana, which fans out from the huge Revolution Square, where cobbled streets, 1950s cars and crumbling houses are exactly as you imagined. The trick is not to spend too much time around these touristy areas. Instead, head toward some of the neighborhoods like upscale Vedado, or some of the less-visited squares and parks. Or simply take a stroll along the seafront Malecon. It is worth visiting a cigar factory and a rum factory while you are there, but if you are lucky enough to visit in the evening, you should wander at will, as Havana becomes a different city at night, with music spilling from every other doorway, live bands and nightclubs open till dawn.
Santiago de Cuba: If you thought Havana was hectic, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. Santiago, on the far eastern tip of Cuba, is a crazy, intense, noisy, polluted but exhilarating city, which has more of a Caribbean feel than anywhere else you are likely to visit on the island. Spread atop a steep hill, it’s the second-largest city in Cuba, with a population of 1.2 million. If you are interested in the history of the revolution, this is the cradle of it, and monuments to martyrs and revolutionary leaders dot the landscape.
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Can You Cruise To Cuba
Citizen of the US cannot cruise to Cuba and as a result most US-based cruise lines no longer offer cruises to Cuba. People from outside the US are able to cruise to Cuba and there are a number of non-US cruise lines that still offer itineraries to Cuba.
For passengers from outside of the US, it is still possible to cruise to Cuba. The number of options has decreased dramatically but the option is still there for those who want it.
Taking A Cruise To Cuba Read This First
Due to the new restrictions on Cuba travel imposed by the White House on June 5, 2019, American cruise ships are no longer allowed to dock in Cuba. Read on for more information on how cruises have been affected, and see this Cuba travel policy update to learn more about the policy change. If you had a cruise to Cuba planned for June 5th or later, contact your cruise company for instructions.
Taking a cruise is an incredible way to get a first taste of what Cuba has to offer, but sadly, American cruise ships are no longer allowed to dock in Cuba. However: that doesn’t mean Americans are banned from traveling to Cuba. In fact, it is still 100% legal if you do so properly. Read on for more info, and talk to a Cuban travel planner for help planning your legal trip.
Want to explore Cuba differently? Have a local plan your trip.
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Cuba By Cruise Is Still The Best Way
Carnival Corporation had a conference call this week with investors. While most of the talk was financial or COVID-related, there was one question from an analyst regarding Cuban Cruises and whether Arnold Donald thinks the company will be returning to Cuba under the new administration. Donald reacted as follows:
Cuba was a focal point for the Obama administration, opening up Cuba, etc. Well see what happens with the incoming administration.
We obviously will be well prepared. We were very active and the first ones to sail to Cuba. And well be well prepared to operate in whatever the guidelines and rules and regulations are. But well be prepared to help people who want to go to Cuba to see it in the best possible way. Which is arriving via cruise and then experiencing what Cuba has to offer when it opens.
So far, thats a lot of ifs. But if we take Joe Bidens comments and previous actions into account, we could very well be looking at Cuban cruises once again. Joe Biden was instrumental during the Obama administration for the thawing of relations with the Island nation.
As Cruise Hivereported late last year while being interviewed by a Miami Radio Station, the President-elect was asked if he would consider going back to the Cuba-policies put in place during the Obama-era Biden said:
Cruise To Cuba: Everything You Need To Know
If you want to plan a trip to a destination that will offer a fantastic array of things to do, the idea of a cruise to Cuba may be one that you want to take into consideration. There are several reasons for people who may wish to visit this country, and cruises to Cuba will be a great way to get there. Activities include diving, horseback riding, strolling through ancient ruins, and relaxing in the sun. If you have never been to this country, then this information will give you plenty of ideas for places to visit and things to do when you go on a cruise to Cuba.
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Cuba Cruises Travel Tips
- Cuba has two currencies, one for the locals and one used by foreigners you have to be able to differentiate the two because banknotes of both the currencies may look similar. It is good to carry some extra cash with you as sometimes power cuts on ATMs can leave you with no cash.
- Since June 2019 it has become difficult for Americans to take a cruise to Cuba, so you ought to be careful before planning your trip to Cuba.
- Cuba is a relatively safe country, apart from some occasional thefts, crime rates are quite low. But to be on the safe side always count your money every now and then to check that you have not been a victim of some theft or scam.
- It is always good to enjoy the moment, but in Cuba, there are some internet connectivity issues that will force you to finally leave social media and be a hundred percent present.
- In Cuba, you can also live in a beautiful colonial home because locals tend to rent their houses to foreign tourists. So if you search extensively you might find a good colonial house available for rent.
Cuba Lifestyle And Culture
The historical ties to Spain are evident in modern-day Cuba. Spanish is the most prevalent language and Roman Catholicism underpins much of the religious life. Yet the nation also enjoys a rich diversity of religions. Christian traditions are often melded with those brought to these shores from West Africa. For example, Santeria, a folk religion, counts many adherents on the island.
The Cuban people have displayed a wealth of ingenuity and creativity throughout the nations complex history. Cuban music combines elements of Spanish and West African traditions to deliver a sound that is percussive, jubilant and distinct. Local painters have also benefitted from the islands diverse past, with many borrowing from European and native artistic traditions to shape unique movements of their own. The influence of Cubas natural environment can often be seen in the bold colors on canvases.
The history of Cuba can also be witnessed in its kitchens. Spanish, African and native foods and techniques have fused together to form a delicious cuisine. Rice, beans, chicken and pork are enhanced by local additions like mojo, a flavorful sauce that is a favorite of Cubans. This is also where the Cuban sandwich was invented. Familiar to American taste buds, it was conceived during a time of frequent trade between the two countries in the 19th century.
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Cuba Cruises Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Cuba Ocean Cruise?
Cuba Ocean cruises are cruises that take you on a tour of Cuba’s beautiful coastline and also include tours to various islands of the Bahamas. A Cuba Ocean cruise can be of any duration, usually ranging from 5 to 10 days.
- Whats included on a Cuba Ocean Cruise?
Cuba Ocean cruises almost always cover your meals, all alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, stateroom, and onboard entertainment options basic packages as well. You can always go for upgraded packages if you want more facilities.
- Whats the Best Cruise for a Cuba Ocean Cruise?
There are many cruises that go for the Cuban Ocean including, MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, Seabourn, Oceania, Virgin Voyages, and SeaDream.
- How Much Does a Cuba Ocean Cruise Cost?
Most of the packages for Cuba Ocean cruises cost $1,500 to $5,500 per person for a 7 to 15-day cruise. There are also some low budget cruises charging as low as $300 for a 4 night trip to the Bahamas. You’ll find a range of packages depending on who you choose as a travel provider.
Cruise Lines With Trips To Cuba Scheduled Before June 5 May Have To Apply For Federal Permits But Its Not Yet Clear If The Administration Would Grant Them
GettyPassengers of the first US-to-Cuba cruise ship to arrive in the island nation in decades, walk in the streets of Havana right after disembarking on May 2, 2016.
Passengers who booked cruise vacations with planned stops in Cuba are finding their routes have been altered. The new travel restrictions impact passenger and recreational vessels and private and corporate aircraft, according to a press release from the Treasury Department. All are deemed ineligible to receive licenses to travel to Cuba.
Attorney Pedro Freyre, who represents Carnival and other cruise lines, told the Associated Press that his clients were initially hopeful that they would be able to complete trips that passengers booked prior to June 5. But that doesnt appear to have shaken out. MSC Cruises for upcoming cruises that were originally meant to stop in Cuba but will now have to go elsewhere.
Freyre said, For now, its prohibited unless the cruise lines request a specific license. He added that tourists should check with the cruise line before leaving for their trip to see if it was canceled or re-routed.
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You Should Still Check Out The Port Cities Even If You Can’t Cruise There
Havana, Santiago de Cuba, and Cienfuegos all have their own charms. Old Havana, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage site that you can explore for days. Cienfuegos is a foodies paradise and an excellent jumping off point for outdoor excursions like birding. And Santiago de Cuba is bursting with life during summer festivals like Carnaval.