CUBA Is opening...

[cle-guy]

http://www.cnn.com/2014/12/17/politics/cuba-alan-gross-deal/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

 

Announcements coming later today that the US is lifting more of the travel restrictions, and even allowing cuban cigars to come back to the USA. Though for now, "tourism" travel isn't allowed.

 

Anyone know if Cuba has any cruise ship capable piers?

 

Wonder how long it would take for lines to adjust schedules to make stoops there....should "tourism" travel be allowed at some point.

 

Always wanted to go there.

[Christine Frances]

This company has been operating for a couple of years and seems to be doing well. We have been looking at it.

 

http://www.yourcubacruise.com/#

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1850565

[cle-guy]

As I understand it, US Citizens can't visit cuba directly, i.e. we have to enter via another country, as in fly to canada then fly to cuba,.

 

I also thought visits were only allowed for humanitarian reasons, and that tours that ares arranged do so under the "guise" of humanitarian reasons.

 

I note you are from Canada, and perhaps such rules don't apply to you?

 

Or maybe I've just got it all wrong...?

[dabear]

As I understand it, US Citizens can't visit cuba directly, i.e. we have to enter via another country, as in fly to canada then fly to cuba,.

 

I also thought visits were only allowed for humanitarian reasons, and that tours that ares arranged do so under the "guise" of humanitarian reasons.

 

I note you are from Canada, and perhaps such rules don't apply to you?

 

Or maybe I've just got it all wrong...?

 

Americans can fly directly into Cuba but only on humanitarian missions. We've seen many US based religious and educational organizations offer tours to Cuba.

[Christine Frances]

As I understand it, US Citizens can't visit cuba directly, i.e. we have to enter via another country, as in fly to canada then fly to cuba,.

 

I also thought visits were only allowed for humanitarian reasons, and that tours that ares arranged do so under the "guise" of humanitarian reasons.

 

I note you are from Canada, and perhaps such rules don't apply to you?

 

Or maybe I've just got it all wrong...?

 

I made it part way through the cruise critic thread but it seems that some people from the US go. They can board at Jamaica I think. There are definitely a lot of Canadians and Europeans though. I will see what I can find.

[ECCruise]

As I understand it, US Citizens can't visit cuba directly, i.e. we have to enter via another country, as in fly to canada then fly to cuba,.

 

I also thought visits were only allowed for humanitarian reasons, and that tours that ares arranged do so under the "guise" of humanitarian reasons.

 

I note you are from Canada, and perhaps such rules don't apply to you?

 

Or maybe I've just got it all wrong...?

 

Yes, Curt, you do have it wrong, at least partially.:)

 

USA citizens do NOT have to visit Cuba via a third country. There are quite a few tour companies that have tours to Cuba. They do have to be classified "people to people" tours which basically means you need to meet the Cuban people and they need to meet you. We visited a school, an old age home and several other places where we could have direct contact. We also had a long, several hour session with a Cuban economist who went into quite a bit of detail on the past, the present and the future, virtually all of it with no spin.

 

We flew non-stop from Miami to Havana, about a 40 minute wheels up/wheels down flight.

 

If we go again, we would go almost immediately after the sanctions are eased any more. Our fear is that, even though they said they did not want their island destroyed by tourism, it might be. And we would want to see it again before it became another ho hum Caribbean stop.

[NLH Arizona]

I believe there are a few cruise lines that go to Cuba, Fred Olsen for one. I have heard that US citizens are welcome on the cruise.

[cle-guy]

But I can't just book a ticket on an airline myself and fly direct from the USA and then just spend a week relaxing in a resort on the beach, can I? and wander the streets as I want to when I want to?? Wouldn't I need to be escorted in a group to meet the humanitarian visitation reasons? Or is simply saying hello to the front desk clerk when I pay for my hotel room enough?

 

Seems I would be forced to go out and visit the villagers, and not just simply vacation? And do this as part of an organized group...?

 

I'm the cruiser who makes no plans to get off the ship in ports unless the mood strikes me.

 

I just don't like having a schedule of any sort while vacationing...

[carolerwo]

There are cruises for UK tourists - indeed Thomson cruises has just announced an exciting round Cuba itinerary for Winter 2015.

Per Cruise Critic news on 10th November.

The move follows Louis Cruises' launch of a round-Cuba itinerary in 2013 onboard Louis Cristal. Star Clippers have offered Cuban itineraries onboard Star Flyer since February 2014.

 

Carole

[ECCruise]

But I can't just book a ticket on an airline myself and fly direct from the USA and then just spend a week relaxing in a resort on the beach, can I? and wander the streets as I want to when I want to?? Wouldn't I need to be escorted in a group to meet the humanitarian visitation reasons? Or is simply saying hello to the front desk clerk when I pay for my hotel room enough?

 

Seems I would be forced to go out and visit the villagers, and not just simply vacation? And do this as part of an organized group...?

 

I'm the cruiser who makes no plans to get off the ship in ports unless the mood strikes me.

 

I just don't like having a schedule of any sort while vacationing...

 

I think part of the problem is that someone has used the nomenclature "humanitarian" for the tours. They are not, strictly speaking. You do meet people but it is on a "people to people" basis (which is what the tours are designated.

 

But, yes, you will have a schedule. We spent time in Havana, at an AI resort and traveling between them for a total of 11 days. To a large degree, you are not restricted in your movements, though, when in the place where you are staying. We could have easily rented a car, driven wherever we wanted (well, except for Guantanamo) with no restrictions as long as we returned to the hotel at night. Had a good bit of free time, especially at the AI resort.

 

I would never do Cuba as a relaxing vacation anyhow. Too much to see and do and the resorts are, to a large degree, underwhelming. Not necessarily third world but definitely not "first world."

[Rufferto]

In Canada, Cuba vacations are popular. Billboards, advertisements on TV, in magazines and on the web are plentiful. Any Canadian travel agent will be able to sell you a vacation to an AI there.

 

It is interesting to note that some popular web-based TA sites will not list a Cuba vacation because they are based in the USA, even though they have a ".ca" domain.

 

One reason Cuba is so popular is because it is cheap compared to other places. If the US starts allowing tourism, then this option for Canadians won't be so appealing anymore as demand rises.

[Christine Frances]

I made it part way through the cruise critic thread but it seems that some people from the US go. They can board at Jamaica I think. There are definitely a lot of Canadians and Europeans though. I will see what I can find.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=42921384&postcount=872

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showpost.php?p=41822450&postcount=590

[Suzy Smith]

Several companies already offer cruises to Cuba, so they clearly have facilities for cruise ships. UK citizens are free to visit Cuba and our neighbours love to go there for a relaxing holiday in the sun.

Edited December 17, 2014 by Suzy Smith

[Rufferto]

To give some of you an idea, I found a 4-star AI beachfront resort on a Canadian TA website. Jan 4th departure. Price for one week is $944 CAD per person, flight and taxes included (from Toronto).

[Sloop-JohnB]

But I can't just book a ticket on an airline myself and fly direct from the USA and then just spend a week relaxing in a resort on the beach, can I? and wander the streets as I want to when I want to?? Wouldn't I need to be escorted in a group to meet the humanitarian visitation reasons? Or is simply saying hello to the front desk clerk when I pay for my hotel room enough?

 

Seems I would be forced to go out and visit the villagers, and not just simply vacation? And do this as part of an organized group...?

 

I'm the cruiser who makes no plans to get off the ship in ports unless the mood strikes me.

 

I just don't like having a schedule of any sort while vacationing...

 

Hi CLE-GUY

 

As noted here by others Cdns have had relations with Cuba for decades... And it has been a very popular (one of the most visited) Destinations in the Caribbean during our Winter months

 

Many Cdns even spend the whole Winter there cause prices are so inexpensive... And most importantly their health care system is EXCELLENT

 

So yes we do get to do / enjoy exactly the scenario you describe... Travel quite freely in that country when we visit (although Cuba does recommend that we visit in their "Govt approved" Resorts, Hotels & Casas. Casas are like B&Bs / Homestays. And the Govt does strongly control currency etc. You can learn a lot if you look at CCs sister website TripAdvisor... Lol, that is IF you guys can even see the Cuba Pgs in the USA )

 

Currently, US Citizens can only visit Cuba on OFFICIAL Govt approved Business or Humanitarian Visits / the type of Group Trips as described by ECCRUISE

 

However, do know that there are Americans who take vacations there "illegally" by going thru a 3rd Party Country... Canada is certainly one popular way

 

If one does it tho they have to be very careful... So as not to get their Passport stamped or even talk about it openly when back home (so few I think take the risk... It definitely has consequences... Think the terminology is still "treason" as far as the US Gov't is concerned)

 

Cuba does not take US Currency or Credit Cards per se ... And when US Visitors come bearing US Dollars, there is a STIFF PENALTY issued as a form of an extra fee to convert to Cuba Tourism Currency

 

But other than that, I have heard that US Tourists are treated the same as anyone else once in country / at a resort

 

Cuba may appear to be stuck in the 1950s to outsiders... Especially so if that is what you've been told / led to believe (she certainly has her challenges when it comes to modernization)

 

But her people are warm & friendly. Well educated and resourceful. It is a very very safe country (hope it stays that way) and definitely worth a visit. Hope you get there one day to see for yourself

 

Cheers!

Edited December 17, 2014 by Sloop-JohnB

[Christine Frances]

http://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/11986-cuba-cruise-season-kicks-off-this-week.html

[RDC1]

It doesn't matter how you get there. If a US citizen goes to another country and then travels to Cuba without the appropriate authorization they are in violation of US law. One of the reasons Cuba tends not to stamp US passports when someone does this. The presence of a Cuba stamp on a US passport can create a bit of a problem when the person re-enters the US. Depending upon the immigration officer they encounter.

 

 

Tourist travel to Cuba is prohibited under U.S. law for U.S. citizens and others under U.S. jurisdiction.

 

Travel is allowed with approval of the U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Asset Control.

[RDC1]

Hi CLE-GUY

 

As noted here by others Cdns have had relations with Cuba for decades... And it has been a very popular (one of the most visited) Destinations in the Caribbean during our Winter months

 

Many Cdns even spend the whole Winter there cause prices are so inexpensive... And most importantly their health care system is EXCELLENT

 

So yes we do get to do / enjoy exactly the scenario you describe... Travel quite freely in that country when we visit (although Cuba does recommend that we visit in their "Govt approved" Resorts, Hotels & Casas. Casas are like B&Bs / Homestays. And the Govt does strongly control currency etc. You can learn a lot if you look at CCs sister website TripAdvisor... Lol, that is IF you guys can even see the Cuba Pgs in the USA )

 

Currently, US Citizens can only visit Cuba on OFFICIAL Govt approved Business or Humanitarian Visits / the type of Group Trips as described by ECCRUISE

 

However, do know that there are Americans who take vacations there "illegally" by going thru a 3rd Party Country... Canada is certainly one popular way

 

If one does it tho they have to be very careful... So as not to get their Passport stamped or even talk about it openly when back home (so few I think take the risk... It definitely has consequences... Think the terminology is still "treason" as far as the US Gov't is concerned)

 

Cuba does not take US Currency or Credit Cards per se ... And when US Visitors come bearing US Dollars, there is a STIFF PENALTY issued as a form of an extra fee to convert to Cuba Tourism Currency

 

But other than that, I have heard that US Tourists are treated the same as anyone else once in country / at a resort

 

Cuba may appear to be stuck in the 1950s to outsiders... Especially so if that is what you've been told / led to believe (she certainly has her challenges when it comes to modernization)

 

But her people are warm & friendly. Well educated and resourceful. It is a very very safe country (hope it stays that way) and definitely worth a visit. Hope you get there one day to see for yourself

 

Cheers!

 

Clearly not treason, but is a violation of US law and the individual may be subject to prosecution. Treason is a clearly defined term under the law, and just traveling to Cuba in violation of the embargo does not qualify, unless you are actively cooperating with the Cuban government in conducting activities hostile to the US.

[RDC1]

I made it part way through the cruise critic thread but it seems that some people from the US go. They can board at Jamaica I think. There are definitely a lot of Canadians and Europeans though. I will see what I can find.

 

They can go, just not legally.

To legally travel a US citizen must have approval through OFAC.

[A Sixth?]

Havana has a cruise dock, was there in 2003

 

Just by chance, before my cruise out of Miami I will be in Central Cuba... in a few days actually...

 

It will be very interesting to talk to locals and officials alike on what they think about this.

 

My timing was pretty good on this one eh? :rolleyes::D

 

The view entering Havana

 

Edited December 17, 2014 by A Sixth?

[RDC1]

These are the current OFAC list of reasons for a specific license (there is a subset of this list that qualify for a general license):

 

Individuals wishing to engage in the following travel-related transactions involving Cuba should first

review the specific license policies to determine whether their activities may qualify for a specific

license:

1) visiting a close relative who is neither a national of Cuba nor a U.S. Government employee

assigned to the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, Cuba (See Section I below);

2) journalistic activities for a free-lance journalistic project (See Section III below);

3) professional research and professional meetings that do not qualify for the general license

(See Section IV below);

4) academic educational activities not authorized by the general license for accredited U.S.

graduate or undergraduate degree-granting academic institutions (See Section V below);

5) educational exchanges not involving academic study pursuant to a degree program and that

take place under the auspices of an organization that promotes people-to-people contact

(See Section V below);

6) academic seminars, conferences, and workshops related to Cuba or global issues involving

Cuba and sponsored or co-sponsored by the traveler’s accredited U.S. graduate or

undergraduate academic institution (See Section V below);

7) religious activities not authorized by the general license for religious organizations located

in the United States (See Section VI below)

8) athletic competitions by amateur or semi-professional athletes or teams selected by the

relevant U.S. federation (See Section VII below);

9) participation in a public performance, clinic, workshop, other athletic or non-athletic

competition, or exhibition in Cuba (See Section VII below);

10) activities intended to provide support for the Cuban people (See Section VIII);

11) humanitarian projects in or related to Cuba designed to directly benefit the Cuban people

(See Section IX below);

12) activities by private foundations or research or educational institutes that have an

established interest in international relations to collect information related to Cuba for

noncommercial purposes (See Section X below);

13) activities related to the exportation, importation, or transmission of information or

informational materials (See Section XI below);

14) the marketing, sales negotiation, accompanied delivery, or servicing in Cuba of exports

that appear consistent with the export or re-export licensing policy of the Department of

Commerce and that are not authorized by a general license (See Section XII below); and

15) the marketing, sales negotiation, accompanied delivery, or servicing of medicine, medical

supplies, or certain telecommunications equipment by a U.S.-owned or -controlled firm in

a third country to Cuba (See Section XII below).

 

 

 

The changes will involve some relaxation on travel within the control of OFAC. Allowing general tourist travel to Cuba would require a change in the law by Congress. So I would not hold my breath for US cruise ships to start traveling there.

Edited December 17, 2014 by RDC1

[nomad098]

We honeymooned in Cuba 12 years ago and what a fantastic place

 

The country is stunning

 

The people we met both in the tourism industry and the locals we met in Guardalavaca where amazing and we actually got to see Castro when he visited the resort we were staying at. Not to see us gawking tourists but to thank the staff for preparing accommodation for him and apologising for not using it but choosing to stay with friends.

 

The cost at the time was incredibly cheap compared to other 5* resorts in the Caribbean at the time

 

We had some major preconceptions given to us by the media before we went and these where completely blown out of the water by the reality of Cuba.

 

Normalising relations with the USA I think will come with mixed blessings

[need2bespoiled]

To give some of you an idea, I found a 4-star AI beachfront resort on a Canadian TA website. Jan 4th departure. Price for one week is $944 CAD per person, flight and taxes included (from Toronto).

 

Or about the same (or more with the weakening Canadian dollar, not sure if the package was listed in CAN or US funds) as the deal Celebrity is offering with flights, gratuities, drink packages and I think OBC for Canadian residents on Reflection and Silhouette this winter?

 

Happy sailing,

Jenna

[A Sixth?]

We honeymooned in Cuba 12 years ago and what a fantastic place

 

The country is stunning

 

The people we met both in the tourism industry and the locals we met in Guardalavaca where amazing and we actually got to see Castro when he visited the resort we were staying at. Not to see us gawking tourists but to thank the staff for preparing accommodation for him and apologising for not using it but choosing to stay with friends.

 

The cost at the time was incredibly cheap compared to other 5* resorts in the Caribbean at the time

 

We had some major preconceptions given to us by the media before we went and these where completely blown out of the water by the reality of Cuba.

 

Normalising relations with the USA I think will come with mixed blessings

 

Last minute Christmas Getaway

 

yll in including air 1600 CAN Buss class