Carnival CEO discusses Cuba potential

[jimbo5544]

Arnold Donald discussed the potential for the cruise industry, if the 50 year old embargo were to be lifted, citing up to 11 ports of call that could be added. He called it a tremendous opportunity and significant pent up demand.

[Orison]

I guess he is ignoring the fact that there is currently no plan on any table to lift the cruising embargo from the US. Small detail.

 

Still at least 20 years away.

[jimbo5544]

I guess he is ignoring the fact that there is currently no plan on any table to lift the cruising embargo from the US. Small detail.

 

Still at least 20 years away.

 

Where does the 20 years come from?

[PaulMedik]

I guess he is ignoring the fact that there is currently no plan on any table to lift the cruising embargo from the US. Small detail.

 

Still at least 20 years away.

 

 

 

Orison,

 

No plan on any table? The POTUS has claimed he has a plan....

 

As for 20 years in the future, I would venture to guess it will be less than five mainly due to the 'pent up demand' cited by Carnival's CEO.

 

IMO the current Cuban issue brought up by Obama is yet another ploy to garner support of fleeting groups that believe the political climate is ripe for change.

 

It is a shame that after fifty years the embargo may have finally stood a chance given the decline of Russian support and the near bankruptcy of certain South American country's that have propped the regime up recently. Let's try something for fifty years then give up when it may work.....

[Orison]

Orison,

 

No plan on any table? The POTUS has claimed he has a plan....

 

POTUS' deal with Castro calls for the loosening of banking, commerce and some travel. It has nothing to do with lifting the ban on mass tourism.

 

That would require congressional approval.

[jimbo5544]

POTUS' deal with Castro calls for the loosening of banking, commerce and some travel. It has nothing to do with lifting the ban on mass tourism.

 

That would require congressional approval.

So the 20 year timeline to which you refer is more a comment on how effective (or lack there of) Congress is?

 

Don''t kid yourself my friend, once the money eases all else will follow quickly.

[Tapi]

They may be citing 11 potential new ports, but I wonder how many will be attractive to the average mass market cruise line passenger that gets spooked if there's not a Señor Frog's or Margaritaville in sight, or who thinks that anything but Reggae music isn't Caribbean-like.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited December 22, 2014 by Tapi

[Orison]

So the 20 year timeline to which you refer is more a comment on how effective (or lack there of) Congress is?

 

Don''t kid yourself my friend, once the money eases all else will follow quickly.

 

Not while 85% of it would go into the Castro's pocket.

[jimbo5544]

They may be citing 11 potential new ports, but I wonder how many will be attractive to the average mass market cruise line passenger that gets spooked if there's not a Señor Frog's or Margaritaville in sight.

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

 

Actually a good question and to the point I thought this thread would go. I have no idea. The do have a Sandals there. I wonder Tapi, if it is just us that is in the dark on this one (I don't know)? I happen to think this potential affects Carnival to a higher degree than any other cruise line. We will see.

[jimbo5544]

Not while 85% of it would go into the Castro's pocket.

 

I would agree, but my bet is the Grim brothers time is short (both figuratively and literally).

[Orison]

I would agree, but my bet is the Grim brothers time is short (both figuratively and literally).

 

At that point a major coupe will ensue. Still not a fertile ground for cruisers. Almost like going to Coki on St. Thomas while the gangs are out.

[jimbo5544]

At that point a major coupe will ensue. Still not a fertile ground for cruisers. Almost like going to Coki on St. Thomas while the gangs are out.

We may soon see what happens, but I would be shocked to see anything approaching a coup. Gangs roaming on Coki or St. Thomas? Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed today? :eek: While not perfect islands (can't think of many that are) I would not hesitate (there are a couple of islands that do fall in this category) to sail them.

[Orison]

We may soon see what happens, but I would be shocked to see anything approaching a coup. Gangs roaming on Coki or St. Thomas? Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed today? :eek: While not perfect islands (can't think of many that are) I would not hesitate (there are a couple of islands that do fall in this category) to sail them.

 

Who knows. It seems many have forgotten history.

 

I keep hearing and reading people saying 54 years of an embargo didn't work.

 

HUH?

 

Castro was intending on invading all of Latin America if memory collects right. He was going to be the leader of third world countries. That didn't happen.

 

As far as a true coup, I can only imagine who's waiting in the wings. I may have been watching too many black and white flicks lately.

[Orison]

We may soon see what happens, but I would be shocked to see anything approaching a coup. Gangs roaming on Coki or St. Thomas? Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed today? :eek: While not perfect islands (can't think of many that are) I would not hesitate (there are a couple of islands that do fall in this category) to sail them.

 

Oh, and yes Coki Beach is well known as a location for drug sales, thefts, and gang violence.

[riffatsea]

It amazes me to read this thread!! The rest of the world is already visiting Cuba and doing business there.

It is just the USA that so far is out of step with everyone else! Funny that old enemies like Viet Nam(not really a democracy either) are treated so differently?

It is just because of the Cuban emgres to this country that we have taken this rigid stance.

Personally, I'd be more interested in a land vacation to Cuba than just visiting for a day off a cruise ship.

It is just too big and too interesting for only one day!

[lesters]

It amazes me to read this thread!! The rest of the world is already visiting Cuba and doing business there.

It is just the USA that so far is out of step with everyone else! Funny that old enemies like Viet Nam(not really a democracy either) are treated so differently?

It is just because of the Cuban emgres to this country that we have taken this rigid stance.

Personally, I'd be more interested in a land vacation to Cuba than just visiting for a day off a cruise ship.

It is just too big and too interesting for only one day!

/quote]

 

 

Finally a comment with some reason!!!!

 

We have visited Cuba 5 seperate times and it is one of my fav places on earth. The people, the beaches, the culture... this is a beautiful country. The comments I have been reading since the announcement have blown me away. The judgements that are being spouted off by people who have never been there are shocking.

 

I can't wait to go back...and see it one or two more times before the changes start to happen. I hope it doesnt lose its magic once the ships start arriving and the resorts are filled with US visitors.

[Smart Arsenal Fan]

It amazes me to read this thread!! The rest of the world is already visiting Cuba and doing business there.

It is just the USA that so far is out of step with everyone else! Funny that old enemies like Viet Nam(not really a democracy either) are treated so differently?

It is just because of the Cuban emgres to this country that we have taken this rigid stance.

Personally, I'd be more interested in a land vacation to Cuba than just visiting for a day off a cruise ship.

It is just too big and too interesting for only one day!

 

So true.

 

Here in Miami, its crazy. With a great many against this. "Cuba is Socialist, and is our enemy!" "Cuba has countless human rights atrocities against its people!" Etc, etc, etc....

 

Now, replace "Cuba" with "China", and I ask what's the difference? Especially asking those replying from their iPhones? :rolleyes:

[CJHAN]

I hope you are wrong i would love to cruise to any port in Cuba. If the restaurants stayed out that would be even better.

[tigereye]

I will not support our enemy, who is cuba, whether now or in the future unless they make many changes.

[bury me at sea]

Agree with riffatsea and lester. I have a Canadian friend who loves to vacation in Cuba. However he isn't all that excited about seeing a huge influx of American tourists.

[mugtech]

Many in Canada love to take winter trips to Cuba, but they must fly somewhere else first like Mexico because no one can fly over the USA on their way to Cuba directly. Many Canadians are lamenting that their cheap, uncrowded winter vacations may be changing soon. How soon is anyone's guess

[MrsPhoenix91]

IMO the current Cuban issue brought up by Obama is yet another ploy to garner support of fleeting groups that believe the political climate is ripe for change.

 

Supposedly ships and aircraft from Mother Russia have been seen performing military maneuvers in the Gulf of Mexico. Wouldn't this serve as a stronger reason to warm up to Cuba?

[FlaMilkman]

I am 46 years old. As a teenager in the 1980s I never expected to vacation in mainland China but that is exactly what I did for 13 days this past September. One of the greatest trips I have ever taken. Many Americans are regularly taking river / land tours to Vietnam and Russia. So why not Cuba????

[Disneyjunkie]

I will not support our enemy, who is cuba, whether now or in the future unless they make many changes.

 

Great, more room on the ships for those of us who want to cruise there.

[PA Dutchman]

After Castro and his brother die ,maybe, then you have to put up with the military want to be Castro. Lots of things have to happen before it opens to cruising. Castro gets 50 to 75% of the money made so good luck. Don't see these people giving up anything.