Carnival to Cuba..any chance for Princess?

[Potstech]

Good. the fewer Americans who go, the better. Don't want to be seeing McDonald's springing up in the centre of Havana.

 

McDonalds and KFC will probably be the first corporations to establish restaurants there.

[caribill]

From articles I've seen since this Fathom Cuba cruise was announced, if you are a US citizen, booking on yourcubacruise, you must embark in Jamaica, and you are required to follow the "cultural exchange" program requirements as well.

 

Where have you seen this about fathom?

 

If you meet the cultural exchange requirements (which this type cruise should), you should be able to go directly from the USA as many people do now on airplanes.

 

I would not expect the cruise to go to Jamaica once, must less twice (the second time to drop people off). Going there twice would leave hardly any time left of the week to be in Cuba.

Edited July 9, 2015 by caribill

[caribill]

My non-cruising friend has expressed interest in this fathom thing. I don't know if I want to commit. Are there reviews somewhere about the trips done so far? I don't have an issue going to Cuba, but I am well-known for my consummate laziness. ;):p:)

 

Just remember there will be no casino or major entertainment on board.

[Colo Cruiser]

I have been to cuba, no problems at all. I think Americans may have a problem with Cuba due to the missile crises in the 60's

 

 

I don't think so. :(

[Putterdude]

I have been to cuba, no problems at all. I think Americans may have a problem with Cuba due to the missile crises in the 60's, plus what has happened in more recent times.

 

It could be but then again cruise ships go to Germany and Japan in which 70 years there were much greater atrocities committed and most people have forgotten or at least forgiven. Personally I think there will be normalisation of relations between Cuba and the US and mainline cruise ships will visit Cuba but I do think its a while off.

[Aloha 1]

Those posting that many other countries allow travel to Cuba and have for years seem to be conflating travel with ethics. Just because you can does not mean you should. I would remind all of the old but still valid rally cry, "Cuba, si! Castro, no!" The Brothers Castro destroyed their country and have been much worse then Batista ever was. It was a Communist revolution and has fomented trouble throughout Latin America for decades.

 

Cuba Libre first! Travel later.

 

Ethically, I cant justify spending one dime there that would only go to the Government,not the people. If you can show me how your fun vacation to this dictatorship actually helps the people, I'm all ears.

 

BTW, the same applies to Vietnam. Much atonement still needed there for the millions slaughtered by the Communist occupation. My opinion and mine alone but based on a thorough understanding of history which many sadly lack.

[satxdiver]

I was happy when the US government decided to give up the failed 54 year embargo on Cuba and open diplomatic relations. While I will not be on the CCL Fathom cruise, I am ready to be on the first few ships leaving the US for Cuba. Cruise ships have been calling on Cuba for many years now. We met an Aussie male couple last January who had just returned from a cruise to Cuba and now was on a Princess cruise. They loved it and had a lot to say about how great it was. This was their final cruise before returning to down under.

 

While US citizens are not allowed to travel to Cuba except as a "cultural exchange" visit, they can easily go to Toronto or Mexico City and then fly to Havana. People have been doing it for years.

[nellydean]

I was happy when the US government decided to give up the failed 54 year embargo on Cuba and open diplomatic relations. While I will not be on the CCL Fathom cruise, I am ready to be on the first few ships leaving the US for Cuba. Cruise ships have been calling on Cuba for many years now. We met an Aussie male couple last January who had just returned from a cruise to Cuba and now was on a Princess cruise. They loved it and had a lot to say about how great it was. This was their final cruise before returning to down under.

 

While US citizens are not allowed to travel to Cuba except as a "cultural exchange" visit, they can easily go to Toronto or Mexico City and then fly to Havana. People have been doing it for years.

 

My daughter was furious about the US softening relations, as she wants to go there and experience the real Cuba, and that has already slowly started to disappear since tourists began visiting.

 

However, time does not stand still and is an inevitable result of change, which will only quicken once relations with America improve further.

 

I understand people's stance on this, I feel the same way about China and Russia, to name just two - so long as there is consistency. No point arguing the toss against Cuba and then visiting either of those countries, or Dubai, Vietnam, Cambodia, etc. In fact, close your eyes and stick a pin in a map and you'll find it difficult to find somewhere which hasn't a poor history.

 

However, as these countries start to open up more to the West, the more their people will see what else is on offer outside, and they will want some of it. I don't profess to know how Cubans live, so it may not be as relevant, but what I do know is that I would rather Cuba was an ally of the West than an enemy. Russia is the real threat, so maybe those planning a trip to St Petersburg should have a rethink.

[chengkp75]

Where have you seen this about fathom?

 

If you meet the cultural exchange requirements (which this type cruise should), you should be able to go directly from the USA as many people do now on airplanes.

 

I would not expect the cruise to go to Jamaica once, must less twice (the second time to drop people off). Going there twice would leave hardly any time left of the week to be in Cuba.

 

I was speaking of the "yourcubacruise" that had those restrictions.

[kendon]

We've had several pro-Cuba vs. anti-Cuba threads on this board already, and people seem divided about travel there. The reality is that, several times in my life, I have traveled to dictatorships, and, while I can't say I was naïve about where my travel dollars were going, I felt, and still feel, that the personal interactions I had during those trips are, at a most basic level, what the world needs more of, not less. I guess I wasn't going to let politics stand in the way of that opportunity, and I hope to be among the first traveling to Cuba when US citizens can freely (not through Mexico or Canada or a charitable mission) go.

 

That's right! We have to start positive communication sooner rather than later. I agree!

[Cruzaholic41]

I have been to cuba, no problems at all. I think Americans may have a problem with Cuba due to the missile crises in the 60's, plus what has happened in more recent times. It's a free choice if you go or not.

 

No, the missile crises is not why many Americans have a problem with Cuba, and the missile crises was not the reason for the embargo. Trust me, I live in the hotbed of the debates and one conversation with a Cuban immigrant can really open your eyes about life under the Castro regime.

[Colo Cruiser]

No, the missile crises is not why many Americans have a problem with Cuba, and the missile crises was not the reason for the embargo. Trust me, I live in the hotbed of the debates and one conversation with a Cuban immigrant can really open your eyes about life under the Castro regime.

 

 

When in Miami we love our visits to Versailles.

Lots of conversation.

[Vitulla]

Cubans are so interested in American culture, baseball etc. I've felt safer In Cuba then in Mexico a million times. I've been to almost all the caribe an islands and Cuba is not at the bottom end. Sure they don't have your heinz ketchup, but they get by and people are HAPPY and love talking to tourists

[St Paul Girl]

Those posting that many other countries allow travel to Cuba and have for years seem to be conflating travel with ethics. Just because you can does not mean you should. I would remind all of the old but still valid rally cry, "Cuba, si! Castro, no!" The Brothers Castro destroyed their country and have been much worse then Batista ever was. It was a Communist revolution and has fomented trouble throughout Latin America for decades.

 

Cuba Libre first! Travel later.

 

Ethically, I cant justify spending one dime there that would only go to the Government,not the people. If you can show me how your fun vacation to this dictatorship actually helps the people, I'm all ears.

 

BTW, the same applies to Vietnam. Much atonement still needed there for the millions slaughtered by the Communist occupation. My opinion and mine alone but based on a thorough understanding of history which many sadly lack.

 

First, How about China! You mentioned the other countries but forgot about China. Check the clothing that you wear, and everything else in your home.

I have no ethical issues with travelling to any country, I have an ethical issue when a "government" tells me that I can NOT travel where I want to go. The USa is the only industrial country that forbade travel to Cuba. Not really that FREE are you?

We, as in myself and my husband ,both fiscally "conservative" persons, have been to Cuba and thoroughly enjoyed it. Safer than all US cities that we have visited, higher standard of health care than the US, as statistically proven by a lower infant mortality rate and high life expectancy. I could go on and quote a lot more statistics from the "CIA" about life in Cuba.

Anyway, PLEASE close this thread! I am tired of reading the "stuff" that is posted by individuals who have NOT travelled to Cuba and are not open minded to look at the "facts".

Have a great cruise everyone.

[Crcervelo]

Bmgbngggt lv

 

 

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[Colo Cruiser]

Bmgbngggt lv

 

 

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Yes! Boogity Boogity Shoop. :)

[Potstech]

Yep just like in many other discussions. If one person does not like the way it is going then get those in charge to shut down the conversation. Just a curious question St Paul Girl just one OK Who died and left you in charge? Apparently somebody did.

 

There are many reasons why people do hot want to travel to Cuba and many other countries. So wahat it a their life and in this country they are free not to travel wherever they want.

Edited July 10, 2015 by Potstech

[caribill]

I am tired of reading the "stuff" that is posted by individuals who have NOT travelled to Cuba and are not open minded to look at the "facts".

 

Have you considered not reading this thread?

[pablo222]

Anyway, PLEASE close this thread! I am tired of reading the "stuff" that is posted by individuals who have NOT travelled to Cuba and are not open minded to look at the "facts".

 

I don't think anyone is forced to read 'stuff' on cruise critic.

It takes an overt action on their part to do so.

[Crcervelo]

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[PrincessLuver]

Anyway, PLEASE close this thread! I am tired of reading the "stuff" that is posted by individuals who have NOT travelled to Cuba and are not open minded to look at the "facts".

 

Sounds a little like censorship that might happen in a communist country:confused:

[Potstech]

You mean like CUBA?

[Colo Cruiser]

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Absolutely.

[Colo Cruiser]

Anyway, PLEASE close this thread! I am tired of reading the "stuff" that is posted by individuals who have NOT travelled to Cuba and are not open minded to look at the "facts".

Have a great cruise everyone.

 

 

Why?

[WpgCruise]

Anyway, PLEASE close this thread! I am tired of reading the "stuff" that is posted by individuals who have NOT travelled to Cuba and are not open minded to look at the "facts".

Have a great cruise everyone.

 

Please don't close this thread.

 

I find it wonderful entertainment to be lectured by people who have never been to Cuba, don't know what they're talking about, and appear to form opinions based on information they somehow have gleaned by osmosis.

Edited July 11, 2015 by WpgCruise