Can Americans Travel to Cuba on a Cruise Ship?

Table Of Content

• Things to Do on a Cuba Cruise with Royal Caribbean
• Is There Still an Embargo on Travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens?
• Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba via Cruise Ship from Another Country?
• CARIBBEAN
• Royal Caribbean International Cuba Cruises
• PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY
• Has President Biden Changed Anything in Regards to Cruise Travel to Cuba?

Visit historic landmarks like the famous Malecón, the Plaza de la Catedral, or the historic fortresses of Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Cruise to this historic destination, where every corner of Cuba tells a story. Discover a unique destination made famous by Hemingway, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

Things to Do on a Cuba Cruise with Royal Caribbean

Havana is its revolutionary heart. Upscale cruise line SeaDream started sailing to Cuba in 2019, with immersive itineraries on voyages between Havana and Cienfuegos. Of course, this ain’t your typical sun-and-surf Caribbean cruise (although it’s got plenty of that, too). Or perhaps you want to see the country’s second-largest city and Cuban Revolution–cradle at Santiago de Cuba or visit Cienfuegos, with its UNESCO-protected city center. Whatever your interests, there’s a cruise to match.

Is There Still an Embargo on Travel to Cuba for U.S. Citizens?

Cruising to Cuba has undergone great changes in just a few years. American cruise ships, which began visiting the Caribbean's largest island in 2016, keep adding more and more sailings, as regulations fall away. Cruise lines with a longer-running stake in the Caribbean nation are continuing to develop new and more immersive itineraries in Cuba, due to interest. Beginning with the new Armonia sailings from Miami, Cuba will be open to Americans onboard MSC Cruises, following people-to-people requirements. On MSC Opera the company offers a wide range of shore excursions, including beach days and snorkeling without people-to-people requirements. Although the Trump administration is tightening up individual travel, Cuba continues to approve cruise line sailings throughout 2018 and into 2019.

Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba via Cruise Ship from Another Country?

Sorry, we currently do not have any sailings to this destination. From the dazzling shores of Varadero to the untouched beauty of Cayo Coco, cruise Cuba to discover variety of beach havens. Feel the powdery white sands between your toes and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Let the rhythmic sounds of the ocean soothe your senses as you bask in the tropical bliss. Cruise around Cuba and experience the perfect blend of cultural exploration and beachside relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Cuban getaway. Norwegian’s four- and five-night Cuba-bound voyages out of Florida bundle in a full open-bar on each sailing.

Cruise ship issues a chilling message as passenger goes overboard near Cuba - Express

Cruise ship issues a chilling message as passenger goes overboard near Cuba.

Posted: Sat, 02 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

SOAK IN THE VITAMIN SEA

It remains to be seen whether that ruling will withstand the anticipated appeals and how it might impact the future of cruising to Cuba by American-owned companies. In 2022, the Biden administration reversed the Trump ban on air travel to destinations beyond Havana. It is now possible to fly to far more destinations within the country. There has been no change in restrictions on cruise passengers, however.

CARIBBEAN

As of June of 2022, those regulations allow twelve types of general travel authorizations, but retain the restriction on travel strictly for tourist activities. However, the short window of opportunity closed on June 5, 2019, when U.S. policy changes again blocked tourist travel to Cuba. Yes, Virgin is courting an American audience; compliant shore experiences are in development; details will be made available later in 2019. Again, if you're American and can finagle a visa, you're in; however, like the other British lines, the program is not people-to-people friendly. The company says that Americans can come if they can procure their own visas.

Pearl Mist's program follows people-to-people regulations. This type of trip is the definition of people-to-people, with lots of educational opportunities. US citizens also cannot simply fly to Montego Bay, Jamaica, where Marella sails from and take that cruise because the regulations apply to U.S. citizens wherever they are.

It's always wise to book your shore excursions in advance of your cruise to the Caribbean. You get the best deal and can plan your days easily. All Carnival Corp. ships will comply with people-to-people regulations. All Oceania ships will comply with people-to-people regulations.

Has President Biden Changed Anything in Regards to Cruise Travel to Cuba?

Immerse yourself in the culture in some of the oldest cities in the Americas — the Caribbean has been shaped by a diverse history, with Africans, Europeans and Asians all leaving their mark. See the cathedrals and Spanish colonial architecture of Santo Domingo, the lively street festivals of Barbados or the citadels and brightly colored buildings of San Juan with your cruise to the Caribbean. Empress and Majesty of the Seas will comply with people-to-people regulations. Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun comply with people-to-people regulations.

Discover the magic with a Caribbean cruise. There’s perhaps no sweeter travel proposition than taking that proverbial bite out of once-forbidden fruit . And juicy Cuba, with its vibrant culture, lively locals, rich history, and transporting tropical setting, is ripe for the picking.

Cuba has a distinct culture, with food, music and architecture that are celebrated around the world. It also has pristine beaches, wonderful diving and snorkeling spots, beautiful natural landscapes, a wonderful colonial architectural legacy and an extraordinary history. That being said, there are nearly endless things to do in Cuba.

As recently as January 2023, four cruise lines -- Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and MSC -- were ordered by a Federal District Judge in Florida to pay millions in fines in a complicated legal battle. The major allowances for Cuba travel fall under work-related reasons. Journalists can enter Cuba, for example, as can performers and athletes, or people attending performances or sporting events. Meetings and conferences are also now allowed.

The program is not compatible with people-to-people, however, so it's pretty unlikely many from the U.S. can go. It's unlikely that will happen anytime soon. Although many Americans want to visit Cuba and the Obama administration worked steadily to improve relations with the country, President Trump undid much of his predecessor’s work to normalize relations.

Yes, the embargo is still in place, but travel to Cuba is allowed for certain types of trips. But even on the trips that are allowed, travelers to Cuba may not use U.S. credit and debit cards during their travels (this was briefly allowed in 2016 and early 2017). Carnival has more than 100 Cuba sailings scheduled through 2020, embarking from seven different U.S. cities.

Insight Cuba has operated people-to-people land tours in Cuba before, and the sailings are natural extensions of the program. You will find your favorite Caribbean cruise ports no matter what direction you go. Travel the Southern side and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Or trek the rainforests of Saint Lucia. On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel. Eastern Caribbean cruises will bring you to St. Thomas, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the island at Government Hill or to St. Maarten, where you can dine on some of the region's best cuisine.

President John F. Kennedy extended the embargo to travel in 1963, after the Cuban Missile Crisis. Current regulations are enforced through a number of congressional acts. Here are some things Americans should know about the status of sailing to this long off-limits country.