QuirkyCruise News: New Restrictions on Travel to Cuba

QuirkyCruise News: New Restrictions on Travel to Cuba

By Ted Scull.

The thrust of President Trump’s recent directives on travel by Americans to Cuba will close some doors and will likely slow down the visa permission process for those who will ultimately be allowed to go. The good news is that, for now, the cruise lines that have developed Cuban itineraries may continue their programs, and if passengers have to fly to reach their ship they will be allowed to take advantage of the present direct flights between the US and Cuban airports. What they will not be allowed to do is to patronize any Cuban establishments, particularly restaurants and hotels, that are Cuban military-controlled. Private businesses are exempted from this clampdown.

Havana at sunset.. * Photo: Howard Ignatius

Havana at sunset.. * Photo: Howard Ignatius

US citizens who previously were able to arrange private trips under a complex permission system will no longer be able to do so, and presumably that would apply to cruise-bound passengers who might like to fly to Havana in advance of joining their cruise and spend a few days as independent travelers. Some cruise lines have Cuban land portions with hotel stays as part of a cruise-tour, and as that is a pre-approved group package, there should be no problem taking advantage of wiggle room with perhaps a few hours of independent exploring on foot.

Viales Valley, Cuba

Viales Valley, Cuba. * Photo: Shutterstock

If you wish to take a cruise to Cuba, be sure to start the vetting process as early as possible so as to not literally miss the boat. If there are any changes involving cruises, you will see it here.

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About The Author

QuirkyCruise

Ted & Heidi are long-time travel writers with a penchant for small ship cruising. Between them they've traveled all over the world aboard hundreds and hundreds of small cruise ships of all kinds, from river boats to expedition vessels and sailing ships.

1 Comment

  1. Christina Colon

    We Are champing at the bit to get to cuba! Please advise which itinerary and vessel would maximise our exposure to art, architecture, history culture and cuban CUISINE?!

    Reply

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Heidi and Ted HEIDI SARNA

I'm up to 78 countries and 110+ cruises worldwide, and it's the small ship journeys that I love writing about most. And so QuirkyCruise.com was born, an excellent research tool for planning your own unforgettable small ship trip.

THEODORE W. SCULL

I have traveled between all continents by sea and cruised along three dozen rivers. Ships and travel are in my blood, and so is writing. My journeys have translated into many books and many hundreds of articles.

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