Cuba is a beautiful Caribbean island that has recently become a popular tourist destination. With its picturesque beaches, colorful architecture, and vibrant culture, Cuba has something to offer for every type of traveler.
And what better way to explore this island than on a cruise ship? However, there have been some questions about whether cruise ships are allowed to go to Cuba. In this article, we will explore the answer to this question.
History of US-Cuba Relations
Before we dive into whether cruise ships are allowed in Cuba or not, it’s important to understand the history of US-Cuba relations. In 1960, the United States imposed an economic embargo on Cuba after Fidel Castro came into power.
This embargo made it illegal for US citizens to travel to Cuba or do business with Cuban companies. For many years, this embargo was strictly enforced and made it difficult for Americans to travel to Cuba.
The Obama Administration’s Changes
In 2014, President Barack Obama announced that he would begin normalizing relations between the United States and Cuba. As part of these changes, travel restrictions were eased for US citizens who wanted to visit Cuba. This meant that Americans could now legally travel to Cuba as long as their trip fell into one of 12 approved categories.
The Trump Administration’s Changes
In 2017, President Donald Trump announced that he would be rolling back some of the changes made by the Obama administration regarding US-Cuba relations. While Americans can still legally travel to Cuba under certain circumstances, there are now more restrictions in place.
Are Cruise Ships Allowed in Cuba?
So are cruise ships allowed in Cuba? The short answer is yes. Since the changes made by the Obama administration in 2014, cruise ships have been able to go to Cuba as long as they comply with certain requirements.
- Passengers must fall into one of the 12 approved categories of travel
- The cruise ship must have a license from the US government to travel to Cuba
- The cruise ship must comply with certain requirements set by the Cuban government
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there have been some changes to the rules regarding US-Cuba relations in recent years, cruise ships are still allowed to go to Cuba. If you are interested in taking a cruise to this beautiful island, make sure that you comply with all of the necessary requirements set by both the US and Cuban governments. With its rich history and stunning scenery, Cuba is a destination that should not be missed.