Are you planning to take a cruise to Cuba anytime soon? If so, you may be wondering whether it’s still possible to do so.
In 2019, the US government implemented new restrictions on travel to Cuba, which affected many cruise lines that had been offering trips to the island nation. Let’s take a closer look at whether you can still take a cruise to Cuba and what you need to know if you’re considering it.
Background on US-Cuba Relations
The United States and Cuba have had a complicated relationship for decades. In 1960, the US imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, which prohibited American companies from doing business with the island nation. This included travel restrictions, which made it difficult for Americans to visit Cuba.
In 2014, President Barack Obama announced that the US would begin normalizing relations with Cuba. This led to an easing of travel restrictions and the resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Many American tourists flocked to Cuba in the years that followed, including those who arrived on cruise ships.
New Restrictions on Travel
In June 2019, however, President Donald Trump announced new restrictions on travel to Cuba. These restrictions were aimed at preventing American dollars from flowing into the Cuban government’s coffers and were part of a wider effort by the Trump administration to roll back Obama-era policies toward Cuba.
The new rules banned “people-to-people” educational trips and required anyone traveling to Cuba under one of the remaining categories (which include family visits and humanitarian work) to do so as part of an organized group. This meant that individual travelers would no longer be able to visit Cuba independently.
Impact on Cruise Lines
The new travel restrictions had a significant impact on cruise lines that had been offering trips to Cuba. Many companies had invested heavily in building infrastructure and marketing their Cuban itineraries, only to have them cancelled with little notice.
Carnival Corporation, which operates several cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line, estimated that the new rules would cost the company $44 million in 2019 alone. Other companies such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line also had to cancel their Cuban itineraries.
Can You Still Take a Cruise to Cuba?
So, can you still take a cruise to Cuba? The short answer is no.
As of September 2019, no US-based cruise line is offering trips to Cuba. This includes major companies such as Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.
It’s possible that this could change in the future if the US government eases its travel restrictions on Cuba. However, it’s unclear when or if that will happen. For now, if you’re hoping to visit Cuba on a cruise ship, you’ll need to look for options outside of the US.
Other Options for Visiting Cuba
While US-based cruise lines are no longer offering trips to Cuba, there are still other ways to visit the island nation. For example:
- You can fly directly from the US to Havana or other Cuban cities using one of several airlines that offer service from select cities.
- You can book a trip with a Canadian or European tour operator that offers packages to Cuba.
Keep in mind that if you’re traveling from the US, you’ll need to do so under one of the remaining categories of authorized travel. You’ll also need a visa and may be subject to additional restrictions.
The Bottom Line
While it’s not currently possible to take a cruise to Cuba on a US-based ship, there are still options for visiting this fascinating country. Whether you choose to fly there directly or book a package through an international tour operator, be sure to research the latest travel restrictions and requirements before you go. With some planning and preparation, you can still experience the beauty and culture of Cuba firsthand.