Do Any Cruise Ships Go to Cuba?

By Robert Palmer

Cuba has long been a popular destination for travelers seeking to experience the vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history of this Caribbean island nation. However, due to political tensions and embargoes, it has been difficult for Americans to visit Cuba in recent years.

Many people wonder if cruise ships offer a way to visit Cuba. In this article, we’ll explore the question – do any cruise ships go to Cuba?

Background

In 2015, the United States government began to ease restrictions on travel to Cuba. This led to a number of major cruise lines announcing plans to offer trips to the island nation. By 2017, there were dozens of cruises departing from ports in Florida and traveling to various destinations in Cuba.

The Current Situation

However, in June 2019, the Trump administration announced new regulations that drastically restricted travel between the United States and Cuba. As a result of these changes, many cruise lines were forced to cancel their plans to visit Cuba. This includes major companies like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International.

Exceptions

There are still some ways that Americans can legally travel to Cuba by cruise ship. These typically fall under the category of “people-to-people” exchanges or educational trips that involve interacting with Cuban citizens and learning about their culture.

Options

One option is Fathom Travel’s Adonia ship which sails from Miami and visits Havana as well as two other Cuban ports. Another option is Pearl Seas Cruises’ Pearl Mist which sails from Fort Lauderdale and visits several Cuban ports including Santiago de Cuba.

Conclusion

While it is no longer as easy for Americans to visit Cuba by cruise ship as it was just a few years ago, there are still some options available for those who are interested in exploring this fascinating country. By choosing a cruise that falls under one of the approved categories of travel, it is possible to legally visit Cuba and experience all that it has to offer.