Topic: Cuba: Ports & Politics

Cruiselines in the U.S. are buzzing with anticipation to add Cuba into their itineraries, expecting it to be a real hit with passengers.

"When Cuba opens up, it's going to be great for everybody," Royal Caribbean's Vice President of Commercial Development, John Tercek said. "We'll all find interesting ways to grow with it."

But there's another problem...

"The general assumption -- that if the U.S. administration dropped their restrictions, there's going to be a mass exodus of all the ships to Cuba -- is clearly not going to happen," said Colin Murphy, vice president for destination and strategic development for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Officials agree that the modern megaships of today couldn't possibly dock at Cuba's ports, and it's estimated that it would take at least 4-5 years of rebuilding (and that's if Cuba would be willing to accommodate).

I remember docking on Havana a few years ago on an old airtours ship - the Cuban officials back then took great exception to the "admitted" usa stamps in my passport - making SURE to stamp over them.... lol

As stated, the smaller ships will be ok and it will be good to bring some official $$$ into the country as heavens knows Cuba needs it. I do have to admit that some of the charm of the country will be gone forever but I suppose that's progress... even since my first visit back in 1996 things have changed so much...

The cuban people however, friendly and very interested in you... but geneally not in a threatening way .

British cruise lines already call there. Thomsons Dream has a complete set of itineries including Cuba for next winter, of course the Dream is a small ship at just over 50,000 tons.

QUOTE:

The Cuban officials back then
took great exception to the "admitted" USA stamps in my passport
- making SURE to stamp over them.... lol

How incredibly petty!
.

I understand the US embargo against Cuba is the longest running in modern history. If the US is now going to let its citizens visit this nearby foreign country, I wonder if they will also allow them to buy Cuban cigars? ;)

It's all a hangover from the missiles crisis which still concerns the American public. Also they are not anxious for mass immigration from Cuba. They have enough problems with Mexico.
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines have been visiting and starting cruises from Cuba for years.

QUOTE:

If the US is now going to let its citizens visit this nearby foreign country,
I wonder if they will also allow them to buy Cuban cigars? ;)

They can buy them from sources outside the USA
-they just can't bring them into their country.
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