There are a lot of mixed reports about interest in travel to Cuba as well as the ease of means to get and stay there, but the all-around solution is simple: Take a tried-and-true cruise to the Caribbean island nation.
I have had the privilege and pleasure of cruising to Cuba twice now-once aboard Fathom and once aboard Norwegian Cruise Line. Both conveniently left roundtrip from Miami, Florida, eliminating any need to fly to the country.
Some airlines have begun cutting back on their initial routes to the island from the US, but cruise lines are heading in the opposite direction with more and more ships on the way.
In fact, of those departing from and returning directly to the States, only Fathom is redeploying its Adonia away to its former P&O Cruises brand after May 2017. Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Sky is the latest ship to regularly head to Havana, while Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Royal Caribbean International are also all now sailing there.
Additionally, Carnival Cruise Line plans to pick up the slack from corporate cousin Fathom beginning in June 2017, and Viking Ocean Cruises, pending approval, is scheduled to call on Cuba later this year.
The single greatest benefit of a cruise, beyond its built-in transportation, is the inherent accommodations.
Cuba does not yet have a wide selection of familiar chain hotels like Marriott and Hyatt to book locally, but cruise travelers know what to expect on the ship wherever it travels to. That's one of the hallmark perks of a cruise: No matter how exotically you travel, the creature comforts of home are always awaiting you back onboard.
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Any fears of cleanliness, air conditioning or dining standards can be eliminated thanks to a cruise. Those who frequent Norwegian Cruise Line as much as, say, Marriott hotels know they can expect consistently comfortable onboard conditions including well-kept staterooms, cool interiors and tasty food.
That's not to say you shouldn't venture out and explore all Cuba has to offer.
Truth is, it's a very safe country, but should its cuisine not be to your taste or its heat and humidity be too much for you at any given time, you can always return to your cruise ship home to regroup and reenergize in between outings. What's more, the cruise line can even arrange shore excursions to easily reserve.
The bottom line is several primary travel considerations-transportation, accommodations, dining and touring-are all rolled into a single solution with a cruise to Cuba.
So, why wouldn't you take that approach?
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Besides, interest in traveling there may not be waning as much as some recent polls would have you believe.
At least Cruise Critic is still showing a healthy desire. In its latest poll of 1,519 participants, 42 percent say they would like to cruise to Cuba, while 6 percent say they already have or at least have a sailing booked. Undecided are 16 percent who need to learn more, and 36 percent that are not interested.
Perhaps these reasons above will sway them positively.
There are a few remaining tips to keep in mind once in Cuba: Even via cruise, credit cards are not widely accepted once ashore.
Since last year, US dollars are more easily traded among locals, but it's still best to convert into the local currency at the port to be on the safe side. You can always convert it back prior to leaving. Also, be sure to always have your passport and visa on hand when transiting back and forth from the ship.
Beyond that consideration? Bon voyage!
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