Cuba Cruising is Still the Best

It may be a bit more difficult for Americans to travel to Cuba under the Trump administration, but thank goodness for cruises.

Already the most convenient and comfortable way to arrive from the United States, the path remains open to all previously approved lines and their passengers.

As of November 9, 2017, individual people-to-people nonacademic educational travel to Cuba is no longer permitted. However, American travelers may continue to the Caribbean island nation if conducted by an organization subject to U.S. jurisdiction and escorted by someone similarly subject.

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As to why the changes were made, a U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, Inc. press release quoted Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin as saying, "We have strengthened our Cuba policies to channel economic activity away from the Cuban military and to encourage the government to move toward greater political and economic freedom for the Cuban people.”

In other words, you can go to Cuba as long as it’s via sanctioned tour operator and/or cruise line. Mainstream brands like Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have upheld such requirements since day one of their Cuban deployments and continue accordingly. Smaller players such as Victory Cruise Lines do the same.

Regarding the last rules, Bruce Nierenberg, President & CEO of the brand had the following to say, in a press release:

“The confusion is over. In the end, the changes confirmed our role as essential to Cuba travel and tourism. Yesterday’s rule finalization should prove to have minimal effect on American travelers to Cuba, except those traveling alone with no particular plan or program. All of us at Victory Cruise Lines are excited about the opportunity to begin offering the only all-inclusive, immersive cruise experience to Cuba available today. This rule change makes cruising to Cuba more attractive than ever before.”

READ MORE: What You Need to Know to Cruise to Cuba

The real plus is that a Cuban cruise also incorporates local tour operators, enriching both the travelers and native citizens culturally and economically. All the while, the uncertainties of planning a trip all on one’s own are removed by letting the cruise line handle most logistics. It’s a veritable win-win.

I’ve had the pleasure of traveling to Cuba roundtrip from Miami twice now—once on Fathom’s since-transferred Adonia and again on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky. I can personally attest to the joys of visiting Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba so conveniently and highly recommend them.

Following recent hurricanes, the Caribbean is open for business, Cuba included.

While Havana remains the main event, Pearl Seas Cruises, for example, is heading there in addition to aforementioned Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, as well as Trinidad and El Cobre. Meanwhile, Victory Cruise Lines is going to its own expanded batch of Havana plus Cienfuegos, Trinidad/Casilda, Santiago de Cuba and Maria La Gorda.

READ MORE: Cuba Continues to Grow As a Cruise Destination

There are even more Cuban cruise options aboard a variety of other ship sizes beyond these. The only difficult decision to make is which one you wish to embark on.

Either way, now is certainly the time to go. While it looks like these current regulations are here to stay for a while, they are always subject to political alterations and Cuba itself is almost certain to change with the times.

To see what the incredible Caribbean country has been like—untouched for decades—before that day may come, I suggest booking a Cuban cruise sooner than later.

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