Setting Sights on Cuba’s Ports

With travel restrictions to Cuba softened, many United States residents are expressing interest in taking a cruise that would include a call to Havana. The question is, is Havana interested in receiving them?

Maybe it’s the mystique of the island, maybe it’s the forbidden fruit aspect; whatever the reason, many US travelers are intrigued by the idea of visiting Cuba. Europeans and Canadians have long had the ability to visit the island, but an increased influx of travelers that would include American guests may be more than Cuba is able to handle. According to the Deputy Tourism Minister, Havana’s current capabilities are not enough, and improvements of docks and terminals must be made to accommodate the additional tourist load. Busses used for shore excursions must be upgraded, and shopping facilities will need to be added.

Another consideration are the current bans in place that refuse to allow ships of any nationality to dock at US ports if they have visited the docks of Cuba anytime within the past six months. Many believe that even if these bans were lifted that, because so much needs to be done, it would be years before the Cuban ports would be able to be added to cruise ship itineraries for Americans.

At this point, all of the speculation about visiting Cuban ports is just that: speculation. None of the major cruise lines are talking about setting itineraries for the new port of call; likely, they are waiting for definitive action to be enforced by the government before that happens. They are, however, always interested in the addition of popular and sought after ports, and since many of the ships currently sail right by Cuba, adding the location would be no problem.

Anyone who may be interested in a cruise itinerary that includes Havana, Cuba as a port of call should keep their eye on the future; it may not be long at all before smoking a cigar at a Havana nightclub becomes a favorite pastime.