Following President Trump’s announcement today regarding new policy changes for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba, many cruise lines collectively breathed a sigh of relief as they can continue to operate their Cuba cruise programs for the foreseeable future.
Royal Caribbean, who operates the Empress of the Seas to Cuba from Florida stated:
Today President Trump announced his administration’s new policy changes for U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba, and we are pleased to inform you that we don’t anticipate any changes to our Cuba itineraries. Our guests can expect to enjoy the immersive, unforgettable experience they’ve been looking forward to as we visit Havana, Cuba on their upcoming sailing onboard Empress of the Seas.
Norwegian Cruise Line, who operates the Norwegian Sky to Cuba from Miami stated:
Based on the information shared today, we are very pleased to learn the news that cruises to Cuba will continue under the new guidelines laid out by the Administration. All of our cruises to, and shore excursions in, Cuba are in full compliance with regulations set forth by the US Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”), and we will work with the Administration to comply with any changes to those and any other regulations that will result from its decision. We are also pleased that education travel and travel that supports the Cuban people will continue.
Carnival Cruise Line, who operates the Carnival Paradise to Cuba from Tampa stated:
Carnival Corporation is pleased that the policy changes announced by the Trump administration will allow our ships to continue to sail to Cuba. We will review the extent of the tightening of the travel rules, but our guests have already been traveling under the 12 approved forms of travel to Cuba since we undertook our historic first cruise to Cuba more than a year ago. Our experience in Cuba this past year has been extremely positive. We look forward to the new cruises being planned for Cuba with Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line. We also have requested approval for our other brands to travel to Cuba. Travel brings people and cultures together, so we are excited about the upcoming cruises to Cuba for our guests.
While cruises to Cuba may continue to operate out of the United States, more restrictions are likely, that may impact U.S. citizens ability to disembark their cruise ship and explore Cuba on their own. The more relaxed “people-to-people” requirements that were started under the previous administration, will now once again require that visitors be part of a special group licensed to conduct tours in Cuba.
These new polices will also affect other cruise lines either currently operating or planning to sail to Cuba. Most notably, Azamara Cruises and Oceania Cruises, that will commence sailings to Cuba in the Fall.
