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Carnival Cruise Line Cuba Cruises

Once off limits for American travelers, Cuba is now open for cruise exploration with Carnival Cruise Lines. You’ve seen the vintage cars, colorful architecture, and pristine beaches in photos, but now is the time to see it in person. Have you always wanted to try an authentic Cuban cigar? Now is your chance! Immerse yourself in the Cuban culture through food, music, and dance when you sail to Cuba aboard Carnival Cruise Lines. Mingle with locals and experience the Cuba they know and love. Carnival is ready to help you experience Cuba as it is meant to be experienced – up close and in person! Find out more information about Carnival’s cruises to Cuba by calling The Cruise Web today at 1-800-377-9383.

Things to Do on a Cuba Cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines

Dive in and have an authentic Cuban experience with a Carnival cruise to Cuba. You can sample delicious Cuban cuisine that the chefs take a tremendous amount of pride in creating. Travel the Havana streets in one of the famous ‘50s and ‘60s vintage vehicles that dominate the roads. When you are in Cuba, you truly feel as though you have been transported back in time. The pace is slower, food is fresher and people are nicer – and eager to share everything the island has to offer! Check out some of The Cruise Web’s recommended Cuba, Mexico, and Key West excursions below:

• Walking Tour of Old Havana and El Morro Fortress (Havana, Cuba) Discover Havana’s colonial past and some of its famous historical sites. You’ll visit the Fortaleza de San Carlos de la Cabana fortress, which was integral in protecting Havana from pirates. You’ll also have the opportunity to engage with local residents working to preserve Cuban heritage and history, then you’ll continue your tour of Old Havana – a UNESCO World Heritage site.  

• Havana Traditions and Flavors Tour (Havana, Cuba) Cuba has a strong culture and you’ll experience it best in the food, art, and music of Havana. During this tour you’ll sample traditional Cuban cuisine at a local restaurant, enjoy a live music performance, and learn about the ‘Cuban Marriage’ – a perfect combination of coffee, cigars, and rum – and how to enjoy them like a Cuban.  

• Best of Havana Tour (Havana, Cuba) Want to experience the best of Havana in one day? Then this is the perfect tour for you! A few of the activities you’ll enjoy are: visiting a Cuban community project, exploring the Fortress de San Carlos de la Cabana, learning the cryptic symbolism present in the one of the largest Caribbean cemeteries, and learning how residents built Cuba’s iconic architecture.  

• Swim with the Dolphins (Cozumel, Mexico) Interact with dolphins at Cozumel’s only certified dolphin park! After a brief training session on dolphin behavior, you’ll be fitted with a life vest and get to play around with the marine mammals! First a belly rub, then a dolphin kiss, and finally an unforgettable swim. Other optional activities include a sea lion show, snorkeling, and – of course – relaxing on the beach.  

• Key West Parasailing (Key West, Florida) Treat yourself to magnificent views of Key West and its beachfront by soaring hundreds of feet above the ocean! You’ll experience the thrills of an offshore powerboat ride, parachuting, ballooning, and gliding. It’s a perfect way to truly see the natural beauty of Key West, Florida.  

• Xenses Theme Park (Cozumel, Mexico) Challenge your perceptions and awaken your senses at the Xenses theme park in Cozumel, Mexico. You’ll experience a fantastic journey through air, land, and water that will awaken senses like never before as you “Live the Unimaginable” at Xenses Park.  

Top 10 Carnival Cruise Line Cuba Cruises

Carnival cruise line cuba departure ports.

Learn more about the available departure ports for a Cuba cruise with Carnival Cruise Line. Your fun Carnival Cuba cruise could embark from any of the following departure ports:

Photo Gallery for Carnival Cruise Line Cuba Cruises

Check out our image gallery of Cuba cruising photos for Carnival Cruise Line. This gallery offers merely a preview of the experiences waiting for you on a Carnival Cuba cruise vacation.

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Cruising to Cuba

The hidden gem of the Caribbean

Carnival Cruises to Cuba

CARNIVAL CRUISES TO THE CARIBBEAN

* Carnival guests will be able to choose from a range of over 20 exciting shore excursion experiences that showcase the islands vibrant culture and majestic beauty, along with the island’s warm and friendly people and centuries-old architectural landmarks.

DUE TO THE CHANGE IN US GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS IN REGARDS TO CRUISE TRAVEL TO CUBA HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISE LINES IS CURRENTLY CHANGING THEIR ITINERARIES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.  CUBA WILL REMAIN AS A GOAL FOR THE FUTURE CRUISE MARKET. BUT FOR NOW, LET’S SAIL THE BEAUTIFUL CARIBBEAN WATERS TO ANOTHER MAGICAL ISLAND GETAWAY. 

You can still travel to Cuba!!!!

Cruising to cuba is working hand in hand with one of the most prestigious land  tour  companies that creates both custom individual tours and group tours to this beautiful island. their expertise in everything from unique experiences, hand picked accommodations, travel visas, to finding the hidden gems of cuba is why we work with them…and only them we are in love with the quality of their itineraries, the  accommodations  they provide and the personal service they give to all of our clients., let us create a custom private tour for you and your guests or join us on one of our 2022 group tours., cuba awaits, for more information click here to fill out a form for more information.  , (317) 451-6150, cruising to cuba is currently taking a waitlist for all holland america, norwegian, royal caribbean, azamara, oceania, victory and regent, carnival and pearl seas sailings to cuba.  please fill out a booking form right away to be included on one of these magnificent sailings once they are open to us citizens again  , click here to fill out our form to be on the top of the waitlist for future cruises, you will be the first to know.

*PRICES AND AVAILABILITY SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL TIME OF BOOKING!

We also have a review of the Havana Excursion ,  In the Footsteps of Hemingway excursion  as well as  The Las Terrazas UNESCO Biosphere Reserve excursion  while in Havana. Be sure to click the highlighted link to check out these fun excursions.

The 10 Best Cuba Cruises

Here are 10 of the very best cuba cruise options, covering all styles and sizes, durations (from quick hits to full-on immersion), and budgets—so hop on board, the mojitos and cigars are just a sailing away..

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Norwegian’s four- and five-night Cuba-bound voyages out of Florida bundle in a full open-bar on each sailing.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

[Editor’s Note: Due to Trump administration-imposed travel restrictions to Cuba as of June 2019, cruise ships have been effectively banned from bringing American travelers to the island nation. The Associated Press reports that would-be cruisers who have already booked their trips prior to the policy change will still be permitted to travel, though details on the process remain murky; check in with individual operators for the latest updates.]

There’s perhaps no sweeter travel proposition than taking that proverbial bite out of once-forbidden fruit . . . and juicy Cuba , with its vibrant culture, lively locals, rich history, and transporting tropical setting, is ripe for the picking. However, despite it being the largest of the Caribbean islands—situated a mere 90 miles from the United States—the destination can feel frustratingly out of reach, thanks to the logistical hoop-jumping required of American travelers , even with thawed U.S.-Cuba relations in recent years.

Happily, cruising makes a Cuba vacation a breeze, seamlessly bundling lodging, transport, and excursions and managing all of the required red tape for guests, because the trips are aligned with current U.S. government travel requirements (for travelers, that means going on preapproved cultural/educational exchanges, via a “people-to-people” visa).

Indeed, cruise lines have seized upon this convergence of eased regulations and pent-up traveler demand to service Cuba, with available itinerary options skyrocketing in recent years. Their recipe has had resonance: Cruising lets you get around the large island in ease, from a comfortable home base, with plentiful excursion options while offering relative affordability compared to land-based vacations.

Of course, this ain’t your typical sun-and-surf Caribbean cruise (although it’s got plenty of that, too). Maybe you’ve got your heart set on history-rich Havana (it turns 500 years old in 2019), with its time-warp 1950s classic cars, crumbling colonial buildings, and storied night spots (such as the Tropicana or Buena Vista Social Club). Or perhaps you want to see the country’s second-largest city and Cuban Revolution–cradle at Santiago de Cuba or visit Cienfuegos, with its UNESCO-protected city center. Whatever your interests, there’s a cruise to match.

Upscale cruise line SeaDream started sailing to Cuba in 2019, with immersive itineraries on voyages between Havana and Cienfuegos.

Courtesy of SeaDream

SeaDream Plush mega-yacht line SeaDream kicked off its Cuban presence in early 2019, with a portfolio of eight “Cuba Collection” voyages aboard its 112-passenger SeaDream II ; the line offers an additional eight sailings to Cuba in 2020, aboard its 112-guest SeaDream I . The seven- to nine-night immersive itineraries sail between Havana and Cienfuegos (and vice versa) with an exclusive focus on Cuban ports along the island’s western coastline, including some lesser-visited locales like Trinidad, Cayo Largo, Isla de Juventud, and María la Gorda. Excursion highlights include a night out at a Cuban cabaret in Havana (with transfers via a classic car) or a snorkeling trip on the pristine coral reefs of Bahía de Corrientes. Sailings from January through March 2020; rates from $4,599/person; seadream.com

Virgin Voyages The most buzzed-about new cruise line on the horizon is Richard Branson–brainchild Virgin Voyages, carving out an industry niche with its stylish, adults-only, party-hearty cruise model. When the line debuts its first ship, the 2,770-passenger Scarlet Lady , in April 2020, its maiden voyage will feature an overnight stop in Havana. The ship goes on to host a season of four- and five-night Cuban voyages from Miami , all inclusive of an overnight call in Cuba’s capital, as well as a stop in Bimini in the Bahamas . Excursion and onboard programming details are forthcoming, but the ship is a welcomed retreat with sweet features like 20-plus dining options, ocean-facing cabanas, a vinyl shop, and the first tattoo studio at sea. Sailings from April through October 2020; rates from $1,500/person; virginvoyages.com

Oceania Cruises Luxe Oceania runs a robust range of Cuba-inclusive itineraries, including a slate of convenient seven- to 11-night voyages round-trip out of Miami, aboard the recently revamped 684-passenger Insignia or Sirena . Itineraries vary slightly, but typically include overnights in Havana, as well as calls in Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba (a few of the longer itineraries feature rare-for-the-industry overnight stays in those two cities, too, for fuller immersion). Choose from excursions like an arts tour of colonial Cienfuegos or a farm-to-fork culinary outing in Havana. Sailings in July 2019 and from September 2019 through March 2020; rates from $1,499/person; oceaniacruises.com

Seabourn Cruise Line Swank Seabourn is making way for an inaugural season in Cuba in late 2019. Book one of five 11- to 25-night sailings running round-trip out of Miami (or between Miami and San Juan, Puerto Rico) aboard the 458-passenger Seabourn Sojourn (featuring a Thomas Keller–backed dining venue on board). Itineraries differ but include overnight stays in Havana, Cienfuegos, and occasionally Santiago de Cuba, as well as calls in Isla de la Juventud and/or Antilla, along with other Caribbean stops sprinkled in (such as the Cayman Islands , Jamaica , or the Dominican Republic ). Sailings in November and December 2019; rates from $4,999/person; seabourn.com

Havana turns 500 years old in 2019, and visiting is a step back in time, complete with ubiquitous 1950s classic cars.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking Viking’s ocean arm runs weeklong winter cruises to Cuba round-trip out of Miami. Sail the 930-guest, all-veranda Viking Sky on immersive itineraries that include four full days docked in Cuba via an extended three-day port call in Cienfuegos; excursions from that city can be arranged for a tour of colonial Trinidad or an overnight hotel-based excursion to Havana. The ship also includes a one-day stop in Santiago de Cuba. Back on board, luxuriate in one of two pools (including an infinity pool at the ship’s stern) or at the Scandinavian-inspired LivNordic Spa. Sailings in January, February, and November 2020; rates from $2,599/person; vikingcruises.com

[Editor’s Note: Following the engine failure of the Viking Sky in Norway in March 2019, a Viking spokesperson assured AFAR of the following:“The safety and well-being of our guests and our crew is always our first priority. An initial independent investigation into the incident identified a potential oil lubrication issue, as a result of this we have adjusted our policies and procedures to ensure that this issue could not be repeated.”]

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian offers carefree, quick-hit voyages to Cuba out of Miami (on the 2,004-passenger Norwegian Sky ) and Port Canaveral (aboard the 1,936-guest Norwegian Sun ), with four- and five-night trips that bundle in a full open-bar on each sailing (yes, mojitos are included!). Choose from itineraries that pair an overnight stay in Havana with stops in Key West or Norwegian’s private Bahamian island at Great Stirrup Cay. Shore excursions include tours of Havana in classic American cars, performances at venues like the Tropicana or Buena Vista Social Club, or art outings to hip contemporary arts venue Fábrica de Arte Cubano . Upgrade a sailing on either of the recently renovated ships with a suite-level stay for extra perks like priority embarkation/disembarkation, free Wi-Fi, and specialty dining passes. Year-round sailings; rates from $249/person; ncl.com

Silversea Cruises Newly launched in early 2019, the small ships of all-inclusive, butler-serviced Silversea now sail to Cuba, with a series of winter voyages running round-trip out of Fort Lauderdale. Choose from some dozen sailings in 2020 aboard the recently refurbished, 298-passenger Silver Wind . Voyage details vary but may include an overnight in Havana and a call in Santiago de Cuba (sometimes overnighting there), or (more rarely) Cienfuegos, plus visits to spots like Key West or Bimini. Choose from 34 shore excursions: Take in jazz at a Havana club or visit Cojímar, the seaside village that inspired Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. Sailings from January through March 2020; from $3,330/person; silversea.com

Variety Cruises Greece-based Variety Cruises (in partnership with “people-to-people” Cuba program specialists Beyond Cruises) offers fall and winter sailings aboard its 49-guest three-masted sailing ship Panorama . On seven-night routes between Cienfuegos and Havana (or in reverse), itineraries incorporate less-trafficked Cuban locales like Trinidad, María la Gorda, and Isla de la Juventud. On-the-ground small-group excursions emphasize cultural immersion via encounters with local artists and artisans: Meet with musicians behind the Buena Vista Social Club or with an artisan in a woodcarving studio in Trinidad, for instance. Sailings in November 2019, January 2020, and February 2020; rates from $2,717/person; varietycruises.com

Carnival has more than 100 Cuba sailings scheduled through 2020, embarking from seven different U.S. cities.

Courtesy of Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line Carnival—best known more for its splashy, mass-market “fun ships”—is notable in the Cuban market for sheer numbers: The line has over 100 Cuba sailings scheduled through 2020, running from more U.S. homeports than any other cruise line, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral, and Tampa, with soon-to-launch options out of Charleston, New York , and Norfolk. The range of three- to nine-night itineraries incorporate either full-day or overnight calls in Havana, coupled with stops in other Caribbean-region ports like Cozumel, Key West, and Nassau. On board the five 2,052- to 3,006-passenger ships servicing the region ( Carnival Sunshine will be the largest ship to call on Havana when it starts the first-ever Cuba cruises from Charleston in November 2019), guests can expect Cuban-themed music, deck parties, lectures, and salsa dance lessons, too. Year-round sailings; rates from $309/person; carnival.com

Pearl Seas Cruises Pearl Seas Cruises offers 11-night Cuba cruises that sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale aboard the 210-passenger Pearl Mist . The itinerary incorporates overnight calls in Havana and Santiago de Cuba, as well as in Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and the more rarely visited seaport town of Casilda, taking in all the requisite outings en route (cruising Havana in a classic car, trailing Hemingway, listening to steel drums). Sailings from October through December 2019; rates from $5,335/person; pearlseascruises.com

>> Next: Everything Americans Need to Know Before Traveling to Cuba

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Carnival Cruises to Cuba Begin this Summer – Don’t Miss the Boat!

There are 12 Carnival Paradise cruises to Cuba, featuring an overnight in Havana. Beginning June 29, 2017, each of the 12 cruises to Cuba will be either four- or five-day cruises and all cruises include an overnight in Havana.

If a four-day cruise is easier for you to plan, departures are: June 29, July 13, August 24, September 7 and 21, October 5 and 19 and May 3 2018. All spend a day and overnight in Havana.

For those with a little more time to vacation, the five-day cruises depart August 14 and 28, September 25 and October 9, 2017. These voyages also include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana. Included on these itineraries is a port call to either Cozumel or Key West.

Cuba is an island jewel unique from anywhere else in the Caribbean and we are thrilled to have this rare opportunity to take our guests to this fascinating destination,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. The opportunity to visit Havana, combined with the fun, relaxed ambiance and wide variety of amenities and features offered on Carnival Paradise, will make for a truly one-of-a-kind vacation experience”.

In order to be granted permission for Carnival cruises to Cuba, the cruise line must  comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury. This is the law to permit travel operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba and take part in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Guests on the Carnival Paradise will be able to choose from a range of shore excursions with the aim to highlight Cuba’s culture, scenery, architecture and of course, its people.

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The Two-Way

International, carnival says its cruises to cuba can now include cuban-born passengers.

Bill Chappell

The 700-plus passengers who are expected to be aboard the Adonis cruise ship when it leaves the U.S. for Cuba in May can now include native-born Cubans. Carnival Corporation hide caption

The 700-plus passengers who are expected to be aboard the Adonis cruise ship when it leaves the U.S. for Cuba in May can now include native-born Cubans.

The first cruise ship to sail between the U.S. and Cuba in more than 50 years can now carry passengers who were born in Cuba, after the island nation eased its ban against native-born Cubans returning by boat. The cruise ship, operated by Carnival, is set to depart Miami for Cuba on May 1.

"We made history in March, and we are a part of making history again today," Carnival CEO Arnold Donald says in a statement from the company. "More importantly, we are contributing to a positive future. This is a positive outcome and we are extremely pleased. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Cuba and to our team who worked so hard to help make this happen."

The Carnival Corporation announced plans for a cruise to Cuba last July, after winning approval from U.S. regulators for what it termed "social impact travel."

At the time, the company was only beginning to negotiate with Cuban officials. Then in March, it announced a breakthrough, with Cuban officials agreeing to allow the 704-passenger MV Adonia to visit three ports of call: Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

The cruise company has set a price of $2,662 for an interior room aboard the Adonia for its May 1 voyage, which will last seven nights. That price omits Cuba's visas, taxes, fees and port expenses, which the company currently estimates at $208 per person.

Carnival's website for travelers urges prospective customers to "Cruise to Cuba, Make History!" The cruises will run every other week, the company says.

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Havana (Cuba)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-28 13:52

Port Havana cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Havana, Cuba. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Havana is Cuba's principal/largest cargo and cruise port located on the island's northern coast. Havana is also the country's capital city, which by total area (728 km2 / 281 mi2) is ranked the Caribbean's largest. By metro population (2,1+ million) the city is ranked the Caribbean's 4th largest - after Santo Domingo Dominicana , Port-au-Prince (Haiti) and San Juan Puerto Rico .

Other major Cuban port cities are Cienfuegos , Santiago de Cuba , Matanzas, Manzanillo.

Port Havana (locode CUHAV) is officially named "Havana Harbor". It is also Cuba's main seaport, excluding only the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base (USA-leased territory). Havana Harbor is a natural bay accessed through a narrow inlet. The port's main harbors are named Ensenada de Atares (cruise terminal, ship repairs), Ensenada de Guanabacoa (least developed), and Ensenada de Marimelena (ENA drydock, Galainela shipyard, Cuban Navy's shipyard, container terminal, oil refinery, flour-wheat mills, aviation fuel depots).

Havana is approx 370 km (230 mi) southwest of Miami (Florida USA) , and approx 770 km (480 mi) southeast of Kingston (Jamaica) . The town was founded in the 16th century by the Spanish. It served as stopping point for the Spanish galleons returning to Spain with the gold of the conquered Americas. In 1592, the town received city status granted by Philip II (1527-1598, Duke of Milan, King of Spain, Portugal, Naples and Sicily). All walls and forts were built for old city's protection.

The sinking of USS Maine in Havana Harbor during the Cuban revolt against Spain in 1898 became a major political issue and the immediate cause of the Spanish-American War (April 21 - August 13, 1898). The war ended with the Treaty of Paris . Its terms were favorable to the USA, allowing temporary US control over Cuba. The war also resulted in the USA ceding ownership of the islands Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Philippines.

Current-day Havana City incorporates 3 cities- Old Havana, Vedado and the new districts. Havana is among the Caribbean's most attractive travel destinations, with over 1 million tourists visiting annually. In 1982, Old Havana was designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Due to Cuba's proximity to the USA, in the period 1915-1930, Havana City was the Caribbean's most visited by tourists location. In 1961, the USA imposed a trade embargo on Cuba. Tourism immediately dropped. In the 1970s, the country's leader Fidel Castro (1926-2016) changed his policy of opposing the tourism industry. In 1982, the government allowed a number of foreign bussiness, including international tourism. Cuba established companies with foreign investments and began to attract capital for hotel development projects.

Havana is also a renowned health tourism destination. International patients travel to Havana for various medical treatments, including eye-surgery, neurological disorders (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, orthopaedics). The majority of patients are from Central America, followed by Europe and North America.

Cruises to Cuba from USA

Until 2016, according to the Cuban law, US citizens of Cuban origin (born in Cuba) were not allowed to visit the country (including on cruise ships). Regardless of their US citizenship status, Cuban-born Americans were denied booking on cruise itineraries visiting ports in Cuba.

The situation changed in April 2016, after Carnival Corporation negotiated with the Cuban government for allowing cruise ships with Cuban-born passengers, as such US citizens were allowed to visit the country on USA-Cuba charter flights. In 2016, Cuba was visited by over 88,000 cruise ship passengers. In 2017 were handled 328,000 passengers, in 2018 - ~0,5 million.

Cruise shore excursions are usually organized by the cruise company/ship operator in cooperation with Havanatur (state-owned Cuban tour agency). A smaller number of passenger privately hire local tour guides or taxi drivers (of restored classic American cars) for city touring.

The brand Carnival-Fathom cruise line started Miami to Cuba itineraries in May 2016. The first cruise ship to Cuba was Carnival Paradise leaving roundtrip from homeport Tampa (Florida) . The 4- and 5-night itinerary program started on June 29, 2017, and included Havana overnight.

The first Royal Caribbean ship to Cuba was Empress of the Seas with roundtrips from Miami and Tampa. The itinerary program started on April 19, 2017 (5-night Miami to Costa Maya and Havana). The first NCL ship to Cuba was Norwegian Sky , with 4-night itineraries from Miami and Havana overnights (starting May 2017). The itinerary also visited NCL's private island Great Stirrup Cay (Bahamas) . NCL Sky's 2018 Miami to Cuba program started on March 26. With Norwegian Sky, NCL's first ever ship call at Havana was on May 2, 2017 (overnight). NCL Sky's Cuban cruise prices started from USD 700 per person (inclusive of unlimited drinks).

The first MSC cruise ship in Cuba was MSC Opera . The 7-day round-trip itinerary was from Havana (with 2 overnights) and also out of Cozumel Mexico , visiting Jamaica (Montego Bay) and Grand Cayman Island . Starting on December 22, 2015, MSC became world's first major cruise company to homeport a big-sized vessel in Cuba.

SInce 2017, Alaska Airlines offers regular nonstop flights to Havana from Los Angeles (California USA) . An 80-min JetBlue flight from Fort Lauderdale (Florida) to Havana costs less than USD 100. Previously, air travel from USA to Cuba was through charter flights only.

On May 22, 2018, Global Ports Holding (Turkey) signed a 15-year deal (until 2033) with Aries SA (Cuba) for the management of cruise port Havana. By the agreement will be made significant investments in the port's infrastructure and facilities, including a capacity increase (expansion) from the current 2 berths (terminals) to 6 berths (by the year 2024). The Turkish company manages 13 cruise ports plus 2 cargo ports in 7 countries.

USA to Cuba cruise travel ban (2019)

On June 4, 2019, the US Government announced new regulations (economic sanctions) that ended group travel to Cuba, including via US-homeported cruise liners, effective immediately. The ban relates to "private and corporate aircraft, cruise ships, sailboats, fishing boats, and other similar aircraft and vessels". The US travel restrictions impacted hundreds of pre-scheduled cruise itineraries, which were adjusted to no longer stop in Cuban seaports.

According to official figures, ~900,000 cruisers visited Cuba in 2018, of whom ~40% Americans. In 2019, Cuba was slated to welcome a record number of US cruise tourists as in 2019-Q1 (January-May) were handled ~400,000 (100% increase over 2018-Q1). Tourism is Cuba's second-biggest source of earnings (after medical services), with annual revenues estimated at ~USD 2,5 billion.

By annual passenger traffic (statistical data 2019), the Caribbean's top-10 largest airports are:

• Luis Munoz Marin Airport/aka Isla Verde ( San Juan Puerto Rico ) with ~9,5 million pax
• Punta Cana Airport ( Punta Cana Dominicana ) with ~7,2 million pax
• Jose Marti Airport (Havana Cuba) with 5,7+ million pax
• Sangster Airport ( Montego Bay Jamaica ) with ~4,8 million pax
• Lynden Pindling Airport ( Nassau Bahamas ) with ~4,1 million pax
• Las Americas Airport ( Santo Domingo Dominicana ) with ~4 million pax
• Piarco Airport ( Port-of-Spain Trinidad ) with 2,8+ million pax
• Queen Beatrix Airport ( Oranjestad Aruba ) with 2,5+ million pax
• Pointe-a-Pitre Airport ( Pointe-a-Pitre Guadeloupe ) with ~2,5 million pax
• Grantley Adams Airport ( Bridgetown Barbados ) with ~2,3 million pax

This explains why these port cities are used as seasonal turnaround ports for homeporting (roundtrip itineraries) by many major cruise companies with ship deployments in the Caribbean.

Havana cruise terminal

Havana port's cruise terminal Siera Maestra Terminal (officially "Terminal de Cruceros Sierra Maestra") is located in the port's Ensenada de Atares harbor area, near Old Havana (Habana Vieja, off Plaza de San Francisco). Cruise ships enter Havana Harbor through a straight channel (length 1,5 km / 1 mi). The Atares harbor, beside the port's cruise terminals, also has facilities (operated by Asticar) for marine shipping and shiprepair services.

Havana cruise ship terminal's building was inaugurated in 1914. The terminal facility includes 3 docking berths with lengths 184 m (604 ft), 191 m (627 ft) and 171 m (561 ft). The terminal building is a former warehouse and spreads over 25,100 sq m (270,000 ft2) . The Siera Maestra Terminal is operated by Havana Dock Corporation.

The cruise port is at an easily walking distance from the city's main attractions and popular places, including Calle de Prado, La Calle Obispo, Malecon, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja.

Near the cruise ship terminal are available taxis, including the old American cars, the country's typical cocotaxis (rickshaw-type vehicles) and also horse-drawn carriages. CocoTaxis are with 3 wheels, colored in bright yellow, open-air and with max capacity 2 passengers. Horse-drawn carriages also offer tours of Old Havana City.

• On March 9, 2017, Oceania Marina  ship (owned by NCLH , operated by Oceania Cruises ) made its maiden call here. The visit was part of a 14-day itinerary to Mexico, Colombia, Belize, Grand Cayman.
• On March 31, 2017, the luxury cruise ship  Azamara Quest  (694 passengers) made its maiden call here. The other Royal Caribbean-owned ship visiting Havana with a regularlu scheduled cruises from the USA (since April 2017) is RCI's Empress of the Seas (2005 passengers.). Emress' maiden call at Havana port was on April 23, 2017 (port time 7 am - 5 pm).
• Paseo de Martí (Paseo del Prado): located in Old Havana. The amazing boulevard goes uphill from Havana cruise port to Parque Central. It dates from 1852.
• Plaza de San Francisco de Asis: located on Calle Oficios in Old Havana. The square dates from 1628. it main purpose was water supply to the ships that came for trading.
• Plaza Vieja: the Old Square location is Calle Inquisidor e/ Muralla y Teniente Rey. It used to be old commercial square with market that was covered.
• University of Havana, Cuba: it was founded in 1728 by Dominican friars. Its location is Calle L y San Lázaro in Vedado.
• Bacardi Building: located on 261 Esq. San Jan De Dios. The famous rum Bacardi became popular at the end of 19 century. The creator of the rum, Don Emilio Bacardi, was a Spanish settler. The logo of the famous drink came from his talisman – a bat.
• Callejon de Hamel: located in Central Habana, between the hospital and Calle Aramburu. It dates from 1990, project of Salvador Gonzáles.
• Castillo de la Real Fuerza: located in Old Havana, at O’Reilly #2, the seaward side of the square. It is the oldest fort still existing in the Americas. It dates from 1577.
• Cathedral of Havana: located in Old Havana, at Empedrado 156. It dates from the 18th century.

Old Havana City Sightseeing tour

This is the most booked shore excursion in Havana offered as 4 hour sightseeing bus tour with 4 stops along the way. Prices are USD 99 (adults) and USD 79 (kids under 12). Each bus (air-conditioned motorcoach) has its own tour guide. The Old Havana City tour stops at Colon Cemetery, Morro Castle, Plaza de Revolucion (Revolutionary Square) and Cristo de la Habana (Christ of Havana statue).

Tour guides narrate the entire trip. At Colon Cemetery are buried Cuba's most famous people. At Revolutionary Square are parked numerous classic US cars that can be rented for touring or as taxis. Cristo de la Habana statue (commissioned in 1953) is of white marble (delivered from Carrara, Italy ) and has height of 20 m (66 ft). Morro Castle is a Spanish colonial fortress located at the mouth of the harbour. Tour stops duration is from 30 min up to 1 hour. Tour buses return to the cruise port area,

Havana tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Cruises from Tampa to Cuba

Cuba was a destination of cruises from Tampa, Florida, until the government changed regulations again. About 40 cruises were available on Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean annually. The island nation is located in the middle of the most popular Caribbean cruise itineraries and is very close to the USA.

Cuba's cruise port of call is Havana, a city of 2 million with interesting places to visit. Enjoy the Malecon at sunset, catch a taxi ride in a 1950's car, see a show at the Tropicana, tour a cigar factory, sip a daiquiri at El Floridita, shop at a craft/fruit market, visit Morro Cabana fort, and explore Old Havana.

Travel restrictions for Americans going to Cuba had been relaxed. Booking a program with an authorized US tour operator partner made it easy.

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Carnival cruise company ready to resume trips to Cuba

During the 2020 report of the results of the company, its ceo, arnold donald, recalled that cuba was a “focal point” for the obama administration. “we’ll see what happens with the incoming administration.”.

Carnival’s Adonia cruise ship entering the port of Santiago de Cuba. Photo: Prensa Latina/Archive.

The cruise company Carnival Corporation announced that it is ready to resume its trips to Cuba, depending on the new policies for the island that will arise with the change of administration in the White House.

During the report of the results of the company in the fourth quarter of 2020, its CEO, Arnold Donald, recalled that Cuba was a “focal point” for the Obama administration. “We’ll see what happens with the incoming administration,” said the executive quoted by Prensa Latina .

Del abrazo al tajazo: viajes de EEUU a Cuba (III y final)

The CEO underlined that they will obviously be well prepared to operate in “whatever the guidelines, rules and regulations,” quoted the source.

As a result of licensing by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, under the Barack Obama administration cruise trips to Cuba were allowed after a more than 50 years.

The Adonia ship, operated by a Carnival brand, was the first to set sail from the port of Miami to Havana in 2016, the source pointed out.

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. @carnivalplc CEO Arnold Donald says the future for cruises is brighter than ever. "There's plenty of pent-up demand…there's gonna be more demand than there will be ships for a period of time." $CCL pic.twitter.com/etL4Rg0k1M — CNBC's Closing Bell (@CNBCClosingBell) January 11, 2021

“We’ll be prepared to again help people who really want to go to Cuba, in the best way we feel, which is to get to the cruise and then experience what that country has to offer,” Donald explained.

In June 2019, the President Donald Trump administration banned cruise ship trips to Cuba, as part of an extensive list of measures to tighten the economic, commercial and financial embargo against the island.

U.S. President-elect Joe Biden , who served as vice president during Obama’s term, claimed during his campaign that he will reverse Trump’s Cuba policy, calling it failed and that it “inflicted harm on Cubans and their families.”

Likewise, Vice President-elect Kamala Harris affirmed in an interview with EFE that they will repeal the restrictions that Donald Trump has imposed on the island, although the end of the blockade will not occur “soon.”

“We,” she explained, “will backtrack on Trump’s failed policies. And as he did previously as vice president, Joe Biden will also demand the release of political prisoners and will make human rights a centerpiece in diplomatic relations.”

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Carnival Cruise ship rescues 27 Cuban migrants on rickety wooden boat bound for the US: report

A Carnival Cruise ship veered off course to rescue 27 Cuban migrants who were stranded on a rickety wooden boat in the waters between Florida and the island nation, according to a report.

Carnival Paradise had just set sail from Tampa when it spotted the desperate US-bound migrants about 20 miles off the coast of Cuba,

The ship set a course to intercept their decrepit craft with the high-seas rescue taking place around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Fox News reported.

The cruise ship was bound for Roatan, Honduras when it spotted the Cubans.

All 27 were taken aboard the ship, where they were fed and given medical checkups.

The Carnival crew notified the US Coast Guard and officials in Roatan.

In a statement, Carnival put the number of rescued migrants at 28 and said the ship was still scheduled to arrive in Honduras on Monday but did not provide additional details.

Earlier this month, the US Coast Guard intercepted a ramshackle home-made boat off the Key West shoreline — and shipped all 16 migrants on board back to Cuba, officials said.

The barely-sea-worthy craft — the bow of a small wooden boat with the rest made of foam — was spotted by an eagle-eyed good Samaritan and picked up by the Coast Guard cutter Charles David Jr. on April 7,  according to a press release .

The migrants were taken aboard the cutter and shipped back to Cuba, the Coast Guard said.

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• Carnival Conquest
• Carnival Horizon
• Carnival Magic
• Carnival Spirit
• Carnival Sunrise
• Carnival Venezia

* Coming Soon

• Things To Do

Dreaming of an island vacation? Make your dreams a reality with one of Carnival’s year-round cruises from Miami. Because it’s so close to the Caribbean and The Bahamas, Miami is known as the cruise capital of the world. But it’s more than just convenient — rev up for your cruise from Miami with the city’s nonstop action, from party-ready South Beach to the Mediterranean style of Coral Gables, plus spicy Little Havana, which hums to an island beat. Once you’ve experienced all the South Florida architectural beauty, energetic street life and sun-kissed beaches, you may want to extend your stay in the Magic City after your cruise returns.

• Drink up the sizzling nightlife on boisterous Ocean Drive.
• See the classic architecture in the South Beach Art Deco historic district.
• Grab a cafecito and a Cubano sandwich on Calle Ocho in Little Havana.
• Enjoy sightseeing, shopping, beaches, restaurants and bars on a hop-on/hop-off bus.
• Glide past gators on an airboat ride in the Everglades.

Things to do in Miami

See it all from miami..

* Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional per person.

Florence in California: Carnival launches new Italian-style cruise ship

Carnival Cruise Line is bringing a touch of Italy to Southern California.

The line launched Carnival Firenze, inspired by its namesake city, this week. The vessel sailed its maiden voyage from its Long Beach homeport on Thursday.

“We carry more guests than any other cruise line from California, and now this ship is giving us the opportunity to offer more fun to more people sailing from Long Beach,” Christine Duffy, the line’s president, said in a news release . “The recipe combining this ship’s beautiful Italian theming with the familiarity of our friendly team’s hospitality is, in a word, perfecto!”

The ship is the second in the Carnival Fun Italian Style concept after sister ship Carnival Venezia joined the fleet last summer. Both were originally part of Costa Cruises – also owned by parent company Carnival Corp. – before being rehomed.

Where will Carnival Firenze sail?

The roughly 5,000-guest ship will offer Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera cruises ranging from three to seven days. Stops include destinations like Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Catalina Island.

What can guests expect on board?

Built in 2020, Firenze was refurbished earlier this year to add Carnival-specific touches. Those include staple venues like the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse and JavaBlue Cafe.

But the line leans into the ship’s Italian motif. The ship’s atrium was designed with Florence’s Piazza del Duomo in mind and the Lido deck takes influence from the Italian Riviera. There’s even a replica of Michelangelo’s David on board that was previously on Carnival Pride (the real sculpture is located in Florence’s Accademia Gallery).

The theme extends to the food and drink options, with eateries like Italian specialty restaurant Il Viaggio, Mexican-Italian fusion venue Tomodoro and La Strada Grill, serving Italian street food. Frizzante specializes in bubbly drinks, and passengers can sip craft cocktails and Italian coffee at Amari.

Other features include the WaterWorks water park and Serenity Adult-Only Retreat.

How long should I take a cruise?: Here's how short and long cruises compare

How much does Carnival Firenze cost?

Prices vary based on sailing date and other factors, but a five-day Mexican Riviera cruise departing on May 30 currently starts at $409 per person based on double occupancy, according to Carnival’s website . The fare includes much of the food on the ship, drinks like regular coffee and iced tea and more.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].