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Find the best cruise to cuba, how much does a cruise to cuba cost.

Cuban cruise prices vary depending on the departure port, cruise travel length, cruise line, and time of year. Expedia offers a variety of last-minute discount cruises and excellent Cuba cruise 2025 deals if you want to plan your cruise vacation early.

Why should I go on a cruise to Cuba?

A Cuban cruise vacation is a fantastic way to explore new countries and immerse yourself in local cultures. The continent has diverse climates and landscapes, as well as rich cultural and food scenes in each country. Visitors can roam beautiful beaches, trek through jungles, hike the Andes Mountains, or immerse themselves in the vibrant nightlife and learn local dances.

How can I find a cheap Cuban cruise?

To find cheap cruises to Cuba, just sort your results by price from lowest to highest. The search results will automatically be organized to show you the best discount cruises first. Cheap cruises may be shorter in length, but you will still get to experience the richness of Cuban culture and have an incredible cruise vacation.

Where can I find the best Cuban cruise deals?

The price of cruise tickets to Cuba varies, but you can find fantastic Cuban cruise deals on Expedia that are tailored to your travel wants and needs. Cruise season in Cuba typically runs from November to early May, so the cruise to Cuba price may be higher during this time. The destination points and lengths of cruises may also vary during this time. To get the best cheap cruise deals, consider booking your cruise trip between mid-May and the end of October as it's off-season.

What to look out for when you book your Cuban cruise?

It’s important to know where you’d like to go on your cruise trip as itineraries vary. Cuban cruise destinations include – but are not limited to – Argentina , Brazil , Chile , Peru , and Uruguay . The location of the cruise terminal will also be important as travel to and from the terminal is not included in the total price of your cruise booking. Since Cuba is such a large continent, some cruise itineraries will have you start and end your cruise trip in different countries. This means you may need to fly from an airport that’s different from the one you flew into.

How to book a cruise to Cuba on Expedia?

Expedia makes the entire booking process as seamless as possible. That way you can focus on the important stuff, like getting excited about your upcoming cruise trip. Once you are on the ‘Cruises’ page, you can select the ‘Cuba’ option in the search bar and browse by date, duration, price, cruise terminal, cabin experience, and cruise line. While there are many excellent cruise line options, the best cruise lines in Cuba include Norwegian Star , Costa Favolosa , and MSC Cruises . Once you’ve selected your desired cruise, you can book your dream cruise vacation and get ready for the experience of a lifetime.

How can I find last-minute cruise deals to Cuba?

You can book a last-minute cruise to Cuba on Expedia by inputting your travel dates and sorting the results by price. All valid deals will automatically be applied to the visible cost so you can be confident you are getting the best cruise deals. Last-minute cruise deals may vary by season but can offer an exciting opportunity to explore new destinations at a discount.

Do you need a passport to cruise to Cuba?

Yes, passports are required for cruises that go to Cuba. While departure ports and cruise destinations vary, US citizens are required to have a valid passport when entering each country in Cuba. US passport holders don’t need a tourist visa if their stay in each country is less than 90 days. While it is possible to embark on a closed-loop cruise to Cuba, US citizens will still need a valid passport to enter countries throughout Cuba.

Can I cancel my Cuba cruise booking?

You can cancel your Cuban cruise via the ‘Trips’ tab on Expedia. Alternatively, you can contact customer service and they can help cancel your cruise trip for you. Cancellation and refund policies will vary based on your cruise booking, as well as when you cancel your cruise trip. If you cancel your trip further in advance, you're more likely to receive a better refund.

Why should I book a cruise to Cuba with Expedia?

Booking a cruise vacation with Expedia provides you with an abundance of cruise destinations in Cuba, top cruise lines, and cheap cruise deals to ensure you have the best Cuban cruise.

When booking an eligible cruise as a One Key TM member, you will earn OneKeyCash TM .

This is our rewards currency which you can use to save on  eligible bookings  across Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo. The more you book on our three brands, the more perks you'll unlock.

What are the best things to do on a Cuban cruise?

Embarking on a boat cruise to Cuba is a unique experience that you’ll want to make the most of—both onboard and offboard. Exploring the cruise ship, tasting meals from various dining options, utilizing available amenities, and engaging in organized activities are several of the many ways you can enjoy your time onboard to the fullest. Offboard, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the local culture by trying the best foods, learning their traditions, and visiting cultural and historical sites.

What should I pack for my Cuba cruise?

The weather in Cuba varies by country and the time of year. Countries below the equator experience warmer weather starting in December while countries above the equator experience warmer weather in the mid- to late-spring months. So, your packing list will depend on when and where you go on your cruise trip to Cuba. Regardless of the season or temperature, it’s generally advised to pack comfortable clothes, durable walking shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, and a portable charger.

About Cuba Cruises

Travel advisory: on june 4, 2019, the us government announced new travel restrictions to cuba, effective immediately. as a result, all cruise lines will no longer be permitted to sail to the caribbean island of cuba..

Set sail to this picturesque Caribbean island, famed for its striking colonial architecture, magnificent powder-soft beaches, and fascinatingly diverse culture.

With miles upon scenic miles of white sand beaches, beckoning Old World architecture and majestic mountain ranges, Cuba is quickly becoming a popular vacation destination, and one of the best ways to explore this vibrant Caribbean island is with a Cuba cruise.

Very little has changed in Cuba in comparison to neighboring Caribbean islands, due in large part to an economic embargo that has lasted for more than half a century. As a result, passengers disembarking from a Cuba cruise will notice that some of the major cities, such as Havana, appear to be stuck in a time warp: the colonial architecture, though visually stunning, are in need of repair, while antique Fords, Buicks and Pontiacs are easily spotted cruising the streets in clouds of smoke. However, these storied surroundings are what make Cuba such a fascinating place to visit.

On a Cuba cruise vacation, passengers have the opportunity to venture out to far-reaching islands and to explore a few cities in the span of several days. Nearly all cruises to Cuba incorporate a port of call in Havana, Cuba’s capital. In this captivating city, passengers can stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Havana and admire its colonial buildings, tour a fully operational cigar factory, or enjoy an evening out at one of the city's many live music venues. Another city passengers often visit during their Cuba cruise is Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba after Havana. Here, passengers can tour historic rum distilleries, explore the UNESCO-recognized Baconao Biosphere Reserve, or simply bask on the shores of one of the many beautiful beaches. Cienfuegos is another port of call made by some cruise lines, and in this charming waterfront city, passengers can take an excursion to the stunning El Nicho Waterfall, stroll through the swanky Punta Gorda neighborhood to take in the beautiful neoclassical buildings, or spend some time in the turquoise waters snorkeling, sailing or swimming.

Most cruises to Cuba incorporate a port stop in Havana either for a full day or overnight so passengers can partake in at least one full-day shore excursion. Typically, these shorter Cuba cruises incorporate a port of call in either Mexico or the Caribbean as well. For longer duration Cuba cruises, passengers can opt for a partial Cuba circumnavigation cruise, which make ports of call in Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos. If passengers are keen on doing a full Cuba circumnavigation cruise, these itineraries will sail to more remote ports of call, such as La Isla de Juventud.

The best time to go on a Cuba cruise is from December to March, when the weather is delightful and rain is sparse. From May to October the temperature can reach unbearable levels, but if you can withstand the heat and humidity, try to book your Cuba cruise in July so you can be a part of the effervescent Carnival festival that occurs every year in Santiago de Cuba.

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Cuba Cruises

What can I expect on a cruise to Cuba?

• Cuban culture: It’s more than cigars, sugar, and rum. Cuba has a vibrant, exciting culture, from the dramatic dance moves of mambo and rumba to the spicy flavors of ropa vieja and mojo marinade.
• Shore excursions: If you need help planning , simply book a tour and let the tour guides show you around. Old Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the former home of famed author Ernest Hemingway, and Almacenes San José Artisans Market are just a few of the sights you’ll see.
• Great cruise deals: We  offer the best prices on Cuban cruises, plus special offers like shore  excursion discounts, on-board credits, and free Wi-Fi.

Where can I visit on a Cuba cruise?

• Key West: The Florida  Keys are the essence of laid-back, tropical vibes, and Key West is their  capital. Wander among pastel houses and snorkel or dive the coral reefs at this  popular cruise destination .
• Ocho Rios: You can’t  resist this northern coastal town’s dramatic waterfalls, coastline, and  rainforest—not to mention the pristine beach.    
• Grand Cayman: Shop ’til you drop in glitzy George Town and lounge on Seven Mile Beach with the rich and famous. It’s no wonder that this Caribbean island is a popular stop for cruise ships visiting Cuba.
• Western Caribbean:  Other cruise destinations in the Western Caribbean include the sparkling waters  of Cozumel and the Mayan ruins of Costa Maya, Mexico, and the famed diving of  Roatan, Honduras, home to the world’s second largest coral reef.

Which cruise ship to Cuba is  right for me?

• Royal Caribbean: You  can’t go wrong with a cruise  line that has “Caribbean” in the name, right? Add in a great ship name  like Empress of the Seas ,  and you know you’re in for a legendary good time.
• Norwegian  Cruise Line: Offering 4- and 5-day cruises to Cuba departing from Miami,  Florida, the Norwegian Sun  and Norwegian Sky cruise  ships are great options for those who just want a quick itinerary.
• MSC  Cruises: Cruise with a touch of luxury on this Swiss cruise line’s  Caribbean ship, the MSC  Armonia . Kids 11 and younger sail free, but with adults-only pools and 24-hour  room service, this line appeals to all ages.

Cheap Hotels

Estimated price for 1 night/2 adults

CasavanaCuba Boutique Hotel

Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in Havana. Enjoy free parking, breakfast, and onsite spa services. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...

CasavanaCuba Boutique Hotel $57 May 3 - May 4

Stay at this 3-star hotel in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and WiFi. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...

Alhabana $52 Apr 30 - May 1

La Villa Teresa

Stay at this 4-star spa B&B in Havana. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...

La Villa Teresa $54 May 12 - May 13

SAN IGNACIO 659

Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Havana. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Hotel Nacional de Cuba ...

SAN IGNACIO 659 $83 May 10 - May 11

Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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*Prices are cruise only, per person, double occupancy. Taxes, fees and port expenses not included. Rates are valid for US and Canadian residents only. Fuel supplement may apply. Savings advertised and Expedia Extras are based on specific cabin types and sailing dates, and may not be available for all cabin types/sailings.

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Cuba Cruises & Tours

5 best cuba cruises & land tours for 2024-2025, cuba multisport, cuba walking tour, cuba kayaking west tour, classic cuba, cuba cycling tour, cuba travel tips & cruise guide.

• Cienfuegos - In addition to being a port of entry or departure for many cruises, this town is a historical UNESCO Heritage site where you can witness the distinct French neoclassical architecture and enjoy the vibrant culture.
• Havana -  The capital city of Cuba mixes baroque and neoclassical architecture in its old town design, highlighted by vintage American cars and the house of 20th century writer Ernest Hemingway. Here, the culture and history of Cuba - especially its revolution - come alive in every tour. 
• Casilda - In this well preserved city, you'll visit the Romantic Museum, Palacio Cantero, the Trinidad General Municipal Museum, and the studio of wood-carver Lazaro Niebla
• Bay of Pigs -  Famous as the site of the failed 1961 US invasion of Cuba, this stop combines history and wildlife, with its location in the bird & wildlife-rich Zapata Swamp National Park.
• Isla de Juventud -  A pristine natural beach in the Parque Nacional Marino de Punta Frances Punta Pedernales, perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, swimming and snorkeling.
• Maria La Gorda -  Guanahacabibes National Park is headquartered here, making it a fantastic wildlife destination in addition to offering travelers a chance to get to know local school children and learn a bit more about the Cuban culture and society. Hundreds of archaeological sites also dot the surrounding areas. 
• Bay of Pigs - Kayaking here offers a different, more active way to learn about the history of this significant location.
• Laguna Guanaroca - The lagoon is surrounded by mangroves and is home to over 170 species of birds, including a colony of pink flamingos and the tocororo or Cuban trogan.
• Rio Guourabo - From here, you can visit the place where Hernan Cortez landed in the 1500s, observe birds, and see Trinidad in the hills above.
• Zapata Peninsula - This site gives exclusive access to an expansive wildlife reserve, where you can see thousands of species, including healthy populations of flamingos.
• Bay of Cienfuegos - Considered Cuba's "Pearl of the South," this town features Creole architecture and French flair due to French settlements here in the 1800s.
• Bay of Puerto Padre -  This small fishing village was the home to jazz musicians Emiliano Salvador and Juan Pablo Torres.
• Gibara Bay - Seemingly untouched by tourism, this isolated area features healthy mangrove colonies.
• Cayo Saetia - In Bahia de Nipe, this wildlife reserve is home to 19 introduced species of exotic animals including zebras, camels, antelopes, ostrich, buffalo, wild boar, and peacocks.

Frequently Asked Questions about Traveling to Cuba

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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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SET SAIL ON A CRUISE TO CUBA

Embark on an extraordinary cruise to Cuba, where the enchanting allure of the Caribbean meets the vibrant spirit of Latin America. Situated at the confluence of the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, Cuba boasts a unique blend of natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. We invite you to immerse yourself in the captivating rhythms of salsa, explore the colonial architecture of Havana, and unwind on pristine beaches kissed by turquoise waters on a Cuba cruise. From pulsating cities to immaculate beaches, a cruise to Cuba can provide it all with a generous measure of mojito.[ReadMore]

STEP BACK IN TIME IN HAVANA

Cruise to Havana, Cuba and wander the colourful streets of Havana and be transported back in time, where vintage cars line the boulevards and colonial buildings stand as a testament to the island's past. Engage with the friendly locals and immerse yourself in the vibrant music, dance, and art that permeate Cuban culture. Visit historic landmarks like the famous Malecón, the Plaza de la Catedral, or the historic fortresses of Castillo de la Real Fuerza. Cruise to this historic destination , where every corner of Cuba tells a story. Discover a unique destination made famous by Hemingway, Fidel Castro and Che Guevara. Havana is its revolutionary heart.

UNWIND AND RELAX ON PRISTINE BEACHES

From the dazzling shores of Varadero to the untouched beauty of Cayo Coco, cruise Cuba to discover variety of beach havens. Feel the powdery white sands between your toes and take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. Let the rhythmic sounds of the ocean soothe your senses as you bask in the tropical bliss. Cruise around Cuba and experience the perfect blend of cultural exploration and beachside relaxation, ensuring an unforgettable Cuban getaway.                           

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Cuba Cruises

UPDATE: As of 6/5/2019, cruises to Cuba are no longer available due to travel restrictions imposed by the United States. However, you can STILL visit Cuba with our Land Tour operators!

Land Tours to Cuba: - Cosmos Land Tours - Globus Journeys - Kensington Tours - Tauck Land Tours

To learn about alternative cruise vacations, including land tours, please call 1-800-377-9383.

Learn a little more about what to expect when sailing to Cuba, if/when cruising returns to Cuba:

For the first time in several decades, US tourism is returning to Cuba. Culturally and technologically speaking, much of Cuba has been stuck in the 1950s since revolutions and political turmoil led to a series of trade embargos. This means Cuba is still catching up with the rest of the world, but that’s part of the experience when cruising to Cuba! Be one of the firsts to explore this unique nation before it loses any of its unique nostalgia. Depending on your itinerary, you might be able to tour cities like Havana, Trinidad and Santiago – each of which features wistful combinations of old and new. Take in the bustling streets full of laughing children, spicy Caribbean rhythms and vintage cars, or head to untouched (and uncrowded!) beaches for a peaceful retreat.

Things to Do on a Cruise to Cuba

Take in the bright colors while dancing through the streets of Havana, tour a cigar factory or spend the day at an isolated beach. These are just a few of the memorable experiences available to you on a cruise to Cuba:

• Step back in time with an architectural tour of Havana, a city that appears straight out of the 1950s. Visit the expansive Revolution Square and stroll along cobble-stoned streets lined with vintage cars.  
• Spend a day at one of Cuba’s picturesque white sand beaches. Right away you’ll notice that the beaches in Cuba are much less crowded but no less beautiful than those found in the more visited Caribbean islands.  

• Tour an authentic Cuban cigar factory and learn about the country’s fabled cigar history. You’ll leave with a huge appreciation for the craft after seeing all the work that goes into one of Cuba’s famous hand-rolled cigars.  
• Visit the National Museum of Fine Arts to view a vast collection of Cuban art spanning multiple styles and time periods. This will help paint a broader picture of Cuba as a whole, and you’ll enjoy a break from the Cuban heat!  

• Walk along the fortified walls of the Morro Castle, a former Spanish military complex that now features museum exhibits and one of the finest views of downtown Havana.  
• Walk the lively streets of Havana at night for a totally different Cuban experience. Follow the beat towards an impromptu musical performance or step into any number of night clubs for a refreshing drink.  

Map of Cuba:

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Caribbean cruises.

Lose yourself in the tones of Calypso steel drums and the majesty of Mayan ruins with a cruise to Caribbean.

Cruise to Caribbean and discover the cliff-diving, breeze-swaying, sand-between-your-toes, no-worries pace of island life. Hundreds of years of history have left jungle ruins from ancient times and vibrant colonial towns with brightly painted buildings reflecting a fascinating history. Discover the white-sand beaches and rugged cliffs of Barbados. See towering mountains like Petit Piton in St. Lucia, explore the lush rainforests of Belize, or boost your adrenaline as you zip-line through the treetops of Labadee or Honduras. If calm, contemplative nature is more your thing, spend the day admiring cascading waterfalls in Jamaica and the vivid coral reefs of Bonaire, home to manta rays and parrot fish. Discover the magic with a Caribbean cruise.

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The best Caribbean cruises will take you to dive into the aquamarine water and see the beautiful underwater life up close and personal with a snorkeling or scuba diving adventure and to discover captivating coral reefs and unique species of jellyfish like the orange Moochers, Loggerhead sea turtles and the red cushion sea star, which can be seen in shallow waters. 

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Immerse yourself in the culture in some of the oldest cities in the Americas — the Caribbean has been shaped by a diverse history, with Africans, Europeans and Asians all leaving their mark. See the cathedrals and Spanish colonial architecture of Santo Domingo, the lively street festivals of Barbados or the citadels and brightly colored buildings of San Juan with your cruise to the Caribbean. 

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Your Caribbean cruise will take you to beaches with unique features like pink and black sand, so make sure to pack organic and natural sunscreen so not only you can stay protected, but the coral reefs can too.

There are several UNESCO Heritage Sites located in the Caribbean that you can explore, ranging from missionary churches to rainforest national parks.

It's always wise to book your shore excursions in advance of your cruise to the Caribbean. You get the best deal and can plan your days easily.

RELATED PORTS

You will find your favorite Caribbean cruise ports no matter what direction you go. Travel the Southern side and wander down the colorful streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico. Or trek the rainforests of Saint Lucia. On the Western, dive into the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman or explore the ruins of Tulum when arrive in Cozumel. Eastern Caribbean cruises will bring you to St. Thomas, where you can take in stunning panoramic views of the island at Government Hill or to St. Maarten, where you can dine on some of the region's best cuisine.

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Havana (Cuba)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Bahamas - Caribbean - Bermuda

Local Time 2024-04-29 12:39

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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Breaking down South Florida's record Cuban immigration numbers

TAMPA, Fla. — A cruise ship that left Tampa over the weekend helped to rescue a boat of nearly 30 Cuban nationals who were stranded at sea. But this isn’t the first time it’s happened, and it’s part of an even greater number of Cubans immigrating to the U.S.

What You Need To Know

More cuban immigrants are making their way to tampa and parts of south florida since 2022, the u.s. has seen a record-breaking number of cuban immigrants rafael pizano is an advocate for cuban immigrants and says he’s going to continue helping his cuban community.

According to Lutheran Services Florida, since January 2022, they’ve served more than 30,000 Cubans who have arrived in Hillsborough County.

One man who’s seen the increase of Cubans into Florida has been an advocate for his Cuban community for many years.

There’s nothing like a cup of coffee to start off the day. It’s a daily ritual for Rafael Pizano and his dad, Roberto Pizano.

“This is so close to us like anything else, so every day, we make a little bit of coffee and it’s our talk time,” he says.

It’s through every sip that draws them closer to their Cuban roots. Rafael’s father came to the U.S. because he was pushed into exile many years ago.

It’s one of the reasons they share their story to help shine light on the challenges many Cubans face.

“People are going to risk their life: one, it’s a better life, two, they’re escaping a dictatorship that doesn’t change. It’s been the same for 65 years,” he said.

Since 2022, the U.S. has seen a record-breaking number of Cuban immigrants.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports more than 400,000 Cubans were encountered at U.S. ports of entry.

University of South Florida’s Director of Immigrant Wellbeing, Elizabeth Aranda, said traveling by boat isn’t common, but it still happens.

She also said there could be other ways that Cubans are coming in large numbers.

“Nicaragua started allowing flights from Cuban nationals without a visa, so that opened another route. It might have accelerated migration,” Aranda said.

She also said that most Cuban immigrants who come to Florida live in the southern part of the state, with Tampa being the second largest in Cuban migration.

Rafael says it’s been years of work to make a difference for Cuba. He believes that if the Cuban Democracy Act was enforced, it would bring that change.

“Sometimes, it’s just difficult to get that message to the highest levels of a government,” he said.

But through the obstacles, they’ll continue to pave a way for their Cuban community with the hope that one day they’ll return to a free Cuba.

With the increase in migration for Cubans, the Biden administration’s parole program and the recent update to the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program have made it easier for many Cuban immigrants to connect with loved ones in the U.S. and in Cuba.

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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In a Communist Stronghold, Capitalists Become an Economic Lifeline

Cuba’s Communist revolution took aim at private businesses, making them largely illegal. Today, they are proliferating, while the socialist economy craters.

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By David C. Adams

David C. Adams visited more than a dozen private businesses in Havana to document the growth of the private sector.

A modern grocery store whose shelves are packed with everything from pasta to wine fills a spot in central Havana once occupied by a drab state-owned flower shop, its ceilings and walls repaired and repainted.

A former state glass company in a Havana suburb now houses a showroom for a private business selling Cuban-made furniture.

And at the Cuban capital’s port, forklifts carefully unload American eggs from a refrigerated container. The eggs are bound for an online private supermarket that, much like Amazon Fresh, provides home delivery.

These ventures are part of an explosion of thousands of private businesses that have opened in recent years across Cuba, a remarkable shift in a country where such enterprises have not been permitted and where Fidel Castro rose to power leading a communist revolution determined to eliminate capitalist notions like private ownership.

But today Cuba is confronting its worst financial crisis in decades, driven by government inefficiency and mismanagement and a decades-long U.S. economic embargo that has led to a collapse in domestic production, rising inflation, constant power outages and shortages of fuel, meat and other necessities.

So the island’s communist leaders are turning back the clock and embracing private entrepreneurs, a class of people they once vilified as “filthy” capitalists.

Taking advantage of loosened government restrictions granting Cubans the legal right to set up their own enterprises, roughly 10,200 new private businesses have opened since 2021, creating a dynamic, if fledgling, alternative economy alongside the country’s hobbled socialist model.

Underscoring the growth of private businesses — and the government’s economic travails — private sector and government imports last year each totaled about $1 billion, according to government data.

Much of the private sector imports came from the United States and were financed by cash remittances sent by Cubans there to relatives back home. About 1.5 million people work for private businesses, a 30 percent jump since 2021, and they now represent almost half of the total work force on the Caribbean island.

“Never has the private sector been given so much space to operate in Cuba,” said Pavel Vidal, who studies Cuba’s economy and is a university professor in Cali, Colombia. “The government is bankrupt, so it has no other choice but to invite other actors in.”

Despite the private sector’s growth, its overall contribution to Cuba’s economy, while increasing, remains modest, accounting for about 15 percent of gross domestic production.

Still, the economic transformation is significant enough that it is leading to deep divisions in the island’s communist system as a new business elite acquires wealth, something anathema to Cuba’s revolutionary ideology.

Cubans working for the state, including white-collar professionals, doctors and teachers, make the equivalent of roughly $15 a month in Cuban pesos, while employees in the private sector can make five to 10 times that amount.

A government salary does not go very far in the private stores that have popped up, where a bag of Italian potato chips costs 51.25 Cuban pesos or $3, a bottle of good Italian wine $20 and even an everyday need, like toilet paper, costs $6 for a pack of 10 rolls.

Most customers who can afford those kinds of prices receive money from abroad, work for other private businesses or are diplomats.

“You have to be a millionaire to live in Cuba today,” said Yoandris Hierrezuelo, 38, who sells fruit and vegetables from a cart in Havana’s Vedado neighborhood, earning about $5 a day. “The state can no longer meet the basic needs of the population.”

Cuban government officials said the legalization of private businesses was not a grudging acceptance of capitalism for the sake of economic survival, making it clear that state-run industries still dwarf the private sector’s role in the economy.

“It’s not an improvised strategy,” Susset Rosales, the planning and development director at the Ministry of Economy, said in an interview. “We have a very clear idea of the pathway for gradual recuperation of the economy with the incorporation of new economic actors that are complementary to the socialist state economy.”

But U.S. officials say that the growth of private businesses could be a game changer, paving the way for greater democratic and economic freedom.

“The question is — are they enough?” said Benjamin Ziff, the chargé d’affaires who heads the United States Embassy in Cuba. “Cuba is falling apart faster than it is being rebuilt. There is no turning back.’’

A key question, he added, is whether the government will allow the private sector “to expand fast enough and freely enough to meet the challenges.”

Cuba’s rapidly expanding private sector has attracted deep skepticism within Miami’s staunchly anti-Communist Cuban exile community, where many dismiss it as a ruse by Cuba’s communist leaders to ride out the economic crisis and cling to power.

Representative Maria Elvira Salazar, a Republican and one of South Florida’s three Cuban Americans in Congress, led a congressional hearing in January about private business titled “The Myth of the New Cuban Entrepreneurs” and suggested that licenses for such ventures were reserved for relatives of Cuban government officials.

“The Cuban regime is still in the business of power, and there’s nothing that proves to me that they’re willing to give a portion of that market share to anybody else but themselves,” she said in an interview.

Since banning private businesses in the 1960s, Cuba has, in fact, experimented with free market practices during other times of hardship, only to roll them back later when economic pressures eased.

When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s and left Cuba without its main economic benefactor, the government issued a limited number of “self-employment” licenses for some low-income tradespeople, including barbers and tire repairers.

After President Barack Obama restored diplomatic relations with Cuba in 2015 and relaxed the U.S. embargo, American tourists flooded the island, and U.S. companies began exploring investments.

Still, the Communist Party never fully embraced the private sector, regarding it as a potential Trojan horse for “Yanqui imperialists.”

Then came a double blow. Donald J.’s Trump’s election in 2016 led to the restoring of sanctions on Cuba, including a ban on U.S. cruise lines sailing there. Three years later, the Covid-19 pandemic shut down Cuba’s tourism sector entirely, its largest source of foreign currency.

Since then, Cuba has been in financial free fall. Production of pork, rice and beans — food staples — plunged by more than half between 2019 and 2023, according to the government.

This year Cuba requested — for the first time — help from the United Nations World Food Program, to provide enough powdered milk for children, the state-run media reported. A lack of oil and an aging electrical grid have led to rolling blackouts across the country.

The worsening living conditions triggered a rare public display of unhappiness in March as hundreds of people took to the streets of Santiago de Cuba, the country’s second-largest city, chanting, “Power and food,” according to social media and official government reports.

The economic hardships have set off an enormous surge in emigration. Since 2022, roughly 500,000 Cubans have left the island, an extraordinary exodus for a country of 11 million, and most Cubans who have left have gone to the United States.

Amid so much deprivation, privately run small businesses offer a small dose of hope for those with the money to open them, and for their employees.

Many are taking advantage of regulations introduced in 2021 granting Cubans the legal right to set up their own enterprises, which are limited to 100 employees.

Across Havana, new delis and cafes are appearing, while entire office floors are leasing space to young entrepreneurs bursting with business plans and products, from construction and software to clothes and furniture.

Diana Sainz, who had lived abroad for much of her life and worked for the European Union, took advantage of the economic changes in her homeland and opened two Home Deli markets in Havana, offering a mix of locally made items like pastas and ice cream, as well as imported goods, such as beer and cereals.

Ms. Sainz says Cuba had not had a private supermarket in decades. “Now it’s beautiful to see a store on every street corner,” she said. “When you compare things to five years ago it’s totally different.”

Still, many business owners said the Cuban government could do more to build the private sector.

Cuba’s state-owned banks do not allow account holders to access deposits in dollars to pay importers because of the government’s lack of foreign currency to pay its own bills. U.S. sanctions also prohibit direct banking between the United States and Cuba.

And the Cuban government has kept major industries off limits to private ownership, including mining and tourism.

But that has still left plenty of opportunities.

Obel Martinez, 52, a Cuban American interior decorator from Miami, recently partnered with a local restaurant owner to reopen a landmark Havana restaurant, La Carreta, that was abandoned by the state a decade ago.

“The ceiling was falling, and we had to totally demolish the interior and rebuild it,” he said.

Mr. Martinez grew up in Cuba and after working in Spain and Mexico, he resettled in Miami but never gave up his Cuban residency.

“We are showing the state that it’s possible to do things another way,” said Mr. Martinez, as he surveyed a busy lunchtime crowd in the 136-seat restaurant, which serves traditional Cuban fare. “And we’re totally private.”