Cuba. It’s been the hottest destination for U.S. travelers since travel restrictions were eased in 2016. But now that the policy is being rolled back, many travelers are worried that Cuba will remain only a dream trip back in time to the land of salsa, mojitos, Cojibas, and classic cars. However, their worries are unfounded. Travel to Cuba is still possible; it all depends on how much structure and restriction you’re willing to tolerate.
There are 12 categories used to permit United States citizens’ travel to Cuba. The primary one travelers have used is a People-to-People cultural exchange. The new policy has ended People-to-People travel to Cuba on an individual basis; the only way to participate in the program now is in an organized tour group. What you’ll lose in freedom of movement, you’ll gain in convenience and peace of mind, knowing that your tour organizer will handle all the small but extremely important details involved in travel to Cuba.
With a tour organizer you’ll also be sure that you’re booked into a hotel that conforms to the new U.S. policy prohibiting doing business with military-owned business entities. Many hotels in Cuba, while managed by major chains such as Kempinski and Melia, are actually owned by the Cuban government, and its subsidiary tourism corporation, Gaviota. However, the larger tour companies will still be allowed to book groups into some of the best hotels in Cuba, subject to change, of course.
One such company, Abercrombie & Kent, offers a variety of tours, both on land and sea, which will take you to some of Cuba’s most incredible sights and give you a completely immersive introduction to Cuban culture. On their 10-day tour, “People to People: An Island of Diversity,” travelers can stroll the Malecon in Havana, see pottery making in Camarguey, visit Hemingway’s home, watch the famous Cuban cigars being hand rolled in a factory, and dine at paladares. These independently run, usually family-owned restaurants are a perfect way to get to know the people as well as enjoy some of the freshest, finest food in the Caribbean. And you can do all this while staying in the best hotels.
As mentioned, the experience comes with some restrictions; the tour companies operate under a license granted by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and Office of Foreign Assets Control. Travelers will be required to follow the tour’s schedule of activities to the letter, with little or no “on your own” time allowed.
They will also be required to keep a daily diary of all of their activities in Cuba, which must be retained for five years. Travelers are subject to random audits by the U.S. Treasury and/or Commerce departments. While this rule has been rather loosely followed in the past, the new administration has directed these departments to enforce it much more strictly in the future.
Some must-haves for travel to Cuba:
- A passport valid for at least six months after your return.
- A Cuban Tourist Card, usually costing around $50, were available to purchase at airline gates prior to the new restrictions being enacted. Travelers should check with tour operators to ensure that travel cards are included in their tour packages.
- Mandatory Cuban Health Insurance costs around $25. As with tourist cards, travelers should check with tour operators regarding inclusion in the tour package.
- Cash. No credit or debit cards are accepted in Cuba. A fee of up to 18 percent can be charged for exchanging U.S. dollars into Cuban currency, CUCs (pronounced “kooks”). Many travelers purchase Euros prior to their trip and convert to Cuban currency upon arrival, as Euro-to-CUC exchange is 1:1. Keep in mind that Cuba operates under a two-currency system; residents use pesos, visitors use CUCs.
Another option for travelers wishing to visit Cuba is cruising. Cruise line itineraries will be relatively unaffected by the new regulations. There’s no interaction with hotel chains, and People-to-People requirements are met by carefully vetted and planned shore excursions.
Cruises to Cuba are available with a variety of itineraries. Carnival Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Lines offer four- and five-night cruises from Miami and Tampa that stop in Havana, sometimes for two days. They’re a perfect introduction to Cuba, with minimal muss and fuss.
Travelers wishing a more in-depth, luxurious experience have options as well. Oceania Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises offer sailings from Miami of up to 18 nights. Oceania’s 18-night Caribbean cruise, for example, docks in Hamilton, Bermuda, and St. Georges, Bermuda, plus the Bahamas before visiting three different ports in Cuba: Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Azamara’s 10-night cruise features a stop in Labadee, Haiti, before circling Cuba and visiting Cienfuegos, Santiago de Cuba, and Havana (for three days). Oceania’s 7-day cruises also offer a unique Cuba-only experience.
With so many options to choose from, travelers can still safely and legally fulfill their dream of a visit to Cuba. The best way to ensure a perfect travel experience is to find a trustworthy travel agent who knows how to navigate the new regulations and has existing relationships with the many tour operators and cruise lines. They’re trained to handle it all, leaving a traveler nothing to do but soak up the sun and culture of Cuba.
Oh, and by the way—yes, you can still bring rum and cigars back home with you. That might be the best news of all.
Fair winds and following seas!
Donna Hazel
Cruise Planners
6518 Seaspray Avenue
Arverne, NY 11692
646-932-5692
www.fairwindstravelllc.com
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