Cruises to Cuba
My acquaintance Mark Murphy, was on the historic sailing to Cuba last month. Please watch his video about Havana above.
Cuba cruising became a hot topic recently. As you know, new brand, Fathom, which is under umbrella of Carnival Corporation, started operation a few weeks ago on Adonia. Royal Caribbean announced recently that they will start Cuba cruises in July 2016.
“We are looking forward to being able to sail to Cuba, and we are in the process of talking to the various authorities to get the various permissions that are required. Once we get them, we will announce deployment of one of our ships, and there is a very strong likelihood it will be Empress of the Seas.” – told press Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley
This is a great idea to visit Cuba before it becomes Americanized with the same chain hotels and chain restaurants.
Here a few things to think about.
First of all, Cuban government allows cruise companies to operate under current people-to-people travel guidelines as set forth by the U.S. government. This translates into a lot of integrations with locals in local shops, restaurants, museums and places of interest. And you know that the best entertainment is chatting.
Second, you must have a passport. This is because you visa is proceeded for you by Fathom cruise line. Visa is $75 per person for non-Cuba-born USA citizens. “It takes for us 24 hours to make a visa,” – told me Ron Feska, vice-president of sales last week during Vacation.com conference in Fort Lauderdale.
He mentioned that Cuba-born USA citizens can’t obtain visa through Fathom due Cuba government regulations/ Those guests have to apply for visa through Cuban Consulate and cost about $400 to receive visa.
Third, cruising to Cuba is more affordable compare to land tours that run about $3,000 + per person. Fathom has a special price of $799 for Florida residents as well as for teachers, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical teams, Coast Guard, and military personnel.
Cruises to Cuba are open for booking for 2016 and 2017.
So, let you know if you are interested. Call Donna or me at 772 335-7017. We will help you to see Cuba!
Other Cruise News
Royal Caribbean International ordered fifth Oasis class ship that will be delivered in 2021.
Forth Oasis class ship is not named yet. It is under construction at the STX ship yard in France and will debut in 2018.
Royal Caribbean International sells Legend of the Seas. This 21-year old ship will exit fleet in March 2017.
