Cuba Cruises
When do you want to cruise?
| Month | Number of Cruises | From Price |
|---|
Cuba's air of mystery is no doubt shrouded in its many years as a taboo nation in the eyes of America. To cruise to Cuba today is to truly step back in time - the fifties-era cars, fading buildings and Communist-era street art are reminiscent of another time. The people, however, are bursting with life and color, and are eager to share their historical relics and vibrant culture of dance, drinks and art with visitors.
Cuba Cruise Highlights
You won't find any Starbucks or McDonald's here, and Wi-Fi and cell phone service are still quite limited. While these may seem like limitations, the lack of what most consider modern-day essentials is also what makes Cuba such an intriguing destination to visit. Get to know cities while cruising in cars now considered antiques, and visit spots once frequented by cultural mavericks like Ernest Hemingway and Frank Sinatra. As American travel to Cuba is still only allowed through people-to-people visas, expect to take part in cultural exchanges and learning opportunities, like meeting with local artists and farmers or participating in Cuban dance lessons.
Popular Cuba Cruise Ports
Cuba is the Caribbean's largest island, despite being slightly smaller than the state of Pennsylvania. Havana is the most popular port by far, though cruise lines dock at a few other ports around the island, too. Here are the three you are most likely to see on itineraries as of now:
- Havana: Cuba's capital is the main entry point for visitors, and as such is a port of call every itinerary to the country will visit. Listen to classic Caribbean music at the Buena Vista Social Club, smoke a cigar in Old Havana's Plaza de Armas, or drink a mojito in Ernest Hemingway's favorite bar. Visit the fishing village that inspired "The Old Man and the Sea," and drive through the Plaza de Revolucion and El Malecon, Cuba's famous seaside avenue, in a pink convertible.
- Santiago de Cuba: Once the capital of Cuba, Santiago is an important city politically, culturally and historically. It is home to former French coffee plantations, grand cathedrals, and production plants for rum and cigars. Santiago has a large Afro-Cuban population, and has been a musical hub for many years.
- Isla de Juventud: Translating to the "Island of Youth," this port is located off the southwestern coast of mainland Cuba, and is home to the Punta Frances National Park. The wildlife preserve protects crocodiles, manatees and butterflies, among other animals, and the island's surrounding waters are ideal to snorkel or scuba dive in.
When is the Best Time to Cruise to Cuba?
Like the rest of the Caribbean, Cuba has a warm climate year round. Cruises to Cuba are still in the early stages, so there aren't that many to choose from, though if travel restrictions continue to ease, that will likely change. As the country becomes a more common destination, expect to see most sailings between December and April, along with other Caribbean itineraries.
Which Cruise Lines Cruise to Cuba?
Before 2015, U.S. cruise lines could not sail to Cuba; as such, there are not many lines sailing there just yet. Some non-American lines have been traveling to Cuba for years, though, so cruise ports are already established in a few cities. Here are the lines to check out:
- MSC Cuba Cruises: The first global cruise line to homeport in Havana, MSC Cruises has two ships sailing from Havana as of winter 2016. The line also stops in Isla de la Juventud, Cuba; the two ports are included in itineraries sailing to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and Mexico.
- Norwegian Cuba Cruises: Beginning in May 2017, Norwegian Cruise Line will offer four-night cruises to Havana, Cuba. The line's president and CEO, Cuban-American Frank Del Rio, is especially proud to share his hometown with travelers. Norwegian's Freestyle Cruising experience fits in perfectly with the laid-back, care-free atmosphere of Cuba, so kick back and enjoy a mojito while sailing to this Caribbean destination.
- Oceania Cuba Cruises: Also part of the Norwegian Cruise Line company, Oceania will begin sailing to Cuba in March 2017. Caribbean itineraries will include stops in Havana on Miami to Miami and Miami to Lisbon voyages. Oceania will offer shore excursions to help passengers meet the people-to-people requirements, exploring the art, culture, and history of the island.
- Royal Caribbean Cuba Cruises: Royal Caribbean will begin sailing to Cuba in April 2017 with an inaugural sailing out of Miami. Havana is paired with cities in Florida, Belize, and Mexico on five- to seven-night voyages aboard the Empress of the Seas.