Would you take a cruise that calls in Cuba if the travel embargo is lifted?

[kimberly@cruisecritic]

In light of the recent news that travel to Cuba has the potential to open up for U.S. citizens after a 47-year ban, we're wondering if you would consider taking a cruise that calls in Cuba? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.

[timespliters]

Yes I would, love to go ASP

[Caribbean Sunsets]

I would certainly go to Cuba. A few years back, a professional associate of mine that was from Canada, vacationed there several times. She said it was beautiful. The cruise lines will keep us safe so no worries there.

[paul929207]

I would definitely go.

[Clutterlady]

Wouldn't hesitate........

[BoPippy]

Been there a couple of times over the years,beaches,people r great.Tons of beautiful hotels like everywhere else.Stayed at Melias.(spanish chain)
Havana is old and historic and the waterfront there beautiful.

Went to a bar where Earnest Hemmingway frequented one time with his name written on the wall and many other famous people had signed the wall too and photographs.

[ab0si]

I'd be in Cuba in an instant. Not on a cruise, though, as I'd actually like to be able to see the place.

[mooseb]

It's a beautiful island - the beaches are beautiful. People are friendly.

[alicam]

I could go anytime I want....seeing as I'm a Canadian

[Grandpaul]

My nephew married a Cuban girl and she has told me a lot about the island that I want to see. Back when I was a kid, that was the place to see.

[Aquahound]

Cuba is a very scenic place. Going there today is like stepping back in time. However, I know where the money would go, so I am not a supporter.

....from someone who has been to Cuba, lives very close to Cuba, and has a lot of political knowledge about Cuba.

[ladycaveat]

Yes . . . I'd book a cruise in a New York minute!!!!!!

[Ephraim]

I'll go right now... I'm Canadian... no embargo to worry about. Heck, I want a cruise that starts in Havana... cheap airfare! Get me there... I'm ready. MSC... are you listening?

[DonMar]

DP has always wanted to go to Cuba. Each time we cruise near Cuba, he has me take a photo with Cuba in the background. He would jump at the chance to sit in a cafe in Havana and smoke a cigar.

[AlinaMaria]

As much as I dream of been able to return to my birth country, to be able to once again enjoy the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, to be able to look up to the sky and tell my father buried in Miami "see, Dad, I came back and brought your memories with me"... No, I will not cruise to Cuba.

I am a cruiseaholic, I would love to go to Varadero once again. But as someone wrote before: I know where the money will go. And I add: and it does not go to the people.

For your information, those that work on the tourism industry get paid approx 80-100 Cuban Pesos a month while the government gets approx 1000-1200 USD a month salary payment from the foreign hotel chains. The money goes to the government not the worker!! This is the best example of slavery in this century. This is an excellent example of what Communists call "exploitation of men by men".

I refuse to support any Socialist or Communist government that takes away from their people all freedoms as well as not providing for the most basic human needs of food and proper/safe healthcare. I will not financially support a country where Human Rights are violated every minute of the day.

But if one day, Cuba is free again, yes, I will travel to Cuba because it is my birth country, it has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and where you can drink the BEST Mojito anywhere in the worl!!!!!

AlinaMaria

[Aquahound]

Originally Posted by AlinaMaria

I am a cruiseaholic, I would love to go to Varadero once again. But as someone wrote before: I know where the money will go. And I add: and it does not go to the people.

AlinaMaria, from my profile, you can see where I live. As you can imagine, I know many exiles. From the stories I've heard and from what I know about Fidel and Raul Castro, I will not spend one dollar in that country. I do not expect many people outside of Southern Florida to understand, but I can only hope they do thorough research and decide against visiting Cuba.

Now, if the country is ever liberated and becomes free, heck, I may take friends and family on my own boat!

[fann1sh]

This issue is very personal to those whose family or friends comes from Cuba. I don't and can't walk in their shoes.

That said, there are many other countries with non-democratic regimes to which travel by U.S. citizens is not banned.

Those opposed to Cuba tourism might be surprised at how eye-opening such travel can be for people with no prior political views. While there would be an influx of U.S. dollars for the government, that might be more than offset by the number of people politicized by their visit.

I base my comments on my own eye opening visit as a teen to the former U.S.S.R. during the Cold War. It was life changing.

[scottamiller]

I would gladly travel legally to a Cuba - either on my own or on a cruise.

There are many political issues in Cuba that I disagree with, but there are many countries worldwide with horrible human rights records that the US has open diplomatic and economic ties with (China and Saudi Arabia come immediately to mind). From that stance I find the Cuban trade/travel embargoes hippocritical and antiquated. I personally belive that isolationism is the worst way to effect political change and social progress. The more that oppressed peoples can interact with persons from free and open societies the more likely they are to aspire to living in a similar society and will fight for change in their own countries.

[JamesEM]

I would love to go, but don't think I would spend any money to help the economy.

[FUN33]

We would book it tonight if it were available.