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

[happy cruzer]

Just because the ship goes to Cuba would not stop me from cruising on it. But I most likely would not get off. There are just a couple of ports that I don't like participating in because of one reason or another but I don't boycott the ship or care if others enjoy themselves.

[Island Annie]

Every time I've sailed past Cuba when departing from Miami I've hoped that "some day" we'd see Cuba on our itineraries. A friend of mine in Canada was there recently on vacation and she said it's absolutely beautiful.

 

I really hope this bill gets passed. I'd be extremely excited to be booked on a cruise that included Cuba.

[mistergq]

I would probably say yes, but have to wait to see what the political situation is. However, I believe that once the island is open, most likely the communism will fall.

[sunsurf]

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

 

 

Agree, and imo if it "opened up" unfortuntately it would be like many Caribbean "cruise" islands...crowded and beauty spoiled.

[BroncosFan2010]

I would, if Cuba was liberated and given Democracy, until then, I will sit back and hope that one day freedom will come to Cuba and I will be able to see this beautiful island prosper.

[cruisinbuddy]

Being Canadian, we can travel there any time we want, but it'd be great if the ships started going there. I'm not one for land vacations.

[I'm on holiday]

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.

 

I agree! As much as I'd love to see the place, I could not do it until Castro and his cronies are long gone.

[John Bull]

Leaving politics aside, Cuba is well-worth a visit, Havana especially, beautiful island, lovely people, many reminders of Spanish colonialism, and an interesting peek at rather watered-down communism. A unique island, worth including in a region where there tends to be too many same-again islands.

Have met many Americans in Cuba, they go via Mexico or Jamaica, they say they are well-received by the locals. All trying to figure how to smuggle back Cuban cigars - I suspect it's the only offence in the US which still has the death penalty :)

Fred Olsen cruise to Cuba, probably others, I'm surprised that more Caribbean-based cruise ships don't jump into this artificial gap in the market - mebbe they're all American-owned, or mebbe the lines reckon that they'd upset cruisers who have political views about Cuba.

Won't get involved in the politics, other than to say that without knowing both sides nobody can have an opinion worth listening to. Ditto Israel/Palestine and the Irish Troubles. A visit to Cuba just mght help folk to get a balanced view - didn't change mine, but certainly tempered it.

[AlinaMaria]

Won't get involved in the politics, other than to say that without knowing both sides nobody can have an opinion worth listening to. Ditto Israel/Palestine and the Irish Troubles. A visit to Cuba just mght help folk to get a balanced view - didn't change mine, but certainly tempered it.

 

That is why I will not go to Cuba because "I do know both sides" not because I've read it or heard about it, but because "I LIVED IT". I was born in Cuba and because of my parents' sacrifice (and God's blessing) I've been living in this great USA since I was 15 yrs old. I know what is like to live in a Democracy, then Socialism turned Communism, then moved to a Free Democracy again. I know what is like to run to stay in long lines for hours hoping by the time you reached the counter at the meatmarket or grocery store, there was still some food to purchase within your allowance per rationing book or to sleep from Friday night to Monday morning on the floor in front of a shoe store to be able to buy a pair of shoes because you have not been able to buy shoes for 2 years even when you are 13 years old and the old shoes don't fit anymore...

 

When a young woman or man prostitute her/himself to be able to obtain a few dollars to be able to provide her/his family food for one day, it tells you that something is very wrong in the country's government. Or when a woman sleeps with a male tourist not for money but in exchange for clothing or food....

 

Another issue for all of you to think about: What kind of government will have very luxurious hotels and restaurants for tourist but those living in the country are not allowed to visit? Or, those that work in those places cannot even buy food from the restaurants to bring their family....

 

Can you imagine any American or Canadian not been allowed to go to a tourist resort or a restaurant in their own country?

 

Could you think of yourself not been allowed to go the theater or go shopping to a department store because you are a native not a tourist?

 

Can you see yourself not been allowed to worship your faith freely while churches are shown as national monuments to tourist charged for the visit?

 

Can you imagine a country having state-of-the-art hospitals for tourists paying in USD while cuban born residents don't have antibiotics unless they have family in the US to send them... and their hospital beds are old, rusted, and must bring their own meals otherwise, no food at the hospital...

 

This is the Cuba none of the tourists visiting now or tomorrow will see or hear or experience because they will not allow you to go deep into the true "communist Cuba way of life"...

 

That is why I have not gone to my country in 42 years... I will not visit unless Cuba becomes a true democratic country again because as they say in my grandparents birth country (Spain): "He who kills the cow is as guilty as the one holding it down".......

 

I do not want to insult anyone but since you said opinions were not worth to be listened to unless both sides were able to speak...Here is from someone that has lived it, that knows first hand how it is, and that has knowledge of the thousands of men and women who died in the Straight of Florida seeking the same freedom and opportunities those in the Mayflower found one day long ago.

 

God Bless You All! God Bless America with Freedom and Liberty for ALL!

 

AlinaMaria

[I'm on holiday]

That is why I will not go to Cuba because "I do know both sides" not because I've read it or heard about it, but because "I LIVED IT". I was born in Cuba and because of my parents' sacrifice (and God's blessing) I've been living in this great USA since I was 15 yrs old. I know what is like to live in a Democracy, then Socialism turned Communism, then moved to a Free Democracy again. I know what is like to run to stay in long lines for hours hoping by the time you reached the counter at the meatmarket or grocery store, there was still some food to purchase within your allowance per rationing book or to sleep from Friday night to Monday morning on the floor in front of a shoe store to be able to buy a pair of shoes because you have not been able to buy shoes for 2 years even when you are 13 years old and the old shoes don't fit anymore...

 

When a young woman or man prostitute her/himself to be able to obtain a few dollars to be able to provide her/his family food for one day, it tells you that something is very wrong in the country's government. Or when a woman sleeps with a male tourist not for money but in exchange for clothing or food....

 

Another issue for all of you to think about: What kind of government will have very luxurious hotels and restaurants for tourist but those living in the country are not allowed to visit? Or, those that work in those places cannot even buy food from the restaurants to bring their family....

 

Can you imagine any American or Canadian not been allowed to go to a tourist resort or a restaurant in their own country?

 

Could you think of yourself not been allowed to go the theater or go shopping to a department store because you are a native not a tourist?

 

Can you see yourself not been allowed to worship your faith freely while churches are shown as national monuments to tourist charged for the visit?

 

Can you imagine a country having state-of-the-art hospitals for tourists paying in USD while cuban born residents don't have antibiotics unless they have family in the US to send them... and their hospital beds are old, rusted, and must bring their own meals otherwise, no food at the hospital...

 

This is the Cuba none of the tourists visiting now or tomorrow will see or hear or experience because they will not allow you to go deep into the true "communist Cuba way of life"...

 

That is why I have not gone to my country in 42 years... I will not visit unless Cuba becomes a true democratic country again because as they say in my grandparents birth country (Spain): "He who kills the cow is as guilty as the one holding it down".......

 

I do not want to insult anyone but since you said opinions were not worth to be listened to unless both sides were able to speak...Here is from someone that has lived it, that knows first hand how it is, and that has knowledge of the thousands of men and women who died in the Straight of Florida seeking the same freedom and opportunities those in the Mayflower found one day long ago.

 

God Bless You All! God Bless America with Freedom and Liberty for ALL!

 

AlinaMaria

 

Wow...how chilling! Enough said.

[cot427]

Would love to visit Cuba. I here its beautiful there.

[John Bull]

Originally Posted by John Bull

Won't get involved in the politics, other than to say that without knowing both sides nobody can have an opinion worth listening to.

 

Hi, AlinaMaria. I think everyone would agree that your opinion qualifies. Thanks for the first-hand insight. Regards, John Bull

[cruzincurt]

The influx of American tourists would probably help change the country. No one complains about going to Labadee which is in Haiti. Haiti isn't exactly the poster child for democracy.

[m steve]

it has been a 47 year failure to change their goverment. Let's stop this charade and restore full relations with them and maybe we will see Americans visit openly.We visit China, Albania, Saudi Arabia and their governments are worse thatn the Castros. Sorry Bacardi. You won't dictate our policy much longer.

[sandravb79]

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

 

Me too, but I'm a Belgian.

Actually, I would like to go now that it is still communist, before capitalism and mass consumption takes over the island, but no one among my travel mates wants to go there :(

[MJPByron]

Given the way the US government has ruled in the past concerning the embargo, I think the only way that travel to Cuba would be legalized is one of two ways:

 

1) A post-Nixon-goes-to-China approach wherein Cuba remains Communist in name and policy, but has a greater relaxation on individual and economic freedoms (not too likely)

2) Fidel and Raul are ousted/dead and Cuba turns free (probably more likely)

 

I did look into possibilities of our honeymoon cruise involving Cuba, but neither my fiancee nor myself wants to run afoul of the authorities back home. I'm not a smoker, so I wouldn't even care about cigars, just the history.

[Texaswinediva]

AlinaMaria, very well said. Thank you for your insight.

I would have to stop and think long and hard before I would visit Cuba. There are too many other "beautiful" places to visit in the world. So that

excuse is just plain silly.

Do you think what another poster, scottamiller, said would be of any

help? See his quote below.

 

 

(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.)

[smtcan]

Being from Canada we have travelled to Cuba several times. It is a beautiful island with friendly people who live hard lives. I believe that contact with the outside world can only be beneficial. The people in power are not the ones harmed by the embargo, it is the workers who suffer.

Sheila

[Davensteph]

(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.) __________________

 

Although I can sympathise with the view of Cuban expatriates (AlianaMiller et al) I think the US embargo was and is somewhat shortsighted. If American tourists flooded into this beautiful island, spending and tipping as they customarily do, how long do you think the average person would have put up with being "held down" by communism. A new revolution would almost certainly have been forthcoming.

 

I have been to Cuba and to China and have spoken with the people there. I certainly felt safer wandering in Cuba than I did in Jamaica (or for that matter in parts of New Orleans) :(

 

My two cents for what they are worth.

[Davensteph]

That's what happens when a man is trying to multitask and is not concentrating on his typing. Not sure where AlianaMiller came from.

 

My apologies:o

[CruisingAmazona]

Correction....a "50" year ban. Fidel Castro took power January 1, 1959.

 

And I was three years old when I left in 1960. I am an avid cruiser and my entire life living in this wonderful country that took us in with open arms, I have yearned to return to my native island. Am I ready? Always have been. Will I go on that first cruise? Not sure. Do I want to? With all my heart! But am I willing to go while the communist regime still controls, while my people go hungry and needy day in a day out for 50 years. I would venture to say things would need to change somewhat before I or any Cuban-American sets foot in the island. Perhaps not a complete 100% turn-around, but a change would be necessary. In the meantime, I still yearn. The need to know where I am from and step on soil that I called home for the first three years of my life is ever strong.

[GaNavy]

I'd go in a second.

 

Am I a supporter of the Cuban government? No, but so what? Russia isn't exactly a democracy, but it wouldn't keep me away from St. Petersburg, and the habits of the Chinese government wouldn't keep me away from that country, either.

[CruisingAmazona]

That is why I will not go to Cuba because "I do know both sides" not because I've read it or heard about it, but because "I LIVED IT". I was born in Cuba and because of my parents' sacrifice (and God's blessing) I've been living in this great USA since I was 15 yrs old. I know what is like to live in a Democracy, then Socialism turned Communism, then moved to a Free Democracy again. I know what is like to run to stay in long lines for hours hoping by the time you reached the counter at the meatmarket or grocery store, there was still some food to purchase within your allowance per rationing book or to sleep from Friday night to Monday morning on the floor in front of a shoe store to be able to buy a pair of shoes because you have not been able to buy shoes for 2 years even when you are 13 years old and the old shoes don't fit anymore...

 

When a young woman or man prostitute her/himself to be able to obtain a few dollars to be able to provide her/his family food for one day, it tells you that something is very wrong in the country's government. Or when a woman sleeps with a male tourist not for money but in exchange for clothing or food....

 

Another issue for all of you to think about: What kind of government will have very luxurious hotels and restaurants for tourist but those living in the country are not allowed to visit? Or, those that work in those places cannot even buy food from the restaurants to bring their family....

 

Can you imagine any American or Canadian not been allowed to go to a tourist resort or a restaurant in their own country?

 

Could you think of yourself not been allowed to go the theater or go shopping to a department store because you are a native not a tourist?

 

Can you see yourself not been allowed to worship your faith freely while churches are shown as national monuments to tourist charged for the visit?

 

Can you imagine a country having state-of-the-art hospitals for tourists paying in USD while cuban born residents don't have antibiotics unless they have family in the US to send them... and their hospital beds are old, rusted, and must bring their own meals otherwise, no food at the hospital...

 

This is the Cuba none of the tourists visiting now or tomorrow will see or hear or experience because they will not allow you to go deep into the true "communist Cuba way of life"...

 

That is why I have not gone to my country in 42 years... I will not visit unless Cuba becomes a true democratic country again because as they say in my grandparents birth country (Spain): "He who kills the cow is as guilty as the one holding it down".......

 

I do not want to insult anyone but since you said opinions were not worth to be listened to unless both sides were able to speak...Here is from someone that has lived it, that knows first hand how it is, and that has knowledge of the thousands of men and women who died in the Straight of Florida seeking the same freedom and opportunities those in the Mayflower found one day long ago.

 

God Bless You All! God Bless America with Freedom and Liberty for ALL!

 

AlinaMaria

Amen! Couldn't have said it better. It was especially sad to read the fellow/lady who said they could "care less" who the money went to.......! No empathy for human-kind, that one!

[Aquahound]

I have been to Cuba and to China and have spoken with the people there. I certainly felt safer wandering in Cuba than I did in Jamaica (or for that matter in parts of New Orleans) :(

 

Cuba is not an unsafe place. The Cuban people, as a whole, are not a violant people. But that really isn't the issue. I, for one, would feel very selfish and guilty staying in a Cuban hotel, getting served by locals, knowing the Cuban people are not permitted to do the same.

 

Recently, Raul began permitting Cubans to own cell phones. Unfortunately, many are not allowed to make enough money to pay for them.

 

Amen! Couldn't have said it better. It was especially sad to read the fellow/lady who said they could "care less" who the money went to.......! No empathy for human-kind, that one!

 

I wanted to say something about that. You said it much nicer than I would have. Oh well. Apparently, they do not know how oppressive the Castros really are.

[CruisingAmazona]

Paul, if I'd say to this person what I really wanted to say, my post would've been removed. One does not need to belong to a group of people to be aware of the pain they may feel at something. Do we all need to be Jewish to feel the pain of the Holocaust? Or would we needed to have been in New York City on September 11, 2001 to feel the pain of the victims or the families? The problem is that Cuba is an island....a dot in our planet. Not too many people around the world, and sadly, even in our country, are aware of the oppresion and cruelty the Cuban people have endured for 50 years and counting. Nobody wants to go with more need and urgency and fervor than I do, but if it kills me to see a Jamaican boy, or a Haitian child, or a Mexican teenager beg for money because they are hungry or are sent out by their families to beg....how would it feel for me to sit and eat lobster and drink wine and have my own people serve me, all the while knowing they can't eat what I eat only because I was one of the lucky ones that got out (or in most of our cases....were "taken out!"