MULTIPLE cruise brands have been forced to adjust their itineraries after the Trump Administration this week revised its travel regulations to Cuba. The US Government has banned cruise ship operations from the United States to Cuba effective immediately, eliminating the “group people-to-people” educational travel category which allowed cruise lines to...
MULTIPLE cruise brands have been forced to adjust their itineraries after the Trump Administration this week revised its travel regulations to Cuba.
The US Government has banned cruise ship operations from the United States to Cuba effective immediately, eliminating the “group people-to-people” educational travel category which allowed cruise lines to visit the Caribbean nation.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) released a statement detailing why it was “disappointed” by the decision, one it said was made without consultation or warning.
“While out of our control, we are genuinely sorry for all cruise line guests who were looking forward to their previously booked itineraries to Cuba,” said CLIA Chairman Adam Goldstein.
The fallout has seen Royal Caribbean Cruises announce immediate itinerary changes on sailings departing this week, while Carnival Corporation’s HAL, Carnival Cruise Line and Seabourn brands have also revealed plans to replace scheduled Havana calls with alternative ports.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, among the first operators to deploy significant capacity to Cuba, has confirmed it has ceased all calls to the country.
MSC Cruises issued a statement late yesterday informing clients that MSC Armonia will change course to Cozumel, Mexico instead of Havana for its current sailing, and the Cuban capital will be replaced with port calls to either Key West, the Cayman Islands or Mexico in the future.
Newcomer Virgin Voyages, which had included Cuba in its first Scarlet Lady season in 2020, has stated it would release revised voyages next week.
The ban deals a heavy blow to tourism in Cuba, which had been revitalised after former President Barack Obama ended a long-standing embargo against the Cuban Government in 2014.
