Cruising Cuba

[CaptMac]

I heard on the news today that the USA is opening up Cuba for vistation, do you think they will lets us cruise the island, I understand it has beautiful virgin cruising grounds, does anyone have input, would you go!

[Tim]

My understanding is that the restrictions have only been eased for those with relatives there.

[dnice]

My understanding is that the restrictions have only been eased for those with relatives there.

Thats how I understood it as well. Its to allow Cuban emigrants living in America to send money back home and visit their family in Cuba without going to jail for it.

That doesn't help us any, but it is a step in the right direction.
Obama said he was going to be doing these things before he got elected, looks like he may be living up to his word.

http://www.cubacruising.net/html/obama_s_view.html

Accordingly, I will use aggressive and principled diplomacy to send an important message: If a post-Fidel government begins opening Cuba to democratic change, the United States (the president working with Congress) is prepared to take steps to normalize relations and ease the embargo that has governed relations between our countries for the last five decades.

[Amgine]

Another point: Other countries do not restrict their citizens from visiting Cuba. It's a fairly common stop, actually, for boats from Europe and even Canadians.

So, not precisely 'virgin cruising' territory. There are marinas.

[Tim]

  I was chatting last night with a couple of Canadians who had both been down to Cuba last year.

[Frank]

I met a Canadian couple in the Keys a few years back (maybe a bit more than a few) They had spent 8 or 9 yrs cruising to Cuba and just loved it.They loved the people...but said you needed enough time to get 'excepted' before really getting to know them and find the 'deals on food' etc.They loved the multitude of islands on the N coast. They became huge ambassadors for the country.They bosted of their agriculture and inexpensive vegtables.They said customs would co-operate easily and for US residents not stamp their passport being happy they took the risk to visit.Their only complaint was having to go through 'check-in' at every port they stopped at unlike Bahamas where once checked in...you're good to go and explore.Danny had a heart attack 2 or 3 yrs back or I'm sure they'd still be there.