US Government Cancels Cruises to Cuba

Posted on Jun 07, 2019

by in Cruise News

Last updated: June 14, 2019

Nearly 800,000 cruisers will be affected by the ban, which has already led to itinerary changes by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line

MSC Armonia in port at Havana, Cuba

On Wednesday, June 5, the Trump administration banned travel to Cuba by cruise ships, private yachts, and fishing ships departing from U.S. ports. According to Cruise Lines International Association, the decision has left nearly 800,000 cruise passengers confused and disappointed, including many already onboard sailings headed for the island nation. Many cruise lines are also scrambling to create last-minute itinerary changes and policies to placate affected passengers - though it seems as though the decision blindsided the cruise industry.

Why did the US government ban cruises to Cuba?

The tightening of restrictions on cruise ship travel to the island nation and the ban itself actually stem from rising tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Cuba’s staunch support of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela’s recently re-elected president, has put the country at odds with the platform of President Donald Trump. While the Trump administration has long sought to reverse many policies enacted under President Barack Obama, Venezuela’s recent disputed elections have provided a catalyst for tightening travel restrictions to Cuba. 

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin called the ban “a strategic decision” and claimed it would “help to keep U.S. dollars out of the hands of Cuban military, intelligence, and security services” in a statement. Mnuchin also claimed that Cuba’s history of communism has had a “destabilizing role in the Western Hemisphere,” and offers security for communist countries like Venezuela, despite having a population shy of 12 million people.

Tourism bans to Cuba have historic precedent

If you or someone you know has taken a cruise that stopped in Cuba, it may surprise you to learn that tourism to Cuba has been banned since the 1959 Cuban Revolution. In 2016, President Obama reinstated cruise travel to Cuba as a subcategory of the cultural and educational exception to the sanctions levied against Cuba since its alliance with the Soviet Union. Visiting Cuba on a cruise fell under the special authorized category “people to people” travel. 

Unsurprisingly, cruise lines jumped at the opportunity to bring passengers to explore the historic island. Carnival cruised to Cuba first, and when the Adonia docked in Havana in May 2016, it was the first cruise ship in the port since 1959. Now, citing the intractability of the Cuban regime, the new Trump travel ban is rerouting thousands of Americans on cruises to Cuba.

How have cruise lines responded to the Cuba cruise ban?

In the wake of the unexpected decision, cruise lines have had to navigate murky waters when it comes to interpreting whether or not their voyages fall under the new legal strictures. There was originally significant confusion about whether cruises that had already departed would be “grandfathered in” and allowed to call at Havana. However, many cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line, dodged the ambiguity by simply rerouting their existing and planned cruises. 

One Carnival cruise to Cuba from Miami had already been rerouted to Cozumel, just hours after the ban was announced. Other lines like MSC Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, and brand new Virgin Voyages continued to monitor the situation before making changes. By now, many cruise lines have decided to forego port calls at Havana to avoid any legal missteps. 

Here’s a breakdown of the statements and policy changes that have been released by cruise lines so far:

Carnival Cruise Line

"Effective June 5th, the U.S. government imposed a series of new sanctions on Cuba prohibiting cruise ship travel to Cuba. As a result, we are replacing our calls to Havana with an alternative port to provide our guests with the best experience ashore. The following options are available for guest with 2019 Cuba cruise reservations:

     • Remain on the sailing: receive US$100, per person, onboard credit – no need to call us if you are continuing with your plans to sail with us

     • Move to another itinerary: receive US$50, per person, onboard credit

     • Cancel booking: receive a full refund 

2019 revised itineraries that previously included Havana. 

Guests who were booked to travel on a 2020 sailing may remain on the sailing, move to another itinerary (note: no onboard credit will be offered in either case) or cancel and receive a full refund. 2020 revised itineraries that previously included Havana. 

If you are booked on a Cuba itinerary and would like to change to another itinerary or cancel, please contact us at 1-800-CARNIVAL or 1-800-819-3902:

   Cruise Sailing Call By
   June 17 & 22, 2019 June 8th
   July 2019 June 13th
   August through December 2019 June 19th
   2020 June 26th

We are prioritizing servicing guests that are traveling in the next few weeks. To avoid a long wait time, we kindly ask our guests traveling in August and beyond to contact us after Wednesday of next week.

We sincerely apologize to our guests for this unexpected change and thank them for their understanding. We look forward to welcoming them onboard a Carnival cruise in the near future."


Source: Carnival Travel Alerts

Royal Caribbean

“Effective immediately, the U.S. government has implemented new regulations that prohibits travel from the U.S. to Cuba by cruise ship. This change requires us to immediately replace all Cuban ports. For all 2019 sailings on both Majesty of the Seas and Empress of the Seas, we have secured alternative ports and we are in the process of communicating the new itineraries to our guests and travel partners. For these guests, they will have the option of remaining on their sailing with the new itinerary and receiving a 50% refund or they may cancel their cruise and receive a full refund.

For 2020 sailings on both Majesty and Empress of the Seas, we are working to secure alternative itineraries and expect to be able to communicate to our guests and travel partners within the next week. 

We are sorry for this unexpected and sudden change to our guests’ upcoming vacations and appreciate their understanding.”


Source: Royal Caribbean itinerary update

Norwegian Cruise Line

On June 4, 2019, the United States government announced new and immediate travel restrictions to Cuba. As a result, we have ceased all calls to the country and are modifying previously scheduled sailings as appropriate. We share your disappointment and frustration caused by this unexpected change. Like you, we were surprised by this sudden modification to policy. We thank you for your patience and continued support as we navigate through this recent development. Guests who booked Cuba sailings with us will be contacted very shortly with a detailed communication. Please bear with us as we carefully work through each sailing.

Guests booked on cruises to Cuba through September 2, 2019 have two options:

• Sail the revised itinerary and receive a 50% refund of the cruise fare paid as well as a 50% future cruise credit valid through December 31, 2020.
• Cancel the booking and receive a full refund. If guests choose this option, we must be notified no later than June 11, 2019, midnight EST.

Sailings beyond September 2, 2019 will be automatically cancelled and refunds will be applied to the original form of payment. Guests impacted by these cancellations are offered a 20% discount off current cruise fares on any new voyages booked by August 5, 2019 for sailings no later than December 31, 2020.

We are so very sorry for this last-minute change but we do look forward to welcoming you on board again soon and providing an exceptional vacation experience. With our world-class team, our innovative fleet and over 300 destinations to visit, we know you will have the vacation of a lifetime no matter the destination."


Source: NCL Cuba Policy Update

MSC Cruises

Update: June 10, 2019 at 10:00am EST:

All itineraries for sailings between now and December 16, 2019 is now available.
View your updated itinerary here: ARMONIA UPDATED ITINERARY SCHEDULE  

For sailings from December 23, 2019 and forward, further information will be provided in the near future.  

IMPORTANT: If you did not book a shore excursion through MSC Cruises and instead used an independent shore excursion provider, please double check the dates and times for each port of call.

___________________________________________________________________________________________  

Update: June 7, 2019 at 8:00am EST:

In connection with the U.S. Administration changes to regulations regarding travel to Cuba announced June 4, which eliminate as of June 5, the prior authorization permitting cruise ships to travel from the U.S. to Cuba, MSC Cruises will modify effective immediately all its cruise itineraries previously scheduled to call that country.   

Due to these substantial changes in U.S. law and regulation, MSC Armonia is no longer authorized to call the port of Havana, Cuba, as part of her current Caribbean sailings. The alternative ports of either Key West, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; or Cozumel, Mexico will replace Havana, Cuba. 

Confirmed itineraries for June, July and August will be as follow, departing from Miami:

Mon, Jun 24, 2019: Miami, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Miami 

Mon, Jul 01, 2019: Miami, Isla de Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Key West, Miami 

Mon, Jul 08, 2019: Miami, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Miami 

Mon, Jul 15, 2019: Miami, Isla de Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, Key West, Miami 

Mon, Jul 22, 2019: Miami, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Miami 

Mon, Jul 29, 2019: Miami, Isla de Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, George Town, Miami 

Mon, Aug 05, 2019: Miami, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Miami 

Mon, Aug 12, 2019: Miami, Isla de Roatan, Costa Maya, Cozumel, George Town, Miami 

Mon, Aug 19, 2019: Miami, Ocho Rios, George Town, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Miami 

Please note that these itineraries will shortly be updated also in the reservations systems, in the coming days.

___________________________________________________________________________________________  

Update: June 6, 2019 at 2:00pm EST: 

In connection with the U.S. Administration changes to regulations regarding travel to Cuba announced June 4, which eliminate as of June 5, the prior authorization permitting cruise ships to travel from the U.S. to Cuba, MSC Cruises will modify effective immediately all its cruise itineraries previously scheduled to call that country.   

Due to these substantial changes in U.S. law and regulation, MSC Armonia is no longer authorized to call the port of Havana, Cuba, as part of her current Caribbean sailings. The alternative ports of either Key West, Florida; Costa Maya, Mexico; George Town, Cayman Islands; or Cozumel, Mexico will replace Havana, Cuba. The remainder of MSC Armonia’s itinerary will remain as originally planned.   

Guests currently on board MSC Armonia and their travel agents have already been informed and will be given: 

  • $400 USD per stateroom as onboard credit

Guests on future MSC Armonia sailings that were scheduled to visit Cuba will be offered one of the following:

  • The possibility to change ship and itinerary. MSC Cruises will waive fees and transfer already paid funds to the new booking* 
  • If the guest chooses to cancel the cruise completely, the normal cancellation policy will apply 
  • $400 USD per stateroom as onboard credit if they choose to remain on their currently booked sailing on MSC Armonia. If this credit is not fully used during the cruise, MSC Cruises will refund the difference upon check-out from the ship. Any shore excursions in Havana that were pre-purchased before the cruise, or which are included in the ticket, will be automatically refunded to the Guest’s onboard account 

For guests who are scheduled to sail on June 10, 2019 the new itinerary is listed below: 

June 10 - Depart Miami - 6pm  

June 11 - At Sea 

June 12 - Ocho Rios, Jamaica - 10:30am - 5pm  

June 13 - George Town, Cayman Islands - 8am - 3pm  

June 14 - Cozumel, Mexico - 10am - 8pm  

June 15 - Costa Maya, Mexico - 7am - 4pm (replacing Havana, Cuba) 

June 16 - At Sea 

June 17 - Arrrive in Miami - 7am   

For guests who are scheduled to sail on June 17, 2019 the new itinerary is listed below: 

June 17 - Depart Miami - 6pm 

June 18 - At Sea 

June 19 - Isla de Roatan, Honduras - 12pm - 6pm  

June 20 - Costa Maya, Mexico - 8am - 6pm 

June 21 - Cozumel, Mexico - 7am - 5pm 

June 22 - At sea 

June 23 - Key West, Florida (USA) - 7am - 6pm (replacing Havana, Cuba) 

June 24 - Arrive in Miami - 7am   

Please give us a few days as we process updates to all future itineraries.”


Source: MSC Cruises Cuba Update

Azamara Club Cruises

We are very disappointed to share that effective immediately the U.S. government has implemented new regulations that prohibits travel from the U.S. to Cuba by cruise ship. While this decision is completely outside of our control, we are immediately replacing all Cuban ports. For all 2019 sailings on the Azamara Journey, we have secured alternative ports and we are in the process of communicating the new itineraries to our booked guests and travel partners.

Guests booked on 2019 Cuba sailings out of Miami will have the option to re-book on any other Azamara voyage, in the same category, for the cruise fare paid or prevailing rate, whichever is more favorable to our guest; this applies only to new bookings. If the guests choose to book another sailing, other benefits and incentives will apply. If a guest chooses to cancel instead, a full refund for the amount paid will be processed to the original form of payment and compensation for travel changes will also be provided.

Guests booked on the November 5, 2019 transatlantic sailing out of Barcelona, Spain will have the option to remain on the sailing in the same category and receive an onboard credit per stateroom. If a guest chooses to cancel instead, a full refund for the amount paid will be processed to the original form of payment and compensation for travel changes will also be provided.

We are currently working on alternative itineraries for 2020 sailings and will share those details with guests and travel partners as they become available.

All booked guests and travel partners are being contacted personally to ensure the best possible solution is reached. If you have questions or concerns that need to be addressed before we contact you or if you don’t receive a phone call by June 12, 2019 you are more than welcome to call our special help desk at 1-855-AZAMARA (292-6272), option 3. The desk is now open and will remain open through July 12, 2019.

We are sorry for this unexpected and sudden change imposed on all of us and appreciate our guests’ patience and flexibility as we adjust to accommodate the new regulation. Our goal remains the same - to ensure that your Azamara vacation will deliver the highest standards of service and quality for which we are known.


Source: Azamara Itinerary Updates

Silversea Cruises

“We are aware of the Cuba announcement by the US government and are analyzing the details to understand the impact on our itineraries. In the meantime, we are adjusting our future itineraries, which will no longer stop in Cuba. We are communicating with our guests and travel partners about those changes. We will provide other updates as needed.”


Source: Silversea Cuba travel policy update

Holland America Line & Seabourn

“Carnival Corporation confirmed today that due to changes in U.S. policy, the company will no longer be permitted to sail to Cuba effective immediately. Currently, Carnival Corporation is sailing to Cuba on Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America Line, and Seabourn has been scheduled to begin sailing in November to Cuba. We appreciate guest patience while we work to confirm new special pricing and replacement ports of call. Finalized details will be provided on or before June 15.

We are sorry that our guests’ vacation plans have been altered by this unexpected change but hope that they will still join us for a memorable cruise in the Caribbean.

Our reservations and sales teams have no additional information, however the following number may be used should you have general questions regarding the recent announcement 1-800-577-1728 or 206-626-7395.

If you have questions about a current or upcoming sailing please contact our customer service team. Thank you.”


Source: HAL News & Travel Advisories

Are there other ways for Americans to travel to Cuba?

While Americans will no longer be able to visit Cuba on a cruise, there are still some avenues for travel that remain open. The US Treasury Department has listed several exceptions to the travel ban, including:

  • Family visits

  • Official US government business

  • Journalistic activity

  • Professional research and meetings

  • Educational activities

  • Religious activities

  • Humanitarian projects

  • Support for the Cuban people

Some tour operators and travel companies that have experience arranging travel for Americans to Cuba suggest that the “support for the Cuban people” exemption will be the best option for visiting the island country. “Support for the Cuban people” requires travelers to use privately-owned tour companies, stay in bed and breakfasts on private property, and eat in privately-owned restaurants and cafes. Under the “people to people” authorization, many of these requirements were the same; the difference now is that individual travelers are responsible for providing evidence of their support where necessary, whereas tour operators and cruise lines bore the responsibility before.

What do the travel restrictions to Cuba mean for me?

For nearly 800,000 cruise passengers already onboard cruises to Cuba and anticipating their vacation, the newly imposed travel restrictions to Cuba will mean rerouted itineraries, refunds, onboard credit, and a change of scenery. The good news is that cruise lines are typically quick to react and remain flexible and adaptable, as they frequently have to contend with unpredictable weather and other unforeseen circumstances.

If you are planning a cruise now and were hoping to call at Havana, unfortunately there’s not much you can do. However, to keep yourself and your plans safe and secure in the future, there are a few precautions you can take, regardless of where you’re going:

How long will the cruise ban to Cuba last?

The travel ban represents a serious decision on the part of the US government, and will have a significant impact on both the Cuban economy and the cruise industry. We recommend planning your cruise vacations with the expectation that the ban will be in effect indefinitely. However, just as these tightened restrictions came about with a new administration, it is possible that new leadership would make equally significant changes in the future.