Cuba opens its’ ports.

After decades of Cuba being closed for business with regards to American cruise ships paying them a visit, the gates have finally opened and all of the big boys are wanting their piece.

Previously only cruise lines with no affiliation to the USA were allowed to dock and let their guests visits the wonders of Cuba with the likes of Thomson and MSC using this as a massive selling point, nut over the last couple of weeks there have been major announcements from some of the American cruise lines.

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that it has received approval to operate cruises to Cuba, from the start of March 2017.

NCL have said all 3 of the company’s brand with be visiting the Caribbean’s largest island (NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises)

The company’s first cruise to Cuba will set sail from Miami on Oceania’s Marina in March 2017 with multiple itineraries vising the country and some offering overnights in port for guests to really explore.

(Oceania Marina)

Seven Seas Mariner, of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet, will call on Havana during two cruises in April 2017.

The Norwegian Sky will also offer a selection of four-day voyages that will overnight in Havana in May 2017.

Royal Caribbean group has also been granted permission to dock in Havana and are already selling itineraries visiting the island on Royal Caribbeans’ smallest ship (and the 1st ship I ever sailed on.) Empress of the Seas and they will start in April 2017.

As part of the group Azamara also have an itinerary planned to visit Cuba travelling in March 2017 on the Azamara Quest.

Having been to Cuba and cruised the Caribbean, I think it will be great to have all of the new itineraries and for guests to experience such a historic and cultural place. Hopefully the hordes of tourists and new income doesn’t change the island too much.