Wow, now I was never expecting this news, what a shock!
Donald Trump announced last week that he has banned all US cruise ships from travelling to Cuba under strict new restrictions in a bid to keep ‘US Dollars out of the hands of Cuban military’.
The announcement was without any warning and came into place last week, this will affect nearly 800,000 guests.
A number of Cruise liners have been affected including Carnival, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean.
“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.
Royal Caribbean guests can either stick with their new itinerary and receive a 50% refund or cancel and receive a full refund.
Since this news broke Cruise Lines have been quick to announce they were ending their Cuba routes immediately, and are now busy looking at 2020 sailings for alternative ports of call.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said of the US Government’s new travel restrictions on Cuba: ”The United States Government announced the immediate implementation of new regulations prohibiting previously approved cruise line travel to Cuba from the United States.
“Without warning, CLIA Cruise Line Members are forced to eliminate all Cuba destinations from itineraries effective immediately.
“We are disappointed that cruises will no longer be operating to Cuba,” said Adam Goldstein, Chairman of Cruise Lines International Association. “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.”
This is such a shame and so disappointing for all those affected, I have been to Cuba it is such a beautiful place.