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How Americans Can Travel To Cuba

Carnival Corporation
/
Courtesy
Carnival Corporation announced the Adonia, a Fathom brand ship, is expected to set sail to Cuba beginning May 2016. Carnival got the go-ahead from the U.S. government but not from Cuba.

The Cuban travel market bandwagon has recently gotten fuller.

The latest entrant, Carnival Corporation, joins multiple ferry companies and airline companies working to offer trips to the island.

Here's a list of all the ways people dreaming of Havana nights can travel to Cuba, how much they cost, and possible destinations.

HOW TO GET THERE

1. Carnival cruises

The world’s largest cruise line announced Tuesday that it got the go-ahead from the U.S. Department of Treasury and Department of Commerce to launch cruises to Cuba beginning in May 2016.

Cuban authorities have, however, not given Carnival the all clear. Carnival president and CEO Arnold Donald said the company is in “active discussions” with the Cuban government. 

The cruises cost roughly $3,000. Carnival is taking reservations, but deposits are fully refundable.

2. Ferries

The United States issued licenses for ferry service between the U.S. and Cuba for the first time in more than 50 years.

The Treasury Department issued at least four licenses to companies that want to establish ferry service to Cuba from Key West, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and perhaps Tampa. Click herefor the full list.

The Sun-Sentinel reported that Port Everglades, the Port of Palm Beach and PortMiami are possible state seaports preparing for travel to Cuba. 

One ferry company expects to be able to charge about $250 for a 10-hour round trip between Miami and Havana.

3. Flights

Cuba Travel Services

Starting July 3, passengers can fly from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Havana on JetBlue planes. Though the trips are operated by JetBlue, they’re being sold as charter flights through Cuba Travel Services.

Sun Country Airlines

The New York-Havana route began in March. Cost is reportedly about $850 for a round trip ticket.

ABC Charters

JetBlue aircrafts for flights to Cuba from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale.

Island Travels & Tour

Charter flights to Cuba from Miami and Tampa, and expanding in July to include trips from Orlando and from Baltimore in the fall. From Baltimore the cost is between $695 and $775.

BEFORE ARRIVING

Americans can only travel to Cuba if they are eligible for one of 12 licenses offered under the Treasury Department’s new rules:

  • Family visits
  • Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
  • Journalistic activity
  • Professional research and professional meetings
  • Educational activities
  • Religious activities
  • Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
  • Support for the Cuban people
  • Humanitarian projects
  • Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
  • Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
  • Certain authorized export transactions. 

Click here for more information on general licenses and travel to Cuba.

Alexander Gonzalez produces the afternoon newscasts airing during All Things Considered. He enjoys helping tell the South Florida story through audio and digital platforms. Alex is interested in a little of everything from business to culture to politics.
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