When Cuba opened its doors to US cruise lines in 2016, it marked a historic moment for travelers eager to explore the island nation’s vibrant culture and pristine beaches. For the first time in over 50 years, American tourists could set foot on Cuban soil, and the response was overwhelming. Carnival Cruise Line’s Fathom Travel led the charge, with its ship MV Adonia carrying nearly 700 passengers to Havana, a city frozen in time with its 1950s charm.
By 2017, the demand for Cuban cruises had skyrocketed. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Paradise, along with ships from Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, began offering voyages to Havana. These trips were designed as “people-to-people” educational experiences, requiring passengers to participate in cultural exchanges and community projects.
However, the dream was short-lived. In June 2019, the US government reinstated travel restrictions, effectively halting cruise operations to Cuba. Overnight, cruise lines had to reroute their itineraries to other Caribbean destinations, leaving passengers and the Cuban tourism industry in limbo.
Passengers Demand a Return to Cuba
Six years later, the call for a return to Cuba is growing louder. Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, recently shared a letter from a guest urging cruise lines to lobby the US government for permission to resume Cuban voyages. Heald even conducted a poll on his Facebook page, asking if American passengers would like to sail to Cuba again. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with over 11,500 votes in favor compared to 7,500 against.
One passenger, Wayne Brockinton, shared his experience: “My wife and I were lucky enough to go on a cruise to Havana when it was open. We LOVED it! The people were so happy to see Americans visiting, and we felt like our money could really make a difference in their lives. We’d go back in a heartbeat.”
While many echoed Brockinton’s sentiments, the poll also sparked political debates, highlighting the complex relationship between the US and Cuba.
Havana’s Cruise Port: A Missed Opportunity
Before the restrictions, Cuba’s Havana port had ambitious plans for growth. In 2018, Global Ports Holding (GPH), the company behind successful ports like Nassau and San Juan, signed a 15-year agreement to manage Havana’s cruise facilities. The plan included expanding the port’s berths from two to six by 2024 to accommodate the growing number of cruise passengers, which had already reached 850,000 by the end of 2018.
Unfortunately, the US restrictions forced GPH to scale back its role to a consulting position, and construction plans were put on hold. Despite this setback, non-American cruise lines continue to visit Cuba. For example, UK-based Ambassador Cruise Line recently made stops in Havana and Santiago de Cuba during its 45-night voyage from London in early 2025.
Legal Battles and the Future of Cuban Cruises
The possibility of US cruise lines returning to Cuba is further complicated by an ongoing legal battle. Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, and MSC Cruises are currently facing a $439 million lawsuit from Havana Docks Corporation, which accuses them of violating embargos by docking in Havana between 2015 and 2019.
In October 2024, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of the cruise lines, but the case has since reached the US Supreme Court. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of US-Cuba cruise travel.
Why Passengers Want to Return to Cuba
For many travelers, Cuba represents a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From the colorful streets of Havana to the lush landscapes of Viñales Valley, the island offers experiences that can’t be found elsewhere in the Caribbean.
As the demand for Cuban cruises continues to grow, passengers are hopeful that the US government and cruise lines will find a way to revive this once-thriving travel route. Until then, the dream of sailing to Cuba remains alive in the hearts of many travelers.
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