America invades Cuba!

Royal Caribbeans Empress of the Seas made its inaugural visit to Cuba on Sunday and marks a new era in cruising between the cruise line and country.

Empress of the Seas made its very first visit to Cuba on April 23 as part of a 5-night sailing from Miami, Florida. It was the first time people have been able to experience  Havana on a Royal Caribbean cruise as Americans and American cruise lines had been banned until very recently

Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International, said:

“We’re thrilled to be a part of Cuba’s future, ushering in Royal Caribbean’s next big adventure with Empress of the Seas’ first visit to Havana. Vacationers will now be able to experience a destination like no other, with authentic and immersive experiences that bring to life the vibrancy of Havana and its traditions.”

Passengers were treated to special Cuban activities during the cruise and with shore excursions in Cuba. One of the tours on offer in Havana for the passengers  were rides in 1950s classic American cars to the city’s most famous spots including the old quarter and the Havana Club Museum.

The 48,500 gross ton vessel will sail to Cuba next on May 8, 2017. Before that, the ship will reposition to its new home port in Tampa, Florida. The ship will sail a full Summer season with a series of four, five and six-night sailings, including day and overnight visits to Havana. The 1,600 passenger ship will then head back to Miami for its winter season sailing the Bahamas.

Several cruise lines now operate to Cuba including NCL, Rccl and with MSC homeporting a ship there.

What do you think to more cruise lines now operating to cuba is this a good thing to open the country to more tourism or is it going to turn the once idyllic place into a tourist nightmare?