Carnival to Launch Ships to Cuba

A few weeks ago, we ran a piece on how to visit Cuba. Now, you can actually go there with Carnival Cruises, which got the green light from American officials to send ships to the island nation, starting in 2016. Carnival is just waiting to receive the okay from Cuban officials.

Courtesy of Rapidfire (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

However, if you were hoping to plan your next vacation there based on this news, you're in for a rude awakening. The Carnival Company will be sending ships under banner of its Fathom property. These voyages to Cuba are for the purpose of fostering international understanding; people will arrive for volunteering or exchange programs. The price is also pretty steep at $2,990 a person, plus a $600 deposit. Look, no one ever said getting a cruise to an embargoed country was easy. You'd think it would be super easy since the Cold War is--ya, know--over!

By USAF [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Nevertheless, this seems like it can be a very eye-opening experience for many people who want to learn more about Cuban culture. Given, President Obama's recent landmark decision on easing economic sanctions on Cuba, things are looking up for the country with a somewhat morbid reputation, the one that stood between us and nuclear war with the Soviets.