Cuba soon?

[Bree]

Very confusing article. Apparently Fathom is the cruise line and Adonia is the flag ship going to Cuba. And it sounds like this is not a normal vacation cruise, but one that involves volunteering and learning about the area and doing group tours and classes.

There are very strict rules for these "cultural exchange" cruises. Passengers need visas and must go on the ship excursions and are not allowed free time on their own in Cuba at all.

 

[jdb in AZ]

There's a good chance of a complete change in the direction of the Senate after this year's elections, so I'm pretty confident we will see the lifting of the embargo in the next couple of years.

Castro has promised to retire in a couple of years -- if he actually does "let it go", that will have a lot to do with the future relations between the countries.

My aunt toured Cuba 3 years ago. (Not sure how she managed that.) When she saw the recent news clips of the Obamas visiting Cuba, she couldn't help wondering what the govt did with all the anti-American signs. NBC mentioned that the Cubans had spent a lot of time and effort painting and getting ready for the Obama visit. The visit wasn't flawless, but it's a start.

 

[truck1]

Castro has promised to retire in a couple of years -- if he actually does "let it go", that will have a lot to do with the future relations between the countries.

My aunt toured Cuba 3 years ago. (Not sure how she managed that.) When she saw the recent news clips of the Obamas visiting Cuba, she couldn't help wondering what the govt did with all the anti-American signs. NBC mentioned that the Cubans had spent a lot of time and effort painting and getting ready for the Obama visit. The visit wasn't flawless, but it's a start.

Assuming this is true, I looked a few hours ago about the embargo etc. Bascially the articles I saw said, is that nothing has really changed between the US and Cuba. Political arrests are at an all time high, with 500+ arrested since November. I think, and again going on what the news is saying, that Raoul had his security go out undercover and in uniform, and pick up anyone that would portray Cuba in a negative way, which is why you don't see any anti US or Anti Cuba rallies at the moment while everyone is meeting and greeting. Its kind of a look over here, pay no attention to the people across the street while I trade barbs with the US of A. It did say Raoul plans to retire I guess in 2018. Itll be very interesting to see who replaces him.