Strange question

[MaxiMax]

I've been a lurker for awhile and have gotten great information but not an answer for strange question I have regarding the Western 7 day cruise. Has anyone ever gotten a charter boat from Cozumel and gone over to Cuba for the day? I've always wanted to see Havana and thought this might be my only chance.

 

[TheWog]

Don't know if they would let you in. You would have to show your passport.

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

I've never heard of anyone doing this, and technically it is illegal for US citizens to travel to Cuba in this manner. I've always thought about visiting Cuba someday, too. In any case, it's about 400 miles from Cozumel to Havana, so I doubt that it's feasible to get there and back by boat during the duration of the ship's call at Cozumel.

 

[disneyma]

I think that is against the law for any United States Citizen to be in Cuba. I am very curious as to what exactly you would like to see in Cuba??

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Originally posted by MaxiMax
Has anyone ever gotten a charter boat from Cozumel and gone over to Cuba for the day? I've always wanted to see Havana and thought this might be my only chance.

First, consider, as Lloyd Dobler noted, that it's a long distance. A boat traveling the speed of a typical cruise ship would take around 15 or 16 hours each way between Cozumel and Havana.

There are flights to Havana from various points in the Caribbean and Mexico. I don't know if there are any from Cozumel.

But, if you are a U.S citizen, you need to consider the legality (or lack thereof) of what you're proposing. If you're a citizen and resident of most other countries, you can make arrangements from your home country.

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

It's not strictly illegal for any US citizen to be in Cuba, but it is heavily restricted. There are, however, many ways in which Americans can be exempted from the US sanctions which prohibit travel to Cuba. You have to qualify for a general license (basically journalists, humanitarians, people with relatives in Cuba) or apply for a special license via tha Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). It's actually easier for someone like a little league player to get a license than for an adult who just wants to be a tourist.

Actually, if you do show up in Cuba with a US passport, they'll let you in. The real problem is in returning to the US, if you admit you went to Cuba (you're required to state which countries you've visited), you'll get the full-court press at the point of entry and probably be subject to on-going harrassment from the government after you return.

I can't speak for MiniMax, but I would like to see Havana for its history and culture, it's food and its music. Why would you be more curious about someone's desire to see Cuba than say, Mexico?

 

[jin diesel]

American celebs go to Cuba a lot. I don't think it's illegal, I just think you need strings pulled and a lot of $$$$$$$$$.

While I'd love to see the classic cars driven around in Cuba, I don't think I'd ever want to support them with my "tourist" dollars.

 

[erikthewise]

Geographically, Key West is a lot closer to Cuba (in particular to Havana) than Cozumel. I think it's a nutty idea anyway. Why risk spoiling your cruise with this adventure? If you want to go to Cuba, make it a separate trip and do it right.

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

Originally posted by MaxiMax
I've been a lurker for awhile and have gotten great information but not an answer for strange question I have regarding the Western 7 day cruise. Has anyone ever gotten a charter boat from Cozumel and gone over to Cuba for the day? I've always wanted to see Havana and thought this might be my only chance.

That's a pretty far trip from Cozumel; IF you did it, you'd need a charter plane, not a boat. Plus, with the restrictions on US currency there (I don't think you can ue US checks, traveler's checks or credit cards), you'd be doing a lot of sightseeing only.

I won't comment on the political and legal ramifications of doing this, especially since June 30. That is a very hot topic in Florida, and I won't touch it with a ten foot cigar.

 

[MaxiMax]

I think this is way I never post, I feel like I'm getting flamed here.
The only reason I asked is that I'm a baseball reporter and have made friends with many Cuban players. I hear their stories of the history, food, beaches, etc and it sounds interesting. Sorry but after many trips to Mexico, yes, I was craving something different.

As for those that feel no one should support Cubans with their "tourist" dollars, I ask that you think of those in Cuba that do not agree with their government but yet HAVE to live there. I guess you think "suffer the many because of the few"? Yet you don't think that way about Mexico? We've had problems in the past with their government. I guess some of you would never go to China either. Do any of you realize the culture, history and people of the world that you are missing out on?

Thanks to Lloyd Dobler for not flaming and who can see that there is interesting history and people beyond the usual American vacation traps of the Bahamas, Mexico, and Caribbean.

And to the monitors...fear not, while I may continue to lurk...I doubt I'll post again. Too many closed minds in here for me.
OH, and yes, I am American...I vote, I go to church, I support our troops and I stand firmly behind our government. But I also try to help out my fellow man in those countries that are in need. Thanks.

 

[jin diesel]

Originally posted by MaxiMax
As for those that feel no one should support Cubans with their "tourist" dollars, I ask that you think of those in Cuba that do not agree with their government but yet HAVE to live there.

Do you really think the residents there see a penny of that?

I don't think anyone here flamed you, but I do think you are extremely judgemental and hyper-sensitive. It is ignorant to assume that because I have no desire to ever visit Cuba, I have no interest in the culture or history of that country.

DID IT EVER OCCUR TO YOU THAT I MIGHT BE CUBAN??????? No, you were too busy jumping to conclusions...

 

[TheWog]

Sorry you think you are being flamed. I thought there was some good information relayed.

 

[jgalecpa]

No Flames Here.

Here is the link for official US State Dept info on Carribean travel including Cuba (which is 1/2 way down).

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips_caribbean.html


Cuban has a long and fascinating history, that neither begins nor Ends with Fidel.

I too would love to go, someday. I just don't want to violate federal law to go.

Jim

 

[Lloyd Dobler]

MiniMax,

As a baseball writer and fan of the Caribbean basin, check out Mark Winegardner's The Veracruz Blues. It's a fact-based novel about the Mexican leagues in the 1940's. A great read, IMHO.....

 

[cdnmickeylover]

Minimax, Sorry that you were flamed with your question. Since you haven't listed where you're from I was going to ask if you were American -- I didn't immediately make that leap as other posters did and condemn you for even thinking of visiting Cuba.

As a Canadian we have no restrictions going to Cuba and it's quite a popular destination. I haven't been but would like to, ironically the connection to baseball as well. My DB and DSIL have been and say it's quite nice. One of my DSIL's girlfriends got married there which is why they visited.

Please don't let this put you off posting. Most of the time people are quite nice.

I do hope you get to Havana some day.

 

[Bethipooh4]

I'm sorry you feel that way MaxiMax. I read and re-read all the posts, and honestly didn't think anyone was flaming you.

 

[MarcyIn Florida]

Originally posted by MaxiMax
I think this is way I never post, I feel like I'm getting flamed here. The only reason I asked is that I'm a baseball reporter and have made friends with many Cuban players.

I'm sorry if you felt you were being flamed; people were providing you with information. A question about travelling to Cuba will necessarily prompt responses regarding legality, currency, and other issues.

If you are a journalist, you should be able to get a visa to go to Cuba.

 

[erikthewise]

I certainly wasn't flaming. I was concerned that if something went wrong, legally or otherwise, you would not be able to return to the cruise ship in time. "nutty" just means "eccentric", which is no crime.

 

[LostGirls]

I grew up in Key West with it's heavy Cuban influence and have ALWAYS wanted to go to Cuba. My parents tell stories from the "old days" when they could hop a flight to Havana for $10.00!! Can you imagine? Oh well... maybe someday.....