It’s official:
Carnival announced new trips to Cuba
( and remember: walking with a local will
make the difference)
The
cruise line Carnival has announced that will soon be sailing to the Cuban
capital of Havana after receiving approval from the federal government.
Carnival
says the visits comply with U.S. Department of Treasury regulations permitting
operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities as
defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
“The
U.S. Government has established policy guidelines that govern the travel
requirements for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba. There are essentially 12
different approved ways to visit Cuba including “People to People” interactions
and a variety of other options,” says Terry Thornton with the cruise line.
“We
expect that most of our guests visiting Cuba as part one of our new cruise
options will utilize the “People to People” opportunity,” Thornton added.
We also
had to work closely with the Cuban government to gain their approval for our
cruises as well as confirmation for the berth to dock the ship in Havana. Our
final approval was granted and we are very excited to be able to offer these
new cruise options to our guests”, he said.
Only
one thing is never commented about: a first-hand experience, real one when you
visit Cuba. This can be made true with a local guide, with a Cuban who loves
his country and knows in detail the city. When the visitor goes off the ship
and is on the street he/she will meet some characters offering their services.,
but they really don’t know much about Havana. Our advice is that before coming
make a search on internet and be in contact with some Cuban professionals and
invite him/her to guide you across Havana, to show you the city from the Cubans’
perspective and not only the official point of view.
On the
other side you will have a unique experience, a completely different one from
the rest of the hundreds of passengers, and you will be of help to a Cuban teacher,
or architect, or artist who have to face the difficult conditions in the
nowadays of Cuba. And believe me when I say
it is worthy, even when you have already paid a sort of tour with an official
guide. Walking with a local will make the difference.
cuban teacher and guide:
cubamigos@yahoo.es
