Sailing with Carnival Cruise Line aboard Carnival Paradise to Cuba, I had some time to look around the ship and think. Contemplating stuff was part of the deal sailing during the first season to Cuba for United States citizens, and many did. It was a lifetime-quality sailing experience like no other that almost did not happen.  For me and all of my fellow United States citizens anyway.  Cuba, the largest island in the Caribbean at 42,000 square miles has been closed to U.S. citizens for decades due to the aftermath of the cold war Cuban missle crisis. Carnival Cruise Line opened that door last year.  Now, Carnival is going back to Cuba, bigger and better than ever

Our inaugural cruises to Cuba aboard Carnival Paradise from Tampa were met with exceptional guest response and we’re thrilled to expand upon the program with our first Cuba cruises from Miami featuring Havana and some of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean and The Bahamas.- Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

We sailed from Tampa aboard Carnival Paradise. That will series will continue both this year and in 2019 when will offer 17 additional sailings to Cuba aboard new-to-Cuba Carnival Sensation.  This new five-day Cuba series will be the Canrival’s first out of Miami.  Featured: a day-long call in Havana as well as stops at popular Caribbean and Bahamian ports,  including Grand Turk, Grand Cayman, Nassau, and the private destinations of Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays.  Carnival Sensation sailings break down like this

• 4- five-day sailings to Havana and Grand Turk departing May 20, Sept. 9, Nov. 18 and Dec. 16, 2019
• 5- five-day voyages featuring Havana, Nassau and Half Moon Cay departing June 17, July 15, Aug. 12, Sept. 23, and Nov. 4, 2019
• 1-  five-day cruise to Havana, Nassau and Princess Cays departing April 22, 2019
• 7-  five-day cruises to Havana and Grand Cayman departing May 6, June 3, July 1 and 29, Aug. 26, Oct. 7 and Dec. 2, 2019

About Carnival Sensation

2,052-passenger Carnival Sensation just went through dry dock last year, adding a variety of popular food and beverage concepts, including

• Guy’s Burger Joint developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri,
• RedFrog Rum Bar and BlueIguana Tequila Bar,
• BlueIguana Cantina serving authentic tacos and burritos,
• Cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar,
• Cherry on Top sweets shop.

That’s in addition to standard onboard features, including a WaterWorks aqua park, a Serenity adults-only retreat, 24-hour pizzeria, fun supervised programs for kids in three age groups, and the Seuss at Sea program operated exclusively with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.

 

Visiting Cuba- Still A Few Hoops To Jump Through

The visits to Havana comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury that permit travel 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.  That requirement brings the most comprehensive, inclusive shorex operations I have ever seen traveliing on a large cruise ship.

Guests sailing on Carnival’s Cuba cruises can select from nearly 20 different shore excursion experiences that showcase the island’s vibrant culture, majestic beauty and centuries-old architectural landmarks.  A variety of Cuban-themed activities and entertainment, including the sizzling Amor Cubano:  A Caribbean Dance Romance Playlist Productions show, Havana-inspired deck parties, trivia contests and salsa lessons, are also offered.  There’s also a lecturer on board who discusses the country’s rich history and culture.

 

BOOK More About Carnival Cuba To Be Bigger And Better

To learn more about Carnival Cruise Line, visit Carnival.com. For reservations, contact any travel agent or call 1-800-CARNIVAL.
Carnival can also be found on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.