No More Cruises To Cuba, But You Can Still Go

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As of today, the Trump administration halted all US cruises to Cuba. The administration says they changed the rules due to Cuba's ongoing support for countries like Venezuela. Whatever the reason, the flow of cruise passengers to the island nation will hurt the thousands of Cubans who are trying to scrape out a living.
More than 800,000 passengers are being affected by this order. Most cruise lines have issued statements saying they will reroute future cruises and refund passengers if they would like to cancel. They are also rerouting ships that were en route to Cuba right now and refunding for paid excursions.
Since 2016, cruising to Cuba has been one of the most popular ways to visit. But here at almostFREEfamilytravel, we do things differently.  We like to spend time in a country, meeting the people, exploring the culture and really digging into the community. And you can still visit Cuba that way. Check out the series of blog posts we wrote last year about visiting Cuba. 

Here's how:

1. Southwest, United, and American fly from Fort Lauderdale to Havana. You can buy your ticket online. Flights in July on Southwest.com were running about $153 each way. Look for sales, tickets can go as low as $100 each way. And if you have the companion pass, buy one, get one FREE on Southwest, you can get a better deal. 

2. After you purchase your flight, the airline will prompt you to buy your visa. DO IT! It costs $50 per person and you will pick it up at the counter when you check in for your flight. Check the box for the "Support The Cuban people" category. Easy. Carry a copy of your itinerary just in case someone asks for it. Remember the rules are you can't lay on the beach in Cuba, you need to talk to the people, visit museums, art galleries, coffee farms and more. 

3. You cannot use credit cards or atms in Cuba so you need to book ahead or take cash. You can change money there, but the rate is the same at the airport or in town and the lines are long so go ahead and change your money at the airport and be done with it. 

4. You can't stay in hotels in Cuba, but you can stay in private homes called casa particulares. You can check my past blog post for my favorites. Book your accommodations on airbnb.com  If you don't have an account, use my link and you will get a discount on your first stay. For me, homestays are the best way to see a country. You are living in someone's home which gives you a chance to see what life is really like and hear the personal stories. Be sure to ask if the owner of the home will include breakfast for 4-5 CUC. Most of the time, they will prepare dinner for you as well for 10 CUC. You should get breakfast every day and at least try the dinner once. 

5. Eat at the paladares or family-run restaurants where a meal will cost you about $10 per person. You are not going to find many food stalls or grocery stores since the country operates on a ration system. Outside of the cities,  there is actually more food available. 

6. Book tours and take FREE walking tours in Vinales, Trinidad and Havana. Check out my blog posts about what to see and do in each city. Use the shared taxi system. 

Even though you can't cruise to Cuba anymore, you can still go and it's an easy country to navigate. And really you can get a more authentic experience by getting off the boat.