Cuba

So,
after all these years, I finally want to see Cuba again.
Left in 1959 and never wanted to go back.
I was a baby.
Now I'm thinking of taking a cruise there so as to have a good place to sleep and internet etc.
I am an American Citizen but do they still not stamp the passports on Naturalized Citizens?
Scared a bit.
Any help appreciated.
Cheers
irina

It's my understanding they stamp a Post-it and stick it in USA Passports.

irina==are you are talking about the cruises through that Carnival affiliate? If so, they are legally authorized.

Yes Carol.
Those. That way we would have the cabin to stay in and not have to deal with the hotels.
Yes, they are but I am a naturalized citizen and my US passport says I was born in Cuba and they don't recognize that. At least they didn't.
Getting residency in SXM was impossible cause the guy wanted me to get Cuba to agree to it! Ridiculous.
Said yea, ok. BRB.
Cheers

OK, you are worried about something happening in Cuba or you are worried about US officials? They have full permission from the US government to go there, so if your concern is US officials, I don't think you should be concerned.

No. Found out I cannot go. They still do not recognize my passport.
And yes, US govt says I cannot go on these trips because of it. It's complicated.
Oh well.
Thanks
irina

Sorry to hear that you won't be able to go. I am looking forward to when there are better opportunities to visit Cuba myself. The Carnival cruises seem really expensive for what you get..

Cuba does not consider itself obligated to allow U.S. consular officials to have access to detained Cuban-born U.S. citizens, whom the Cuban government views as Cuban citizens only. As such, Cuban authorities do not always notify the U.S. Embassy of the arrest of dual nationals and may deny U.S. consular officers access to them. They may also withhold from U.S. authorities information concerning the welfare and treatment of dual nationals.

Carol,
I saw $1800 out of Miami on Carnival which I believe includes all fees, customs etc. Not sure.
Cheers
irina

Wow, ok.

Price may have gone down some. I think to begin with it was something like $3000 a person.

Plus they could make me do my military obligations! LOL

Anyway, I thought $1800 was ok since it was all the fees and such. Nice clean little room. Worth paying for wifi on that trip.
cheers
irina

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard experiences and several on-the ground activities. Reservations can be made at www.fathom.org/cruise-to-cuba.

No doubt Cuba will milk this one re: visa fees, fees in general, taxes, not to mention the pesos foreigners must use in Cuba vs the ordinary Cuban pesos etc.. A gold mine with all the U.S. citizens who will go regardless of the cost. Judging by the press conferences, it will be a while before things warm up. Castro was certainly voicing his opinion, whether right or wrong.

Irina--I see in the paper today that Cuba has backed down on their policy. Are you thinking now about going?

LOL
I don't trust them!
I think the media got this story messed up though. Not sure what is going on but I do know they do not recognize naturalized Cuban born American Citizens.
Cheers
irina

OK. I can go but I have to use my Cuban Passport. Doh.
From 1959? I think it expired. No way!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LOL
irina

Really?? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/duh.gif" alt="" /> Hopefully they will get it figured out eventually.

http://www.bradenton.com/news/nation-world/national/article76489252.html

See? No way!

According to that story, that warning has been on the website since 2015, so it is not a new warning. I will be interested to hear if there are any official updates to the Cuban policies, especially in light of their changing their policies regarding those coming by sea, versus air, immediately prior to the cruise. I definitely do understand your trepidation though!