Can Cruise Ships Dock In Cuba?

Cuba has been a popular destination for cruise ships owned by non-American companies for years, with the only current line being Marella Cruises. The Biden administration has eased restrictions on Cuba, and tourism could soon be back. Commercial cruise ships dock at the Sierra Maestra Terminal in Habana Vieja, just off the Plaza de San Francisco. There are no U.S. government regulations forbidding cruise ships from visiting Cuba, but the country itself is the only thing stopping them.

The Cuban port infrastructure is limited, so only smaller cruise ships can fit into the docking facilities. Two Royal Caribbean ships can currently visit Cuba, but only smaller cruise ships can fit into the docking facilities. The Havana port stop is often used by many cruise lines for either a long day or an overnight, allowing passengers to do at least one or two longer shore excursions.

Between 2017 and 2019, US cruise ships were able to dock in Cuba, but in June 2019, regulations were changed to make it illegal for people from outside the U.S. to dock in Cuba. Since cruise ships overnight in Havana, guests can take in some of the city’s attractions.

As of 652019, cruises to Cuba are no longer available due to travel restrictions imposed by the United States. However, the three ports most frequently visited on cruises in Cuba are Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. Most itineraries include a night in Havana.