What do I need to know to Travel to Cuba? How can Norwegian Cruise Line offer cruises to Cuba? Under regulations set forth by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Norwegian may offer carrier services by vessel to authorised travellers, directly or indirectly, between the United States and Cuba ( OFAC FAQ # 24 and 31 CFR § 515.572).
How does a Cuba cruise differ from other cruises offered by Norwegian? Norwegian is offering cruises to Cuba that comply with OFAC regulations for people to people exchanges . However, all of the freedom and flexibility components that Norwegian is known for will still be included.
What is a people-to-people exchange? An individual traveller may travel to Cuba under the people-to-people authorised travel category, as a self-certified traveller, so long as he/she maintains a full-time schedule of educational exchange activities intended to enhance contact with the Cuban people and that will result in meaningful interaction between the traveller and individuals in Cuba.
When will Norwegian sail to Cuba? Norwegian will offer sailings starting in May of 2017 aboard Norwegian Sky.
WHAT ARE THE TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS TO VISIT CUBA? · Is it legal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba? · Do I need a passport to travel to Cuba? · How do I certify that I am travelling under one of the OFAC-approved categories of travel? · How do I prove compliance with OFAC requirements during my cruise? · Will non-U.S. guests be allowed to travel on these sailings?
WHAT ARE THE VISA CONSIDERATIONS? · Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba? · Requirements for Travellers Born in Cuba
PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS WHILE IN CUBA Are there restrictions on what I can bring into Cuba? There are both U.S. and Cuba import regulations that travellers must comply with when travelling and bringing items into Cuba. For information on U.S. import regulations, please click on the following link for the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security’s Export Administration Regulations https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/export-administration-regulations-ear. For information on Cuba import regulations, please click on the following link for the General Customs of the Republic of Cuba http://www.aduana.co.cu/.
CURRENCY Cuba operates as a dual currency system. Cuban convertible peso (CUC$) is the currency which you will exchange and use in Cuba. CUC$ come in the following denominations: 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100. Please note that CUC$ 1 comes in both a coin and paper money configuration. There is a second currency, the Cuban peso, also called moneda nacional or CUP which is used only by Cuban citizens. Can I exchange money in Cuba? Yes. Once in Cuba, the port, tourist hotels, banks, and CADECA bureaus (Cuban government exchange bureaus) can exchange currency (U.S. and Canadian dollars, Euros, British pounds, etc.) for a fee. Non-U.S. currencies such as Euros and Canadian dollars usually have a more favorable exchange rate than the U.S. dollar. Be sure to have proper ID (passport) on hand. Do not accept offers to exchange currency with anyone who approaches you on the street. This is particularly applicable due to the dual currency system used in Cuba. The U.S. State Department advises that the export of CUCs is strictly prohibited, regardless of the amount. Can I use my credit cards in Cuba? While U.S. citizens are allowed to use debit and credit cards in Cuba, the vast majority of U.S. banks are still considering whether to allow for these transactions to take place. Thus, it is advisable to assume that all transactions in Cuba will be done using cash. Will there be Wi-Fi while in Cuba? All vessels docked in Cuba will provide Wi-Fi service; however, service may not be guaranteed at all times. Cuba has limited Wi-Fi services, although certain hotels and internet cafes may provide service for a fee. Will I have cellular service while in Cuba? Several carriers in the U.S. and abroad have signed roaming agreements with Cuban telecommunications firm ETECSA, which allows for voice, data and text services while in Cuba. Please check with you cellular provider for details. What am I allowed to bring back from Cuba? Can I bring back cigars, rum and other items from Cuba? U.S. persons are allowed to return with certain Cuban-origin items, including cigars and rum, for personal use only and pursuant to OFAC regulations. These items remain subject to the normal limits on duty and tax exemptions for merchandise imported as accompanied baggage and for personal use. We refer you to the link in the FAQ "Is it legal for U.S. citizens to travel to Cuba?" above which provides guidance on items that can be imported from Cuba. How much can I spend while in Cuba? There are no per diem limits on authorised expenses. Are excursions included in the cruise fare? While excursions are not included in the cruise fare, Norwegian Cruise Line will offer a variety of excursions to assist guests in meeting the requirements of people to people exchanges.
YOUR EXPERIENCE What ports will the cruise be visiting? Norwegian Sky will be calling on Havana. What types of excursions will be offered? A variety of excursions will be offered focusing on the unique attractions and characteristics of Havana and its environs. Are the buses/coaches for excursions air conditioned? Yes. All of our touring motor coaches are of recent vintage and are fully air conditioned. How much free time is there? OFAC requires that individuals travelling under a people-to-people license participate in a full-time schedule of people-to-people exchange activities that result in meaningful interaction between the travellers and individuals in Cuba. As all guests will be self-certifying that their travel complies with the people-to-people license (or one of the other eleven travel categories authorised under general licenses), guests are free to create their own itinerary and to determine what full time constitutes, which may or may not include excursions offered by Norwegian Cruise Line. After completion of people-to- people activities, guests are free to explore as they wish. Will I be able to move about Cuba freely? Norwegian Cruise Line will offer a variety of shore excursions at each of our ports of call. Guests are not required to participate in these excursions and are free to move about Cuba as long as their activities comply with the general license they are travelling under. Entry to some government buildings may be restricted; it's best to ask your guide about the building's specific entry protocol before trying to enter on your own. What will the onboard experience be like? Norwegian Sky will continue to offer guests a range of entertainment, dining options and bars and lounges to enjoy throughout their cruise in addition to customised Cuban dining and entertainment experiences.
HEALTH & SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS Is medical insurance required? All travellers to Cuba must show proof of Cuba approved medical insurance. This medical insurance will be included in the price of your cruise fare. Does my insurance cover medical expenses while in Cuba? The provision of health insurance, life insurance and travel insurance related services to authorised U.S. travellers, as well as the receipt of emergency medical services and the making of payments related thereto are authorised by OFAC. However, insurance providers may decide whether or not to participate and provide such coverage in connection with Cuba. It is advisable to check with your insurance provider prior to departure to ensure that you are covered while travelling in Cuba. Does Medicare cover medical expenses while in Cuba? It is advisable to check with your Medicare provider prior to departure to ensure that you are covered while travelling in Cuba. Is there additional medical and/or travel insurance that I can buy through Norwegian Cruise Line? Yes. Norwegian Cruise Line will offer additional medical and/or travel insurance to guests at an additional fee. Is it safe to travel in Cuba? Cuba is a safe country where violent crime is rare. As when travelling in any urban area, keep your valuables in sight at all times and be aware of the possibility of petty crime. What about special dietary needs? If you have any food allergy or a dietary requirement that requires Kosher meals or gluten-free food product, please advise a Norwegian Reservations Agent, or your Travel Agent at the time of booking. Obtaining the product for many of these requests requires 30-days notice prior to sailing, and we want to ensure that we are able to fulfill your request. We cannot guarantee Kosher Meal requests made within 30 days of sail date. For the protection of all of our guests, it is not permissible to bring aboard any food items that would require preparation by the ship's staff, or food items that would require cold storage in our kitchen facilities. What time do I board the ship on embarkation day and in ports of call? Arrival at the Cruise Terminal: For your comfort and convenience, we recommend that guests who have not completed their Online Check-In arrive at the cruise terminal no later than two (2) hours prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. Guests who have completed their Online Check-In should arrive at the terminal no later than one (1) hour prior to the scheduled embarkation time printed on your cruise documents. We STRONGLY recommend guests complete their Online Check-In at least four (4) days prior to sailing. Final Boarding Time: In order to facilitate the embarkation process and the processing of your eDocs, and to comply with new government regulations governing departure manifest, all guests are required to complete Online Check-In at least one day prior to sailing and must complete check-in at the cruise terminal and be onboard the ship no later than one hour prior to the departure time noted on their cruise documents or they will not be permitted to sail. Please note guests who have not filled out their Online Check-In must arrive at port two (2) hours prior to sailing. Any late arriving guest may join the ship at an approved port of call in the scheduled itinerary. Such guest will be responsible for all applicable fees and travel expenses to that subsequent port of call. Boarding Time in Ports of Call: In all ports of call, it is also the guest's responsibility to be back onboard the ship no later than one (1) hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure time. Please be aware that shipboard time may differ from the port of call and it is the guest's responsibility to follow the shipboard time. In the event a guest misses the ship, it will be the guest's responsibility to pay all expenses incurred to rejoin the ship. What about Documentation, Visas and Passports? All guests must provide key personal information prior to boarding the cruise ship. Travel to some destinations require passports and/or special visas and travel authorizations. What Should I Pack? When it comes to what to wear, you can go resort casual or get decked-out and look your best - it's your call. That's the freedom of Freestyle Cruising. We even have special "Dress-Up or Not Night." It's the perfect opportunity to get your portrait taken with your family, that special someone or even with the ship's Captain. Dress cruise casual anytime during the day, in the buffet and in most specialty restaurants. For women, it includes summer and casual dresses, skirts, regular or capri pants, shorts, jeans and tops. Khakis, jeans, shorts and casual shirts are fine for men. Swimwear is acceptable at the buffet and outdoor restaurant, but a shirt or a cover-up and footwear are required. Cruise casual is also allowed day and night on embarkation day. Wear smart casual if you are eating dinner in the aft main dining room (our more formal dining room) and in Le Bistro on cruises longer than five days. For women, it includes slacks or jeans, dresses, skirts and tops. For men, it's jeans or slacks with a collared shirt and closed-toed shoes. Traditional Bermuda shorts along with long socks, loafers and a blazer are all acceptable on a Bermuda cruise. We want you to be comfortable, but tank tops for men, thongs, baseball caps, visors and jeans that are overly faded, with holes or tears and worn below the hips are not permitted in main dining rooms or specialty restaurants. Kids 12 and under are welcome to wear nice shorts in all our restaurants. You may want to pack a sweater too-air conditioning can be chilly. Since your suitcases are collected the night before we return home, don't forget an overnight bag for prescriptions and need-to-have items. What can't I bring onboard? Passengers should not bring the following items onboard any Norwegian Cruise Line ship: · Drones (Game Flying Device) Guests are not permitted to bring drones onboard for safety of other guests, as well as the welfare of the vessel. · Samsung Galaxy Note7 In light of recent safety issues with the Samsung Galaxy Note7, we are asking our guests who own this model to please avoid travelling with this mobile device. The Federal Aviation Administration has banned the Samsung Galaxy Note7 from all air travel, and until further notice, this device will be restricted from all Norwegian Cruise Line ships. Fire is one of the greatest threats at sea and due to the safety concerns these devices present, if one is found in a guest's possession or unattended in a stateroom onboard, our policy instructs the crew to confiscate the device for safekeeping. The device will remain in our possession, in a safe, monitored location, for the duration of the cruise. Guests can reclaim their device at the conclusion of the cruise from the reception desk. · Alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages of any kind including water, soft drink and juices* For more information read our FAQ about "Can I bring water or soft drink on board?". · Unsealed food items will not be allowed onboard. · Firearms, weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosive substances or any goods of a dangerous nature · Irons / Ironing Boards and Steamers Guests are not permitted to bring and use their own irons or steamers onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line carries a limited number of irons and ironing boards which can be loaned to guests for a few hours at a time. They can be requested through housekeeping or Guest Services Desk. Irons and steamers would both be taken from guests at embarkation and returned at the end of the sailing. · Animals of any kind, except service or guide animals, provided the passenger notifies Carrier prior to the cruise of his intention to bring such animal and agrees to take sole responsibility for any expense, damage, injuries or losses associated with or caused by such animal. What is My NCL, and what are eDocs? My NCL is where you either Log In or Create a profile for NCL.COM. Simply click on "Log In to My NCL" (top right of any page) to access all of your important pre-cruise information, complete your Online Check-In, book a cruise and reserve Shore Excursions. Once you've completed your Online Check-In you can download eDocs. A detailed summary of your cruise holiday that acts as your boarding pass.
How many suitcases can I bring? Each person is allowed up to two pieces of personal luggage on board, with each piece weighing a maximum of 50 pounds. However, if passengers are travelling by air, they need to check with the airline for specific restrictions.