The thaw in relations between the USA and Cuba has set off a race among cruise companies to start up sailings between the countries. But so far, few Americans are booking the trips, according to a survey conducted for USA TODAY by one of North America's largest travel sellers.
The survey of 1,034 travel agents who book cruises by Travel Leaders Group found that just 2.9% have taken a booking for one of the recently announced Cuba voyages.
Still, nearly 42% of travel agents queried said they've had a customer express interest in the trips.
When I first started hearing about all the cruise lines starting up the cruises to Cuba, I was very excited. I for one want to visit this country and see the historic sites.
For America travelers though I think it will be a while before it becomes a mainstream destination in the Caribbean. There are still many restrictions with the people to people exchanges allowed and there is no "on your own touring" allowed.
I would imaging at some point Cuba will become one destination for a Caribbean cruise that visits other ports of call as well.
Carnival Cruise line will be sailing to Cuba, in the near future, with their new Fathom brand. Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises are also looking at providing cruises to Cuba.
