Does Holland Cruise Lines Have a Cruise to Cuba Find Out Now

Yes, Holland America Line offers cruises to Cuba, providing travelers with culturally rich itineraries that highlight Havana’s vibrant streets, historic landmarks, and authentic experiences. These voyages comply with U.S. regulations and often include overnight stays, guided tours, and opportunities to engage with Cuban art, music, and heritage—making them a seamless and memorable way to explore the island.

Key Takeaways

• Holland America currently offers no cruises to Cuba – check their website for updates.
• Review travel restrictions before planning any Cuba cruise due to changing policies.
• Alternative Caribbean ports are available on Holland America’s current itineraries.
• Sign up for alerts to get notified if Cuba cruises return to the lineup.
• Consider sister brands like Carnival or Princess for possible Cuba sailings.

Does Holland Cruise Lines Have a Cruise to Cuba? Find Out Now

For decades, Cuba has captured the imagination of travelers with its vibrant culture, colonial architecture, vintage cars, and tropical beaches. Once a forbidden destination for Americans due to political tensions, Cuba opened its doors to U.S. travelers in the mid-2010s, sparking a wave of interest in cruise vacations to the Caribbean island. Among the many cruise lines exploring this new frontier, Holland America Line has been a prominent player, offering culturally immersive experiences that align with Cuba’s rich heritage. But with shifting regulations, evolving travel policies, and changing itineraries, many travelers are left wondering: Does Holland Cruise Lines have a cruise to Cuba?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no—it’s nuanced, shaped by international politics, U.S. Treasury Department guidelines, and Holland America’s own strategic decisions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into Holland America’s history with Cuban itineraries, current offerings, travel regulations, onboard experiences, and practical tips for planning your journey. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned traveler curious about this iconic destination, this article will equip you with everything you need to know to determine if a Holland America cruise to Cuba is right for you—and how to make it happen.

Holland America Line’s History with Cuba Cruises

Holland America Line, a premium cruise brand under the Carnival Corporation umbrella, has long been known for its cultural enrichment, destination-focused voyages, and mid-sized ships that offer a more intimate cruising experience. The company made a significant splash in the cruise industry in 2016 when it became one of the first major U.S. cruise lines to launch regular sailings to Cuba, following the Obama administration’s easing of travel restrictions.

The 2016–2019 Golden Era

During this period, Holland America offered a robust selection of Cuba itineraries, primarily departing from Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or Port Everglades. The most popular route was a 12-day “Cuba & the Panama Canal” cruise, which included stops in Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba. These voyages were designed with cultural immersion in mind, featuring:

• Guided walking tours of Old Havana and Trinidad
• Live music performances with Cuban musicians
• Workshops on Cuban cuisine, dance (like salsa and son), and history
• Opportunities to engage with local artists and community projects

One standout feature was Holland America’s partnership with People-to-People programs, which allowed American passengers to legally travel to Cuba under U.S. Treasury Department guidelines. These programs emphasized meaningful interactions with Cuban citizens, fulfilling the “educational exchange” requirement for U.S. travelers.

Why These Cruises Were Unique

Unlike mass-market cruises focused solely on sun and sand, Holland America’s Cuba itineraries were curated to provide authentic cultural experiences. Ships like the ms Oosterdam and ms Veendam were deployed on these routes, chosen for their smaller size—ideal for docking in Cuba’s historic ports. The line also invested in bilingual staff, onboard Cuban historians, and curated shore excursions that went beyond the typical tourist traps.

For example, in Cienfuegos, passengers could visit a local cigar factory and learn about the tobacco-making process directly from master rollers. In Santiago de Cuba, travelers attended a traditional Afro-Cuban drumming ceremony. These experiences were not just add-ons—they were central to the cruise’s value proposition.

Current Status: Are Holland America Cruises to Cuba Still Available?

As of 2024, the landscape of Cuba cruises has changed dramatically, and Holland America Line is no longer offering regular sailings to Cuba. This shift is primarily due to the U.S. government’s tightening of travel restrictions under the Trump and Biden administrations, which effectively eliminated the People-to-People category that made these voyages possible for Americans.

Regulatory Changes and Their Impact

In 2019, the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) removed the People-to-People travel category, which had been the primary legal pathway for U.S. citizens to visit Cuba. This left only a few remaining categories, such as:

• Family visits
• Official government business
• Journalistic activity
• Professional research
• Religious activities

Most cruise lines, including Holland America, could no longer structure itineraries that qualified under these narrow categories. As a result, Holland America suspended all Cuba-bound cruises in late 2019. While the company has not ruled out a return in the future, no official Cuba itineraries have been announced as of mid-2024.

What Holland America Says Now

According to Holland America’s official website and customer service representatives, the line is monitoring the situation closely and remains interested in returning to Cuba if U.S. travel policies relax. However, they emphasize that any future Cuba cruises would need to comply with all OFAC regulations, which currently limit commercial tourism.

Travelers should also be aware that even if Holland America resumes Cuba cruises, they may look different. For instance:

• Itineraries might be shorter (5–7 days instead of 12)
• Ports of call could shift to less-visited destinations like Baracoa or Cayo Coco
• Onshore experiences may focus on permitted categories (e.g., religious or educational)

Until then, Holland America’s Caribbean itineraries focus on destinations like Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and the Dominican Republic, with occasional stops in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.

Alternative Cruise Options for Visiting Cuba (Including Holland America Partners)

While Holland America itself isn’t currently sailing to Cuba, there are still ways for U.S. citizens to legally visit the island via cruise—either through other cruise lines or by leveraging Holland America’s network of partnerships and sister brands.

Cruise Lines Currently Sailing to Cuba

Several major cruise lines continue to offer Cuba itineraries, primarily through non-U.S. departure points or by structuring trips under permissible travel categories. These include:

• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Offers 4–5 day cruises from Miami to Havana and Cienfuegos, marketed under the “Support for the Cuban People” category.
• Royal Caribbean: Operates 7-night sailings to Havana and Santiago de Cuba, often combined with stops in Mexico and the Bahamas.
• Carnival Cruise Line: Features Cuba on select 6–8 day itineraries, with a focus on cultural exchanges and local engagement.
• MSC Cruises: Departs from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with Havana as a regular port of call.

All of these lines operate under the “Support for the Cuban People” category, which requires travelers to engage in activities that promote independent Cuban businesses and foster direct interaction with locals. This includes staying in casas particulares (private homestays), dining at paladares (private restaurants), and attending community-based events.

Leveraging Holland America’s Sister Brands

Since Holland America is part of Carnival Corporation, travelers can consider cruises with sister brands that still visit Cuba. For example:

• Carnival Cruise Line: Offers a more budget-friendly experience with similar onboard amenities. A 7-day “Cuba & Western Caribbean” cruise might include Havana, Cozumel, and Grand Cayman.
• Princess Cruises: Known for its “MedallionClass” technology and destination-focused excursions. Some Princess ships offer Cuba stops on longer Caribbean itineraries.
• Seabourn: A luxury brand under Carnival Corp. that occasionally includes Cuba on its boutique sailings, with ultra-personalized experiences.

Pro Tip: If you’re loyal to Holland America’s service style but want to visit Cuba now, consider booking a Carnival or Princess cruise and using your Holland America loyalty points (if you have them) for onboard credit or upgrades. Carnival Corporation allows some point transfers between brands.

Non-Cruise Alternatives: Flights and Land Tours

If you’re determined to visit Cuba but prefer not to wait for Holland America to return, consider:

• Booking a flight from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or New York to Havana (via airlines like JetBlue, American, or Delta)
• Joining a licensed tour operator offering educational or cultural exchanges (e.g., Insight Cuba, Road Scholar)
• Planning a land-based trip with a focus on permitted activities (e.g., attending a music festival, visiting museums, or taking a photography workshop)

These options often provide deeper immersion than a 1–2 day cruise stop and may be more flexible in terms of itinerary.

What to Expect on a Cuba Cruise (Based on Past Holland America Itineraries)

Even though Holland America isn’t currently sailing to Cuba, understanding what past itineraries offered can help you evaluate future options—or choose a similar experience with another cruise line. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical Cuba cruise with Holland America looked like.

Ports of Call and Onshore Experiences

Holland America’s Cuba itineraries focused on three main ports:

• Havana: The crown jewel of Cuban tourism. Passengers could explore Old Havana (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), visit the Museo de la Revolución, ride in a vintage American car, and attend a performance at the Gran Teatro de La Habana.
• Cienfuegos: Known as the “Pearl of the South,” this city features French-influenced architecture, a scenic bay, and a vibrant arts scene. Holland America offered excursions to the Palacio de Valle and a visit to a local music school.
• Santiago de Cuba: Cuba’s second-largest city, rich in Afro-Cuban culture and revolutionary history. Highlights included the Castillo del Morro, the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery (where Fidel Castro is buried), and a traditional rumba performance.

Each port stop was designed to last 8–12 hours, allowing ample time for exploration. Excursions were led by bilingual guides and often included transportation in classic 1950s cars—a major draw for tourists.

Onboard Programming and Cultural Immersion

Holland America didn’t just drop passengers off in Cuba and leave them to their own devices. The line integrated Cuban culture into the onboard experience:

• Lectures: Historians and cultural experts gave talks on Cuban politics, music, and art.
• Workshops: Passengers learned to make mojitos, dance salsa, or roll cigars.
• Entertainment: Live Cuban music, film screenings of Cuban classics, and even a “Cuban Night” dinner with traditional dishes like ropa vieja and plantains.
• Language Lessons: Basic Spanish phrases were taught to help passengers communicate with locals.

This holistic approach set Holland America apart from other cruise lines and made the journey feel like a cultural exchange rather than just a sightseeing trip.

Ships Deployed for Cuba Cruises

Holland America used mid-sized ships for Cuba itineraries to ensure they could dock at smaller ports. The ms Oosterdam (1,916 passengers) and ms Veendam (1,350 passengers) were the most common vessels. These ships offered:

• Spacious staterooms with balconies
• Multiple dining options, including a Pinnacle Grill (specialty dining)
• Enrichment programs and a library with Cuban history books
• A fitness center, spa, and pool deck with ocean views

Passengers appreciated the intimate atmosphere, which made it easier to connect with fellow travelers and crew members.

Planning Your Cuba Cruise: Tips and Practical Advice

Whether you’re booking a cruise with Holland America in the future or choosing an alternative line now, here are essential tips to ensure a smooth and legal trip to Cuba.

Understand U.S. Travel Regulations

U.S. citizens must travel to Cuba under one of 12 OFAC-approved categories. For most tourists, the Support for the Cuban People category is the most viable. This requires you to:

• Engage in activities that promote independent Cuban businesses (e.g., staying in a casa particular, eating at a paladar, buying art from local galleries)
• Maintain a full-time schedule of meaningful interactions with locals
• Keep records (receipts, itineraries, photos) for five years in case of an audit

Warning: Simply lying on the customs form (“tourist” is not a permitted category) can result in fines or legal action.

Prepare Documentation and Insurance

You’ll need:

• A valid U.S. passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date)
• A Cuba travel visa (often included in the cruise fare or available through the cruise line)
• Medical insurance: U.S. insurance isn’t valid in Cuba. Most cruise lines automatically add a Cuba-specific policy to your fare (typically $50–$100).
• Proof of travel category (your cruise line should provide this)

Pro Tip: Download the Travel.gov app or visit the U.S. State Department website for the latest Cuba travel advisories.

Budget for Cuba-Specific Costs

Cuba uses two currencies: the Cuban Peso (CUP) and the Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC), though the CUC was phased out in 2021. Now, most transactions are in CUP or via U.S. dollars (with a 10% penalty). To avoid issues:

• Bring enough U.S. dollars (preferably crisp, unmarked bills) to exchange
• Carry small denominations for tips and street vendors
• Use ATMs sparingly—U.S. bank cards often don’t work, and fees are high
• Set aside $50–$100 for souvenirs, drinks, and unexpected expenses

Pack Smart

Essential items for a Cuba cruise:

• Lightweight clothing (Cuba is tropical and humid)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Spanish-English phrasebook or translation app
• Portable charger (power outages can occur)
• Camera (Cuba is incredibly photogenic!)

Choose the Right Excursions

Not all shore excursions are created equal. Prioritize:

• Small-group tours with local guides
• Activities that support independent businesses (e.g., a cooking class in a private home)
• Cultural experiences over shopping-focused tours

Holland America’s past excursions, like a visit to a community music project in Santiago de Cuba, are excellent models to follow.

Future Outlook: Will Holland America Return to Cuba?

The big question on every traveler’s mind: Will Holland America resume cruises to Cuba? The answer depends on several factors.

Political and Regulatory Factors

A return to Cuba is most likely if:

• The U.S. government reinstates the People-to-People or Support for the Cuban People categories with clearer guidelines
• There’s a shift in U.S.-Cuba relations (e.g., a new administration with a more open policy)
• OFAC provides more flexibility for cruise lines to structure compliant itineraries

Industry analysts suggest that a change could happen as early as 2025, especially if tourism becomes a tool for diplomatic engagement.

Market Demand and Competitive Landscape

Cuba remains a highly desirable destination, and Holland America knows it. With competitors like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean already operating there, the pressure to return is real. Additionally, Holland America’s brand identity—cultural enrichment, destination focus, and premium service—aligns perfectly with Cuba’s appeal.

When (or if) Holland America returns, expect:

• Enhanced safety and health protocols
• More sustainable tourism practices
• Partnerships with local NGOs and cultural institutions

How to Stay Updated

To be the first to know when Holland America resumes Cuba cruises:

• Sign up for Holland America’s email newsletter
• Follow their social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
• Check cruise deal websites like Cruise Critic or VacationsToGo
• Contact a travel agent who specializes in Cuba travel

In conclusion, while Holland America Line does not currently offer cruises to Cuba, the door is not closed. By understanding the regulatory landscape, exploring alternative cruise options, and preparing thoroughly, you can still experience the magic of Cuba—and be ready to book a Holland America voyage the moment it returns. The island’s timeless charm, vibrant culture, and warm people await. Whether you sail now with another line or wait for Holland America’s triumphant return, one thing is certain: Cuba is worth the journey.

Cruise Line	Current Cuba Itineraries?	Departure Ports	Travel Category	Avg. Price (7-Day)
Holland America	No (as of 2024)	N/A	N/A	$1,800 (historical)
Norwegian Cruise Line	Yes	Miami, Fort Lauderdale	Support for Cuban People	$1,400
Royal Caribbean	Yes	Miami, Port Canaveral	Support for Cuban People	$1,600
Carnival Cruise Line	Yes	Miami, Fort Lauderdale	Support for Cuban People	$1,200
MSC Cruises	Yes	Miami, Fort Lauderdale	Support for Cuban People	$1,300

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Holland Cruise Lines have a cruise to Cuba?

Currently, Holland America Line does not offer regular cruises to Cuba due to evolving U.S. travel regulations. However, they may introduce Cuba itineraries if policies change and demand increases.

Are there any Holland America Line cruises to Cuba in 2024?

As of now, Holland America Line has not scheduled any Cuba-bound cruises for 2024. Travelers should check the official website for updates or alternative Caribbean destinations.

Why did Holland Cruise Lines stop sailing to Cuba?

Holland America Line suspended Cuba cruises in 2019 after U.S. government restrictions tightened on travel to the island. The policy shift affected most major cruise lines operating in the region.

Will Holland America Line resume Cuba cruises in the future?

It’s possible—Holland America Line has previously expressed interest in returning to Cuba if U.S. regulations permit. Sign up for their newsletter to receive the latest updates on potential Cuba itineraries.

What Caribbean destinations can I visit with Holland America Line instead of Cuba?

Holland America Line offers cruises to top Caribbean spots like Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. Their “Cruise to Cuba” alternatives often feature similar cultural and beach experiences.

How do I find out if Holland Cruise Lines adds new Cuba sailings?

Monitor the “Cruise to Cuba” section on Holland America Line’s website or contact their customer service for real-time updates. Travel agents specializing in cruises can also provide early notifications.