Located just 90 miles from the United States, Cuba is one of today’s most exciting destinations for vacationers. Visiting Cuba was previously only a dream for most Americans, but all that has changed. Cruises to the island now make it an easy-to-reach Caribbean vacation destination. Visitors to Cuba can experience its cultural treasures, historic sites and vibrant music and arts scene. First-hand interactions with the Cuban people, vintage American cars and Cuba’s world famous hand-rolled cigars are highlights as well.

Cuba’s 500 year-old capital city, Havana, is the island’s must-see spot. Carnival Cruise Line offers 4- and 5-day cruises that visit Havana on its popular Fun Ship, Carnival Paradise. Sailings depart from Tampa, Florida and include overnight stays in Havana, allowing guests to authentically experience the city’s vibrant nightlife and enticing attractions. Havana is the sole port of call on Carnival’s four-day cruises, while five-day cruises call on Havana and either Key West or Cozumel.

Cruising provides a worry-free way to visit Cuba, particularly for American passengers. Carnival’s visits to Havana have been structured to comply with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s regulations allowing travel operators to transport American travelers to Cuba to take part in approved activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control. Guests simply unpack once and enjoy Carnival’s outstanding cruise experience which they have come to know and love.

Carnival Paradise holds 2,052 passengers and features a wide variety of dining options, amenities and entertainment. Cruise guests can enjoy the ship’s 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival, four swimming pools, a 115-foot-long waterslide, comedy and Playlist Production shows, and Carnival’s Serenity adults-only outdoor retreat. For families, these Carnival Paradise cruises combine a hassle-free opportunity to visit to Cuba with Carnival’s superb onboard family-friendly activities including fantastic kids and teens programs and Seuss at Sea activities.

Carnival’s Carnival Paradise cruises to Cuba are selling very well. Those who are interested in cruising to Cuba should book early to take advantage of these limited options. “The opportunity to visit Havana, combined with the fun, relaxed ambiance and wide variety of amenities and features offered on Carnival Paradise, make for a truly one-of-a-kind vacation experience,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

Carnival has designed sixteen optional daytime and evening shore excursions for guests on its Carnival Paradise Cuba cruises. This exciting array of tours offers something for every interest and age group. Carnival’s Top 10 Best of Havana and In Hemingway’s Footsteps excursions, for example, allow guests to sample a wide variety of some of Havana’s most interesting places to visit. Carnival’s Family Experience takes families to the Muraleando collective and other Havana highlights, while foodies can savor traditional flavors of Cuba on the Local Flavors and Traditional of Havana tour.

Since all of Carnival’s Cuba cruises offer a full overnight stay in Havana, guests can also enjoy the city’s great nightlife including spectacular shows at the Tropical Cabaret, the Hotel Nacional de Cuba’s Parisien Cabaret, the Buena Vista Social Club at the Havana Café, and much more. Families and history buffs will enjoy watching the evening cannon ceremony at the Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana, which has been taking place every night for over 400 years. The massive 18th-century fortress complex is a great place to explore as well. All of Carnival’s Havana shore excursions for Carnival Paradise guests fully comply with U.S. Government requirements for visits to Cuba.

If You Go:

Sailings to Cuba on Carnival Paradise can be booked through your favorite travel agent, by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL, or on Carnival.com. A passport is required for all guests sailing on cruises that visit Cuba. More information on these voyages and their special requirements can be found on Carnival’s website.