State Department Updates Cuba Travel Warning on Hurricane Irma

The State Department has updated its Cuba travel warning, which was originally issued September 13 as a result of damage the destination sustained from Hurricane Irma.

As part of the updated warning the State Department is advising U.S. citizens to carefully consider the risks of travel to Cuba while Hurricane Irma recovery efforts are underway. Major roads are now open in Havana, and power and water service has been restored in most of the city, but some parts of the country may be without power and running water. North central Cuba suffered severe damage and should be avoided until further notice, the State Department said.

At the same time, cruise lines have begun to return to Cuba following the hurricane. On September 14 Norwegian Cruise Line reported that it had received confirmation that port facilities in Havana had not been impacted by Hurricane Irma, and that the lines local tour operator partners there were ready to receive guests. The Norwegian Sky resumed Cuba cruises Monday, September 18.

MSC Cruises also reported that the MSC Opera resumed operating regular cruise service out of Havana, Cuba, as of September 16.

Royal Caribbean is also offering cruises to Cuba onboard Empress of the Seas. Those itineraries depart September 23 and 27, as well as October 2, 7 and 11 and will call at Havana.

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