Apple Vacations has confirmed that its Cuba itineraries are not affected by the new travel restrictions announced by the White House on June 4, 2019. The programs operated by Cuba Travel Services and sold by Apple Vacations fall under the still-acceptable “Support of the Cuban People” category.
Under “Support of the Cuban People,” travelers must have a full-time schedule of activities that improve the lives of individuals in Cuba. This involves enhancing contact with the Cuban people, supporting civil society in Cuba, or promoting the Cuban people’s independence from Cuban authorities.
The regulatory changes prohibit cruises departing the U.S. for Cuba and eliminated the “People to People” travel category. Recently, Royal Caribbean modified several of its itineraries and is working on alternative ones for 2020 sailings. Other cruise lines that have announced changes include Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and MSC Cruises. We've rounded up a full list of the Cuba cruise changes that have been announced here.
In addition to operating currently scheduled Cuba departures as planned, Apple Vacations plans to develop new Cuba itineraries that are consistent with current U.S. Treasury Department Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations in conjunction with Cuba Travel Services.
Travel agents interested in selling Cuba are encouraged to contact their local BDMs for more information.
For more information, visit https://www.applevacations.com/#!/
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