Are Cruise Lines headed to Havana?
President Obama’s easing of US restrictions for travel and investment in Cuba has Havana looking like it may be the next hot port for the cruise industry. And with time, we will likely see U.S.-based passenger cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Celebrity soon docking in Havana.
As a lawyer that sues cruise lines on behalf of injured passengers, I am very concerned that Cuba does not yet have the infrastructure, port facilities and telecommunication capabilities to provide adequate support and protection for passengers, especially in remote parts of the country. It has been nearly 50 years since American tourists have been able to freely travel to Cuba. And, unlike other caribbean ports –like Ocho Rios (Jamaica), George Town (Grand Cayman) and Cozumel (Mexico) that have had decades of experience handling the complex issues that occur when small ports are invaded by tourists–I am not sure that Cuba is ready, not just yet.
Norwegian Cruises to Cuba
Norwegian Cruise Line’s CEO, Frank Del Rio has announced that NCL already has several itineraries in mind-beyond just Havana, possibly including Cienfuegos, Trinidad and Isla de Pinos.
A cruise to and around Cuba will be an exciting addition to the typical Caribbean cruise ship itineraries; but I strongly urge NCL, as well as other cruise lines, to carefully plan and ensure that passenger safety is always placed ahead of corporate profit. Of particular concern, are onshore excursions, where passenger can find themselves far from the safety and protection of their ship. Excursion tour operators will need to be carefully vetted and insured.
Our cruise ship passenger injury attorneys are passionate about protecting the legal rights of the injured. If you have been involved in an accident during a cruise or onshore excursion, it is important that you consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer who sues cruise ships immediately. Most cruise lines have a very limited time period to initiate a claim and to file a lawsuit. Our firm offers anyone who has been involved in an accident during a cruise a free initial consultation. Call us today: 1-866-597-4529 or email us at: [email protected].
