Since the early 1960s, the U.S. has restricted imports and exports from Cuba. After fifty plus years have passed, the embargo, which many have questioned its usefulness, may be coming to an end.
Recently, the U.S. has stabilized its relations with Cuba, allowing for American industries to once again enter into its market. While there will certainly be many industries looking to make the jump, one particular area that is sure to make a splash is the cruise ship industry.
Although thousands of American citizen already travel to Cuba annually, they do so with restrictions in place that could potentially land them a fine or imprisonment. However, if U.S. tourists restrictions are removed, which is what is expected to happen, U.S.-based cruise lines will surely follow. While those same cruise lines are currently prohibited from traveling to Cuban ports, if the embargo is lifted they will join the ranks of numerous Canadian and European-owned cruise lines.
The cruise line industry is a colossal source of steady profit for the U.S. economy, and the big dogs at Carnival Cruise Lines and the like are practically salivating at the chance to expand their economic activity. In 2012 the U.S. cruise line industry created over $42 billion in total economic activity, and despite a few years of bad press (power outages, drownings, illnesses, etc.), the industry seems to have bounced back from its recessionary slump. But, the cruise lines are not the only ones who could benefit from the embargo being lifted.
Because tourism is an integral part of the revenue for the Cuban government, it is in its best interest to help foster an end to the embargo. In 2013, tourism alone brought in $2.3 billion to the Cuban economy, and if its ports were fully opened to U.S. cruise lines, those numbers would see a significant rise. Still, we cannot simply rush into Cuba even if the travel embargo is reduced enough to permit U.S. cruise ships to dock at Cuban ports.
Many issues must be properly addressed before safely allowing U.S. cruise lines to enter Cuba with a ship full of tourists. For instance, port facilities should be well maintained and safe, Cuban infrastructure must be updated, and regulatory policies must be in place. Despite those concerns, it would appear that U.S. cruise ships – and cruise ship lawyers – are ready to journey into the once forbidden waters in the not-too-distant future.
