Just 90 miles from the United States, Cuba famously sits detached from the maddening consumerism and modernity that our nation has to offer. Throughout the Cold War and beyond, the idea of visiting Cuba was just nothing but an idea, a distant pipe dream.

Things are different today, Cuba is a lot closer than what seems, just 90 miles – practically a stone’s throw away. This historically-rich country and its capital city Havana is a vibrant, living and breathing time capsule. It’s brimming with a culture that boasts of raucous island fishermen, hard drinks, affectionately cared-for Chevys and gorgeous women; though anti-imperialist political rebellions are thankfully a thing of the past.

Cruising to Cuba, to say the least, has never been any easier. As regulations fell away under the Obama administration, several Cuba cruise ships from the U.S. and elsewhere added more and more sailings. An important thing to note is that even though the Trump administration is set on imposing more and more restrictions; there are, at present, no government regulations forbidding Cuba cruise ships from going. President Donald Trump has however signed an executive order requiring visitors to travel in groups. So, if you are thinking of heading to this exotic location, be sure to have some friends, family or colleagues tag along.

Another thing to note is that currently, all nationalities can visit Cuba as tourists except Americans. Americans do still need to travel under one of 12 approved reasons. You would need a people-to-people Visa, which thankfully is offered by major cruise lines. Also, do call the U.S. embassy in Havana and let them know of your visit. There is also a slight chance that U.S. customs could ask for written records detailing what you’ve been up to for the last 5 years.

As U.S.–Cuban relations continue to improve and evolve, cruise ships have upgraded their sailing schedules. You can buy some of the best Cuba cruise options on ships like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Pearl Seas Cruises, Celestyal. Most of these cruises offer attractive itineraries, people to people programs, and regulations. It is however recommended that Cuba cruise ships should be taken only by passengers who are fans of smaller ships and are willing to see Cuba as a part of a longer itinerary. However, if you are looking for a budget-friendly cruising experience and do not have enough time for an elaborate luxurious cruise.