Cuba opening its doors.

[Precision]

Carnival cruise lines gained approval to sail from Miami to Havana starting May 1.  The cruise sails on Sundays stopping in Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos.

 

http://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/article/cuba-opening-its-doors/ss-BBr51Sb?li=BBnb7Kz

 

I wonder how our brothers in Cuba are fairing with the recent changes ?  It would be nice to be able to go out in service with our brothers their, but under the current circumstances it's just not possible...yet.

 

[Qapla]

One thing about this that is odd/sad/just wrong

 

It is Cuba that says any Cuban born person who left/escaped from Cuba by boat cannot return/visit by boat ... so, what is someone doing? - they are suing the Cruise Line because they cannot take the cruise ship back to Cuba

[Precision]

So ironic,  that native born Cubans who left the island, cannot return by sea, but can return by air.    

And Tuesday  a Federal lawsuit was ordered against Carnival Cruise lines by two Cuban-Americans who were turned down seats on a Fathom Cruise. Claiming that their rights as Americans violates their rights under the Civil Rights Act.  Carnival responded by mentioning  that this was Cuba's decision and not theirs.

 

Edited April 15, 2016 by Precision

[Stavro]

23 minutes ago, Precision said:

So ironic,  that native born Cubans who left the island, cannot return by sea, but can return by air.    

I might be off-base, but it may be a way of discouraging people from fleeing to the US on rafts, since it prevents those leaving from returning if they're caught by the coast guard or unable to complete the trip.

[outwalkin]

1 to 117—Ratio of Jehovah’s Witnesses to population

Maybe a bit off topic _ but I was amazed at the number of witnesses in Cuba as shown on the front page picture on jw.org

[Bluebell]

Havana, Cuba—Preaching from house to house in Old Havana

Fast Facts—Cuba

• 11,258,597—Population

• 96,487—Ministers who teach the Bible

• 1,524—Congregations

• 1 to 117—Ratio of Jehovah’s Witnesses to population

[Precision]

13 hours ago, Stavro said:

I might be off-base, but it may be a way of discouraging people from fleeing to the US on rafts, since it prevents those leaving from returning if they're caught by the coast guard or unable to complete the trip.

 It may be that Cuba and the U.S. are trying to minimize and prevent smuggling of sensitive goods and equipment. Hopefully there are not too many Cubans living here that would like to return back home in a Chinese raft purchased at Wal-Mart.      

 

[Precision]

Interesting that Key West is working on a fast day trip 200 passenger ferry service to Havana.

 

 

http://www.floridausaguide.com/