US Govt just approved commercial ferry service to Cuba

General General Discussion
1

Source: http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/u-s-cuba-relations/new-ferry-travel-routes-opening-between-u-s-cuba-n354186

Americans hoping to jet down to Cuba could soon have the option of going by ferry instead. And if one company has its way, travelers will ride in style on a vessel filled with gambling, restaurants and other amenities.

Two Florida companies — Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale and Baja Ferries USA of Miami — said Tuesday they have received approval from the U.S. government to start offering commercial service to the communist island nation, the Sun Sentinel first reported.

Baja Ferries is looking to provide rides out of Miami, Key West and Port Manatee in Tampa Bay, with Havana as the main destination, President Joseph Hinson told NBC News. The company, which has operations in Mexico and Puerto Rico, still needs to hold formal talks with Cuba.

“This is a big hurdle to overcome,” Hinson said of the license, adding that he is very thankful.

Before a timeline can be firmed up, he added, there are hurdles to overcome: All the ships have to be compliant with U.S. Coast Guard requirements and Homeland Security issues, as well as meet Cuban standards.

“Nothing’s to say it couldn’t happen by September-October,” Hinson said.

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I’m all for it. I’d love to visit Cuba.

3

Maybe we can use it to return Cuba’s favor and ship some career criminals to them. Turn about is fair play after all.

4

Be sure and bring me back some cigars.

5

Romeo y Julieta’s? http://www.cigarsinternational.com/cigars/11962/romeo-y-julieta-1875/

6

Those are very awful RyJ’s, if you want some good ones buy the RyJ Reserva Real.

Anyways, I WILL visit Cuba someday. I think it would be a blast, and I dont like being told I cant travel somewhere.

7

Alas it’s too late, I’m married.

No hot chica’s who think $5 is a LOT of money for me. But what it could have been.

8

No you don’t, 50+ years of communism has turned it into a shit hole. The only place that would be decent to visit us Varadero. I wouldn’t trust that government either, it’s not the USA and they will wipe their ass with your rights.

9

I’d love to grab some Cohiba’s and enjoy the trip back in time. I would definitely go.

10

I’m not a cigar guy, but I’ve heard that communism pretty much killed the quality of the Cuban’s, no incentive to excel at wrapping.

11

I’m no cigar aficionado but I’ve had a couple of Cohibas whilst on vacation in the last few years and while I can’t speak to the wrapper quality, the taste and overall feel of them was far and away better than anything I’ve ever had stateside…