Travel to Cuba

In keeping with our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with information about Cuba, the Center consults on people-to-people travel. Until unrestricted travel is again allowed between Cuba and the United States, the Center works to help those planning travel to Cuba to accomplish their goals.

We have been consulting on trips of every kind, organized by Marazul Charters, Inc. in consultation with the Center for Cuban Studies; trips that take you deep inside Cuba's social welfare system, the cultural life of Cuba, and the economics and politics of a rapidly changing society.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

PREE ABOUT A RECENT HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE PROGRAM

U.S. Health Specialists Learn First Hand about Cuban Health System
CIENFUEGOS, Cuba, Nov 9 (acn) The assistance provided in Cuba to people with Down Syndrome called the attention of a U.S. delegation that visited this week the province of Cienfuegos, as part of a program focused on the island’s health system.

ART & ARCHITECTURE IN CUBA (8 days, Havana, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Matanzas)

Saturday, February 18th - Saturday, February 25th, 2012**

Please note that we have adjusted dates according to flight NYC JFK schedules and will make this an 8 day Saturday-to-Saturday direct NYC-Havana trip. -CCS

• COST: $3,500 depending on hotel preferences. Email for details: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

• WHAT'S INCLUDED?

Round trip flight from Miami to Havana, 4-5 star hotel lodging, transportation (modern tour bus), activities, guide, translator, breakfasts, some dinners. Please see FAQ page for more information.

*SOLD OUT*

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The Center for Cuban Studies is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations to the Center are tax-deductible. Donors to the Center are among our most-valued members because they help to insure that the Center’s mission will be fulfilled -- normalization of relations between Cuba and the United States which permit full cultural and educational exchange.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can I travel legally to Cuba?

YES! Please see our posting here by Bob Guild of Marazul to learn more about the recent lifting of travel restrictions by the Obama Administration. If you go to Cuba with us on our People-to-People License, you must participate in our activities, unless sick or other unforeseen circumstances come up. Dates and details are subject to change. Cuba is dealing with lots of economic adversity. Flexibility and patience are an important part of the experience!

2. Where do we stay?

Travelers on our CUBA Update trips stay at 3-4 star hotels or higher Havana, or in charming mini-hotels in the smaller cities like Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and Santiago. Some popular places in Havana are The Sevilla, the Parque Central, the Melia Cohiba (5 stars), and The Nacional (5 stars). Check with us for room availability.

3. Can I get my own room? What if I travel with my friend, spouse, etc.?

We can accommodate you if you want a single room, a double, or are traveling together with a friend or spouse.

4. Do we travel with a group?

Travelers travel together with their group, usually about fifteen people, by bus to the numerous destinations in our itinerary and in the company of a knowledgeable guide.

5.What does the estimated cost include?

The estimated cost of the trips is all-inclusive (lodging, transportation, all breakfasts, some dinners, guide, consultation, activities, etc.) and covers air fare from Miami to Havana, but not air fare to Miami.

6. Is there flexibility with the activities?

There is always flexibility in the programs especially in the late afternoons/evenings they can do what they choose to do. Normally, your tour guide can help everyone on the ground in Cuba do what you wish to do.

7. Can I upgrade (or downgrade) to a different hotel?

For big groups more than 12 people hotel upgrades are not possible. This is for the cohesiveness and solidarity of the group. HOWEVER, if they are individuals or small groups traveling they can stay wherever they choose

8. When do I know if the trip I want to go on will happen and what happens to my deposit?

Our trips require that enough people sign up in order to keep the costs down. Often, this is not known until a month before the scheduled date of departure. If the trip does not happen, your deposit is FULLY refunded.

9. How much is the air fare component of the trip?

$389* per person round-trip Miami/Havana/Miami including US Departure Taxes and Cuban Medical Insurance for the length of time in Cuba.

*This is a estimate and subject to change.

10. How much do the hotels cost?

Lodging on our trips is roughly $670* per person in a double room, $975* per person in a single room. * These estimates are subject to change.

11. Will there be someone at the airport to pick you up?

YES.

12. Will we be accompanied by someone knowledgeable through out the trip?

YES.

13. How much money should we bring?

We suggest $100/day, unless you plan to buy art work, in which case more money is recommended.

14. Do we need a visa?

We arrange a tourist visa for you with Marazul.

15. Can we bring cigars and rum back?

No.

16. Will someone meet us in Miami?

If you book with Marazul, someone will be there from Marazul to assist with connections.

17. Where should I stay overnight in Miami if I want to fly out with the group to Havana from Miami and can't fly directly from my state?

Travelers coming from far flung places who would cannot fly directly to Havana and prefer to meet the travel group in Miami at the airport should plan on staying at the relatively inexpensive Miami International Airport Hotel.

18. How much baggage can I bring?

Airlines have different weight restrictions, but most Cuba-bound charter flights allow 44 lbs. of checked luggage. Excess baggage fees range from $1-2 per pound.

19. Will my passport be stamped?

Np, your visa card will be stamped.

20. Should I bring dollars or Euros?

At this time it is best to bring us dollars to Cuba and change them directly you will get for $1- 0.87 CUC. The Cuban government took 10 % off the dollar/CUC ex rates so it does no longer make sense to change your $ to euros.

21. Do I tip in Cuba?

Yes.

22. Should I bring a laptop?

Yes, just one. There is WiFi at most hotels and there is an internet café in Old Havana. Your Blackberry and iPhone will not work.

23. Can I call the States?

Direct calls to and from the States can be made at almost any hotel.

24. Can I use my cellphone?

You can use your own cellular if it is a GSM phone that is not locked. You can convert it, but it takes 3 hours, costs 3 CUC per day, and is contractual.

25. What if I get sick?

Almost all hotels have a nurse or doctor for minor illnesses and injuries. The cost of your trip includes the cost of medical insurance for medical coverage in Cuba. For hospital visits you must bring your airplane ticket and visa as proof of insurance.

26. Is Cuba safe?

Cons and petty theft are the most common form of crime, but violent crime is not commonplace.

27. What should I wear?

Pack for the tropics. Shorts and t-shirts for the day, slacks and shirts for the evenings out. Sturdy shoes and sandals are a good idea.

28. What gifts should I bring?

For women: clothes, costume jewelry, perfumes, nail polish, hair accessories. For men: cologne, disposable razors, baseball caps, and t-shirts. For kids: books, toys chewing gum. Other: guitar strings, CDs, toothbrushes, deodorant, tampons, ibuprofen, cold and flu medicine, and vitamins.

29. Can I drink the water?

Bottled water is recommended.

30. What's the food like?

Not spicy, but very flavorful. Lots of meat and poultry, rice, beans, plantains, root veggies. Bring snacks if you need a sugar/carbohydrate fix.

31. What is the departure tax?

Save 25 CUC to pay departure tax to the left of the immigration window once you've checked-in for your flight.

Please email us if you have any unanswered question/s! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 212-242-0559

White House Announcement on People to People Travel

THE WHITE HOUSE

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release January 14, 2011

REACHING OUT TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE

Today, President Obama has directed the Secretaries of State, Treasury, and Homeland Security to take a series of steps to continue efforts to reach out to the Cuban people in support of their desire to freely determine their country’s future.

The President has directed that changes be made to regulations and policies governing: (1) purposeful travel; (2) non-family remittances; and (3) U.S. airports supporting licensed charter flights to and from Cuba. These measures will increase people-to-people contact; support civil society in Cuba; enhance the free flow of information to, from, and among the Cuban people; and help promote their independence from Cuban authorities.

Trip Consulting

In keeping with our commitment to provide U.S. citizens with information about Cuba, the Center assists groups and individuals who fall within the legal exemptions to the U.S. ban on travel to Cuba, i.e., those engaging in professional research, news-gathering, humanitarian or religious aid projects. Until unrestricted travel is again allowed between Cuba and the United States, the Center works to help those planning travel to Cuba to accomplish their goals

For further information on travel regulations please click here and be directed to Marazul Charters webpage.

You may also contact the Center for Cuban Studies, 231 West 29th Street, New York, NY 10001; fax: (212) 242-1937; phone: (212) 242-0559; e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it