Well, there goes my trip to Cuba !!

[keith4001r]

Of course of years away from cruise in the Caribbean. When the time comes, I'll do considerably more research.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Sandibar

.... People are not the same as the ruling party, whatever views one holds.

Very true, and its good for us Americans that people around the world can differentiate between the two...or we would be immediately lynched in many more places (not just the Mid East)...one of those places might well be Cuba...the revolution there did not form in a vaccum...a significant formative influence was the USA supported Batista regime. Before that, Rosevelt help create a handy little career enhancing ruse (catapulting him into the Presidency) called the Spanish-American War. So, from a historic perspective, USA policy toward Cuba has played a significant role in fomenting not only Castro's revolution, but shaping present day Cuba. Given that the USA played a significant role in creating this evil commie island nation...should the USA therefore be on the evil country travel ban list to?

The majority of the Cuban people do not like Castro or his policies, but are not in a position to confront such an effective opponent.

[Sandibar]

Originally Posted by SailsTeam

In all of these places you should be careful about getting in serious trouble. In China you can't even access youtube or gmail or google maps without breaking the law. Everyone here seems to think it is a good idea posting on the internet about how to break the Cuba embargo and go spend a bunch of money there on vacation. You are all prime targets for a criminal investigation. I wouldn't go anywhere near the place if you value your freedom. All they have to due is serve the forum with a subpoena and you will all be identified instantly. Cuban people seem to be friendly. Unfortunately when you run aground down there the fisherman aren't allowed to help you get pulled off. You aren't even allowed to anchor anywhere. When you go to Hemmingway Marina you are giving money directly to the Cuban government/military in violation of the embargo. You are also giving them much needed cash to stay in power which hurts the Cuban people!!!

Facepalm indeed. My country has no restrictions to travel to Cuba and even fewer embargoes. Also made it safe back here after a decade in China. The major cities there (maybe bar Guangzhou) are extremelu safe for a traveller. Just dont challenge the authorities with something stupid, or break the law. Plain common sense rules, as in most places.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by SailsTeam

...Unfortunately when you run aground down there the fisherman aren't allowed to help you get pulled off. You aren't even allowed to anchor anywhere. ...

Neither statement is correct. Ive in fact been assisted by Cuban fishermen and have anchored in many places (you do need approval but yes you can anchor in Cuba). Friends of mine just spent a few weeks in a remote area of S Cuba...no marinas, no moorings, anchoring is the only way to visit there.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by keith4001r

There are several countries I wouldn't consider visiting. Cuba because until I hear otherwise from the State Department, it's illegal for me to go there. I would avoid countries where bribes are demanded (DR comes to mind). Open bribery means anarchy, and I'm not interested.

Exclude much of the world from your list then...bribery is very wide spread. Certainly exclude ALL of Central America where it is just how business is conducted.

I grew up around State & Local politics in the USA. Bribery is common there too...just more discrete and at a higher level. So therefore do you exclude the USA?

You might want to cross cruising and travel off your list of acceptable activities.

[keith4001r]

I won't debate you, but I used the word "demanded". I'm almost 60 years old and have never been asked for or had a bribe demanded. Of course my world view isn't as extensive as some, I'm a US citizen and have never left my country.
Additionally, I said that more research was in order.
Am I repeating myself? Yes, yes I am.

[gaucho]

I find it funny how many of you criticize Cuba as being "military ran". Let's compare how much money the US spends on the military and then talk to me about the military spending of Cuba. You also spout about democracy, when the US (and other imperialistic western powers) has intervened many times in functioning democracies because it didn't suit the powers to be.

I am not a Castro fan, neither a US foreign policy objector. But I do believe that the world if full of very dark people in power. And you can say the same thing for almost any regime. It's not a clear cut case of some being the good cops and others being the bad cops. It's a shitty deal everywhere you look.

Cuba is a fantastic place. With a beautiful culture. Even the post Soviet fail culture is amazing (watch this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-XS4aueDUg

). Cuba has literate well educated people all over the place. Many things WERE done right.

Understanding Cuba requires a long long thread that starts with understanding the balance of power post World War II, the history of Latin America as a whole after the independence from (mainly) Spain, and the realities of life in a caribbean island. I don't see no fledging first world caribbean island that followed the capitalist, tourism based, build more hotels mantra. I see poverty, misery and inequality all around. Except in the french islands which are heavily subsidized by mainland France. Cuba, having similar resources, opted for something else. And you have a country without hunger and starvation. Shitloads of stuff to criticize for sure.

Americans sometimes don't realize that imposing the capitalist dream is a bit like a pyramid scheme. Third world countries are the ones at the bottom of the pyramid. Herbalife anyone?

Cuba is fantastic. And it is a cultural heritage of how societies evolve under different opportunities. It's a pitty Americans can't easily experience that. Period.

[Tellie]

Just because everyone else is doing it doesn't mean you shouldn't stand for something.

Mom

[Formosa Scott]

I am pretty sure other countries besides the US have rules for travel whether leaving from or going to. Follow the rules and go all you want.
It's true that right now you will not be starting a business in the US to trade in Cuba. If you're upset about that then guess what, that's ok.
My prediction, the US will negotiate a deal with Cuba that is better for people in both countries. Only time will tell if this is the outcome.

[John Holbrook]

Why can't Americans easily experience that?

Originally Posted by gaucho

Cuba is fantastic. And it is a cultural heritage of how societies evolve under different opportunities. It's a pitty Americans can't easily experience that. Period.

[motion30]

Just curious ,does anyone know of an event where the Coast Guard actually seized the yacht coming back from Cuba? I know they have the power to do that but do they actually take boats

[gaucho]

Because there are travel restrictions John ... That's the whole point of this thread

Originally Posted by John Holbrook

Why can't Americans easily experience that?

[Formosa Scott]

Originally Posted by gaucho

Because there are travel restrictions John ... That's the whole point of this thread

Travel restrictions are normal, needing a passport is a restriction. I think you read this as a travel ban, it is not.

[Formosa Scott]

Originally Posted by gaucho

Americans sometimes don't realize that imposing the capitalist dream is a bit like a pyramid scheme. Third world countries are the ones at the bottom of the pyramid. Herbalife anyone?

.

True Capitalism stands on it's own merits unlike Communism which is imposed.

[John Holbrook]

They can still go on a cruise or an organized tour which is what the majority of Americans would do anyhow.

Trumps commerce and travel restrictions are aimed at not funding Cuban military owned businesses and hotels. The Cuban and Venezuelan regimes both depend on the military to defend them from their own population. In turn these regimes grant the military business rights that a military would normally not have. Hotel ownership (many expropriated from foreign owners), food distribution, oil field service contracts, etc. The generals become rich. The people suffer.

Here in Venezuela there is a lot of support for a Trumps changes on Cuba policy. Cuba controls Venezuela so they see the fall of the regime in Cuba as a path to their own freedom. About 70 people have died here in recent months protesting against the regime.

Originally Posted by gaucho

Because there are travel restrictions John ... That's the whole point of this thread