Approved! Royal Caribbean and NCL Cruises to Cuba in 2017

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NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) and Royal Caribbean will be cruising to Cuba in 2017.  That is if nothing changes once Trump takes office.

“The voyages will provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover not only the rich culture, history and natural beauty of Cuba, but more importantly experience the warmth and hospitality of its people.”  All of these cruises are subject to the People to People guidelines which means shore excursions will focus on cultural exchanges.

Here’s what we know so far:

NCL Sky will offer select 4 day cruises to Cuba in May of 2017.  There is no further word whether additional dates will be added.
Oceania Cruises‘ Marina will be the first ship to sail to Havana on March 7, 2017.
Seven Seas Mariner (Regent Seven Seas Cruises) will cal on Havana during two cruises in May 2017.

Full itineraries will be available tomorrow for Oceania Cruises, later this month for Regent and December 20th for the NCL Sky.

Royal Caribbean was also approved as well as Azamara Club Cruises.  No details were available as to which ships and how many cruises in 2017 will be offered.  We will update this post as soon as the information becomes available.

If you are looking for a more immersive experience, consider a Cuba land tour in 2017.

Making the Most of a Caribbean Vacation

The Caribbean is one of the most diverse travel regions in the world — and also one of the most misunderstood. Too many travelers book based on price alone and end up on a resort that doesn’t fit their style, or on a cruise itinerary that rushes through ports they’d have loved to explore more deeply. At Atlas Travel Center, we’ve been booking Caribbean travel since 1987, and we know which islands suit which kinds of travelers.

Couples looking for barefoot luxury and quiet beaches have very different needs than families hunting for water parks and kid-friendly excursions, which are in turn different from adventure travelers after snorkeling, hiking, and off-the-beaten-path local culture. Our advisors match you to the right experience — the right island, the right resort category, the right ship if you’re cruising — based on what you actually want from your trip.

What to Know Before You Book

Beyond the obvious considerations of budget and travel dates, Caribbean travel has some nuances worth knowing. Hurricane season runs June through November, with peak risk in August and September — but travel during shoulder season can mean dramatically lower prices and fewer crowds. All-inclusive resorts vary enormously in quality; the “all-inclusive” label alone tells you very little. And for cruise travelers, the difference between a port-intensive itinerary and a relaxed two-sea-day schedule changes the entire character of the trip.

Our team cuts through all of this for you. We’ll help you understand true value, navigate travel protection, and book the specific room type, ship cabin, or resort package that matches your expectations.

Connect with an Atlas Travel Advisor

Atlas Travel Center has been planning Caribbean vacations for individuals, couples, families, and groups for over three decades. We’re CLIA-certified, ARC-accredited, and A+ rated with the BBB. Let us put our experience to work for you — contact us today to start planning.

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published with 2017 information and has been retained as a useful reference. Cruise itineraries, pricing, and ship deployments change seasonally. For current 9+ year updated availability, pricing, and itinerary details, contact Atlas Travel Center — our advisors track every cruise line’s current offerings in real time. We’ve been booking cruises since 1987 and can find you the best available options today.

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Sue Lobo
Sue Lobo is a four-time Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist (2023, 2024, 2025 & 2026) and Senior Travel Advisor at Atlas Travel Center, one of the most decorated travel agencies in the United States. With more than 35 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue has planned, booked, and personally accompanied trips for thousands of clients — from first-time cruisers to seasoned luxury travelers who have circled the globe multiple times. Sue's areas of deep expertise include ocean and river cruising, European tours, group travel coordination, luxury travel, honeymoon planning, and family vacation design. She is a CLIA-certified cruise specialist and works within an agency that holds IATA and ARC accreditation and maintains an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Over her career, Sue has been involved in more than 30,000 bookings and has personally coordinated over 200 travel groups — from faith-based group cruises and HBCU alumni trips to women's retreats, family reunions, and corporate incentive travel. What sets Sue apart is not just the credentials — it is the firsthand experience behind them. Sue has personally traveled to more than 20 countries across three continents, including Cuba, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, and throughout Europe. She has sailed on dozens of cruise ships across nearly every major line, walked the river cruise routes she recommends, and eaten at the restaurants she suggests to clients. Her recommendations come from personal experience, not brochures. In addition to advising clients, Sue writes extensively about travel for The Traveler's Atlas blog — covering everything from cruise line comparisons and overtourism trends to destination guides and practical travel tips. Her writing is grounded in the same expertise she brings to every client conversation: honest, specific, and built on decades of real-world travel experience. Sue is based in the United States and available to help travelers plan cruises, European tours, group trips, river cruises, honeymoons, family vacations, and more. To work with Sue, contact Atlas Travel Center at atlastravelweb.com.