Cruise lines could tie up in Cuba — eventually
- Submitted by: admin
- United States
- Politics and Government
- 07 / 21 / 2010
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Even if the U.S. lifts the travel ban to Cuba, don't expect Havana to be a port of call for American cruise lines any time soon, says Richard Sasso, board chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association.
The organization is the trade group for 25 cruise lines serving North America.
Heartened by news reports that Cuba had agreed to release 52 political prisoners and by increasing congressional support for ending the American travel ban, Sasso foresees the day when Cuba will be on the Caribbean itinerary of every major cruise line.
"Right now, though, they lack the infrastructure and facilities to handle the huge influx of vessels and visitors," he said.
"It'll probably take one, two or maybe three years before the necessary developments are completed. Lots of work has to be done."
Heartened by news reports that Cuba had agreed to release 52 political prisoners and by increasing congressional support for ending the American travel ban, Sasso foresees the day when Cuba will be on the Caribbean itinerary of every major cruise line.
"Right now, though, they lack the infrastructure and facilities to handle the huge influx of vessels and visitors," he said.
"It'll probably take one, two or maybe three years before the necessary developments are completed. Lots of work has to be done."
By Si Liberman, Special to Tribune Newspapers
Source: Chicago Tribune
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