Earlier today Fidel Castro, the leader of Cuba for nearly 50 signaled his intention to relinquish power with the seating of the next national assembly.
The Center for Democracy in the Americas released the following statement (in part):
"People here should not misunderstand this historic moment: the Cubans we know, even determined political opponents of Fidel Castro, are proud of their country, proud of its accomplishments, and persuaded that only Cubans in Cuba -- not politicians in Washington or hardliners in Miami -- have the right and responsibility to determine their own destiny."
This refers to the policy of "embargo" that the US has followed since the JFK era. Originally the US would not engage with Cuba while Fidel Castro was in charge. For more than a year his brother Raul has de facto been in charge, which changed the US policy to "any Castro" so that the current embargo, popular with many (but not all) Cubans in Miami could be maintained.
The embargo is a complicated situation. From a travel standpoint, it means that it is a felony, yes felony, to travel to Cuba for any citizen of the US whether residing here or abroad OR for any citizen of ANY country traveling on any other national passport but RESIDING in the US. The only exceptions are granted by license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control in Washington.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Steal in Hawaii
The Royal Hawaiian (the Pink Palace) is offering three-night minimum stays now through May 31, 2008 @ $299 per night. Subject to availability. Also included is a special memento, the oceanfront buffet breakfast for two, and a certificate for one free night in 2009 with two paid nights.
What's the catch? The grand dame is scheduled to close for a face lift beginning June 1 so there may be some work going on while you're there; some facilities may not be at full operating steam; some interiors may seem a little worn. Still, for this price at this location in Honolulu AND a free night after it reopens in January of 2009, this offer is hard to beat.
What's the catch? The grand dame is scheduled to close for a face lift beginning June 1 so there may be some work going on while you're there; some facilities may not be at full operating steam; some interiors may seem a little worn. Still, for this price at this location in Honolulu AND a free night after it reopens in January of 2009, this offer is hard to beat.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Aloha to the Pride of Aloha
NCL announces that, not only is the Pride of Hawaii leaving the Hawaii route to become the NCL Jade but the Pride of Aloha is leaving also. The Pride of Hawaii is stopping in Los Angeles for a wet dock to revamp some of its interior then sailing to Europe for a dry dock to add a casino. Presto chango, it will then be the Norwegian Jade.
The Pride of Aloha will be transferred to Star Cruises ( the parent company) and reflagged (different company so a different name) for sailing in Asia. This is sort of sad for me because it doesn't seem that many years ago that I toured the Pride of Aloha when it stopped in my home port prior to its maiden voyage to Hawaii.
The remaining NCL ship in the Hawaii market will be the Pride of America. It will undergo a dry dock from April 26 through May 10 to allow conversion to all of the Freestyle 2.0 amenities. From then it will sail its 4 main island cruises with a few modifications in the traditional itinerary.
The Pride of Aloha will be transferred to Star Cruises ( the parent company) and reflagged (different company so a different name) for sailing in Asia. This is sort of sad for me because it doesn't seem that many years ago that I toured the Pride of Aloha when it stopped in my home port prior to its maiden voyage to Hawaii.
The remaining NCL ship in the Hawaii market will be the Pride of America. It will undergo a dry dock from April 26 through May 10 to allow conversion to all of the Freestyle 2.0 amenities. From then it will sail its 4 main island cruises with a few modifications in the traditional itinerary.
Thursday, February 07, 2008
News from Jamaica
I don't post every day because I only post what particularly catches my attention. This quote from Basil Smith, Director of Tourism for Jamaica did just that. Note that I have added the emphasis.
You will be pleased to know that the upgrades and expansion at both international airports have been completed making it easy and delightful to move through both immigration and customs procedures. Equally important, is that construction has been completed on roads from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Negril enabling your clients to get to their hotels in much shorter time.
You will be pleased to know that the upgrades and expansion at both international airports have been completed making it easy and delightful to move through both immigration and customs procedures. Equally important, is that construction has been completed on roads from the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay to Ocho Rios and Negril enabling your clients to get to their hotels in much shorter time.
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