Bahamas Paradise ship denied entry into Cuba
Mystery surrounds why Bahamas Paradise’s one-off cruise to Cuba was denied entry by Cuban officials.
The Grand Classica was turned back by givernment officials due to unexplained issues over documentation.
It was particularly disappointing as the Palm Beach based ship was full of Cuban Americans promised time with their relatives who were permitted to board the ship when it docked in Havana.
That didn’t happen and Bahamas Paradise referred inquiries to Miami based Viva Travels which chartered the ship for the one-time itinerary.
The cruise line has said all approvals were applied for and granted ahead of the sailing.
However it is unusual for cruise ships calling at any country to allow non-passengers aboard.
Passengers included naturalized Americans who had not returned to Cuba or seen some relatives for decades.
The February 14-18 cruise was marketed as a unique opportunity for Cubans to join their US based friends and relatives aboard the ship for a few hours of Cuban inspired live music and food.
The ship was forced out to sea again and made a call at Nassau. It is scheduled to return to Palm Beach on February 18.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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