The recent resurrection of Cuba-U.S. diplomatic relations are ripe with historic significance, especially after President Obama became the first sitting U.S. president to touch Cuban soil since Calvin Coolidge’s 1928 visit. The island nation welcomed Obama, as did Raul Castro, after fifteen months of efforts between the two countries. Of course, Obama and Raul didn’t get along perfectly well during the visit. After the initial meet and greet, the two sparred over human rights questions and endured the most awkward arm-holding gesture of all time. And human rights protests (with arrests) continued during and despite Obama’s presence, as Raul has largely continued Fidel Castro’s reign of repression.
Obama’s trip may have been all business, but the two countries are now joined in commerce, which means leisure is an important component. This business will ideally benefit the Cuban people, and U.S. tourists happily plunked down many dollars with Carnival Cruises. The first such voyage departed from Miami on Sunday with 700 passengers; some of them held up Cuban and American flags as the ship set sail.
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On Monday, the Adonia vessel became the first U.S. ship since 1978 years to dock in Havana. Excited tourists posted photos of the ship’s arrival in port.
Cuban pilot boat greeted w squeals & waves from @FathomTravel passengers arriving in Havana #traveldeep HOLA #CUBA! pic.twitter.com/lxFGiJ6g1U
— Chris McGinnis (@cjmcginnis) May 2, 2016
Hola from Havana, Cuba. @fathomtravel #Adonia making historical approach. #TravelDeep pic.twitter.com/RsZii7w3NY
— Stewart Chiron (@CruiseGuy) May 2, 2016
Likewise, curious Cuban residents gathered to watch the ship arrive.
All was not rosy, however, as Sunday’s departure witnessed a boat called Democracia, which contained protesters holding signs: “Castro why do you ask Cubans for a Visa to visit their own country?” Thankfully, the ship’s arrival in Havana appears to be an entirely peaceful affair.
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