For the first time since Spring 2004, Semester at Sea will return to the Republic of Cuba starting with the Fall 2013 voyage. Past field experiences in Cuba were some of the most powerful in the history of Semester at Sea for students, lifelong learners, faculty, and staff given the cultural richness and significant political history of the island nation.
Due to restrictions on U.S. educational travel policies to Cuba imposed in 2004, Semester at Sea has not been able to return, although gaining approval to go back has remained a top priority for the Institute.
After working closely with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) at the U.S. Treasury Department for several years to obtain approval, Semester at Sea is now officially licensed for educational travel to Cuba. The exciting port of Havana has been added to the Fall 2013 itinerary, and plans with our Cuban hosts are underway for logistical arrangements, student exchanges, the creation of dynamic academic field labs and related educational excursions.
Fall 2013 Itinerary*
August 24 – December 16, 2013
- Embark: Southampton (London), England
- St. Petersburg, Russia
- Hamburg, Germany
- Antwerp, Belgium
- La Havre, France
- Dublin, Ireland
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Cadiz, Spain
- Casablanca, Morocco
- Takoradi, Ghana
- Tema (Accra), Ghana
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Salvador, Brazil
- Havana, Cuba
- Debark: Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
*Subject to final confirmation.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Voyage start and end dates will remain the same
August 24 – December 16, 2013
There are no visa requirements for U.S. students to enter Cuba prior to arrival
You do not need to take any steps regarding visas or other travel documentation.
Salvador, Brazil has been substituted for Manaus, Brazil
Students will have the opportunity to visit the Amazon region via overland trips from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Stay tuned for exciting field opportunities to be released in coming weeks!
Plans with our Cuban hosts are underway for logistical arrangements, student exchanges, and the creation of dynamic academic field labs and related educational excursions.
