The Trump administration announced on June 4, 2019 new ban on Americans traveling to Cuba, including on cruise ships. The cruise and travel industries are scrambling to figure out how to handle it. If you are scheduled to travel to Cuba on a cruise, check in with your cruise line immediately to see how the travel ban effects your vacation.
If you’re traveling on Royal Caribbean, they have released a statement that all ships that were scheduled to go to Cuba June 5 and 6 will be skipping that port of call. Carnival Cruises is skipping Havana as well and is issuing a $100 onboard credit for the inconvenience. Norwegian Cruise Line is cancelling their stops in Cuba and are updating passengers with more information.
The Cuba travel ban also includes private yachts, fishing vessels, and private and corporate aircraft.
Embrace the Aloha spirit the moment you pull into port with a stop at one of these lively bars. From beachfront bistros overlooking the picturesque Nawiliwili Bay to the best happy hour in Honolulu, you don’t have to venture far to hang loose since these watering holes are minutes from port.
Oahu
Honolulu: Mai Tai’s
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Mai Tai’s claims to be the best Pau Hana (happy hour) spot in Honolulu. With its ideal beachfront location, panoramic views of Diamond Head, lively music and spectacular sunsets, we’d have to agree. Locals gather for the restaurant’s award-winning happy hours, Hang Ten Happy Hour daily from 4-7 P.M. and the Late-Night Happy Hour from 8-11 P.M. What to drink? The traditional Mai Tai, of course.
Considering how busy the port of Kahului is, it still remains low key, so you need to venture a few miles out to grab a cocktail. But the Mill House’s short Uber ride is worth the trip. While the restaurant’s focus is on farm to table dining, the tropical plantation is a great place to grab a drink. The backdrop of cascading mountains and heavenly views of the Waikapu Valley are a great accompaniment to your hand-crafted cocktail and lite bites.
Lahaina: Fleetwood’s on Front Street
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Owned by rock and roll legend, Mick Fleetwood, the upstairs bar offers breathtaking ocean and mountain views. Sophisticated yet casual, the bar has an unusually early happy hour from 2-5 P.M, which is excellent for mid-day libations. If you happen to still be in the area at 5:45 P.M, don’t miss The Sunset Ceremony on the rooftop. The daily event, request by Mick Fleetwood, is a phenomenal display of culture, beauty, history, fun and of course sunsets. Be sure to try Mick’s Mule made of Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar Moscato, Giffard’s Crème de Péche, Fever Tree Ginger Beer, Lime, Candy Peach.
Conveniently located right across the street from the port, Kona Brewing Company is known for onsite brews served from ice-cold mugs. Enjoy the island air on the 2,000 square foot lanai or even take a brewery tour. For $15, the one-hour tour includes a complimentary KBC gift and four, 4oz beer samples for those 21 and older.
Hilo: Pineapples
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A great casual place to grab a tropical cocktail, Pineapples‘ open-air atmosphere exudes quintessential island vibes. And true to its moniker, the refreshing Pineapple Pow is served in none other than a cored-out pineapple. Can’t decide? Try the margarita sampler, a selection of four mini margaritas: lilikoi, lychee, strawberry, and mango.
Just down the street for the port, Duke’s Canoe Club’s old world Hawaiin charm brings guests back to the days of Duke Kahanamoku, the legend who popularized the sport of surfing. The favorite beachfront restaurant and barefoot bar honors the famous Hawaiian surfer. Enjoy live Hawaiian music, stunning views of Nawiliwili Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains for an immersive Aloha experience.
