Cuban exile Armando Ruiz is awaiting a response from the Obama administration on his application for a license to run a ferry from Miami to Havana. He proposes to charter a 600-cabin cruise-ferry from a dealer in Lithuania for $23 million for the project.
Now that Cuban-Americans are allowed to travel freely to visit family on the island, the expense of air travel to Havana (which as of now is only provided by charter flight operators at around $500 round-trip from Miami) is the final hindrance. Ruiz’s option for travel back and forth by less-expensive ferry ride would benefit Cuban-Americans with less money, he believes, as well as those who want to bring more gifts to family than flying allows, and people who are unable to fly because of illness or fear.
The current U.S. law governing travel to Cuba allows licenses for aircraft and vessels, so theoretically, his request is within all legal bounds.
The problem is: Ruiz’s request outpaces the current stage of diplomatic deliberations. A ferry such as this may have potential for the future, but it may be too early in the process of rapprochement to receive the “OK” on this from the State Department.
