Imagine grabbing your luggage and heading to Cuba out of Port Manatee. It could be a reality within the next six months, according to Baja Ferries, a company out of Miami.
Executive Vice President Joe Hinson said the company is now one of several approved to run ferry services between the US and Havana. Hinson said the company first applied for a license five years ago, then again in March, as relations between the US and Cuba began to thaw.
“We were certainly under the belief that as things were improving it would happen,” Hinson said. “We didn’t think it would happen quite this quickly, quite frankly.”
So it’s a good thing Baja Ferries has already been negotiating with Port Manatee. Though port director Carlos Buqueras said a deal has yet to be struck. Buqueras said red tape also needs to be worked out between both countries, involving customs and USDA regulations.
“We will work with the ferry operators and the federal agencies and state agencies to make it happen as soon as practical,” Buqueras said.
Hinson said Baja Ferries is also considering the port in Tampa.
“At this stage, really truly no decision has been made because at the same time we have to meet with Cuban authorities to see what their requirements are,” he said. “We also have to look at the demographics.”
Hinson said the company needs to consider where the most demand is. The travel criteria imposed by the Obama Administration will still be in effect, so the everyday tourist won’t be allowed on board.
Still, Buqueras expects plenty of qualifying travelers between both Manatee and Hillsborough Counties.
“We happen to be closer to Havana,” Buqueras said. “So if someone doesn’t have the time to go to Tampa, they can come to us and still get to Havana quicker. But I think there will be sufficient business for everybody.”