I visited Cuba some years ago before I got my US citizenship (to inspect a ship load of steel, I am in the marine business) Before I went I spoke to both some US customs and immigration agents I was on very good talking terms with. They assured me that a visit to Cuba really would not affect my application for US citizenship but not being a citizen yet, there is nothing the authorities can do to prohibit such.
(Visting by US Citizens is not techinically prohited provided you spend less than $50.00)
but really the frown on all unless they have relatives, is a member of a sports team or say a jounalist doing research.

I went, spent 8 days had a really good time.
a) Cuban authorities being aware of the US govt policy will not stamp your passport.
b) I used cash, but I believe Mastercard was acceptable because they can run the charge through a European affillate so it does not run afoul of the US card rules.

Not much really to buy besides Habana club rum and the usual tourist items like ash trays etc which says Cuba on them and off course cigars.
There is great confusion as to whether you can buy Cuban cigars and bring them back.
I have confirmed this a number of times and even won a few bets regarding this.
IT IS NOT ILLEGAL TO BUY CUBAN CIGARS AND BRING THEM BACK TO THE US IF YOU VISIT CUBA
(catch-22 you cant buy many cigars with your
$50.00)
It is illegal however to buy Cuban cigars in Nassau or Canada where they are readily available.
If I were you I would just say my wife bought them since she is a Canadian national and she can say that she was the one who visited Cuba.
If you do go some food items I really enjoyed, roasted lamb, Chicken Baracoa (tastes almost like smoked salmon) and a yogurt made from papaya.
Mike


[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 04-18-2001).]