[QUOTE=cynicAAl;7880376]
forgive my ignorance here. I'm a US citizen, so I know I'm technically prohibited from visiting Cuba.
You're not "technically" prohibited; you are prohibited unless you fall into a
very small and specific list of legal reasons for travel to Cuba.
I know I can get there from other countries (Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica).
Most Americans trying to get around the rules fly from Cancun, Mexico or northeastern Canada.
Does Cuba allow entry to US citizens traveling on vacation ?
Yes. The embargo is US policy, not Cuba's.
Upon returning to US, is this actually a big deal with US Customs/Immigration ? I'm fine with the add'l search (I buy my Cuban cigars in Spain), but is this something the US DHS/ICE would prosecute ? Your experiences ?
Yes, it is a very big deal to get busted. Many people clear customs back into the USA only to receive a letter months later with a fine of $7,500.
The Cuban sanctions are applied through the Dept. of Treasury, specifically the Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC), and enforced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
Also, I should note that studies have shown many of the Cuban cigars purchased outside of Cuba are not genuine.
Don't trust people that say you can travel there and, if busted afterwards, claim some hairbrained excuse. Nearly all the exceptions to the sanctions require
prior licensure through OFAC and you must be genuine. Therefore, a 'journalist' must actually be a previously published journalist, and a 'student' must be traveling as part of a recognized academic program lasting a certain amount of time (6 week minimum?).