Carnival Corporation will continue the momentum set by its Carnival Cruise Line brand with plans to extend voyages to Cuba across its portfolio, TRBusiness understands.

 

The Miami-headquartered brand announced on Tuesday its approval to add 12 four and five-day overnight itineraries to Carnival Paradise excursions departing from the Port of Tampa on 29 June.

 

Five-day voyages include a stop in either Mexico’s Cozumel or Florida’s Key West, with both including day and overnight visits to Havana.

 

Commenting on the news, a Carnival Corporation spokesperson told TRBusiness that it had also requested permission for other brands in its portfolio to sail to Cuba.

In a statement announcing the new route, Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said: “Cuba is an island jewel unique from anywhere else in the Caribbean and we are thrilled to have this rare opportunity to take our guests to this fascinating destination.”

 

CUBA: MAJOR CRUISE PLAYERS STAKE THEIR CLAIMS

Carnival Cruise Line’s latest announcement follows Carnival Corporation’s first foray to Cuba under Fathom with the 710-capacity Adonia (set to discontinue routes to Cuba and return to P&O Cruises’ fleet this Summer to continue on six lines serving the Dominican Republic).

 

Rivals Norwegain Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International are among a number of other lines securing approval in recent months to voyage to the island.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings will operate cruises to Cuba, beginning in March, under its Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.

 

Oceania Cruises’ Marina will depart from Port Miami on 7 March, including multiple-day routes to Havana, while Regent’s Seven Seas Mariner will call during two cruises in April and Norwegian Sky will offer a selection of four-night voyages in May.

 

Royal Caribbean International’s Empress of the Seas will make its first visit to Cuba during a five-night sail departing from Miami on 19 April, before docking in Tampa for the Summer season where it will resume four and five-night trips, including to Cuba.

EASE ON TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

All visits comply with travel authorised under 12 licensed categories defined by the U.S Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control that admit travel operators to transport approved travellers to Cuba. 

Former US President Barack Obama’s relaxation on travel restrictions to Cuba in 2016 ended a political impasse between the two countries stretching back more than 50 years.

 

Look out for a special Americas’ cruise report in the March issue of TRBusiness.