US Cruise Firm Set For Cuba Trips Next Year

A US firm has become the first to win approval to operate culturally themed cruises to Cuba and could start transporting American passengers from May.

The two countries have been improving relations over the last few months after more than 50 years of hostility, including a trade embargo being brought in against the communist country.

Last week, both countries formally agreed to restore diplomatic relations from 20 July.

Carnival Corp, based in Miami, has said it is holding talks with Cuba to start humanitarian and cultural visits which remain within the US embargo guidelines.

Americans are still banned from going to Cuba as tourists, but are permitted to travel if they are visiting family or taking part in academic or educational programmes.

Carnival, the largest cruise operator in the world, is the first US-based cruise ship company to approach Cuba. Two others - Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, have said they are interested in operating cruises but say the US embargo prevents them.

Swiss company MSC Cruises became the first cruise line to base a ship in Cuba last week, with the MSC Opera taking residence in Havana from December to April.

In May, the US Treasury Department approved several licences for passenger ferry services between Cuba and the US.

Similar services were ended in the 1960s after Fidel Castro took power following the Cuban revolution.

The Treasury Department also issued a licence to Palm Beach luxury yacht company Paul Madden Associates to provide charter services to Cuba last week.

Carnival said its cruises, starting from $2,990 per person, will feature Spanish lessons and workshops on Cuban heritage.