Royal Caribbean given Cuba approval

Royal Caribbean has announced that the Cuban government has granted it approval for cruises to Cuba from the US. 

Two of the company’s lines, Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises, will run cruises to the island from Florida. Details will be announced in the near future.

“Our guests have expressed real interest in having the opportunity to experience Cuba, and we look forward to bringing them there,” said Richard D Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

“Our discussions with our travel partners indicate that Cuba is a destination that appeals to a new generation of travellers.”

The company added that the cruise itineraries will comply with US Department of Treasury rules that permit travel companies to transport approved travellers to Cuba to engage in people-to-people activities as defined by the US Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The news came on the same day that all three Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings brands were granted approval to begin sailing to Cuba from US ports.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Oceania Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line will begin cruises to the Caribbean island in March 2017.