You’ll soon be able to sail from Miami to Cuba with a major cruise line. Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line today announced they have received Cuban Government approval to sail from Florida to Cuba. Miami based Royal Caribbean said both namesakes Royal Caribbean brand and its smaller Azamara Club Cruises brand has been approved for sailings to Cuba. They will provide guests with travel directly to Cuba for the purpose of providing people-to-people exchanges between guests and Cuban citizens and other travel permitted by current US regulations. The cruise itineraries will comply with US Department of Treasury rules that permit travel companies to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in people-to-people activities as defined by the US Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control. The start dates would be coming soon.
Miami based Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said all three brands, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been approved to operate voyages to Cuba, starting in March of 2017. “All three of the company’s brands will offer US travelers the opportunity to visit the culturally and historically rich country on select sailings starting next year. The voyages will provide guests with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover not only the rich culture, history and natural beauty of Cuba, but more importantly experience the warmth and hospitality of its people.”
The company’s first cruise to Cuba will set sail from the Port of Miami on Oceania’s ship the Marina on March 7, 2017. Selected Caribbean itineraries will feature calls on Havana, including many multiple-day calls to allow guests to explore Havana and its environs. The Regent Seven Seas Mariner will be in Havana during two cruises in April of 2017. The Norwegian Sky will offer four-day voyages that will overnight in Havana in May of 2017. The shore excursions on all three brands will offer authentic Cuban experiences that explore people, art, history and culture of the Island, which are in compliance with OFAC regulations.
If you want to spend more than just a day in port, there are plenty of Cuba land tour packages available for 2017 as well.
