Destination Cuba; Cruise Lines Win Approval to Set Sail to Island Nation

MIAMI — As uncertainty looms over U.S.-Cuba relations, both Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. announced on Wednesday that they had received approvals from the Cuban government to begin cruises to the island nation.

The announcements follow a prediction by Frank Mora, former U.S. deputy assistant Secretary of Defense for the Western Hemisphere, that “something big” may be coming with respect to U.S.-Cuba relations tied to the arrival of the Trump administration in January.

Last month, American Airlines inaugurated its new daily flight service from Miami to Havana, becoming the first commercial U.S. carrier to fly into the communist capital in more than 50 years.

The cruise line approval was personal for Norwegian president and Chief Executive Officer Frank Del Rio, who was born in the Communist nation.

“As a Cuban-American and founder of Oceania Cruises, I am incredibly proud that one of Oceania’s vessels will be our company’s first to sail to Cuba,” he said. “This is truly a dream come true for me and I cannot wait for our loyal guests to experience the sights and sounds of my hometown of Havana and get to know its rich culture and its warm and welcoming residents.”

Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said that the route is likely to attract a new generation of customers.

“Our guests have expressed real interest in having the opportunity to experience Cuba, and we look forward to bringing them there," he explained. "Our discussions with our travel partners indicate that Cuba is a destination that appeals to a new generation of travelers.”

Carnival Corporation became the first cruise line to sail between the U.S. and Cuba in more 50 years back in May when the 704-passenger MV Adonia docked on the island through the company's Fathom line.

Two RCL lines, Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises, will travel directly to Cuba for the purpose of providing “people-to-people exchanges” and other travel permitted by U.S. regulations. The company said it will begin cruises in the near future but did not give a specific date.

Norwegian’s first cruise to Cuba will set sail from Miami on Oceania Cruises’ Marina on March 7, 2017 with select Caribbean itineraries that include calls on Havana, including multiple-day calls. The Seven Seas Mariner of the Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet will call on Havana during two cruises in April 2017. Norwegian Sky will also offer a selection of four-day voyages that will overnight in Havana starting in May 2017.

Full itinerary details and dates for voyages that call on Cuba will be available on Dec. 8 for Oceania Cruises, later in December for Regent Seven Seas Cruises and on Dec. 20 for Norwegian Cruise Line.

Photo of Norwegian Sky courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.