Photo: MARINA will be NCLH' first ship to go to Cuba. Photo: Mike Louagie

Several USA-based companies get approval to offer cruises to Cuba

Cruise Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) announced on December 7 that they have both received approval from the government of the Republic of Cuba to operate cruises to Cuba.

All three of the company's NCLH' brands, NCL, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, will offer U.S. travelers the opportunity to visit the country on select sailings starting next year.

NCLH' first cruise to Cuba will set sail from Miami on Oceania Cruises' MARINA on March 7, 2017 with select Caribbean itineraries featuring calls on Havana, including many multiple-day calls to allow guests to explore Havana and its environs.

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 in May 2017.

RCL said it plans to announce its first Florida-Cuba itineraries in the near future.

The Carnival Corp & PLC was allowed to sail with ADONIA (Fathom) to Cuba, but is awaiting authorisation for more ships and more brands. Other American companies are waiting too, such as Victory Cruise Line and Pearl Seas Cruises.

© Shippax / Mike Louagie

Dec 08 2016