Carnival Corporation to Set Sail for Cuba

Carnival Corporation, the biggest cruise company on the planet, has scheduled Miami-Havana voyages starting in May 2016. By means of its new brand, Fathom, Carnival Corporation wants to be the first US cruise company to visit Cuba since the trade embargo established in 1960.

Director General Arnold Donald told The Associated Press that “this is an important first step for our company and the cruise industry” and he pointed out that “it’s the beginning of a plan to develop a long-lasting experience for the industry in Cuba”. He explained that the one-week-long voyages are going to be enjoyed on the Adonia, with capacity for 710 passengers.

A communiqué posted on the company’s website underlines that the US government has authorized it to travel to Cuba so as to foster cultural exchange. According to the information, the company was given a license by the Departments of Treasury and Trade in order to operate non-stop trips from the United States to Cuba. Carnival Corporation is planning to offer non-stop voyages to Cuba in an effort to promote cultural, artistic, religious and humanitarian exchanges between US and Cuban citizens.

The new route is to strictly fulfill the rules established by the Department of Treasury, which allow licensed travel companies to take passengers to the Island, and Carnival Corporation is presently holding talks with Cuban authorities to reach an agreement. “We’re very excited to have been given the green light by the United States government as the first step for our Cuba route, and we’re looking forward to working with Cuban authorities and approve it”, Arnold Donald, president and CEO of Carnival Corporation said. There are many challenges to be faced by the country as part of the process to receive US visitors.

The existing infrastructure is not enough to handle the demand. But such outstanding travel companies as Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, United Airlines, Hilton Worldwide and Marriott International, have been paying close attention to the developments there. JetBlue, which has operated Florida-Cuba charter flights for years, has just implemented a new non-stop flight from New York. It’s only open for passenger with authorization to visit Cuba. American Airlines and Sun Country Airlines are also offering charter flights.