U.S.-Cuba Cruises to Begin May 1

March 22, 2016

Carnival Corporation will begin offering full-week Cuba cruises from Miami beginning May 1, now that the Cuban government has given its approval.

They will be the first approved cruises from the United States to Cuba in more than 50 years. Cruises will depart from PortMiami on Sundays and visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba before returning the following Sunday.

Passengers will sail aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, and will be able to enjoy Cuban-inspired menu options as well as Cuban and other Caribbean-inspired music and films. The cruises also will offer conversational Spanish lessons; an orientation to Cuba’s history, customs and culture; entertainment; and casual, fun enrichment activities.

“We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travelers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “This is a historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand amongst Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days.”

Prices for the trip start at $1,800, including all meals on the ship, onboard experiences and ground activities. The cost of Cuban visas, taxes, additional fees and port expenses are not covered.

The cruises will be offered through Carnival’s newest brand, Fathom. Carnival, the world’s largest cruise company, has expressed interested in eventually deploying ships from some of its nine other brands to Cuba.

In July, the U.S. government granted Carnival approval to offer Cuba cruises after the operator agreed to offer culturally rich, people-to-people programs. On Monday, Carnival Corporation executives met with Cuban authorities from Havanatur Celimar and several other agencies, and signed agreements that authorize the cruises to begin.

The agreements are part of a flurry of recent U.S.-Cuban activity, including a historic visit by President Barack Obama to the island; Starwood receiving authorization to renovate, rebrand and operate three existing properties in Havana; and Google reaching a deal to expand Wi-Fi and broadband access in Cuba.