Carnival Cruise readies to visit Cuba

HAVANA, Cuba, Jul 9 (acn) The US Carnival cruise ship company, the first of its kind in the world, expects to begin to visit Cuba as of May 2016 after been authorized by Washington in what has been considered a step forwards in the normalization of bilateral relations.

The one-week trips to Cuba, which are still to be authorized by Havana, reportedly aim at promoting cultural, artistic and humanitarian exchange between Americans and Cubans, read a communiqué by the Miami-based Carnival company.

"We are excited after having received approval, which is the first step to take passengers to Cuba," said Carnival president Arnold Donald according to El Financiero publication.

The announcement came in the heels of a rapprochement between Cuba and the United States since last December and a few days after the two nations agreed to reestablish diplomatic relations and open embassies as of July 20.

Donald said that there is high demand by travelers who want to learn about Cuban culture and this is a historic opportunity to offer that possibility to those who want to get in touch with Cuban society.

Under US legislation and the current blockade of Cuba, tourism in Cuba continues to be forbidden for American citizens, who can only travel here under twelve categories such as family, academic, cultural, sports and religious visits.

Half a dozen Florida-based companies have been authorized since May to travel to Cuba on ferry boats, something that is expected to reach final accord soon after receiving permit by Havana. Thus far, airline charter companies are the only ones operating direct flights to Cuba.

Carnival will travel to Cuba from Miami under a new company known as Fathom, for people who want to carry out cultural, educative activities in Cuban communities. For this aim Carnival will operate the MV Adonia ship with capacity for 710 passengers.

Some 100 thousand Americans visited Cuba in 2014 and that figure is expected to noticeably increase.