Carnival Approved to Sail to Cuba From U.S. With Cuba-Born Passengers -- Update
April 22 2016 - 3:49PM
Dow Jones News
By Anne Steele
Carnival Corp. on Friday said Cuba-born passengers will be able
to travel on its cruise ships sailing to the country from the
U.S.
The cruise operator, which is dual listed in the U.S. and
Britain, said it worked closely with the island nation to allow
travel on its ships to be given the same status as air charters,
which already can transport people born in Cuba in both
directions.
Its maiden voyage there will be May 1, marking the first time in
more than 50 years a cruise ship has been able to sail from the
U.S. to Cuba, and the first time in decades that native Cubans will
be able to sail to and from Cuba.
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. said it was discussing with
Cuban authorities to allow Cubans to enter and exit the country on
its ships.
Miami-based Norwegian operates the Norwegian Cruise Line,
Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands.
On Monday, Carnival had warned that the weeklong inaugural trip
could be delayed if Cuba couldn't decide by the launch date but
that it was continuing discussions.
Last week, Carnival said its new Fathom brand was taking
bookings to Cuba from all travelers -- including individuals born
in Cuba -- in anticipation of an agreement.
Fathom's 704-passenger Adonia luxury cruise ship is slated to
sail to Cuba every other week.
The Obama administration in March unveiled some of the most
extensive changes in decades to rules on U.S.-Cuba trade, financial
transactions and travel, including a provision that effectively
lifts the long-standing ban on American tourists visiting the
country.
"We are a part of making history again today," Carnival Chief
Executive Arnold Donald said.
Fathom President Tara Russell said the company has seen
"tremendous interest in the incredible Cuba journey" and "we are
ecstatic that this historic opportunity is open to everyone who
wants to travel to Cuba."
Write to Anne Steele at Anne.Steele@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
April 22, 2016 15:34 ET (19:34 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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