By Tess Stynes

Carnival Corp. said plans to launch cruises to Cuba from the U.S. next month could be delayed if the island nation doesn't decide by May 1 to allow people born there to travel by boat to and from the country.

The cruise-ship operator, which is dual listed in the U.S. and Britain, said it is continuing discussions with Cuba 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. Carnival said it remains optimistic that Cuba will grant its cruises the same treatment.

Carnival said its Fathom brand is planning the initial cruise to Cuba of its 704-passenger Adonia cruise ship for May 1. In its news release Monday, Carnival said it would be the first time in more than 50 years that a cruise ship has sailed from the U.S. to Cuba.

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.

Write to Tess Stynes at tess.stynes@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

April 18, 2016 13:49 ET (17:49 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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