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Carnival gets go-ahead for Cuba cruises
Carnival’s new Fathom ‘social impact’ cruise brand has added Cuba to its schedule which it plans to serve shortly after the brand launch next year.
The line says it has received approval from the U.S. Treasury and Commerce department to launch Cuba cruises as it falls under the social, cultural and humanitarian exemption.
Cuba cruises sailing out of Miami will begin in May 2016, a month after the Fathom brand launches with sailings to the Dominican Republic.
"We are excited about receiving U.S. approval as the very important first step to ultimately take travelers to Cuba under the existing 12 criteria for authorized travel," said Carnival Corp. CEO Arnold Donald.
"We look forward to working with the Cuban authorities for their approval to help make the social, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between U.S. citizens and the people of Cuba a reality."
Carnival is no doubt expecting high demand for the first Cuba cruises to depart the US for more than half a century.
It has priced the sailings at $2,990 per person, nearly double the cost of fathom’s Dominican Republic cruises.
The price includes pre arrival social impact immersion experiences and cultural activities in Cuba.
"We are looking forward to building what we intend to be a beautiful and lasting friendship with the Cuban people," said Fathom president Tara Russell.
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