US government approves first wave of Cuba ferry services
Despite Republican moves to block any further easing of travel restrictions to Cuba, the US Treasury Department has started issuing licenses for passenger ferry services to Cuba.
Service has been approved for Mexico based shipping firm Baja Ferries with other competing operators also thought to have been issued licenses, according to Robert Muse, a lawyer for Baja Ferries.
"The ships are ready to go," Muse told Reuters.
"This is a further step in bringing Cuba and the United States closer together."
The company said it aims to run services out of Miami, Key West and Port Manatee in Tampa Bay.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which handles economic and trade sanctions, declined to say how many ferry companies have so far been approved.
"I can confirm that OFAC has issued certain specific licenses for passenger ferry service, but we cannot provide additional details as to whom or how many," said OFAC spokeswoman Hagar Chemali.
She added that current restrictions limiting travel to Cuba only for 12 pre-defined reasons such as family visits and educational activities remain in force.
All US based ferry companies still need to obtain approval from the Cuban government before starting operations.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026