Royal Caribbean gets nod for Florida-Cuba cruises

Royal Caribbean could soon be giving guests this view of Havana's iconic El Morro lighthouse and castle from the comfort of their cabins

DECEMBER 7, 2016 — Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) today reported that the Cuban government has granted approval for the company to begin cruises to Cuba and that it will announce its first Florida-Cuba itineraries in the near future and that Florida-Havana cruises are planned.

“Our guests have expressed real interest in having the opportunity to experience Cuba, and we look forward to bringing them there,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “Our discussions with our travel partners indicate that Cuba is a destination that appeals to a new generation of travelers.”

Two RCL lines, Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Cruises, will provide guests with travel directly to Cuba for the purpose of providing people-to-people exchanges between guests and Cuban citizens and other travel permitted by current U.S. regulations.

The cruise itineraries will comply with U.S. Department of Treasury rules that permit travel companies to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in people-to-people activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).