FOX News Radio: Carnival Cruise Ships Get United States Approval To Sail To Cuba | News

“It’s really kind of a historical thing”.

When JetBlue announced its plan to fly to Cuba in May, Gary Leff – author of ViewFromTheWing, a blog for the frequent flyer community – told The Monitor in May that in the long run, “there’s a lot to be done, precisely because they’re so backward”.

Carnival said it was still in talks for Cuban approvals. The activities will likely include a focus on the environment, education, economic development, heritage workshops, and Spanish lessons. “We don’t anticipate that, but if it would occur, deposits would be returned”. “We can only do so much under the cultural exchange (style of travel)”. The US Treasury Department approved the trips but Cuban authorities still have to give the OK. “So, we are privileged to have received the licenses and it’s the first important step to ultimately receiving Cuban approvals so we can sail”.

Itineraries are still being developed, but Russell said 11 destinations have been identified as possible ports of call and hopes the weekly cruises will visit three destinations in Cuba.

The parent company of Carnival says it’ll launch seven-night “people-to-people” cruises to Cuba beginning in May 2016. The company owns Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and several other global brands. And guests shouldn’t expect to spend their time in Cuba snorkeling or riding Jet Skis. “We do have some in-house experience, a bit dated, but it’s still experience”.

The Cuba cruises will start at $2,990 per person excluding taxes and other fees.

Passengers from the United States will still have to certify that they are traveling under one of the authorized categories, and they will pay a premium for the experience.

“Fathom will cater to an underserved market of consumers who want to have a positive impact on people’s lives, and aren’t always sure where to begin”, said Donald, US Today reports. In addition, industry experts believe it also positions the company well for when trade embargoes are lifted between the US and Cuba.

The cruises will operate under Carnival’s new “fathom” brand, which is dedicated to “social impact travel”. A month later, the brand will expand to Cuba. The cruise also won’t be stopping by neighboring countries on the way to or from Cuba – this isn’t a typical Caribbean cruise.

This announcement by Carnival comes after the recent approvals for six passenger vessels from the USA Treasury Department, which said that licenses have been granted for ferries, yacht charters and cruises. Despite the huge price difference, many travelers are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to visit Cuba after it has been closed to Americans for about half a century.