Carnival Cruise Line has won approval to sail to Cuba with Havana featuring on itineraries from June.
Overnight calls to the island’s capital will be added to selected Carnival Paradise voyages from Tampa.
Havana will be included on 12 four- and five-day cruises from June 29 by the 2,052-passenger ship.
The visits to Havana comply with regulations of the US Department of Treasury that permit travel operators to transport approved travellers to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the US Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The move follows parent company Carnival Corporation’s ‘social impact’ brand Fathom starting cruises from Miami to Cuba last year using revamped P&O Cruises small ship Adonia.
The Fathom ship is being returned to the UK line ahead of the summer season with the brand being used instead for selected tours across various of the parent company’s cruise brands.
Carnival Cruise Line president, Christine Duffy, said: “Cuba is an island jewel unique from anywhere else in the Caribbean and we are thrilled to have this rare opportunity to take our guests to this fascinating destination.
“The opportunity to visit Havana, combined with the fun, relaxed ambiance and wide variety of amenities and features offered on Carnival Paradise, will make for a truly one-of-a-kind vacation experience.”