Carnival Cruise Line has received approval to sail to Cuba for the first time this summer.
The Cuban capital of Havana will be added to selected departures from Tampa starting in June.
Overnight visits to Havana will be included on a dozen four and five-day cruises by the 2,052-passenger Carnival Paradise.
The four-day itineraries depart on June 29, July 13, August 24, September 7, September 21, October 5, October 19 and May 3, 2018.
The five-day voyages will run on August 14, August 28, September 25 and October 9 covering Havana and a stop in either Cozumel or Key West.
The move follows a relaxing of rules preventing US cruise companies from serving Cuba which saw Carnival Corporation brand Fathom become the trailblazer last year with departures from Miami using revamped P&O Cruises ship Adonia.
The 704-passenger Adonia is being returned to the UK line from the end of May with the Fathom “social impact” activities being offered by other Carnival Corporation brands.
The move by Carnival Cruise Line follows Norwegian Cruise Line announcing weekly sailings to Cuba by Norwegian Sky from Miami and Royal Caribbean International’s Empress of the Seas departing from Tampa.
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.”