Holland America Line has unveiled it will begin sailings to Cuba by the end of this year.
The cruise line received approval to sail its ship Veendam from Fort Lauderdale to Havana and Cienfuegos on seven, 11 and 12 day itineraries.
Holland America Line is the third Carnival Corporation brand to be approved to sail to Cuba following the company’s inaugural sailings to the island at the end of 2016.
Orland Ashford, president of Holland America Line, said: “For many, travel is about seeking new places to explore and discovering meaningful new cultural opportunities and Cuba is one of the most sought-after new destinations for many of our guests.
“We are excited to finally be able to include Cuba in our itineraries and our gusts and travel partners have been anxiously awaiting a premium cruise experience to this relatively undiscovered Caribbean treasure.”
The first sailing will be from December 22 on the 12-day Christmas and New Year sailing roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale also calling at other Caribbean ports such as Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, George Town in Grand Cayman and Grand Turk in Turks and Caicos. Prices start from £989 for a seven-night cruise.
Bookings for the cruises to Cuba will open May 26 and guests booked on Veendam’s previous deployment will be given opportunity for a full refund and to book on another voyage.