Royal Caribbean International has confirmed that the ship Empress of the Seas will be used to make its first sailings to Cuba next spring.
The first five-night sailing will be from Miami on April 19.
The newly revamped vessel will then reposition to Tampa, offering two itineraries with calls to Havana on April 30 and May 20.
Empress of the Seas will homeport in Tampa for the summer – Royal Caribbean’s first-ever summer programme from the destination – offering a series of four- and five-night sailings, including calls to destinations in Cuba.
Details of the summer itineraries for the 1,600-passenger ship will be released at a later date, according to the line.
Passengers travelling to Cuba will be limited to “people-to-people” experiences in accordance with current US to Cuba travel regulations.
Royal Caribbean International sister company Azamara Club Cruises was also granted approval by Cuban authorities to serve the island together with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings’ three brands.
Michael Bayley, Royal Caribbean International president and CE), said: “Royal Caribbean is the world’s most exciting adventure company, and we’re thrilled to introduce culture-seeking travellers to Cuba.
“As the unrivalled innovators of the cruise experience, no company is better positioned to help adventurers explore and experience this culturally rich destination.”