NCLH receives approval to start US-Cuba cruises in March 2017

The government of the Republic of Cuba has granted Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) approval to operate cruises to Cuba from March 2017.

All three of the company’s brands – Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises – will enable US travellers to visit the country on select sailings next year.

Oceania Cruises’ Marina will sail her first Cuba cruise from PortMiami in Florida, US on 7 March 2017 and offer select Caribbean itineraries featuring calls in Havana. Many of the itineraries will include multi-day calls to allow guests to explore Havana and its environs.

Meanwhile, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Mariner will call at Havana during two cruises in April 2017, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sky will offer multiple four-day voyages that will overnight in the Cuban city in May 2017.

“We are tremendously excited to have all three of our award-winning brands receive approval from the Cuban authorities to offer cruises to Cuba from the US,” said Frank Del Rio, president and CEO of NCLH. “As a Cuban-American and founder of Oceania Cruises, I am incredibly proud that one of Oceania’s vessels will be our company’s first to sail to Cuba. This is truly a dream come true for me, and I cannot wait for our loyal guests to experience the sights and sounds of my hometown of Havana and get to know its rich culture and its warm and welcoming residents.”