First US Passenger Cruse Ship in Decades Sails to Cuba
by VOA News
For the first time in decades, a U.S. cruise ship has docked in Havana, opening another chapter in revived U.S.-Cuban relations.
The Carnival Cruise Lines' Adonia and its 700 passengers left the port of Miami on Sunday.
"To be part of truly making history and preparing for an even more positive future for everyone is one of the greatest honors any company can have," Carnival chief Arnold Donald said.
The Adonia will sail to Havana twice a month.
The voyage almost did not happen after Cuban authorities initially banned members of the Cuban diaspora from sailing back to their birthplace, fearing they would try to stir up political dissent. The matter was settled during talks between U.S. and Cuban officials.
Regular air service between the U.S. and Cuba is expected to resume later this year.