Carnival Adds 24,624 Potential Passengers To Cuba Sailings; 3 Largest U.S. Cruise Lines Potential 102,366 Passengers To Cuba; US$121+ Million To Companies; US$13+ Million To Cuba
/On 14 February 2017, Miami, Florida-based Carnival Corporation & plc (2016 revenues US$16 billion), reported that the company would launch twelve (12) sailings to the Republic of Cuba during the period June 2017 through May 2018 using the 2,052-passenger 855ft Carnival Paradise.
If the vessel operates at capacity, the company would place 24,624 passengers in the Republic of Cuba in 2017/2018, resulting in gross revenues to Carnival Corporation & plc of more than US$21.3 million and a direct economic impact upon the Republic of Cuba of more than US$2.5 million.
On 1 May 2016, Carnival Corporation & plc, through its Fathom subsidiary, commenced seven-day itineraries with the 700-passenger 594ft MV Adonia directly from/to the United States (Port of Miami, Florida) for individuals subject to United States law who are authorized to visit the Republic of Cuba under regulations (twelve categories; tourism is prohibited by United States law) issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury in Washington, DC.
On 7 February 2017, Bermuda-based (Miami, Florida, headquarters) Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (2016 revenues exceeded US$4.3 billion) (NCL), announced an additional twenty-five (25) sailings from Miami, Florida, to Havana, Republic of Cuba, for the period June 2017 through December 2017. Previously, the company announced five (5) sailings for May 2016. NCL is using the 2,004-passenger, 848ft Norwegian Sky. If operating at capacity, NCL will deliver 60,120 passengers to the Republic of Cuba, resulting in a potential direct economic impact to the Republic of Cuba of more than US$7 million. Gross revenues to NCL if the vessel operates at capacity for all sailings could be US$81.4 million.
On 2 February 2017, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd. (2016 revenues exceeded US$8.5 billion) increased the number of sailings in 2017 that include the Republic of Cuba from four (4) to eleven (11); changing the number of passengers from a potential 6,408 to 17,622 and gross revenues from a potential US$8.3 million to US$22.9 million. For the Republic of Cuba sailings, the company is using its 1,602-passenger 692ft Empress of the Seas. For 2017, Royal Caribbean Cruises will have eleven (11) sailings that will include the Republic of Cuba: ten (10) from Tampa, Florida, and one (1) sailing from Miami, Florida. The sailings, which range from four (4) nights to seven (7) nights, commence in April 2017 and continue through November 2017. If the Empress of the Seas sails at capacity, the total number of passengers that would visit the Republic of Cuba in 2017 will be 17,622 with gross revenues of approximately US$22.9 million. The direct economic impact to the Republic of Cuba could exceed US$1.8 million.
Carnival Corporation
Media Release
14 February 2017
Following the history-making launch of cruises from the U.S. to Cuba on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand last year, the company’s namesake and largest cruise brand — Carnival Cruise Line — has now received approval to sail to Cuba. The Cuban capital of Havana will be added to select Carnival Paradise voyages from Tampa beginning in June 2017.
The overnight visits to Havana will be featured on 12 four- and five-day cruises aboard Carnival Paradise departing from the Port of Tampa starting June 29, 2017, providing vacationers with a rare and exciting opportunity to explore this fascinating and previously off-limits destination.
Four-day cruises will depart June 29, July 13, August 24, September 7 and 21, and October 5 and 19, 2017 as well as May 3, 2018 and include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana. Five-day voyages will depart August 14 and 28, September 25 and October 9, 2017, and include a daytime and overnight visit to Havana as well as a stop in either Cozumel or Key West.
Carnival Paradise guests will be able to choose from a range of exciting shore excursion experiences that showcase Cuba’s vibrant culture and majestic beauty, along with the island’s warm and friendly people and centuries-old architectural landmarks.
“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,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “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,” she added.
Aboard Carnival Paradise, guests can enjoy an array of amenities and a full schedule of daytime activities and nighttime entertainment. A variety of dining options include two full-service main dining rooms and expansive poolside choices. The ship also features a 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival health and wellness facility and an exclusive Serenity adults-only retreat. Popular family-friendly programming includes Seuss at Sea in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises and featuring the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast with The Cat in the Hat and Friends and fun, supervised activities for kids in three age groups. Four swimming pools and a 115-foot-long water slide are additional features.
The visits to Havana comply with regulations of the U.S. Department of Treasury that permit travel operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
The new voyages can currently be booked via travel agents or by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL. Later today, the cruises will also be available on carnival.com. Please note that a passport is required for cruises that call in Cuba. Additional information on all special requirements for these voyages can be found on carnival.com.
