Carnival Cruise Lines changed its policy this morning regarding voyages to Cuba. The company is now allowing people who were born in Cuba to buy tickets for cruises that are scheduled to set sail next month from PortMiami.
Miami Herald tourism reporter Chabeli Herrera says the Cuban government allows natives to return to the island by air, but not by sea.“If the Cuban government decides not to change its policy – which Carnival thinks that they will – then the cruise line will delay its May 1 sailing to Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba until all Americans regardless of national origin can travel to the island”, explained Herrera.
Cuban-born Americans who were initially denied tickets for the cruise are suing Carnival for discrimination.
The company says tickets will be refunded for travelers who can’t sail at a later date.
Carnival will be the first American cruise company to sail to Cuba in more than 50 years.