CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — It’s a first for Port Canaveral—cruises to Cuba will begin in May of next year.
Norwegian Cruise Lines said it saw a demand for Central Florida after seeing how popular the destination was for South Florida residents.
“This is absolutely a first for the port. We haven’t had a direct sailing yet,” said Capt. John Murray, Port Canaveral’s CEO. “Cruise lines are very good at creating the proper itineraries and makes sure no one runs afoul of federal regulations regarding trips to Cuba. There are specific guidelines and the cruise lines understand them and they can coordinate them for the group so everyone is in compliance with the law.”
Norwegian’s new Cuba voyages out of Port Canaveral will be 4-night trips that include stops in Havana and Key West.
On #WFTVat5: @CruiseNorwegian to offer cruises to #Cuba departing from @PortCanaveral in 2018. pic.twitter.com/scuU59lzL8
— Melonie Holt (@MHoltWFTV) July 11, 2017
The first trip is scheduled May 7.
Norwegian said its Cuban voyages have already proven popular for its passengers departing out of Miami, where its ship serves as visitors’ home base.
The cruise line added all its cruises and shore excursions are in full compliance with federal regulations.
Murray said although President Donald Trump reinstated certain travel regulations with Cuba, nothing has changed when it comes to traveling via cruise ship to the country.
Cox Media Group
