Cuba is an enticing destination for vacationers. Visitors to this Caribbean island can experience its vast cultural treasures, historic sites, and vibrant music and arts scene. Ernest Hemingway’s favorite spots, welcoming people, vintage cars, and world famous hand-rolled cigars add to the mix.

Last year, Carnival Corporation made history when its Fathom brand sailed from Miami to Cuba. It was the first time that a U.S. based cruise ship traveled to Cuba in over fifty years. Since that time, Fathom has offered bi-weekly voyages to Cuba aboard the 704-passenger Adonia, calling on Santiago de Cuba, Cienfuegos and Havana. These Cuba sailings have been very popular, allowing American guests to visit the island in compliance with U.S. Department of Treasury regulations and learn more about Cuba's people and culture.

Carnival Corporation will be discontinuing its Fathom cruises at the end of May, but the knowledge the company has gained will be put to excellent use. The corporation’s largest brand, Carnival Cruise Line, will begin sailing to the Cuban capital of Havana in June of this year. Overnight visits to Havana have been added to twelve four- and five-day cruises on Carnival Paradise starting in late June. Sailings will depart from Tampa, Florida and will include overnight stays in Havana, allowing guests to fully experience the city’s nightlife and attractions. Havana is the sole port of call on Carnival’s four-day cruises, while five-day cruises call on Havana and either Key West or Cozumel.

Cruising provides a hassle-free way to visit Cuba, particularly for American passengers. Carnival’s visits to Havana have been structured to comply with the U.S. Department of Treasury’s regulations that allow travel operators to transport approved travelers to Cuba to take part in activities as defined by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Foreign Assets Control. Guests simply unpack once and can count on enjoying Carnival’s signature vacation experience which they have come to know well and love.

Carnival Paradise has capacity for 2,052 passengers and features a wide variety of exciting dining options, amenities and entertainment. Cruise guests can enjoy the ship’s 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival, four swimming pools, a 115-foot-long water slide, comedy and Playlist Production shows, and Carnival’s popular Serenity adults-only outdoor retreat. Families will enjoy the opportunity to combine a visit to Cuba with Carnival’s superb onboard family-friendly activities including kids and teens programs and Seuss at Sea activities.

“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.”

Carnival Paradise will make history as the largest passenger capacity ship sailing from the U.S. to Havana when it begins its voyages in June. Guests visiting Havana will be able to choose from a wide variety of daytime and evening cultural exchange excursions. It is here that Carnival Corporation’s extensive Fathom knowledge will come into play, allowing the cruise line to deliver an exceptional vacation experience in Cuba.

If You Go:

Sailings to Cuba on Carnival Paradise can be booked through your favorite travel agent, by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL, or on Carnival.com. A passport is required for all guests sailing on cruises that visit Cuba. More information on these voyages and their special requirements can be found on Carnival’s website.