Carnival Corporation today announced that it will hold off on sending its latest brand Fathom to Cuba until which time Cuban-born American citizens will also be allowed to join itineraries to the Caribbean country. The cruise line’s new stance potentially affects all passengers scheduled on the May 1 inaugural cruise and beyond.
Initially, Fathom was upholding a Cuban government policy that blocked Cuban-born Americans from sailing to the island nation, even though they were allowed to fly there. The line stressed that this was a government policy, not one it implemented, and was hopeful that eventually everyone would be permitted. Now, Carnival Corp. is forcing the issue, but it’s unknown whether it will be resolved in time.
The scheduled May 1 Cuban cruise is expected to be a historic occasion as it marks the first time in over 50 years that a U.S. cruise company is allowed to sail stateside to Cuba. However, the voyage will only depart if the government permits all passengers to come along for the ride.
Annie Hernandez, a partner with Holland & Knight and the president of the Cuban American Bar Association says, “CABA is encouraged by the statement that Carnival issued this morning reversing its discriminatory policy and allowing Cuban-born citizens to now book passage for these trips to Cuba.“
Similarly, Vicky Garcia, COO and co-owner of Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, also says, “we applaud C
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