Credit: Reuters
(Reuters) Hundreds of tourists and a handful of emotional Cuban-Americans arrived on the first U.S. cruise ship to sail to Havana in more than 50 years on Monday (April 4), spilling onto the cobbled streets of the old city where they were warmly greeted by residents.
It was another first for the two countries since U.S. President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced a historic rapprochement in December 2014, and comes weeks after Obama’s visit to the Caribbean island.
Carnival Corp’s Adonia, a small ship carrying 700 passengers, slipped through the channel into Havana Bay in the morning under picture-perfect skies, then docked alongside the colonial quarter recently visited by Obama.
The visitors fanned out on the city’s restored streets for walking tours after an arrival ceremony featuring Salsa and Afro-Cuban music, and lots of rum cocktails.
Cuban-American Rosa Maria Caballero was emotional as she arrived on the island.
“A lot of joy to bring all these Americans to visit this country and learn and know the Cuban people as I know them,” Caballero said.
A Cuban law prohibiting people born in Cuba, regardless of citizenship, from entering the Communist-ruled country by sea had almost delayed the cruise but was lifted by local authorities just over a week ago after protests.
Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Carnival, Cuban-American Carlos Orta, said he wanted all Americans to be treated equally.
“And we wanted the same rights for Cuban Americans who came by plane than they did coming by cruise-. We are very happy with the decision. .We bring 704 passengers today for the first time as I say in 50 years, so imagine the other week it will be incredible, it is going to be incredible,” Orta said.
Talks are ongoing over other issues that have kept the next-door neighbours apart, from the return of fugitives to reparations for embargo damages and the return of the Guantanamo Naval Base.
Obama has made the dramatic shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba a part of his legacy.
The two countries re-established diplomatic relations a year ago and have signed agreements on issues of common concern such as the environment, postal services and direct flights.
Obama had urged the Republican-controlled Congress to lift the embargo and travel ban, but to no avail, resorting to his executive powers to punch holes in them instead.
Both sides appear determined to make further progress on travel before Obama leaves office.
Obama has loosened restrictions on Americans visiting Cuba, though they must still engage in educational and other people-to-people activities and are banned from the beach.
Cruises to Cuba could generate $300 million in revenues to the companies and $88 million to Cuba in the 2016/17 season if all the companies that wish to sail are given the required approvals.
Carnival’s bi-monthly one week cruises to Cuba from Miami cost at least $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes and other fees.
