The first United States cruise ship to travel to Cuba in almost 40 years docked on May 2 in Havana, restarting commercial sea travel between the U.S. and the island nation.
Carnival’s cruise “Adonia” left the port of Miami on May 1 carrying 700 passengers.
Although the distance from Miami to Havana is a short 90-mile trajectory, the trip is a big step among relations between the U.S. and Cuba. The countries have had a tense relationship for decades. The U.S. cut diplomatic ties with the communist country and Cold War enemy in 1961.
“We made history in March, and we are a part of making history again today,” Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation, said in a statement when the travel company announced it would sail as planned from the Miami to Cuba.
“More importantly, we are contributing to a positive future. This is a positive outcome and we are extremely pleased. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Cuba and to our team who worked so hard to help make this happen,” he added.
