Carnival Corporation has announced that Cuba has granted approval for the company to begin travel to Cuba starting on May 1st, 2016.

Following authorisation in the United States, granted in July 2015, Carnival Corporation is now cleared to operate the 704-passenger MV Adonia to Cuba through its newest brand Fathom.

This marks the first time in over 50 years a cruise ship is approved to sail from the United States to Cuba.

Cuban authorities from Havanatur Celimar, various other agencies and Carnival Corporation earlier signed agreements enabling cruising by Carnival Corporation to Cuba.

“Our Carnival Corporation and Fathom brand teams have worked closely with Cuba throughout this process and we are thrilled to begin regular sailings to Cuba from Miami,” said Tara Russell, president of Carnival Corporation’s new Fathom brand.

“We have been told that we will be the first cruise line to sail from the US to Cuba with our historic inaugural sailing.”

During each sailing, Carnival Corporation through its Fathom brand initially will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval.

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travellers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, where they can choose to partake in on-board experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired music and film options, as well as Cuban-inspired menu options.

“We are humbled and honoured to offer a one-of-a-kind Cuban experience to our travellers,” said Russell.