Published on : Wednesday, May 4, 2016
A new era of commercial cruise travel has been established between US and Cuba as the first cruise ship from a US port has departed after almost 40 years for the Havana harbor. The countries had severed all ties after almost half a century of cold war.
The ship, The Adonia, meaning the ruler carrying 700 passengers from Miami left the port with much celebration. However there were many criticizing and protesting against the move.
President Osama’s visit has opened doors to a new relationship between both countries. And the cruise ship voyage has triggered a tourism exchange between both countries. US cruises to Cuba could generate some $80m of much-needed revenue for the Caribbean country, according to estimates from the US-Cuba Trade and Economic Council.
Cuba recently loosened its policy banning Cuba-born people from arriving in the country by sea, which was put in place when Cuban exiles used to launch attacks from water following the Cuban revolution. It is an emotional moment for most but some protested as previous laws prevented many Cubans from going back to their country.
The ship will be stopping at ports of Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba on the seven-day trip. The last trip was made in 1978. The ship will reach Havana on May 9.
Many people travelling in the cruise are going back to refresh their memories while some wish to taste the forbidden. Arnold Donald, of Carnival, the cruise firm of the Adonia, said it was a poignant moment for many.
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