Royal Caribbean and Azamara to operate Cuba cruises

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. said that two of its cruise
brands, Royal Caribbean International and Azamara Club Crises, have been
approved by the Cuban government to bring passengers to the island.

The company said it plans to announce its first Florida-Cuba
itineraries in the near future.

“Our guests have expressed real interest in having the
opportunity to experience Cuba, and we look forward to bringing them there,”
said RCCL chairman Richard Fain.

Like other cruise companies, RCCL has been waiting for most
of the year to begin service to Cuba. Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas
went through a $50 million drydock earlier this year and inventories were
offered on a rolling basis only several months ahead of time in hopes of quick
approval.

RCCL’s brief statement mentioned that it will comply with Treasury
Department rules regarding people-to-people excursions on all of its cruises.