Carnival Corp has received permission from the Cuban government to begin sailings to the island.  Passengers will cruise out of Miami on the company’s small ship, social impact brand Fathom.

Fathom itineraries fall under the “people to people” category that is still the only legal way for Americans to travel to Cuba. Itineraries are based on an educational experience, and must include personal encounters with Cuban artists, farmers, fishermen, doctors, mechanics or other locals.

Sailings will be bi-weekly starting in May on the MV Adonia.

"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 starting on May 1, 2016," 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.""We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travellers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia," said Carnival CEO Arnold Donald. 

"This is an historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand amongst Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and enriching experience with our Fathom brand."

Carnival has obtained berthing approval in three ports of call; Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago.