Royal Caribbean and Azamara to operate Cuba cruises

Newly refitted Empress of the Seas

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 dry dock 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.