Le Ponant © François Lefebvre / Ponant
Ponant has announced it will offer U.S. citizens cruises to Cuba, sailing from Miami. The company, which has operated cruises for Europeans to Cuba, will offer People-to-People Cultural Exchange voyages that comply with U.S. rules for Americans traveling to Cuba.
Ponant will offer seven- and eight-night voyages beginning in early 2017 aboard Le Ponant, the line’s three-masted sailing yacht. Le Ponant offers an intimate sailing experience, elegant accommodations and exquisite cuisine for its 64 guests.
Itineraries are still to be finalized but will highlight Cuba’s rich history and culture, engaging with Cuban experts and local citizens, artists, professionals and civic leaders. The ship will make port calls in Havana and Santiago de Cuba.
“Ponant has been introducing Europeans to Cuba in the past and we are now delighted to offer Americans this enriching opportunity,” said Navin Sawhney, CEO of the Americas for Ponant.
Ponant is the second cruise company to receive permission to take Americans to the island nation from Miami. Fathom, a brand belonging to Carnival Corp., received permission March 21 and has a first Cuba cruise set to sail May 1. International Expeditions, an American-owned company, also runs people-to-people cruises for Americans out of Havana.
