In a first for an American cruise company since the 1960 trade embargo, Carnival Corporation has been granted approval to sail to Cuba.

Starting May 2016, its new humanitarian brand, fathom, could be offering week-long itineraries to the area, starting at US$2990 per person, onboard P&O Cruises’ Adonia.

“We know there is strong demand from travellers who want to immerse themselves in Cuban culture, so this is a historic opportunity for us to enable more people to experience Cuban society,” said Carnival Chief Executive Arnold Donald.

Carnival’s fathom cruises to Cuba were approved by the US Department of Treasury under current US to Cuba travel guidelines that allow people participating in humanitarian and certain other programs to go to the island.

Now, after crossing its main hurdle, Carnival will approach the Cuban government for cruise approval, highlighting the aim of providing cultural, artistic, faith-based and humanitarian exchanges.

It is still illegal for tourists to travel from America to Cuba independently.