Haimark Line’s MS Saint Laurent will be the first small ship operated by a U.S. cruise line to circumnavigate Cuba in more than four decades following final government approval.

Operated in conjunction with Florida-based United Caribbean Lines, the 105-cabin vessel will offer 15 unique 9-night roundtrip departures from Miami to Cuba and back beginning February 20, 2016, from $4,599 per person/double occupancy (plus applicable port charges and fees).

“We are very excited to be able to offer guests this highly coveted opportunity to experience the rich culture of Cuba in accordance with the 12 approved categories for travel approved by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Cuban government. One of several advantages of small coastal ship travel to Cuba right now is that the MS Saint Laurent will be able to reach additional regions of Cuba and increase the People-to-People connection of the American public with the people of Cuba throughout the island,” said Bruce Nierenberg, President and Managing Partner of UCL.

“In keeping with our Haimark destination-driven style of experiential cruising, we expect our distinctive 10-day People-to-People cultural itinerary to sail completely around Cuba, providing guests with a unique chance to see much of the country with visits to five of Cuba’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The MS Saint Laurent will be our People-to-People travelers’ ‘home away from home’ as our program conveniently includes all on-board accommodations, meals and beverages. All costs associated with the cultural exchange land-based excursions are included as well as gratuities to local guides and drivers,” said Tom Markwell, Haimark Managing Partner, Sales & Marketing.

Upon final government approval for this very special people-to-people cruise product, passengers will have the opportunity to participate in this unprecedented journey.

Cuba 360˚; A Circumnavigation of the Cultures of Cuba aboard MS Saint Laurent is a 9-night/10-day People-to-People Cultural Exchange Program complete with on-board experts and knowledgeable local guides that features:

• Day 1, Miami

• Day 2, Havana

• Day 3, Havana

• Day 4, Maria La Gorda.

• Day 5, Cienfuegos

• Day 6, Trinidad

• Day 7, Santiago de Cuba

• Day 8, Parque Nacional Alejandro de Humboldt

• Day 9, Holguin

• Day 10, Miami

The 9-night/10-day Cuba Miami to Miami itinerary is priced from $4,599 per person/double occupancy (plus applicable port charges and taxes). A single supplement of 60% is available for stateroom categories A – F.