TAMPA, Fla. (970 WFLA) - The first cruise from Tampa to Cuba in half a century set sail Sunday afternoon.
Royal Caribbean's "Empress of the Seas" left Port Tampa Bay at 4:00 p.m. The featured port of call during the seven night cruise is Havana.
Americans traveling on the ship are allowed to visit the communist island, but a special visa is required. The trip must be part of cultural excursion, which includes historical tours throughout Havana.
Port Tampa Bay held a special ceremony to commemorate the return of Cuba cruises from the Bay area.
photo credit: WFLA-TV, royalcaribbean.com