• Submitted by: manso
• Travel and Tourism
• 08 / 10 / 2010

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Even if the U.S. lifts the travel ban to Cuba, don't expect Havana to be a port of call for American
cruise lines any time soon, says Richard Sasso, board chairman of the Cruise Lines International Association. The organization is the trade group for 25 cruise lines serving North America.

Heartened by news reports, Sasso foresees the day when Cuba will be on the Caribbean itinerary of every major cruise line.

"Right now, though, they lack the infrastructure and facilities to handle the huge influx of vessels and visitors," he said.

"It'll probably take one, two or maybe three years before the necessary developments are completed. Lots of work has to be done."

The association chairman, one of Celebrity Cruise line's founders, came out of retirement several years ago to serve as president of the Mediterranean Shipping Co.'s North American section.

Senators of both political parties have indicated they have sufficient votes to lift the American travel ban to Cuba.

President Barack Obama modified the travel restriction last year, allowing Cubans to visit relatives in Cuba.

Under existing law, American journalists and people on humanitarian missions are permitted to travel to Cuba.

Source: www.orlandosentinel.com/