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Norwegian makes first call in Havana, kicking off Cuba cruises. Here’s what’s ahead for passengers

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The Norwegian Sky sailed into Havana on Tuesday morning, the first of the cruise line’s ships to visit Cuba.

Norwegian scheduled 30 cruises to the island nation this year and recently announced 33 new sailings between Miami and Cuba in 2018.

To mark the occasion, Norwegian president and chief executive Frank del Rio, who was born in Cuba, cut the ribbon at a ceremony Tuesday at the port Tuesday.

He described the event as “very emotional,” according to media reports. Del Rio left the country 55 years ago and returned for the first time last year.

The Sky will sail four-night cruises between Miami and Cuba, some overnighting in Havana and stopping in the line’s private island Great Stirrup Cay in the Bahamas. Those who don’t spend the extra night in Havana will stop in Key West, Fla.

Prices start at $549 per person, excluding port fees and taxes. The ship holds 2,004 passengers. Info: Norwegian Cruise Line, (866) 234-7350.

Other brands that have made their first visit to Cuba: Oceania Cruises in March and Regent Seven Seas Mariner in April (both owned by Norwegian’s parent company).

Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas made that cruise line’s first trip to Havana on April 23.

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travel@latimes.com

@latimestravel

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