Cuba Cruise Corporation Addresses Pent Up Demand for Travel to Cuba; The US House of Representatives Votes to Lift Ban on Travel to Cuba.

Business & Travel Editors

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 21, 2000

There has always been a pent-up demand for Americans to travel to Cuba.

But they maybe able to get there sooner than they think. The House of Representatives on July 20 voted 232 to 186 to lift the ban on travel to Cuba. This is the first time in 40 years the full house has addressed the issue of sanctions and Cuba.

The Cuba Cruise Corporation of Toronto, Canada is poised to fill the demand.

"The hand of those willing to lift the sanctions was greatly strengthened by this vote," said Sam Blyth, president, The Cuba Cruise Corporation.

Blyth put a plan in place earlier this year whereby Americans beginning on November 16, 2000 can sail from Nassau Bahamas to Havana on four and five day cruises featuring solely Cuba.

"We think the M.V. La Habana cruises are an important first step in helping Americans to catch up with vacuum that has existed between the two countries for the last 40 years," said Blyth.

"For those who can't wait until November, the Valtur Prima a five-star deluxe cruise ship sailing under an Italian flag makes Friday departures from Montego Bay, Jamaica to two ports of call in Cuba, as well as other Caribbean destinations. The ship that is scheduled for the November 16 program, which will operate year round, is called the M.V. La Habana. Its focus will be strictly on Cuba offering passengers an intensive onboard and onshore immersion into the history culture art and music of Cuba.

For information and reservations: Call 800-387-1387, or visit the websites at www.cubacruising.com and www.visitcubanow.com.