Norwegian-based ship-owner Norled has the intention to start a regular day cruise connecting Key West, Fla., and Havana, Cuba. There is significant interest to re-connect the two cities, as half a century ago the ferries stopped.

With the current U.S. limitations of 12 authorized reasons to travel from the United States to Cuba, the company expects the cruise to attract as many as 3 million overnight visitors and 500,000 daytrippers to the Keys. Once the daily cruise begins, it will contribute to increased interest and traffic to Key West hotels, restaurants and other city businesses.

“International connects like this are part of Norled’s strategy to leverage on our long experience to expand into new markets,” said Jacob Engelesen, deputy chief executive officer, Norled. “The potential Key West-Havana excursion is in competition with attractive alternatives we discuss in some other countries. To arrive at the center of Havana by boat after a three-hour ocean crossing fits perfectly with Norled’s mission to give people a great travel experience — and overlooking the sunset in the Atlantic on the return trip to Key West will also be unforgettable.”

If President Elect Trump and Congress decide to lift the embargo, a report from the International Trade Commission of the United States indicates 1.5–3.5 million would travel from the United States to Cuba annually. It is expected many will find a three-hour sea journey to be an attractive alternative to travel times for those flying.