Holland America Line received approval to sail to Cuba from Fort Lauderdale, starting with the Dec. 22, 12-day holiday cruise aboard ms Veendam. The cruise line becomes Carnival Corp.’s third line to be approved to sail to Cuba following the company’s inaugural sailings to the island last year.

The addition of Veendam itineraries will help meet the growing demand for premium cruise experiences to Cuba. Nine seven-day itineraries will feature the capital city of Havana, and three will add another Cuba call at Cienfuegos. The 12-day holiday cruise will showcase both Cuban ports. Depending on the departure day, cruises include the Cuban ports, as well as a combination of Caribbean ports, including Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; Belize City, Belize; Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico; George Town, Grand Cayman; Grand Turk and Caicos; Key West, Fla.; and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

“For many, travel is about seeking new places to explore and discovering meaningful new cultural opportunities, and Cuba is one of the most sought-after new destinations for many of our guests,” said Orlando Ashford, president, Holland America Line. “We are excited to finally be able to include Cuba in our itineraries, and our guests and travel partners have been anxiously awaiting a premium cruise experience to this relatively undiscovered Caribbean treasure.”

In addition to the seven-day cruises, an 11-day spring cruise will sail March 17, 2018, featuring the Cuban ports of Havana and Cienfuegos, as well as Key West, Cozumel, Montego Bay and George Town.

Bookings for Holland America Line’s cruises to Cuba opened May 26, and fares begin at $899 per person, double occupancy.