U.S. Approves Ferry Service From Florida to Cuba

In another progressive step toward the thaw of the Cuban embargo, the United States has announced it will once again allow ferry service between Florida and Cuba.

At least four companies have been approved to begin operations, some of which will commence as early as this summer. Those companies include Havana Ferry Partners of Fort Lauderdale, Baja Ferries of Miami, United Caribbean Lines Florida of Greater Orlando, and Airline Brokers Co. of Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

The ferry companies intend to offer lower prices and allow more luggage without penalties than airlines, a major draw for those traveling to Cuba with supplies for family members and new private businesses.

This doesn’t exactly mean it's time to break out the sunscreen and cigars: Americans are still not allowed to travel to Cuba for general tourism under the terms of the U.S. embargo, which can be lifted only by Congress — something one Florida senator and presidential candidate has adamantly opposed. To visit, you must prove you fall within one of the 12 categories for travel to Cuba.

Companies project a round-trip ferry ticket will cost about $300 to $400, considerably less than airfare.

Follow Nicole on Twitter.