The government of the United States has given the go-ahead to the world's largest cruise company to commence trips to Cuba from Miami, the latest move in the thawing relationship between the two countries.
Carnival Corp said it was still awaiting approval from the Cuban government but the trips could start early next year.
The announcement comes as the US state department expressed concern about the detentions of around 100 people in Cuba on Sunday.
State department spokesperson John Kirby said members of their interest section in Havana had confirmed the reports of the detentions..
Mr Kirby however said the reports would not change US policy concerning the restoration of diplomatic relations with Havana.
"In fact, it reinforces the need to move forward with re-establishing diplomatic relations because opening that embassy, we believe, will advance our human rights agenda by opening up channels of official engagement," he said.
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