US cruise lines boosted by Cuba breakthrough

NEW YORK - An end to the five-decade US trade embargo against Cuba would provide a major boost to the communist island's economy, but American cruise lines were also expected to benefit from the thaw.

Wednesday's news that Washington and Havana are to resume diplomatic and trade ties sent shares climbing for three Florida-based cruise line operators.

American tourists, the world's most keen cruise customers, may now be able to land in Cuba and use their US credit cards.

Shared for cruise industry giant Carnival Corporation climbed 3.59 per cent to US$44.67 (S$58.60) dollars Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings rose 1.65 per cent to US$44.48, while Royal Caribbean Cruises was up 3.99 per cent to $79.82.