WATSON ISLAND, Fla. (WSVN) — The first American cruise to travel to Cuba in over 50 years returned to Miami, Sunday morning, and for the 16 Cuban-Americans on board, the week-long trip proved to be an emotional journey.
Carnival’s Fathom Adonia arrived in PortMiami at around 6 a.m., after a 7-day trip to the island nation.
Passengers leaving the ship said they were welcomed by Cuban citizens and enjoyed the trip. "Actually very special," said passenger Doug Carson. "Thousands of people lined up to meet us in Havana."
"Oh, gosh, it exceeded our expectations," said Leslie Zinseyer.
"We were all very excited, had a great time," said John Strodder. "We interacted very well with the citizens of Cuba."
However, the cruise did not come without controversy. Initially, Cuban-Americans were not allowed on the cruise, due to an old Cuban law, but after negotiations between Carnival and the Cuban government, the ban was lifted.
7News spoke with Mary Pena, one of the Cuban-American passengers on board the cruise. "It was a very hard decision for me, a very personal decision," she said.
The 47-year-old’s ties to the island nation brought out raw emotion. "I’m hoping that this is a door opening for change. The experience was much better than I expected," Pena said as her voice cracked and she held back tears.
Pena’s father was born in Cuba and dealt firsthand with Cuba’s government. "My father was a political prisoner who spent a lifetime fighting against the regime in Cuba," she said. "The last thing I would want to do in my life is to dishonor him. I think he would understand."
Pena was able to spend quality time with relatives and visit the home her grandparents made and the place her family came from. "I went to the home where my parents were born, grandparents built," she said. "I met my cousins for the first time. I’m 47 years old, and I had never met them."
Passengers said they will treasure most the personal connections made with the Cuban people and the sharing of cultures. "It was absolutely great we felt so welcomed," said Margret Coxs.
Some said they’re hopeful that with time, the bi-monthly journeys to Cuba will help improve relations between two countries with a difficult past and questionable future. "We received a very warm welcome from the Cuban people," said Pena. "We had a lot of interaction. We were able to go everywhere."
The Adonia will set sail for Cuba next on May 15. Sunday evening, it set sail for the Dominican Republic as it rotates weeks between the two countries.