Carnival Paradise is shown here passing historic El Morro en route to Havana, Cuba, marking Carnival Cruise Line’s first-ever cruise to the picturesque island destination.

The 2,052-passenger vessel – the largest cruise ship ever to call at Havana – departed Port Tampa Bay yesterday on the line’s inaugural voyage to Havana, the first of 12 four- and five-day sailings to the centuries-old Cuban capital.

All cruises feature a daytime and overnight call in Havana to provide vacationers a rare and exciting opportunity to explore this fascinating destination.   Additional cruises in the series depart July 13, Aug. 14, 24 and 28, Sept. 7, 21 and 25, Oct. 5, 9 and 19, 2017, as well as May 3, 2018.  Four-day cruises feature Havana while five-day voyages add a stop in Cozumel or Key West.