Carnival Cruise Restricts Cuban-Born From Traveling To Island

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Starting next month, Cubans who are no longer citizens of the country will not be allowed to travel to the island via cruise ship with Carnival Corporation.

The cruise line is following the request of the Cuban government to discriminate against Cuban-born people beginning May 1st.

The company released a statement defending the action, while simultaneously saying they will apply pressure for reconsideration:

"Cuba has a longstanding regulation that no Cuban-born individuals are allowed to travel to or from Cuba by ship. This regulation applies to all cruise lines, ferries and any form of shipping planning to travel to Cuba."

Last month, the Cuban government gave Carnival the okay to begin sailing to the island, using their new Fathom Travel line.

While the company said they "obey the regulations and laws of the countries" they sail to, they are, however, requesting Cuban leaders reconsider the discriminatory rule.

"It is our hope and intention that we will be able to travel with everyone," the statement concluded.

Itinerary from the company's website promotes seven-day cruises that include off-shore excursions in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.