Cruceros de Monaco operaran en Cuba

By Gene Sloan, USA TODAY/

Cruise company Star Clippers has announced plans for voyages to Cuba, but the trips will be off limits to U.S. citizens in observance of the U.S. embargo of the country.

The Monaco-based sailing ship line says the 170-passenger Star Flyer will operate two repositioning cruises ending or originating at Cienfuegos, Cuba; one six-night cruise roundtrip from Cienfuegos; and five seven-night roundtrip sailings from Cienfuegos -- all to take place during February and March of 2014.

"Star Clippers is headquartered in Europe and caters to an international clientele," Star Clippers owner Mikael Krafft notes in a statement. "Each season we try to diversify our itineraries and offer something new and exciting. The small islands that we're calling at in Cuba are an ideal match for the Star Clippers product."

Star Clippers notes that U.S. citizens cannot reserve or purchase the new Cuba cruises from a travel agent, a Star Clippers sales representative or reservationist, or through an affiliated website or other general sales agent.