Royal Caribbean Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have won approval to begin sailing to Cuba, further opening a new destination market for the US cruiseship giants.

Cuban authorities' approval of the second and third largest cruise lines follows Carnival's first cruise to the island nation in May under its Fathom brand.

The market had been closed off to US cruise lines as a result of a strict US embargo of the nation. But thawing relations have led the three New York-listed cruise giants to target sailings to the country, since it makes a close-by stop for their Miami hub.

All three cruise lines have to meet US regulations that only allow Cuba travel for specified reasons, such "people-to-people exchanges".

Norwegian (pictured) said all three of its cruise brands will sail a collection of voyages to Havana, starting with Oceania Cruises' 1,250-beth Marina (built 2011) in March. Regent Seven Seas and the flagship Norwegian Cruise Line will start Cuba calls in April and May.

"We are tremendously excited to have all three of our award-winning brands receive approval from the Cuban authorities to offer cruises to Cuba from the United States," said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings.

For Del Rio, whose family fled Cuba in 1961 when he was 7, the approval has personal significance.

"As a Cuban-American and founder of Oceania Cruises, I am incredibly proud that one of Oceania's vessels will be our company's first to sail to Cuba," he said. "This is truly a dream come true for me, and I cannot wait for our loyal guests to experience the sights and sounds of my hometown of Havana and get to know its rich culture and its warm and welcoming residents."

Two Royal brands to sail

Larger Royal Caribbean said it will unveil its Cuba itineraries in the near future. Its flagship Royal Caribbean International brand will travel to the island, as will upscale Azamara Club Cruises.

"Our guests have expressed real interest in having the opportunity to experience Cuba, and we look forward to bringing them there," said chief executive Richard Fain. "Our discussions with our travel partners indicate that Cuba is a destination that appeals to a new generation of travelers."