Cuba received over 380,000 cruise passengers in 2017, with reopening of travel between the United States and the socialist-led island in May 2016 being credited for this surge.
The figure was revealed by the Maritime Administration of Cuba during the welcoming ceremony for ms Veendam which landed in Havana with 1,654 passengers onboard.
There are currently 4 USA-based companies operating on the island: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, NCL Norwegian Cruise Line and Peral Seas LLP. A 5th (small cruise company) Victory Cruise Line is expected to begin operations there as well.
While the USA's reopening of ties (under former President Obama) with Cuba has accounted for the surge, that is likely to change during the upcoming year, as current President Donald Trump reinstated the blockade.
Some of the reversals included the reopening of Cuban embassy in Washington for the first time in 50 years, and the formation of 26 agreements between the Cuban government and U.S. businesses.
The move had allowed airliners and cruise companies to provide travel to and from the island.
However, under the blockade, business relations are restricted. Currently, there are also new taxes on travel to Havana.