TAMPA, Fla. – The operator of the Scotia Prince ferry wants to run a weekly ocean shuttle between Tampa and Cuba so people with relatives on the island nation can take them more food and other humanitarian aid.

The 475-foot ship, which began taking passengers between Tampa and Yucatan, Mexico, in November, would make weekly round trips to Matanzas, Cuba, chairman Matthew Hudson said.

The service would begin Feb. 25 and end 10 weeks later when the ship returns to its summer Maine-to-Canada service.

In April, the ship will sail north and begin its summer schedule of cruises between Portland and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, which it has been doing since 1970.

The trip to Cuba would cost $499 inclusive and be offered strictly to people who have family in Cuba, Hudson said.