Carnival Cruise Lines’ new social impact brand, fathom, will become the first American cruise line to sail to Cuba following the lifting of the 1960 trade embargo between the two countries. The new cruise line will begin sailing the route next year – ahead of all the competition due to its unique focus.
Despite the trade embargo being lifted, it is still illegal for US citizens to holiday on Cuba – so traditional cruise lines cannot complete itineraries to the island. However, as fathom has a ‘social impact’ focus, it is able to provide excursions to the communist island. The trips to Cuba will include lectures about the history and culture of country – helping visitors understand the communities they are dedicated to assisting.
The cruise will be significantly different to the vast majority of cruise holidays – with the ship offering limited on-board entertainment. Time aboard the Adonia, chartered by fathom for the social impact cruises, will mostly be spent listening to lectures and researching Cuba.
fathom will begin operating cruises from April 2016, travelling to the Dominican Republic for humanitarian trips. The Cuba trips will be more focussed upon education that humanitarian aid, but fathom are looking to provide a platform for conscientious individuals to explore and help other countries.
Many aspects of the cruises to Cuba are yet to be confirmed, but it is believed that the Carnival Corporation has identified 11 different ports at which the 710-capacity Adonia can dock. Approval from the US government has recently been granted, although Cuba could ultimately veto the cruise.
As more details about the seven day cruise are revealed, we will continue to keep you all updated.
Images sourced via Flickr Creative Commons. Credit: Cuba – neiljs
