Wanting to take a cruise to Cuba? You’ll only have to wait until May 2016 when Carnival Corporation’s 10th cruise brand, Fathom, begins sailing cultural exchange trips to Cuba.
Fathom will not be your traditional cruise. It will be a chance to experience Cuban society, and immerse yourself in Cuban culture. Your journey on the Adonia, a 700 passenger cruise ship, will include orientation on Cuba’s rich history, customs and culture. Once onshore, you will get involved in people-to-people experiences that include educational, artistic, cultural, and humanitarian activities.
The ultimate goal of the Fathom experience is to “help facilitate and sustain programs that meet the needs of the local communities”. Your time in Cuba will be part learning, part sharing, and part enjoyment. The chart below will be a typical week’s itinerary in Cuba.
The immersive program will encourage artistic, faith-based, cultural, and humanitarian exchanges between American and Cuban citizens. A sample day on shore will be similar to the following:
- 9-10 a.m. – Gather and depart from the Adonia.
- 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. – Visit a local elementary school and take part in the morning’s lessons.
- 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch with local administrators and teachers to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the country’s educational system.
- 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Walking tour of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Dinner in a privately owned restaurant or private home known as paladares.
Your time aboard the Adonia will give you the chance to spend time with fellow travelers who share your view of the world. A sample day on board will be similar to the following:
- 6-9 a.m. – Morning at leisure, a healthy breakfast, coffee by the pool, morning meditation, yoga, or even a workout at the gym.
- 9-11 a.m. – Cultural awareness and Change Maker break-out sessions (small group discussions).
- 12-1 p.m. – Cuban inspired lunch.
- 1-2 p.m. – Visit to the spa.
- 2-3 p.m. – Cuba on board film festival.
- 3-6 p.m. – Fathom interactive festival.
- 7-8:30 p.m. – Cuban inspired dinner at the Ocean Grill.
- 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. – Keynote event to learn more about Fathom’s vision.
Prices for these cultural cruises to Cuba start at $1,800 per person (plus taxes, fees and port expenses) based on double occupancy. For more information, visit Fathom.org.
