I was just at Seatrade Cruise Global 2016 last week and had the chance to speak to Tara Russell, President of Fathom, who was optimistic that they would receive the approval, and Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corp., who was heading down to Cuba at the time US President Barack Obama was.
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Carnival said this was the first time in over 50 years that a cruise ship was approved to sail from the United States to Cuba.
Carnival and officials from various Cuban agencies signed the agreements authorizing the trips, according to a statement Monday.
The action opens a new territory for Carnival in the Caribbean, the world’s biggest geographic market for cruises. A 704-passenger ship will initially visit ports in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. The new permissions fit perfectly in line with Fathom, as cultural immersion was already a large part of its Dominican Republic plans in addition to service projects scheduled there.
Fathom’s cruises would fall under an embargo exception for “people-to-people” travel. Monday’s approval could be a boon for bookings, the travel agent-focused trade publication suggested.
With hotels in Cuba in short supply, Carnival Corp.’s new brand, Fathom offers travelers another option.
Carnival Corporation will start cruises to Cuba this year – though not on Carnival Cruise Lines.
The seven-day cruises will depart the Port of Miami at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 1 and return the following Sunday at 11 a.m.
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Fathom’s website is booking reservations for the Cuba cruise at prices ranging from $1,800 per person for an inside cabin to $7,320 for a suite. Fares include all meals on the ship, on-board experiences and several on-the ground activities.
