Carnival Corp. and Fathom Reach Deal With Cuba on Cuban-born Passengers

fathom's adonia cruise ship

Carnival Corporation and its new social impact travel brand, Fathom, have announced that Fathom’s inaugural cruise to Cuba will take place as planned on May 1 with all passengers, including those born in Cuba. Carnival Corp. said it worked closely with Cuba to allow its cruise ships to operate in a similar manner as current air charter operations to the country. 

Previously, Cuban law had barred Cuban-born Americans from traveling to the country by sea, although they were allowed to travel their by air. Fathom had initially refused bookings to Cuban-born Americans in compliance with the Cuban law, which prompted two passengers to file a federal lawsuit against the company. Last week, Carnival Corp. and Fathom announced that they would begin accepting bookings from all passengers, including Americans born in Cuba, in anticipation of a deal with the Cuban government. 

Fathom's 704-passenger Adonia cruise ship will begin sailing to Cuba every other week, marking the first time in over 50 years that a cruise ship has been able to sail from the U.S. to Cuba, as well as the first time in decades that Cuban-born individuals will be able to sail to and from Cuba.

Fathom’s Cuba Itineraries

During each sailing, Fathom will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval.

Onboard the Adonia, travelers will be able to partake in cultural experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired food and films, music and dancing, and more. Special onboard programming will include a variety of activities, ranging from an orientation of Cuba's history, customs and culture, to geographic-inspired entertainment, to casual and fun personal enrichment activities, along with conversational Spanish lessons.

Seven-day itineraries will depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. ET. The Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard experiences and several on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season.

Visit www.fathom.org