MIAMI
Carnival Corp. plans to offer U.S.-to-Cuba cruises aboard its newly-launched fathom brand in May 2016, following approval to do so from the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Commerce under the social, humanitarian and cultural exemptions for travel.
Beginning in April 2016, fathom will embark on weekly seven-day voyages from Port Miami aboard the MV Adonia, a 710-passenger vessel redeployed from Carnival's P&O Cruises (UK) brand. fathom's first impact destination will be the northern region of the Dominican Republic at its Amber Cove port.
Following the inaugural April month of voyages to the Dominican Republic, fathom intends to offer both Dominican and Cuban itineraries on a systematic and regular basis.
"We are excited about receiving U.S. approval as the very important first step to ultimately take travelers to Cuba under the existing 12 criteria for authorized travel," said Arnold Donald, President and CEO of Carnival Corporation. "We look forward to working with the Cuban authorities for their approval to help make the social, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between U.S. citizens and the people of Cuba a reality."
The fathom brand offers travelers the opportunity to choose from a range of activities that will involve social impact in the Dominican Republic and educational and cultural exchanges in both countries designed to have a positive, transformative effect on the lives of the travelers.
Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $2,990 per person, excluding taxes, port and other government and related fees, and including all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences and certain on-the-ground cultural immersion activities.
Carnival is still in talks with Cuban authorities as part of the final approval process.
