Well, that didn’t take long.  Announced today Carnival Corporation will sail to Cuba as planned from the United States with all travelers, including Cuba-born passengers. That’s good news for the world’s largest cruise company and their new Fathom brand.

Earlier this week we talked about  Another Reason To Like The Carnival Corporation Family Of Brands.The occasion was the cruise company’s decision to possibly delay starting their first Cuba season. At issue was a previous move to comply with Cuban law which prohibited Cuban Americans from sailing on the new impact travel cruise line.  Flying in was no  problem.  Sailing in was another matter.  In a sharp reversal of a that law, Cuba will now allow cruise ships to operate in a similar manner as current air charter operations to Cuba, starting with Fathom’s historic inaugural voyage on May 1, 2016.

“We have already seen tremendous interest in the incredible Cuba journey we have put together, and we are ecstatic that this historic opportunity is open to everyone who wants to travel to Cuba,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation.  Industry association Cruise Lines International (CLIA) echoed that thought, saying  “The cruise industry understands the power that travel has to bring learning and understanding between nations and cultures.”

Carnival Corporation Will Sail To Cuba, Calling At Three Different Ports Of Call

During each sailing, Fathom will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three ports for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval. Cruise travelers aboard Fathom’s Adonia will enjoy an authentic Cuban experience.   Unique to the Fathom product, those sailing with the new brand can pick experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired food and films, music and dancing.

Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, 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.

 

Carnival Corporation Will Sail To Cuba On Unique Itineraries

Answering the call for something new in the Caribbean, Fathom will sail seven-day itineraries that 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 includi