Fathom Granted Approval by Cuba to Cruise from U.S. to Cuba

It's official. Ordinary Americans (not just the Obamas and their huge entourage) can now visit Cuba on a cruise. Carnival Corporation announced this week that Cuba has granted approval for the company to begin travel to Cuba starting on May 1, 2016. Following U.S. authorization granted in July 2015, Carnival Corporation is now cleared to operate the 704-passenger MV Adonia to Cuba through its newest impact travel brand Fathom. This marks the first time in over 50 years a cruise ship is approved to sail from the United States to Cuba. Cuban authorities and Carnival Corporation signed agreements enabling cruising by Carnival Corporation to Cuba.

“Our Carnival Corporation and Fathom brand teams have worked closely with Cuba throughout this process and we are thrilled to begin regular sailings to Cuba from Miami starting on May 1, 2016,” said Tara Russell, president of Carnival Corporation's new Fathom brand. “We have been told that we will be the first cruise line to sail from the U.S. to Cuba with our historic inaugural sailing. We are humbled and honored to offer a one-of-a-kind Cuban experience to our travelers.”

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travelers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, where they can choose to partake in onboard experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired music and film options, as well as Cuban-inspired menu selections. Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, ranging from an orientation to Cuba's history, customs, and culture to geographic-inspired entertainment, from casual and fun personal enrichment activities to conversational Spanish lessons and guided sessions with the Fathom team.

“We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travelers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “This is a historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand among Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and enriching experience with our Fathom brand.”

Fathom Cuban itineraries feature three ports of call. During each sailing, Carnival Corporation through its Fathom brand initially will visit Havana, Cienfuegos, and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval. Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation's Fathom brand depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The MV Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time Sunday.

Prices for 7-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees, and port expenses and include all meals on the ship, onboard experiences, and several on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season. To secure a spot on future sailings, a $600 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Learn more at fathom.org.

MV Adonia Image Courtesy Carnival Corporation