Fall in Love with Santiago de Cuba with Fathom's "Cultures of the Caribbean" Cruises

MIAMI, March 30, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fathom, one of Carnival Corporation's (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) 10 global cruise brands, offers one of the travel industry's most unique experiences – a "Cultures of the Caribbean" cruise that visits the charming Cuban city of Santiago de Cuba and then travels to Amber Cove on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic for the Fathom brand's highly rated social impact activities.

Fathom's Adonia departs from PortMiami on April 9, April 23 and May 7, and the voyage takes travelers to two beautiful and memorable destinations.

The first port of call is Santiago de Cuba, the country's second-largest city, giving travelers a look at its colorful traditions, ranging from historic sceneries to remarkable memorials and a rare collection of cannons. Known for its legendary music scene and electric culture influenced by African, French and Spanish tradition and a bustling vibe, Santiago de Cuba is carving out a niche for itself as an "Alternative Cuba." With an energy considered by many equal to or even exceeding Havana, travelers will quickly understand the difference between the two cities as they walk through the colorful streets populated with unique street vendors and a vibrant community.

Some of the key highlights of this Cuban gem include San Juan Hill, the site of a pivotal battle during the Spanish–American War; Castillo de San Pedro de la Roca, a stone fortress perching high atop Bahía de Santiago de Cuba that took over 60 years to complete; and Cementerio de Santa Ifigenia, the final resting place of famed Cuban hero José Martí – the 19th century poet and political theorist – as he remains a figure central to Cuba's national identity.

"One of my favorite things about Santiago de Cuba is witnessing the rare beauty and charm of the city -- the people have great energy, the sights are captivating and the vibe is super cool. We want our travelers to walk away with lifelong memories, and Santiago de Cuba delivers," said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation. "With Fathom's people-to-people experiences, travelers have the opportunity to engage with the Cuban people and discover the sights and sounds of this magnetic country. The challenge won't be falling in love with Cuba; the challenge will be not wanting to leave."

After the visit to Santiago de Cuba, travelers head to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic where they can be part of a bigger story while coming alongside new Dominican friends and communities. While there, travelers can participate in unforgettable impact activities alongside local residents and be a part of creating powerful and sustainable change.

Specific impact activities include building water filters for Dominican homes; helping a women's cooperative produce artisan chocolates; improving homes and common areas in impoverished communities; assisting arts and crafts entrepreneurs; participating in community English-language retention activities; and supporting reforestation efforts.

The Cultures of Caribbean itinerary includes:

• Sunday – Depart from Port Miami at 4:30 p.m. ET
• Monday – At sea
• Tuesday – In Santiago de Cuba from 9 a.m. ET to 6 p.m. ET
• Wednesday – Arrive in the Dominican Republic at 7 p.m. ET
• Thursday – In the Dominican Republic
• Friday – Depart the Dominican Republic at 1 p.m. ET
• Saturday – At sea
• Sunday – Arrive in Port Miami at 7:30 a.m. ET

Pricing for Fathom's seven-day "Cultures of Caribbean" itinerary to the Dominican Republic and Santiago de Cuba start at $399. The price includes all meals on the ship and lunch in Santiago de Cuba, lunch during Dominican Republic impact activities, onboard experiences and select on-the-ground activities. Taxes, fees, port expenses, gratuities and Cuban visa excluded. The required Cuban travel visa is $75 per person and gratuities are estimated at $80.50 per person.

To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may call Fathom toll-free at ‪1-855-932-8466 or work with a travel professional. Learn more at www.Fathom.org.

About Fathom Travel
Fathom pioneered a new category of travel designed to give travelers meaningful, engaging experiences that take people deep into the heart of a destination, inviting rich human connections between travelers and local people. Fathom currently offers uniquely different round-trip voyages from Miami into the heart of two of the Caribbean's most desired destinations – the Dominican Republic and Cuba – where travelers may explore the places and discover its people in unconventional ways and for longer amounts of time.

What sets Fathom apart is the deep human connections, along with the rich and playful onboard and onshore journey, that was created for travelers who want to engage deeply and experience new places in purposeful ways. Lighthearted localized and personal enrichment onboard activities are available for travelers of all ages, and prepare and inform them about the communities they will visit. Travelers will also find new ways to discover themselves through onboard activities such as "storytelling and curiosity workshops." 

On the ground, Fathom helps travelers disconnect from the usual, and connect with new people and places to explore the world in unexpected ways. For example, in the Dominican Republic travelers may spend time alongside locals participating in activities that support and amplify existing programs that matter to the local communities, including planting trees, making chocolate and creating water filters. In Cuba, travelers get an up-close and personal look at the rich fabric of Cuban society as they enjoy people to people connections with local artists, musicians, business owners and families in the cities of Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

Late in 2016, Fathom began expanding and evolving to better serve the broader audience of travelers that sail with Carnival Corporation annually. Beginning in November 2016, the Fathom experiences on the ground in the Dominican Republic were made available as experiential excursions in the Dominican Republic aboard six other Carnival Corporation brands that call on Amber Cove, including AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises UK.  Additionally, Fathom experiences will soon be offered onboard its sister brands, and in new and exciting ways in other parts of the world.

For more information about Fathom or to book a voyage, contact your travel professional, call Fathom toll-free at 1-855-932-8466 or visit www.Fathom.org.  

SOURCE Fathom