Fathom's Cuban cruises to stop in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba

Fathom's Cuban cruises to stop in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba
Arlene Satchell - Sun Sentinel

Cuba cruises offer artistic, educational and humanitarian activities
Travelers setting sail on Fathom's new "purposeful" cruises from Miami
to Cuba will stop at three ports: Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

In July, Fathom received U.S. approval to sail from Miami to Cuba, a
month after it launched as the 10th cruise brand of Carnival Corp. &
PLC. It's the first company to receive federal approval to sail from a
U.S. port to Cuba in 50 years.

Fathom is still awaiting final Cuban approval for its cruises, which
will be geared toward people-to-people, humanitarian and other exchanges
allowed under new rules by the U.S. government.

Fathom's seven-day Cuban itineraries, expected to begin in May, will
include a variety of artistic, educational and humanitarian activities
such as visits to micro-enterprises including organic farms; interaction
with Cuban artists and authors; and walking tours of Old Havana, among
others.

Two days will be spent in Havana and one each in Cienfuegos and Santiago
de Cuba, with two days dedicated to cultural immersion at sea.

"We believe there is tremendous pent-up demand in the marketplace to
visit this extraordinary country — particularly in the U.S. where
travelers are eager to experience Cuba — so we wanted to share as much
of the country as possible," Tara Russell, Fathom's president, said in a
news release.

The three Cuban ports offer distinct experiences, Russell said.

Havana is perhaps best known for its historic Old Havana district with
more than 900 landmarks. Cienfuegos is a popular diving haven, and
Santiago de Cuba, the island's second-largest city, has a distinctly
Caribbean spirit.

Prices for the Cuba trips in May begin at $2,320 per person for an
inside cabin, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses,
according to Fathom's website. Rates will vary by season. All meals
aboard the ship — the 710-passenger MV Adonia — and cultural experiences
on board and on the island are included in the cruise fare.

Onboard experiences will include discussions about Cuban history, art,
culture, food and entertainment, as well as book clubs featuring Cuban
literature and a Cuba film series.

In April, Fathom will first launch its "social impact" type cruises to
the Dominican Republic, stopping at Carnival's newest cruise port, Amber
Cove. Travelers will get a chance to work hands-on with island residents
to improve communities in need.

Prices for the Dominican sailings start at $1,256 per person for April
trips, excluding taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals
on the Adonia and other activities and supplies.

For more information, call 1-855-9Fathom or see
Fathom.orghttp://www.Fathom.org.

asatchell@sunsentinel.com

Source: Fathom's Cuba cruises to stop in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago
de Cuba - Sun Sentinel -
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/tourism/fl-fathom-cuba-itineraries-20151001-story.html