By
Rebecca Gibson |
Fathom is to expand its onboard activities programme to help travellers learn more about the culture and history of Cuba before arriving in the country to start their social impact excursions.
Fathom’s onboard team of Experience Guides will provide insight into local customs and currency, as well as seminars and Cuban dance classes to ensure travellers get the most from their time in Cuba.
For example, guests can attend introductory seminars to Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three destinations that they will visit during their trip. Other sessions take a look at Cuba's pre-1950s revolutionary history and the role of Spanish colonialism, and the role of coffee in Cuban culture. Meanwhile, Havana Architecture Bingo allows guests to learn more about the city’s architectural heritage via an interactive game. In addition, Cuban bands join the sailings from Havana to Cienfuegos, and Cienfuegos to Santiago de Cuba, to enable guests to experience live, authentic Cuban music.
“We have been listening to our travellers and creating new experiences onboard based on their feedback to facilitate rich immersion and to provide more robust insight into the culture and people of Cuba,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation. “We want them to dive deeply into Cuba’s culture and fall in love with both the country’s beauty and its people alongside fellow travel companions.”
Fathom has also partnered with Clandestina, a Cuban design store in Old Havana, to feature their local merchandise, including clothing, toys, handbags, posters and other design products onboard. The gift shop is the first store outside of Cuba to sell Clandestina products.
“Each time Fathom travellers purchase our products, they support independent entrepreneurship,” said Idania del Rio, co-founder and owner of Clandestina. “They are taking home a unique design product that is ‘authentically Cuban’.”