By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cuban-born citizens can now book a cruise on Fathom’s social impact voyages to Cuba, pending a change in the Cuban Government’s current policy that prohibits nationals from travelling to the island by sea.
Currently, Cuba-born individuals are allowed to enter and leave Cuba by air, but have not been able to do the same via sea for decades, regardless of whether they reside in Cuba or elsewhere in the world.
However following widespread criticism about the fact that Cuban-born individuals were not able to book Fathom’s Cuba cruises, the line’s parent company Carnival Corporation & plc is ‘continuing discussions’ with Cuban authorities. The company hopes that cruise ships will be able to operate in the same manner as current air charter operations, which transport Cuba-born individuals to and from the island.
“We have been in dialogue with Cuba to allow Cuba-born travellers wishing to sail with Fathom the same opportunity afforded those travelling by air,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation, in an e-mail to employees. “We remain confident that our discussions will lead to a positive outcome and that we will be able to sail with Cuba-born travellers, starting with our historic inaugural voyage on 1 May. This issue has been a top priority for us, and our team has been working hard and continues to work hard to reach a positive outcome.”
Although Carnival Corporation said it was ‘optimistic’ that Cuba will agree to allow Cuba-born travellers to sail to the country from the US, it has confirmed it will delay the start of its planned voyages if the country has not made a decision by the start of the first voyage on 1 May.
“We want everyone to be able to go to Cuba with us,” said Donald. “We remain excited about this historic opportunity to give our guests an extraordinary vacation experience in Cuba.”
Fathom is set to become the first cruise line to sail a passenger ship from the US to Cuba in more than 50 years on its 1 May inaugural voyage to Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.
Passengers will board the 704-passenger Adonia in PortMiami on Sunday at 4:30pm and arrive in Havana, Cuba at 11am on Monday. During their seven-day cruise, travellers will participate in various artistic, educational and humanitarian activities that support cultural and economic development in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. Guests will also have free time to enjoy the various historic and cultural activities in each of the cities.
Meanwhile, onboard Adonia, guests will be able to participate in a range of activities, including an orientation of Cuba’s history, customs and culture; conversational Spanish lessons; and various other personal enrichment activities. Guests will also be able to watch geographically relevant films, enjoy Cuba-inspired menus and purchase specialist items. Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 am on Sunday.
“We have already seen tremendous consumer interest in the incredible Cuba journey we have put together,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom. “Our guests will visit three beautiful and unique destinations on the island all in one week, with the convenience of only having to unpack once while we sail on the Fathom Adonia, our premium small ship with its excellent and diverse dining, service and accommodations.”