MIAMI, Dec. 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fathom, one of Carnival Corporation's (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) 10 global cruise brands, announced it has received Cuba approval to add stops to Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in Cuba, on six of its upcoming cruises to the Dominican Republic. 

Travelers will enjoy two distinct experiences during one journey. They can immerse themselves in the arts, history, culture and everyday lives of Cuban people while in Santiago de Cuba, as well as participate in social impact experiences to make a meaningful difference in the Dominican Republic.

These seven-day voyages start at $599 and will take place during the weeks of February 26, March 12 and 26, April 9 and 23, and May 7. 

"We are delighted for our travelers to have the chance to visit such a unique and breathtaking Cuban city during such a historic time," said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation. "Both Santiago de Cuba and the Dominican Republic are magnificent, lush and full of beauty. While in Santiago de Cuba, travelers can dive deep into its rich and colorful history. The city served as the capital of the Spanish colony of Cuba from 1522 to 1589, and the watchtowers and cannons used in the Spanish-American War still protect and guard this port city."

Added Russell: "Then, we will sail to the Dominican Republic and experience a place we love so dearly, all during one trip. Our travelers are hungry for ways to travel deep, connect richly and enter into the heart of our local partner community in the Dominican, as we explore meaningful people-to-people experiences that are tied to the local culture for them to playfully engage during unique life-changing adventures."

This unique journey includes a full day exploring Santiago de Cuba. Travelers will enjoy discovering the sights unique to the eastern side of the island. As Cuba's second largest city, it is home to the popular festivals of Carnaval and the Fiesta del Fuego, as well as to many of the country's most famed musicians and artists and some of its most-visited historic sites. Travelers can tour the UNESCO World Heritage site of San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle, explore well-known areas such as San Juan Hill, Antonio Maceo Revolution Square, and the Plaza de Marte and enjoy lunch in a local Paladar.

One popular shore excursion available for purchase is a visit to Cuba's most revered Catholic shrines, Our Lady of Charity El Cobre Church. There, travelers learn the story of the boys who claimed to see the Blessed Virgin Mary and then spread the word of special favors being granted through the intercession of Our Lady of Charity.

After arriving in the early evening in the Dominican, travelers will have one and a half days to address the areas of economic, educational and environmental opportunities by participating alongside locals in meaningful activities like planting trees, helping a women's cooperative produce artisan chocolates and building water filters for Dominican homes. Their playful and engaging impact adventure will create new possibilities, while finding meaning, hope, grounded perspective and new ways to engage within communities and enrich their daily lives back home.

The new 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

Onboard the intimate, premium and well-appointed Adonia, travelers are accommodated with amenities of a modern hotel and convenience of unpacking their suitcases just once, with dining, localized entertainment and specially designed programs about Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to the Dominican Republic and Santiago de Cuba start at $599, excluding taxes, fees, port expenses and gratuities, Cuban visa, and include 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. The required Cuban travel visa is $75 per person and gratuities are estimated at $80.50 per person. To secure a spot on future sailings, a fully refundable $300 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.                                                   

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.  

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SOURCE Fathom