Carnival Finally Gets Tour Approval! 3 Things You Should Expect From The Cuban-Bound Fathom

By Staff Reporter

Jul 08, 2015 09:06 AM EDT

For the first time in 50 years, travelers from the United States might be able to cruise to Cuba.

The U.S. Department of Treasury and the Department of Commerce permitted Carnival Corporation to take tourists to Cuba at the beginning of May 2016.

The world's largest travel and leisure company aims to operate on fathom travel itineraries directly to Cuba, Havana Times has learned. Its purpose is to provide artistic, cultural and faith-based experience between Cuban and American citizens.

Fathom, a brand designed to enrich travelers' lives and provide social impact on people in the Dominican Republic, expects to attract 37,000 annual visitors.

So, what are the things that you should be expecting from Fathom?

1. Brand was launched as a "cultural exchange mission."

Tourism is still not permitted in this island, according to CBS Baltimore. The concept of the brand, "voluntourism," is to take interested tourists to certain spots where they could immerse in educational and cultural exchanges.

2. First destination: Northern Region of Dominican Republic

Fathom will venture a seven-day voyage from the port of Miami starting April 2016. A 710-passenger vessel called MV Adonia will sail to Carnival Corporation's new port Amber Cove, which will serve as home base.

Following April, Fathom aims to offer systematic Dominican and Cuban itineraries regularly.

3. Fathom voyages reservations and accommodations

The seven-day itinerary to Cuba starts at $2,990 per person, including meals, on-board and on-shore social immersion activities. The taxes, port and other government-related fees are excluded, Miami Herald has learned.

Another of Fathom's voyages would be to the Dominican Republic. The trip to the Dominican Republic starts at $1,540 per person, which varies per season, according to the company. It's for a seven-day trip which includes a view from the exterior cabin, on-board immersion activities, meals, three on-shore social impacting activities, related taxes, fees, supplies and port expenses.

The company believes that this is an opportunity for the travellers to experience Cuba's beauty and culture, and at the same time, being able to provide cultural and educational activities that can benefit the tourists and locals.