Fathom Cruise Lines (a division of Carnival Cruise Lines who own and operate several cruise lines, including Princess Cruise Lines, etc) will sail it’s first sailing in May 1st round trip from Miami to Cuba- the first time any such cruise has sailed in 50 years. These sailings are seven-night trips with stops in Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba. Pricing starts at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses. Fares include all meals on the ship, on-board experiences and most on-the ground activities. Minimum age to travel on board is 8 years old and you must be 25 years old to travel without another adult.
These Cuban cruises are cultural exchange cruises where travelers are connecting and learning about Cuba vs going to the beach and relaxing (all guests are required to participate in port excursions, which are included in the cruise fare). All of the excursions are fully immersive as are all on board activities (on board participation is not required). The on board experience is very different on Fathom with a neighborhood vibe. There are open seatings for dining and no formal nights. The ship’s entertainment will feature Cuban entertainment and specialty dining as well as a book club, lectures, film festival, and dance lessons.
In Havana, your 8 hour tour covers this colorful capital city. It is important to note, Havana is covered in cobblestone streets- which might not be condusive to guests with mobility issues. You will visit Finca Vigía was the home of Ernest Hemingway in San Francisco de Paula, Cuba, and now houses a museum. This is where is penned, “The Old Man and The Sea”. You will spend an over night in Havana- so you will have some free time to explore on your own to see The Buena Vista Social Club, The Tropicana Club, etc.
In Cienfuegos, you will spend 6 hours in this city known for Tobacco, coffee, and sugar cane. You can purchase up to $400 ($100 in tobacco and alcohol) of goods to bring home.
In Santiago de Cuba you will spend 8 hours in port exploring San Pedro de la Roca del Morro Castle and Basílica Santuario Nacional de Nuestra Señora de la Caridad del Cobre.
It is important to truly keep in mind- this type of cruise is authorized through the “People to People Program” where guests interact and learn about Cuba instead spending their hours relaxing on a beach. Fathom provides and processes all of the paperwork you will need (Visas, etc) to take your Cuban journey as well.
Fathom launched on June 4, 2015 and has 1 ship, Adonia. Adonia has sailed both as Minerva 2 for Swan Hellenic and Royal Princess for Princess Cruises. The ship holds 704 guests in 4 categories without a casino. It has 8 rooms that sleep 4 and 72 that sleep 3. The ship was built in 2001, majorly rehabbed in 2011, and is undergoing another rehab in preparation for it’s Fathom debut.
Please contact Castle Dreams Travel for more information.
