Cuban Cruises Now On Carnival's Itinerary

MIAMI, FL — As President Barack Obama became the first sitting Commander in Chief since 1928 to visit Cuba, Carnival cruise lines was making a little history of its own.

The cruise ship company has announced the launch of a new route that will take passengers from Miami to three ports of call in Cuba. The new route begins sailing May 1, officially making Carnival the first cruise line in more than 50 years to have permission to dock in the country to America’s south.

The Cuban government granted approval for Carnival’s new brand Fathom to sail to its shores on Monday. Fathom’s 704-passenger MV Adonia will bring passengers to such ports of call as Havana, Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos.

See Also:

• Cuba Travel Restrictions Eased By Obama Administration
• U.S., Cuba Restore Commercial Flights
• President Obama, Raul Castro Hold Joint Press Conference In Cuba

Passengers accustomed to sailing on Carnival ships will find the Cuban cruises are a little different than others. In keeping with the new people-to-people travel guidelines announced by the U.S. government last week, travelers aboard the Adonia will embark on educational and cultural journeys. That means standard Carnival casinos and off-Broadway musical shows won’t be a part of the planned entertainment.

Instead, passengers will “have the opportunity to interact with the artists, musicians, business owners, and families who make up the fabric of Cuban society,” Fathom explains on its website. “As you engage with the Cuban people, you’ll also experience the sights and sounds of their beautiful country.” Guests onboard the Adonia will also be able to take conversational Spanish lessons, learn about Cuba’s history, customs and culture. and partake in Cuban-inspired menu options and entertainment selections.

"We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travelers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia," Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation, said in a statement. "This is a historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand amongst Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and enriching experience with our Fathom brand."

The seven-day trips to Cuba will start at $1,800 a person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses. The cost does include onboard experiences, on-ground activities and meals.

For more information, visit Fathom online.

The new cruise route’s announcement comes as relations between American and Cuba are beginning to normalize. The two countries recently announced the opening of commercial travel and the allowance of people-to-people travel allowances.

Obama kicked off the week with a historic face-to-face meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro in Havana.

Photo courtesy of Carnival