Cuban-Born People Can Sail To Cuba, Carnival Says

MIAMI, FL — Carnival cruise line’s Fathom will set sail as planned on May 1. The cruise ship company announced Friday morning that it had received approval from the Cuban government to sail as planned with Cuban-born passengers on board.

Carnival CEO Arnold Donald announced on Monday, April 18 the company would delay its first journey to Cuba if negotiations with that country’s government to relax its travel restrictions failed. Carnival was given a green light in March to be the first cruise line in 50 years to be granted permission to sail to Cuba. Donald, however, was displeased that remaining travel restrictions would ban the company from allowing Cuban-born passengers on its Cuba-bound ships.

"We made history in March, and we are a part of making history again today," Donald said in a statement issued Friday. "More importantly, we are contributing to a positive future. This is a positive outcome and we are extremely pleased. We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Cuba and to our team who worked so hard to help make this happen."

See Also:

• Carnival May Delay Cruises To Cuba

Carnival had been in talks with the Cuban government to allow its cruise ships to operate under the same regulations applied to air charter operations. Those regulations allow planes to transport Cuban-born individuals to and from Cuba.

As it stood, “Cuba has for decades not allowed Cuba-born individuals to enter or leave the island by sea,” Donald wrote in a letter to Carnival employees on Monday. “This applies to all those born in Cuba whether they reside in Cuba or anywhere in the world – not just Cuban-Americans who were born in Cuba.”

Friday’s news, Donald said, means that Carnival’s 704-passenger Adonia can begin sailing to Cuba every other week with all travelers – including those who are Cuban-born.

The voyages will take place under the umbrella of Carnival’s new Fathom brand. Carnival received approval for the Cuban voyages in March. The decision to allow sailing between the two countries came as President Barack Obama’s administration had begun relaxing restrictions on travel to Cuba.

"We have already seen tremendous consumer interest in the incredible Cuba journey we have put together," said Tara Russell, president of Fathom, said in a media release. “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.”

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 recently, 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.

The seven-day trips to Cuba 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 about sailing to Cuba, visit Fathom online.

Photo courtesy of Carnival