Carnival Corporation’s new social travel brand Fathom is to operate to Cuba from next May.
The announcement came as the US cruise giant won the right to start serving Cuba.
Authorised under current US-to-Cuba travel guidelines, the new Cuban itineraries on Fathom will strictly comply with US Department of Treasury rules that allow licensed travel companies to transport approved travelers to Cuba to engage in activities that support the Cuban people.
Carnival Corporation said it is in “active discussions” and plans to work with the appropriate authorities in Cuba so that Cuban approval is granted.
Using P&O Cruises 710-passenger ship Adonia, Fathom will start weekly seven-day voyages from Port Miami in April 2016 to Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic.
Fathom then intends to offer both Dominican Republic and Cuban itineraries giving travellers the opportunity to choose from two destinations.
Cruise-only prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $2,990 per person, excluding taxes, port and other government and related fees.
Carnival Corporation president and chief executive, Arnold Donald, said: “We are excited about receiving US approval as the very important first step to ultimately take travellers to Cuba under the existing 12 criteria for authorized travel.
“We look forward to working with the Cuban authorities for their approval to help make the social, cultural and humanitarian exchanges between US citizens and the people of Cuba a reality.
“We know there is strong demand from travellers who want to immerse themselves in Cuban culture, so this is a historic opportunity for us to enable more people to experience Cuban society.
“It is also an important opportunity for our new Fathom brand to expand its positive influence in the world with this potential to add full-week immersion sailings to Cuba to its already planned full-week social-impact itineraries to the Dominican Republic beginning in the spring of 2016.”
Fathom president, Tara Russell, added: “After establishing the Dominican Republic as our first partner destination, Cuba represents an important step for us to expand our ability to offer meaningful and enriching experiences to purpose-driven travelers.
“Our goal remains the same for both destinations – to enable travelers to immerse, learn, serve and flourish while making enduring, sustainable contributions on a scalable and systematic basis.
“We are looking forward to building what we intend to be a beautiful and lasting friendship with the Cuban people.”