First Cruise to Cuba from U.S. in 50 Years Arrives into Havana

Fathom Cruise Line’s Adonia makes history with cruise to Cuba from Miami.

Greeted by hundreds of well-wishers waving flags and smiling, the 704-passenger Adonia docked in Havana early this morning. It almost didn’t happen. At the last minute, the Cuban government issued a no-go for Cuban Americans who wanted to make the cruise to visit Cuba. After long hours of negotiations, the ban was lifted. Cuban-born passengers who, for the first time in over 50 years, were allowed to travel by sea from the U.S. on a cruise to Cuba. It must have been an interesting yet bittersweet experience.

Said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation, “Our arrival today in Havana is a special moment in history that contributes to a more positive future, and we congratulate our colleague Arnie Perez on being the first person born in Cuba to step ashore under Cuba’s new policy. We are so honored that Carnival Corporation and our Fathom brand can be part of such a meaningful milestone. We believe there is no better way to experience Cuba and see this beautiful island than to cruise with us on Fathom, and we look forward to providing a very special and rewarding experience to everyone who sails with us.”

Every other week, Fathom’s Adonia will begin a scheduled 7-night cruise to Cuba departing on Sunday from Miami. Adonia will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba.

Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval for all three ports. This is important because it means the ship won’t need to anchor offshore and tender passengers back and forth to the port.
Included in this inaugural year, travelers will be immersed into Cuban culture where they can choose onboard experiences that include Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired food and films, music and dancing, and much more.

Special onboard programming covers a wide variety of activities and interests. From an orientation of Cuba’s history, customs and culture to geographic-inspired entertainment, to enrichment activities and conversational Spanish lessons.

“We are extremely excited and very humbled by this historic opportunity to give Fathom travelers an exclusive chance to experience Cuba, which is a unique destination unlike anywhere else in the world,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation.

Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand will generally depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The ship will arrive at Havana the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. ET. The Adonia returns to Miami at 7:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.