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Carnival Corporation and Fathom Travel

Carnival Corporation is the world’s largest cruise company with operations in North America, Australia, Europe, and Asia. Representing about half of the cruise industry, Carnival Corporation features nine of the world’s most popular and well‐respected cruise line brands, which include Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn in the U.S.; AIDA Cruises in Germany, Costa Cruises in Italy, and P&O UK in Southampton, England, and P&O Australia in Sydney.  Together, our brands operate more than 100 ships that visit more than 700 global ports around the world. With over 150,000 employees from over 150 countries, we have a passion for providing provide extraordinary vacations at an exceptional value to our nearly 13 million guests annually.

Sustainability is a critically important part of how we conduct our business. We have been committed since our inception in 1972 to operating responsibly, as our very existence is tied to protecting the oceans and communities in which we operate. Our highest responsibility and top priorities are compliance, protecting the environment and the safety, health and well-being of our guests, our crew members and the people in the communities we visit. Our deep commitment to responsible sustainability practices is not just an operating necessity – one that involves oversight from the corporation’s Board of Directors – but it is simply the right thing to do.

Our commitment also includes building community solution partnerships rooted in shared values. We make sustainable tourism a top corporate priority by minimizing our overall environmental impact, including reducing our carbon footprint, improving air quality, reducing waste generation and improving water use efficiency, in addition to providing a variety of community‐based traveler experiences. We promote sustainable tourism by contributing to communities in a positive social, environmental and economic manner, working in conjunction with a diversity of stakeholders.

When and why did you begin your impact tourism program?

Carnival Corporation’s global impact journey began long before the world came to know Fathom, the social impact travel brand and experiences developed and launched in 2015. The Carnival Foundation was formally created in 1992 as the charitable arm of Carnival Corporation. It is dedicated to creating positive change through empowering youth, enhancing education, and strengthening families in the communities where employees live and work.

In June of 2015, we introduced a new category of travel – Social Impact Travel – through Fathom. This launch was the culmination of 18 months of deep ethnographic research in tandem with an imaginative human‐centered design process, robust quantitative market research and rigorous business and operational planning. Fathom offered travelers a seven‐day cruise experience to the Dominican Republic (DR) with original purpose‐built onboard experiences and educational programming intended to prepare travelers for their time onshore coming alongside Dominican residents to participate in community‐based experiences.

In May 2016 Carnival Corporation, through Fathom, made history as the first U.S. cruise company to sail from the U.S. to Cuba in more than 40 years, taking travelers to this enchanting country to share rich people‐to‐people experiences and strengthen ties with Cubans. Carnival Corporation made more history in April 2016 by working closely with Cuban officials to encourage a policy change to allow Cuban-born individuals to travel to Cuba by sea, in the same manner as airline charter operations to Cuba.

Over the 15 months that Fathom delivered its seven‐day dedicated traveler experiences, we brought more than 32,000 travelers to the Dominican Republic and Cuba. While travelers loved the Fathom experiences, this novel category of travel was challenging to sell, market and scale. We evolved the vision from a ship‐based experience to focus on shore‐based activities and shared‐value programming delivered through our sister brands. In addition to experiences in the DR, we developed community-based impact activities in Jamaica and Cozumel and across the Caribbean in post‐Hurricane Maria efforts. Sister brands continue to deliver these transformative onshore experiences to their travelers, continuing and expanding the positive impact Fathom initiated in the Caribbean. Additionally, Fathom equipped sister brands with the unique social impact travel approach and mindset that is now being incorporated in places all over the world.

In order to provide more in-depth details, the following information specifically outlines Fathom’s impact tourism initiatives in the Dominican Republic:

Please provide brief examples of some of your most impactful projects.

Reforestation and Nurseries : Our travelers joined local reforestation efforts designed to improve the livelihoods of Dominican families, restore degraded land, and contribute to forest and wildlife conservation throughout the region. They participated in activities at a local nursery that ranged from potting seeds and seedlings and transporting plants to more physically demanding efforts like mixing potting soil, digging holes, and planting. In 2017 our travelers’ participation led to:

• 15,000+ seeds planted in nurseries
• 10,000+ seedlings transplanted from nurseries into the Dominican soil
• 8+ acres of land reforested

Cacao and Women’s Chocolate Cooperativ e : Our travelers came alongside the women of Chocal, a small organic chocolate cooperative, in the entire chocolate‐making process, from the planting of cacao seeds to making Chocal’s renowned chocolate bars. In 2017 our travelers’ participation led to:

• 1,500+ pounds of chocolate nibs cleaned
• 47,000+ finished chocolate bars
• 56,000+ products wrapped
• 20,000+ cacao seeds planted in the nursery that services the factory

Water Filter Production : In the DR, more than three million people have no access to piped water. One solution is the production of clay water filters. Travelers joined established organizations and local artisans in the entire filter‐making process: gathering and mixing the raw materials, working the clay, shaping and firing the filters, and testing the quality of the finished product. The recipients of these filters experience a significant reduction in instances of waterborne illnesses, as well as cost savings from not having to purchase expensive bottled water. Indirect benefits include higher attendance at work and school and a reduction in waste. In 2017 our travelers’ participation led to:

• 800+ water filters produced
• 3,700+ individuals benefiting; now having access to safe drinking water

Did your impact tourism program help, hurt, or have no impact on your business?

Customers’ willingness to pay for the Fathom social impact journey to the DR was well below what the early research had indicated would be the case, which is why the brand evolved to a shore‐based experience model. Cuba was very successful given that, for an extended period of time, Fathom was the only U.S. ship offering travelers access and we were able to market and sell these experiences at full price. Fathom shared key learnings, content and programs with sister brands, which have had the ability to travel to Cuba as well when government regulations have allowed.

Both of Fathom’s journeys generated record‐breaking Net Promoter Scores (measuring customer satisfaction). And, in less than two years, Fathom generated more than 91 billion media impressions, more than 95% of which were positive or neutral in tone, thus increasing awareness of Carnival Corporation’s commitment to doing the right thing, thereby enhancing the organization’s brand reputation.

While Fathom is no longer in operation as a stand‐alone brand and independent cruise operation, its spirit remains alive and well within sister brands, which remain committed to community solution partnerships rooted in shared values and sustainable tourism.

Vetting Process

How did you select projects.

Fathom collaborated with a diverse mix of community, private sector and government leaders with deep roots and strong connections in the Dominican community. We identified organizations that had long‐established social impact programs in their respective regions and were eager to partner with Fathom and the tourism sector to amplify their results. Together, we identified activities that would have meaningful impact on individuals’ lives and make lasting contributions to the community. This means that communities decided priorities, instead of outsiders deciding for them. We actively incorporated local stakeholders who were traditionally marginalized from the economic benefits of tourism. The result was a broad variety of high‐energy and deeply meaningful activities that focused on local education, environmental protection and economic development. We later used the same asset‐based community development model to build the on‐ground activities in Jamaica and Cozumel, and for various post‐hurricane impact travel groups led in partnership with Princess while further training our sister brands to offer similar experiences where both community partners and travelers had mutual interests.

What was the structure to ensure ongoing accountability?

For each of our programs in the DR, we worked with our local partners to create development indicators. We then monitored and evaluated results and impact outcomes after each week (and compiled and analyzed over the longer term) that we brought travelers to the DR. We then made changes as, or if, necessary to ensure we were fulfilling our specific goals for each experience to ensure authentic impact, both on each trip and over the long term.

Fathom worked with local stakeholders and tour operators to ensure everyone was fully prepared to execute the experience and that the operators understood the importance of the activity for the community, importance of communication to ensure the experience met the needs. A manual on how to build sustainable purpose driven shorex was created and shared with the sister brands. Fathom internally then delivered on-site training to sister brands in Europe as well as in the UK.

Employee Engagement

How were your employees and your company involved in the projects.

Our team researched, developed and tested all projects in collaboration with DR partners. When Carnival Corporation, via Fathom, started talking with a diverse group of stakeholders in the DR, we wanted to understand the key priorities and opportunities for partnership. It quickly became apparent that the three Es – environment, education and economic development – were the greatest areas for potential impact and we built experiences around these priorities.

We also hired a talented and diverse local team of Dominicans, who worked full‐time with our DR partners to measure the quality and effectiveness of the community projects and ensure that our travelers were having an authentic impact. Our global team of Fathom Impact Guides participated in all activities alongside our travelers.

In addition, a majority of all Fathom employees participated in the DR activities. We chartered our ship, Adonia, from Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises UK and many officers and crew also participated. This ensured alignment with our mission, increased our impact on the ground and enabled ship staff to share their firsthand experiences with travelers and become corporate ambassadors globally, seeding future potential.

What were staff reactions?

When we announced the Fathom brand and mission in June 2015, many employees across the corporation reacted positively. We even received resumes from employees eager to join the Fathom brand because of their personal passion for social impact. Fathom generated a huge amount of media coverage (more than 91 billion impressions in less than two years) that lauded the corporation’s commitment to social impact and leadership role in pioneering a new category of travel, which instilled pride in many Carnival Corporation employees. Once we started sailing, we shared impact outcome metrics at the end of every week that travelers spent in the DR with all Fathom employees so they were continuously updated and could celebrate and share our progress. This enhanced staff (as well as traveler) satisfaction and commitment to our mission.

Did you provide staff training to support your impact tourism program?

Fathom created a new shipboard position, Impact Guides, who guided travelers through the entire seven‐day experience, making sure every guest was educated, prepared, comfortable and confident about the impact activities and excursions in the DR and the cultural experiences they chose in Cuba. By leading unique onboard workshops and team‐ building activities, Impact Guides helped strengthen travelers’ sense of self, community and social innovation. We recruited Impact Guides from around the world to ensure a diverse array of talents and experience, from Peace Corps volunteers and PhD candidates to those with non‐governmental organization (NGO) experience and professional organizational development experts. All shared one important attribute – a commitment to ensuring communities were better off after we left than when we arrived.

We developed an intense month‐long training program for our Impact Guides that took place in the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas (where Fathom’s ship Adonia was being refurbished) and on the ship. Training included ship safety and maritime regulations and procedures, immersion in all on‐shore social impact activities in the Dominican Republic, workshop content and delivery, customer service and information about the history and culture of the DR and Cuba.

Funding Model

How were funds raised from travelers how did you solicit donations how were funds distributed.

A meaningful portion of each passenger’s ticket price was redirected to our partner organizations in the DR to cover expenses, supplies, personnel and general operations. Fathom also invested start‐up capital with the partner organizations to establish improved operating models and facilities capacity.

Were donations tax deductible?

Any donations included with the shorex activities were not tax deductible as they were included as part of the travel experience delivery.  However, there were additional opportunities where Fathom raised donations on behalf of partners and those donations were fully tax deductible.

Do project funds go into a separate account or to a foundation to ensure transparency and separation from business revenue? If not, what is your process to ensure financial accountability of donated funds?

Yes, donations went into a separate bank account through the Dominican Foundation, our fundraising and distribution partner.

There were a few ways we solicited donations. 1) At the end an impact experience facilitators offered opportunities to stay engaged. For example, follow social media and consider donation opportunities to further support specific causes. 2) During final cohort meetings onboard the Fathom 7-day journey at sea, we would talk about opportunities to donate and/or stay engaged.

The Dominican Foundation, a 501c3, managed a website where travellers could donate to a specific activity or make a general donation towards impact activities. We also requested donations specifically for when Puerto Plata was flooded. Those funds went directly to the Dominican Foundation and never to Fathom.

Visitor Engagement

Did travelers visit project sites did you offer opportunities for voluntourism or material donations.

Yes, the entire focus and mission of Fathom was to offer travelers the opportunity to come alongside the people of the Dominican Republic to make a meaningful contribution to sustainable economic, environmental and educational initiatives in the local communities. Fathom’s Adonia docked in the DR for three plus days on each trip and offered a broad range of authentic, meaningful impact experiences. Travelers could participate in up to five impact activities. Some of the opportunities travelers had to choose from included: helping cultivate cacao plants at a nursery and assisting a local women’s cooperative in producing artisan chocolates; engaging in reforestation programs to promote environmental efforts; supporting local youth through conversational English activities; and building cement floors for families whose houses had only dirt flooring.

By bringing approximately 700 passengers to contribute three days a week every other week, we offered thousands of traveler impact partnership days per month to the communities we visited. Each passenger’s contribution, regardless of its size or length of duration, complemented that of hundreds of other passengers, creating a huge ripple effect that had a positive impact on the lives of many Dominicans.

Was impact tourism promoted or marketed to guests?

We promoted Fathom’s travel deep journeys on our website and in all advertising. Our messaging was focused on offering curious travelers, who want to make a difference in the world, accessible ways to take unconventional journeys. We invited travelers to come together to collaborate, be inspired, connect and share with local people. For our DR journey, we shared how we spent extensive time bringing social impact experts together with local partners to develop programs that maximize sustainable impact in areas of education, environment and economic development. We invited travelers to join in and participate alongside locals, making relevant contributions that endure long after the trip ends. For Cuba, we promoted making history as the first travel company in more than 40 years to sail from the U.S. to Cuba and that we were providing travelers with opportunities to delve deeply into Cuba’s diverse and vibrant culture.

What type of educational opportunities and materials did you give to travelers?

Fathom designed an entire curriculum of unique, comprehensive onboard programming for our travelers. We offered educational sessions on the history, geography and culture of our destinations and on conversational Spanish; information and training for our DR impact activities and around the Cuban ethos to enable travelers to hit the ground running; interactive workshops on personal development such as storytelling, social innovation in action and the curiosity advantage; and how travelers could focus energy and resources towards volunteering and development long after the trip ended and they returned home. We provided materials at most of these sessions for travelers to take home, and the training and empowerment sessions took place over the course of three days traveling to and from the destination.

On each journey, our Impact Guides organized travelers into small community cohorts so they could learn and share with each other throughout the week in an intimate setting and form lasting bonds. These cohorts were one of the core ingredients for creating inspiring journeys and building lifelong friendships.

Community Perspectives

How did you ensure that your values and approach align with those of the community supported.

Our focus on lasting social impact is what made Fathom unique. Since we made regular trips to the DR, Fathom was able to build a long‐term partnership with local communities and partners, not just a one‐time trip with a short‐term spike of preparation. We believe that, to be sustainable, a project or activity needs to produce income. If you do not produce positive income, the project stops. That’s why we worked with cooperatives, like Chocal, to help them increase productivity and sales, so they could create a sustainable business model and afford to hire more local people. These activities have continued now with the participation of Carnival Corporation brands.

Do you engage in ongoing dialogue with the local community? If so, how?

Our local Dominican port operations team in the Dominican Republic employs approximately 100 local Dominicans and has regular engagement with the local community.  The port team has sponsored local baseball teams, supported musical and educational programs, and assisted in disaster relief efforts locally.  Carnival Corporation has a VP of Global Ports and Caribbean Government Relations that leads and is engaged in various ways in the communities where we travel within the Caribbean.

Jamaica Community Partner Feedback – comments from the Rastafari Indigenous Village, specifically from Edward Wray, aka First Man:

“You did not come to us saying “This is what we want to do. Instead you asked ‘How can we help you thrive? We want to allow people to connect with you; we want to learn what you’re doing and help you bring it out, for the world to experience. This we call a real partnership.”

Lessons Learned

Why do you feel your impact tourism program was successful.

Our research showed that many people long to make a difference in the world but have no idea where to begin. Fathom was a consumer‐friendly way for compassionate travelers to get hands‐on with community‐based social impact experiences. Our goal was to have a deep and lasting impact on our travelers, as well as on the communities with which we partnered. Travelers became believers, and many traveled with us as many as 10 times during the first 15 months of sailings. Although Fathom no longer sails a dedicated ship, we continue to engage with our Fathom travelers, who have become Fathom Alumni . Many continue to sail with sister brands and participate in experiences developed by Fathom.

Our community partners welcomed the opportunity to build new friendships, have new marketing channels via Fathom, identify new sources of revenue, and gain the assistance from larger networks of supporters. 

What challenges has your company faced in developing a successful program?

Identifying the right partners on the ground has always been complex, time and resource intensive.  Developing authentic relationships with the local community is costly, but important. 

Why do you feel it is important for the tourism industry to not only promote a product but to provide environmental and community support?

Our view is that philanthropy is important, but difficult to sustain. A market‐driven solution to a social impact challenge provides more sustainability in terms of human and financial capital, which are both critical to sustaining social missions. This is why we created social impact travel ‐‐ to provide the opportunity to build a community with like‐minded travelers eager to immerse in another culture and come alongside its people to create enduring social impact.

For more information contact: Tara Russell [email protected] , [email protected]

Websites: www.carnivalcorp.com, www.carnivalfoundation.com , Carnival Sustainability Report

This Impact Tourism Handbook was made possible by generous financial support from Elevate Destinations , Hilton , Holbrook Travel , and Overseas Adventure Travel .

Fathom Travel – Making an impact

My friend Kay Showker, sent me this story and I thought you might enjoy reading about one of the newest experiences at sea.  Enjoy!- Heidi

By Kay Showker

Although Fathom’s historic cruise to Cuba has dominated the headlines, the new company’s alternate cruises to the Dominican Republic, launched two weeks earlier, more closely reflect the Fathom experience.

Fathom Impact Travel or travel-with-a-purpose , as it defines itself, is a new kind of travel, offered as a cruise for the first time ever.  If, as many surveys indicate, travelers are looking for an “experience,” for authenticity in their travels, than Fathom certainly fits the bill.  Creating significant “impact” on both the country visited and the traveler participating is its goal with the potential to transform lives.

The newest and tenth brand of Carnival Corporation, Fathom is well described by its name and logo, now emblazoned on its ship, the Adonia .   Among its several meanings — “seeking depth” and “outstretched arms” — Fathom offers depth in travel by enabling passengers to work alongside local people, becoming immersed in their culture, making personal connections, building community with like-minded travelers and thus, making a lasting impact.

There are, of course, many volunteer-travel opportunities but most are usually for only one or two weeks’ duration, once a year. What sets Fathom apart from these is its long-term, sustained commitment, working in cooperation with local partners already deeply involved in the Impact activities which the cruise offers.

The seven-day cruises on the 704-passenger Adonia , formerly with P&O, another Carnival cruise line, depart on alternate Sundays from Miami to Amber Cove, a new $85 million port with shops, pools and other recreational facilities, developed by Carnival Cruise Line, six miles from Puerto Plata on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

At the Port of Miami, Adonia ’s docking area, “J” which is designated for small ship, seems quite a distance from the terminals of Carnival and other cruise lines with large ships. Boarding was very smooth and we sailed at 4:00 pm as scheduled.  The ship offered a Fathom Launch/sail-away party on the top decks and some music and dancing events in the evening.  Since there weren’t specific activities to attend, it was a good time for me to get familiar with the ten-deck ship.

Originally built in 2001, as the last of eight ‘R’ class ships for Renaissance Cruises, Adonia will feel like home to those who have sailed on the former “R” ships of Oceania or Azamara Cruises or Minerva II of Swan Hellenic.  Before she entered service for Fathom, the 30,277-ton Adonia was completely refurbished with more contemporary décor while retaining her classic ambience and features like its wood paneling and grand staircase.  It also has the amenities, services, spa and fitness center, and onboard activities of modern cruise ships but with the coziness and friendly charm of a small vessel.

After a leisurely Sunday departure from Miami, Monday is spent at sea with an onboard schedule filled with workshops by Fathom’s Impact staff (called cohorts) to introduce passengers to the programs available during the three days the ship is docked at Amber Cove.  There are also introductory Spanish lessons and a host of games and enrichment activities to break the ice among the Impact passengers.  The Fathom cohorts are enthusiastic, bilingual young men and women, who come from all over the U.S. and have been in the Peace Corp or had similar experiences.

Two Years in the Making

Fathom initially identified as Impact partners two organizations with long-established programs and strong social connections in the northern region of the Dominican Republic:  Entrena and Instituto Dominicano de Desarrollo Integral (IDDI).   Fathom consulted with them and with local teachers, businesses and others to learn the needs of local communities.  Their trained, bilingual staffs worked alongside Fathom’s Impact staff,  who serve as instructors on board; jointly, they accompany participants during impact activities. The two years of detail planning and cooperation account to a great extent for Fathom’s success coming out of the gate.

Fathom Impact programs fall in three groups: educational, environmental, and economic; all are designed to have either an immediate or a long term impact or both.  Suitable for a wide range of ages, skill levels and physical exertion, participants can choose from the following projects.

EDUCATIONAL IMPACT:  Student English Conversation (Entrena) One skill most in demand by local employers is basic English.  During school months, Impact participants work with young students in small-groups teaching English (See description below)

Community English Conversation (Entrena) addresses the need of the growing Dominican tourism industry for bilingual speakers by teaching English to lower income adults to help bolster their employment opportunities. Small group sessions are held in community centers and homes; in addition to English instruction and one-on-one conversation, participants enjoy preparing food and sharing a meal.  Another option, offered in summer only, is Cre ative Arts, Music, and Sports (Entrena) , an innovative three-day camp designed to develop children’s creativity, athletic ability, and life skills.  Located in a mountain community above Puerto Plata, Impact participants help to create videos, drama presentations, hands-on arts and crafts, and sports.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT   Water Filter Production (Entrena) recognizes that three million Dominicans have no access to piped water.  Working alongside local artisans, participants assist in the filter-making process from mixing the raw materials, working and shaping the clay to firing the filters, testing the product, and distributing the clay filters to needy families.  Reforestation and Nursery (IDDI)  Reforestation near mountain villages is designed to restore degraded land, frequently washed away by heavy rains and landslides, and improve the livelihoods of Dominican families, as well as contribute to forest and wildlife conservation in the region.  Working with small local groups, participants learn firsthand to pot tree seedlings, assist in establishing and managing tree nurseries, transporting plants, and hiking to mountain sites to plant the tiny trees.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPACT:  Cacao and Women’s Chocolate Cooperative (IDDI)    A local women’s cooperative cultivates organic cacao (chocolate) plants, an important source of income for the Puerto Plata region.  Impact participants assist in the complete production cycle — from planting and cultivating cacao trees, to preparing the raw materials and producing and packaging the final product of organic artisan chocolates for sale.  Helping to increase production leads to greater sales, thus enabling the cooperative to hire more women, who can gain income in a region with limited employment opportunities.  Recycled Paper and Crafts Entrepreneurship   (IDDI) Another group of Dominican women with IDDI support formed an association, RePapel, to recycle paper and create products to sell. Impact participants assist in the six-step process of paper recycling, as well as make eco-friendly products for sale from the paper and local natural fibers, seeds and shells, such as jewelry, candles and coasters.

UNUSUAL IMPACT OPPORTUNITIES:   Concrete Floors in Community Homes (IDDI)  In a country where forty percent of the population lives below the poverty line, and the average household annual income is less than US$6,000, it is not uncommon for homes in impoverished communities to have dirt floors — a genuine health risk. The Impact goal is to help improve the health of Dominicans living in these homes as these floors can be dusty during the dry season and damp and wet in the rainy season — and, impossible to clean.  Homes in a different small area are chosen to be upgraded with concrete floors.  Since not all participants are able to pour concrete, other tasks are done, such as painting, fixing broken furniture, improving the home’s surroundings, and planting fruit trees for their beauty and long-term nutritional benefits, working alongside homeowners and community members, including children.

Fathom cruises are not meant to be all work and no play.  On board, passengers can choose from a variety of diversions from yoga and meditation to dominos.  On shore, there are city tours, deep sea fishing, sailing and snorkeling, zipling and beach excursions or they might enjoy the sports facilities at Amber Cove.

Fathom is banking on the accumulative effect of its efforts, anticipating that by bringing up to 700 passengers  every other week to work on Fathom projects — with each new group picking up where the last group left off — after six month or a year, the impact can be measured, adjustments made as needed, and new projects added.

Regarding the Cuba cruises, unlike in the Dominican Republic ones, where travelers work side by side with local people on existing programs aimed at improving the lives of families and communities, in Cuba, passengers participate in cultural exchange programs approved by the Cuban government. Although Fathom would like to offer programs in Cuba similar to those in the DR, it may be a long time before the Cuba government would sanction such activity.

Prices for seven-day Dominican Republic cruises start at $974 per person, plus taxes and port fees; prices vary by season.  Included are the usual cruise features such as all meals aboard ship, Impact workshop and activities, and three onshore Impact activities. Cuba itineraries start at $1,800 per person.

A Fathom Sample Program in Action

One of the workshops I attended on the full day at sea en route to the Dominican Republic, was for those enrolled in teaching English to Dominican students.  We were shown a richly illustrated teaching manual prepared by Fathom.  The excellent guide was too extensive for participants to absorb in one day, however, Fathom plans to send in advance material to passengers who sign up for the program to give them a head start.

The next day, we took a short bus ride from Amber Cove to the school we would be visiting in the Puerto Plata suburb of San Marcos.

After a quick tour of the school, its library and cafeteria, we had a short pep rally to introduce us and break the ice with the kids who looked at us with eyes of wonder as though we had come from another planet. [ Note :  We were the first Fathom group these children had ever encountered .]   We were broken up into small groups, each to teach two or three students who knew no English. In a 45 minute session we covered basic phrases like, What’s your name? and basic words from the Teaching Guide along with colorful cards printed with an English word or phrase on one side and in Spanish on the other.  After a short break for simple refreshments, we went to a different class and again, teamed up with two or three students.

Clearly, the students and their teachers were pleased to see us.  Since we were the first to launch the program, we probably learned more Spanish than the children learned English. But after a year, when Fathom has brought up to 700 passengers every other week to the DR and participants teach students – picking up from the Teaching Guide where the last group left off – the effort is bound to have made an impact.  Hopefully, over time, the students will learn enough English to land good jobs where a working knowledge of the language is required.

What at first blush seems like pie-in-the-sky, when passengers experienced any of the programs in action, they become convinced.  At sessions later on board, passengers expressed their joy and how much the experience had meant to them.  Even the most skeptical – myself included – were converted.  Credit goes to the Fathom organization and its Dominican partners for being so well prepared.  Their two years of planning is paying off.

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Fathom Travel: Making an Impact in the Dominican Republic & Beyond

A year ago I launched my travel blog as an outlet to share my travel experiences around the world in hopes of inspiring others to travel. It’s been a lot of work but relatively “easy” to write my posts to date — until now. As I sit here struggling to describe my latest adventure, tears welling up in my eyes, I fear that words won’t capture the magic that was my Fathom Travel experience to the Dominican Republic. No matter what I say or which photos I post, my hope is to breathe life into how Fathom Travel has embraced Jackie Robinson’s words:

“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”

So what does this mean? Through Fathom Travel, passengers on this 7-day cruise sail to the Dominican Republic and have the opportunity to participate in “impact activities” aimed at creating systematic, sustainable and long-term change in a country where over 40% of the population lives below the poverty line. The trip is not just about giving back, it’s also about cultural immersion, discovering the beauty of the Dominican people/land, personal growth and yes, having fun!

Before going on what I referred to as a “service trip cruise,” I had my doubts. Having cruised before in the Caribbean, I wondered if something like this could actually work. I worried that the impact activities had the potential to be intrusive rather than transformative. I questioned if a cruise could provide the environment necessary for travelers to actually care about serving others. My list of concerns continued: Would we be welcomed? Dismissed as privileged? Challenged? Taken advantage of?

Reflecting back on my initial concerns now, I realize Fathom Travel designed the trip to address any imaginable doubts I had. With intention behind every single element of Fathom’s design on both micro and macro levels, I stepped off the ship truly confident that this venture will have a positive impact in the Dominican Republic and on travelers that take the journey.

As a sponsored member of the media, one of the first things I did was attend a “media briefing” to learn more about the week ahead. Within minutes I was lucky enough to meet Spencer Spellman , Rachel Rudwall , Laura Lawson Visconti , Jessica Blotter and Sean Krejci . Fate brought us together. From that moment forward we became a small tribe within a larger family on the ship. Tied by our common love for adventure travel, deep conversations, Settlers of Catan, LOST , the perfect fried egg, living outside our comfort zones, questioning the purpose of life, Dominican rum and laughter I never knew I could love a group of people so much in such a short period of time.

The close bonds strangers developed with one another on the cruise is a testament to the way Fathom Travel designed the trip. During our first two days on board, we got to know each other through meals, workshops, activities and free time. After building a solid foundation, we then strengthened those bonds through impact activities, excursions, thoughtful conversations, late night games, drinking and dancing. Sailing back to Miami we then had time to decompress and let loose. Over seven days I was able to connect with so many incredible travelers from all over the globe who collectively have inspired me to be the best version of myself, a kinder traveler and a harder worker – and that’s just from being ON the ship!

After a day and a half of sailing to the Dominican Republic we finally arrived at Amber Cove where our ship docked for four days. At a press conference on the ship with Carnival Cruise CEO Arnold Donald we learned that the company invested over $80 million in building the Puerto Plata port for Fathom Travel and its other brands. Walking around, I was stunned — I hadn’t imagined that Amber Cove would be a gorgeous, resort-like destination. Similar to a Disneyland-esque gated community, this highly commercialized port offers a traditional cruise vacation, but serves as the gateway to a completely atypical experience.

Reforestation & Nursery

• Recycled Paper & Crafts Entrepreneurship
• Cacao and Women’s Chocolate Cooperative

Community English Conversation & Learning

• Student English Conversation & Learning

Water Filtration Production

Concrete Floors in Community Homes

• Creative Arts, Music & Sports

One of the best things about Fathom Travel is it’s really up to you to decide what you want your experience to look like. My friend Spencer Spellman said it perfectly — it’s a DIY Cruise. You can spend every day serving others through impact activities or split your time between them and other excursions – it’s completely up to you! For my experience, I chose to spend my time doing four impact activities and one personal excursion.

In this impact activity a group of about 25 of us traveled to the El Javillar community in Puerto Plata where roughly 3,000 people live in poverty. On the bus ride to El Javillar our IDDI guide Lawrence told us that many of the homes in the community have dirt floors. When building their homes, families can only afford to construct them piece-by-piece – a wall, a room, a roof and, if they’re lucky, concrete floors. Families living without concrete floors are often plagued by illness caused by unsanitary living environments. Lawrence shared that providing a family with a concrete floor dramatically improves health, but also pride. For an in-depth look at this experience, click here .

Today over 663 million people around the world lack access to clean drinking water. In the Dominican Republic, over 3 million residents have no access to piped water at all. Recognizing that access to clean, drinkable water is a crisis around the world, Fathom Travel and Entrena have partnered with the non-profit organization Wine To Water to create clay water filtration systems in the DR. For an in-depth look at this experience, click here .

The ability to speak English opens up many doors for Dominicans, especially for higher education and job opportunities. During this impact activity Entrena guides brought us to a local community where we were given English lesson plans, paired up with members of the community and taken to their actual homes to teach English. For an in-depth look at this experience, click here .

Together Fathom Travel and IDDI are working together to restore land in the DR that has been degraded largely due to agricultural deforestation. Depending on the day, this impact activity gives Fathom Travelers the opportunity to plant seeds at a nursery or trees throughout the region. For an in-depth look at this experience, click here .

27 Waterfalls & More

As an adventure traveler who loves exploring the outdoors, in addition to my impact activities I wanted to do something unique to the DR. That’s exactly the experience I got exploring 27 Waterfalls just 20 minutes from Amber Cove. My three hours of hiking through the jungle, jumping off cliffs and sliding down waterfalls was an adrenaline filled way to enjoy the beauty of the DR. For an in-depth look at this experience, click here

My time in Puerto Plata was marked by four impact activities and one personal excursion. The best part is these just scratch the surface — Fathom Travel provides so many impactful, unique and interesting opportunities for travelers to explore, understand and appreciate the Dominican Republic.

I absolutely loved having a cruise ship as our home base throughout our DR journey. In a lot of ways it felt like an adult, family-friendly summer camp. Participating in activities on and off the ship, it was always nice to come home to the same group of people who were excited to open up with one another about their shared and different experiences. Sure, Fathom Travel has some kinks to work out (like any new company), but overall they did a phenomenal job of using Adonia as a vehicle to establish a sense of community and greater purpose among travelers. By the end of the trip, I recognized so many faces, created lasting friendships and walked around the hallways as if I were attending my 10 year college reunion. We truly established a “Fathom Family” unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in all of my travels.

If you’re interested in booking a trip with Fathom Travel (which I hope you are!) below is the pricing as of April 2016. Click here to book your trip now!

Fathom Travel challenged me to go beyond my selfish love for travel by giving me the opportunity to be selfless through travel. It’s a company that is truly changing the travel narrative by making impact travel accessible and mainstream, while at the same time still tapping into the core of why we love travel. Through a cruise, let me say that again, a cruise , I have reignited my passion to live a life of importance by having a positive impact on the world. My service in the Dominican Republic may have been finite, but its impact on my life (and the DR) will be infinite.

Thank you Fathom Travel for being important. Your impact on the world will #TravelDeep.

Justin Walter

Justin Walter is an LA-based host and producer with a passion for travel. From the South Pacific to Central America, Justin has traveled the globe in search of new, exciting and adventurous experiences, and shares them with readers on his blog.

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9 things to know for the zion narrows hike, 7 things to do in santa monica california, reforesting the dominican republic one plant at a time, 22 comments.

Dude, really love this. You rounded out the entire experience nicely, and tied it all together so well.

Thank you Spencer! Means a lot coming from such a pro and someone who was there experiencing it with me. I’m so happy we met through Fathom Travel and excited for more adventures to come.

Thanks for this great account! I am booked in June to head to the DR with my two teen sons, and we’re even more excited after reading this. My main concern is that the impact activities might be intrusive instead of helpful. Sounds like you didn’t feel this happened, which is encouraging!

Hi Amy! Thank you for the positive feedback. I’m so excited for you and your sons!! Such a great family experience. As I mentioned, I think Fathom teaming up with the local non-profits really helps in the effort to have impact activities that aren’t intrusive. In every activity I did the Dominicans were beyond grateful. I’d love to hear how your trip goes, please keep in touch.

This was so great to read all about y’all’s trip! Great meeting you and look forward to seeing you around LA soon! 🙂

Thanks Beth! So great to meet you too. Excited to come check out your pastries (so yummy!) and to hang more in LA!

Im even more sure this trip was in Gods plans for my life right now, Im booked for May 22 and going Solo worried maybe I wouldnt want to go alone but after reading your accounts Im sure it will be fine. I am SO looking forward to it even more now reading your account. THANKS for sharing

Hi Anne! I’m so excited for you!! I’m a huge fan of traveling solo and think you’ll have an amazing experience. Fathom Travel is all about living outside your comfort zone and going alone you’re going to meet so many amazing people. If you haven’t traveled solo often just put yourself out there – sit with different people at meals, introduce yourself to strangers on excursions, talk to someone you otherwise may never cross paths with, etc. Have such a fun time learning about yourself, the DR and social impact travel. Let me know if you have any question and how your trip goes.

Fantastic post – I will be sailing to the DR with fathom on June 5 – this post is so helpful and well written ! I am more excited than ever !

Hi Janet! I’m pumped that you’re going on the June 5th sailing to the DR and that my post got you excited. Definitely let me know if you have any questions. Have an awesome trip, step outside your comfort zone, meet incredible people and learn a lot. Cheers!

Hi Justin- tell me more about the hike and waterfall adventure! Did you do that on your own, or was that a Fathom paid “excursion”? I want to do the impact activities but want to hike and explore also!

It was AWESOME! It is not a Fathom excursion, but you can easily do it on your own. I’m currently writing my blog post about it! Look up “27 Waterfalls” near Puerto Plata. It’s only about a 20 min ride from Amber Cove and is a 2.5 – 4 hour adventure that takes you hiking, jumping and swimming in waterfalls. I highly recommend it!

thanks! Also- I have heard that it is about a $35 taxi ride each way from Amber Cove into POP? is that true? Is it just a matter of negotiating that down?

Of course! Happy to help. I’m not exactly sure on that specific rate, but how it works is Amber Cove has one taxi area that has standard prices to different locations. The prices are a little high and you can try negotiating down. Since it’s one company and there really aren’t alternative options its tough. We were able to get some lower rates. I recommend going with other people to split costs.

Thank you very much for this article about our country, there is much joy and enthusiasm and this motivates us to provide the best ever. Thank you JUSTIN WALTER.

[…] Dominican Republic beyond resorts by diving deeper into the country and its culture check out the Fathom Travel cruise to “the forgotten coast,” Puerto […]

Awww, fun. You were on that trip with my pals Rachel and Spence. Bet y’all had a blast!

A friend of Rachel and Spencer is a friend of mine! They were the first people I met on the ship and we became fast, best friends. I LOVE them so much! #TheCruisables

[…] Travel Massive members on the Fathom Travel Dominican Republic impact travel cruise who inspire me daily and became my lifelong […]

This is really good story and action to get some help to those communities, “impact activities” program is such a nice idea and eye opening experience for all of the participants.

It was an incredible experience in so many ways. Thank you for reading and being a part of the journey.

[…] few years ago I went on a social impact cruise to the Dominican Republic and met the founders of Kind Traveler – the first ever “Give + […]

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Pouring Concrete Floors in Dominican Homes

27 waterfalls in 27 photos.

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How my trip with Fathom in the Dominican Republic impacted me

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There is so much to reflect on from my incredible impact travel  experience with Fathom in the Dominican Republic. The people that I met on our team, along with the locals that we interacted with and worked beside, truly left an impression on my heart. I have soooooo many stories to share with you!

I participated on the last pilot trip with Fathom that provided feedback to help shape what impact travel will look like for future tours that launch in the upcoming months.

We experienced opportunities that allowed us to actively engage and partner with locals who normally do not encounter tourists, by working along side them on projects that will have long lasting value to their communities.

Fathom – Impact Travel will be offering a unique 7 day cruise experience to the Dominican Republic and also to Cuba that allows travelers to experience travel in a new way.

Impact travel with Fathom provides the opportunity to build community with like-minded travelers, become immersed in another culture, and work alongside its people to create enduring social impact.

They had me at social impact. Every time that I’ve visited the Caribbean, I’ve loved meeting the people and I’m always left with a desire to help make their lives better however I can.

Our group experienced incredible interactions with locals and each other. That’s always such a big part of travel anyway, right? We go on trips to see places and explore but a lot of times it’s the people who leave imprints on our hearts. Our pilot trip gave our team the opportunity to experience three different impact activities. There will be more options to choose from for future cruises.

Day 1 Reforestation and Nursery

While my goal for any vacation near the sun is to come back with a tan, many Dominican locals don’t feel the same way, which is why our first impact activity was to assist with planting trees along the beach to help provide more shade.

Our smaller teams allowed us to really learn from each other beyond planting trees. A few of our Dominican leaders were growing in their English skills and we attempted our Spanish. We also talked about everything from travel, to music, to family.

In addition to planting 407 trees, we also collected 25 bags of garbage from the beach, and harvested 200 seedlings to use for future projects.

Day 2 Schools -Student English Conversation and Learning

I knew that our impact activity at a rural school was going to be one of my favorites. We were told that some of the students travel up to 3 hours to get to school by 8am. That’s perspective. Our team was welcomed into a 4th grade classroom.

We danced to Bruno Mars “Uptown Funk” and were given our instructions about what we would be doing that day. I think the adults and the kids were both equally excited about spending time together that day.

We partnered up with a student and each traced our hand on paper. The travelers each taught the students how to say their names in English. I also got to practice a few other Spanish phrases that dated back to my high schools years. Our names tags did have a little cheat sheet with a few popular phrases on them to help start conversations.

I really enjoyed talking to my student and observing his progress in such a short time. This was the first time that this class had travelers visit.

We moved on to a craft using recycled materials. Our groups worked together and created a soccer ball using tape, newspaper,and one balloon.

After our craft was complete, we joined the students for a game of soccer. I’m still amazed that the ball never popped!

I think all of us were sad that our time seemed to go by way too fast that day.

Day 3 Assisting at Re Papel

The sweetest little boy welcomed us to his neighborhood on our way to Re Papel. His smile made our day. His smile was just the beginning of smiles that we would encounter that day with the women who would leave imprints on our hearts.

Our impact activity at Re Papel allowed our group to experience the entire paper recycling process with Dominican women from impoverished areas.  These women generate an income from the sales of their recycled paper products.

Upon arrival, we got to hear a little from each employee, thanks to a translator before we started.

Our team was part of the full recycling process which gave us a greater appreciation for how incredible this business opportunity is for these women.

The woman from Re Papel were such a JOY! They made work fun and they were so sweet. We shared stories, we sang, we danced, and we worked. Our large group was broken in to smaller groups to allow us help the process and get to know the women better. A few hours of work with our team equaled three full days labor.

At the end of our time together, there were stories of connection that brought all of us to tears.

Another great part of the Impact Activity experience was the local food served on site for lunch. We enjoyed INCREDIBLE Dominican food that also created jobs for locals.

The Impact activities provided by Fathom left an imprint on our hearts that no language barrier could separate.

My experience with the Fathom team really was wonderful! The impact experiences with the Dominican locals were well organized and created incredible moments of interaction. Be prepared to leave a piece of your heart in the Dominican. I can’t wait to go back!

You can find out more about about upcoming Fathom cruises from their website.

A special thanks to Fathom for invited me to attend this life changing adventure!

Why this year’s butterfly theme at the Krohn might be my favorite

10 reasons why i love to walk in a cemetery, 9 thoughts on “how my trip with fathom in the dominican republic impacted me”.

I went on the pilot trip before the cruise launched so we stayed at a resort on the island.

What a beautiful recap of your adventure with fathom. Wonderful to read as I am traveling to the DR with them in June ! I can’t wait and your beautiful descriptive narrative gets me even more excited!

Great recap of this trip! I was hoping to take a Fathom cruise in June but they didn’t have space. The volunteering part of the trip sounds like a life changer. How was the ship itself? Curious about the experiences on board.

Love the inside look at Fathom cruise. I plan to go on a Fathom cruise in June. Fun and soil impact.

I’m going on a DR Cruise with Fathom in May. Very excited and looking forward to this adventure. Thanks for sharing your trip. It is great to see what to expect. Now I am even more excited 🙂

Thank you for sharing this amazing experience! I’m joining a Fathom cruise to the Dominican Republic in June. I can’t wait!

Great trip report! I did a 2 year mission for my church in the DR about 20 years ago so a lot of that looked a little familiar! Especially the food (la bandera they call it – arroz, habichuelas y carne – rice, beans and meat)

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Roaming Around the World

Travel Guides, Tips, and Tales

Fathom Adonia Review: Impact Travel in Dominican Republic

May 7, 2016 By John Widmer 40 Comments

Update : As of June 2017, the Adonia was returned from Fathom to the P&O line. Although the experience described throughout this post no longer exists, we hope this archived article shows a snapshot of what this pioneering concept of impact travel was like, as it was launching back in May 2016. We look forward to seeing how the innovative Fathom Travel brand evolves in the future.

In a bare room of a local home on the outskirts of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, there I sat teaching English to a group of about 15 adults who were eager to learn. Slow progress was made practicing the days of the week. But “Thursday” proved to be extremely difficult to pronounce. The students completely botched the word over and over again. I was ready to give up. But we continued to practice.

Finally, one student hesitantly murmured “Thurs…day?” She nailed it. There were high fives all around. Success! Eventually this student and the rest of the class were confidently saying “Thursday” too. It was at that moment I truly felt that I had not only made an impact but I had really connected with the students. We had first shared frustrations, which led to laughs, and we left with hugs. There was a meaningful connection. That’s what this Fathom Travel experience is all about.

Class was dismissed and I met a curious community member outside of the rural house. Her mother was in my class, so she had been listening in from an open window. The woman inquired as to why there were different people coming each week to teach her mother English. I briefly explained to her that we were only here visiting, from a cruise ship nonetheless, and that teaching English in her community was actually an activity that we were all doing as part of a vacation. As I explained more, the confused look on her face transformed into a big smile. This new concept that is Fathom Travel had blown her mind.

I can relate. Having just experienced “Impact Travel” during the second ever voyage on the Fathom Adonia, it had completely blown our minds too. It’s a totally new travel concept that is difficult to fully grasp when you first hear about it. But just as I had attempted to explain the concept to my new Dominican friend, I hope this blog post will serve to review and explain to you all about traveling to the Dominican Republic on the Fathom Adonia cruise.

Table of Contents

• What is Fathom Travel
• Who May Like A Fathom Travel Journey
• The Voyage from Miami to DR
• All About the Impact Activities

Fathom Adonia Cruise Review

• Fathom Travel Tips & Recommendations
• Booking, Pricing, & Discounts

What is Fathom? What is Impact Travel?

Fathom is a new brand, part of the Carnival Corporation, built around the concept of “impact travel.” Fathom defines impact travel simply as “travel with a purpose,” but here’s a more thorough explanation they provide:

Impact travel is a new category of travel that provides the opportunity to build community with like-minded travelers, become immersed in another culture, and work alongside its people to create enduring social impact.

On the surface it may seem like a volunteer cruise or “voluntourism,” but Fathom insists it is not. It differentiates itself from traditional volunteering by providing immersive experiences that puts you working alongside the Dominican people. You’re not volunteering your time to work for them, but rather collaborating with them, in a mutual effort to create positive outcomes.

Donations are actually discouraged. It’s not about the money. It’s about making an actual impact and making personal connections across cultures. It’s a learning experience as much for the travelers as it is for the Dominicans they’re collaborating with.

A big part of the Fathom impact travel experience revolves around the enrichment, and transformation of – you! While part of this impact travel trip most certainly does involve working on projects that help the Dominican people, there is a simultaneous focus on personal development and human flourishing. While sailing to and from the Dominican Republic, you’re introduced to a number of workshops on board the Fathom Adonia that really hone in on this for those seeking personal exploration.

We found this new concept to be magical and well executed. Cruise vacations and having deep travel experiences aren’t something that naturally go hand and hand. But Fathom has somehow managed to bridge this gap by creating a revolutionary travel experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul during a week long voyage to the DR.

So that’s Fathom Travel in a nutshell, but let’s now dive deep into the details.

Who May Like A Fathom Travel Journey?

Although we think a lot of people will love Fathom, this new concept is definitely NOT for everyone. Fathom is not for a tourist who wants to relax on a beach for a week while being waited on hand & foot. Yet Fathom is also not for hard-core backpackers and solo independent budget traveler types either. Rather, Fathom seems to be ideal for travelers who fall somewhere right in the middle of those two extreme travel styles.

Fathom seems to be a perfect fit for someone who may book curated travel packages but also has a desire to explore deeper. A Fathom trip could be a fantastic introduction for those who want to make a transformation from being a tourist to being a traveler. Fathom can act as metaphorical training wheels to comfortably ease you into this immersive experience.

Traveling with Fathom can appeal to both cruisers and non-cruiser alike. Previous cruise passengers will find many of the aspects they love about cruising such as the dining, activities, and drinks by the pool, yet with a much more enriching and rewarding experience. Meanwhile, a Fathom voyage could also be the perfect introduction to a non-cruiser, as the Adonia wisely avoids many cliché cruising aspects (e.g., cheesy lounge acts, belly flop contests, and Bingo), which may be turnoffs to those who’ve intentionally avoided cruising.

Ages ran the gamut during our sailing and it became apparent that Fathom appeals more to a certain mindset, rather than to any particular age group. Socially-minded millennials will likely appreciate a Fathom journey just as much as retirees looking for a more rewarding vacation. We also witnessed some families getting a lot out of the experience together. But there is an age limit set for children, who must be at least 8-years-old.

Fathom would also be great concept for groups. We could see huge appeal for faith-based organizations and community groups. It could also make for an interesting and different corporate retreat. Or it might be a nice idea for the alternative spring break movement, for college students looking to make a difference.

We really see Fathom drawing in an eclectic crowd of travelers who all share some core elements of curiosity, openness, a desire to make a difference, and a yearning to travel deeper within communities.

The Voyage: Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

Route map is courtesy of Fathom.org

The Fathom Adonia departs the Port of Miami each Sunday, alternating between its history-making Cuba route and the round-trip journey to Puerto Plata that we experienced. Boarding begins at 1:00 and you must be on the ship by 4:00, as the Adonia sets sail shortly thereafter.

The entire day Monday is a sea day which is filled with enrichment workshops, reviewed later in this article. By midday Tuesday, the Adonia pulls into the beautiful Amber Cove, located a few miles west of Puerto Plata. Tuesday afternoon is when many travelers’ impact activities begin. Others may embark on shore excursions or have their own agenda.

The Adonia remains docked in Amber Cove on Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. But don’t make plans to stay out late on Wednesday because the Adonia actually departs at 9:30 pm in order to responsibly dump biodegradable waste into the open ocean. You’ll be out at sea all night until returning to Amber Cove around sunrise on Thursday morning, when impact activities resume.

The Fathom Adonia remains docked in Amber Cove again, until mid-day Friday, when you’ll make your return journey. You’ll then have another day and a half to enjoy the Adonia as you pass by the northern fringes of Cuba while recharging during the voyage back to Miami.

So what’s there to do on the ship during that time at sea? We cover that in the Fathom Adonia review section. First, let’s take a look at the Impact Activities, which is the main attraction of this experience.

All About The Fathom Impact Activities

The Impact Activities is a big part of what your Fathom journey is all about.

Each impact activity falls within one of three types:

• Environmental, and
• Social/Educational.

Currently there are seven different impact activities. These impact activities are not run by Fathom directly. Instead, they are managed by two partner organizations that operate on the ground in DR, that you’ll connect with once in Puerto Plata. You’ll be working with Entrena and IDDI .

Simply put, these impact activities were awesome! At one moment, you’re in your cruise cabin getting ready for the day’s adventure and the next moment you’re at a rural school in a farming community laughing with kids as you teach them English. Then the next day you’re off making chocolate bars at a women’s coop or perhaps bringing someone to tears as you transform their dirt floors into a solid structure. To say it’s heartwarming would be an understatement.

We’ve debated whether we got more out of these activities or the Dominican people we worked alongside with. Be prepared to work hard but just realize that it’s not all hard work. Get ready to dance, sing, and laugh. Dominicans are such a fun-loving culture. And you’ll get to experience this fun in full force while visiting deep within their communities.

How Many Impact Activities to Participate In

It seemed that most people aimed to participate in about three impact activities while in Puerto Plata. Taking part in three activities felt like an ideal amount to us, as it will allow you time to enjoy Amber Cove, explore Puerto Plata, go on an excursion, and/or join in the shipboard activities that continue while docked. Each Fathom impact activity runs for about 4-6 hours depending the activity and day. Some activities depart in the morning, while others leave in the afternoon.

Although currently not mentioned on Fathom’s website, there was material on the Adonia suggesting there was a limit of three activities. Still, some Fathom travelers successfully participated in more by being put on a stand-by list, which ultimately did have room for these additional participants.

Which Fathom Impact Activities to Choose

Each of the impact activities seem interesting, so you may find it difficult to narrow it down to selecting three. So which activities are the best? The answer is subjective and based on your experience that day and your personal opinion. But we must say that the Concrete Floor activity seemed to be a strong favorite among everyone we spoke to who participated in it. I personally found the Community English activity to be rewarding and we also had a great time getting our hands dirty during the reforestation effort. But each activity is not for everyone.

Consider what type of activities you may be more passionate about: social, economic, or educational. Pick a track or mix it up. You must also consider your physical ability. Don’t do the Reforestation or Concrete Floor activities if you’re physically unable (or unwilling) to perform some intense manual labor that may involve lots of sweating, hard work, and getting dirty.

Also, if traveling as a couple, know that you don’t have to participate in the same activities as your partner. Feel free to stay together or split up for the activities. Either way, you’ll make new friends!

Cost of Fathom Impact Activities and What’s Included

Unlike shore excursions, Fathom’s impact activities are included with the price of the cruise. Only the Concrete Floors and the Water Filter Production trips carry a nominal $20 surcharge per person, which helps with the cost of supplies for those impact activities. Transportation from the Adonia to the impact activity site is included on air-conditioned buses. Bottled water is also provided complimentary throughout the experience. Also, some of the morning activities include a nice local lunch before returning to the Adonia.

A Review of the Fathom Impact Activities

We collectively participated in four of the seven impact activities, so the other three reviews are based upon second-hand information we received from talking to Fathom travelers.

Reforestation and Nursery:

Impact Type : Environmental. This activity helps to restore the degraded land and contribute to conservation efforts in the DR.

Reforestation & Nursery Overview: There are actually two different experiences depending on which day you embark on this activity. During our Wednesday morning activity, we were bussed up in the mountains where we trekked for about 10 minutes until we came to a cleared area. This is where we dug holes and planted seedlings, which had already been prepared for us. It’s this preparation of the seedlings that other groups of Fathom travelers undertake on different days. You can read a synopsis of that reforestation experience from fellow bloggers, One Road At a Time .

Ability : Be prepared to possibly trek more than a mile in hot weather, on uneven terrain, across streams, and in mud. Be ready to work hard and sweat.

Lunch: A local lunch is included only on Wednesday morning and Thursday morning departures.

What To Bring: Wear old clothes, as you may get dirty. Bring insect repellent, as there were bugs about. Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sunny weather. If rainy, be sure to bring a good rain jacket, although thin ponchos will be provided if you don’t bring your own. Don’t bother with an umbrella, as it that will get in the way. We felt comfortable wearing sneakers but many people commented they would have preferred to wear boots.

Other Tips : If it works well for your schedule, we’d suggest registering for the Wednesday or Thursday morning Reforestation activity. Going in the morning will be slightly cooler and you’ll have a decreased chance of showers compared to the afternoon. You’ll also enjoy a good local lunch afterwards, which isn’t included on other days.

Community English Conversation & Learning :

Impact Type : Educational. Knowledge of English is in high demand for local employers yet English teachers are in short supply. This activity will help increase proficiency in English, which should ultimately lead to better employment opportunities and increased income.

Community English Overview : You’ll be bussed to a local community where you’ll be introduced to it’s members and participate in some icebreakers as a group. You’ll then get paired up with some of the community members who will invite you into their actual homes, which is where you’ll proceed to teach and practice the day’s lesson. The curriculum is provided for you. You’ll have an instruction book and props that will help to guide the lesson. You’ll focus on one particular topic such as greetings, numbers, or food.

It was my experience that the Dominican students were super awesome and very eager to learn. They ranged in ages from teenagers to senior citizens and had virtually no prior knowledge of English.

Ability : You should only participate in this activity if you speak English fluently. No previous teaching experience is needed. No physical ability is required although it should be noted that it does get hot in the houses and there is no air conditioning. So anyone who is particularly sensitive to heat may want take that into consideration.

Lunch: Plan to eat on the Adonia before and/or after this impact activity.

What to Bring : Bring a smile, patience, and a sense of humor. I found these to be critical. Dress appropriately for the Dominican Republic, which means pants and a shirt that covers the shoulders. You’ll be a teacher for the day, so dress like it! But also dress comfortably, as it may be hot.

Other Tips : While sailing to DR, on Day 2 (Monday), there is an optional “Empowering English Tutoring” workshop. I’d strongly encourage attending this class to anyone who is planning to join the Community English activity in Puerto Plata. It would also be helpful if you brush up on some basic Spanish. This will better enable you to connect with the students and to provide them encouragement.

Student English Conversation & Learning :

Note : This activity is not possible during the summer break of June 21-August 12 and holidays. A “Creative Arts, Music, and Sports” activity will be available instead.

Student English Overview : You’ll be bussed to a local elementary school where a classroom of students awaits you. You’ll be briefed in the bus along the way and upon arriving you may be treated to a song & dance by the students. Icebreakers commence. You’ll then pair up with one or a few students that you’ll spend the next few hours working directly with them focusing on one specific topic.

Like almost any class in the world, the students were composed of a wide range of attention spans and eagerness to learn. Yet all of them were very well behaved, friendly, and cooperative.

Ability : You should only participate in this activity if you speak English fluently. No prior teaching experiencing is needed.

What to Bring : Dress appropriately for the DR, with long pants and a shirt covering the shoulders.

Other Tips : Have fun with it! Like many kids, we found attention spans to dwindle. Make up some games and really try to engage with them. Get excited at their accomplishments to show encouragement. Also, be sure to take the “Empowering English Tutoring” workshop offered on Day 2 (Monday) during the voyage over to Puerto Plata.

Cocao and Women’s Chocolate Cooperative:

Impact Type : Economic. You’ll help out with some menial tasks which allows the cooperative to ramp up production and so they can focus more on the business.

Cocao Cooperative Overview: You’ll help out with tasks throughout the production cycle. You could assist with cultivating cocao trees, doing prep work with the beans, and/or wrapping candy bars. It’ll all be a big help to the women while also providing you with a learning opportunity and cultural exchange.

Ability : This is an activity for everyone.

Lunch: A local lunch is included with Wednesday morning and Thursday morning departures.

Other Tips: The Cocoa Women’s Chocolate Cooperative is a very popular activity with limited space. So if this is a “must-do” for you, be sure to register for it as early as possible. But don’t worry if it gets full. If you’re not able to fit it into your schedule, you can still help participate by sorting cocao beans and nibs at the Impact Center in Amber Cove. This is a way you can help out whenever you’d like, no registration required.

Recycled Paper & Crafts Entrepreneurship:

Impact Type : Economic. By aiding with the production of recycled paper and other crafts, you’ll help the association to grow their business.

Recycled Paper Overview : You’ll be transported to the women’s association where they will teach you exactly how they recycle paper that are used to make crafts. You’ll learn the tricks of their trade while providing them some appreciated assistance on the production process. You may also learn about and help out with other crafts such as candles.

Ability : There is some light physical activity and there may be some optional dancing, but its otherwise suitable for everyone.

Concrete Floors in Community Homes :

Photo courtesy of turtlestravel.com

Impact Type : Many Dominicans living in poor communities reside in homes with dirt floors, which poses significant health risks among other general living challenges.

Overview : You will spend the day mixing concrete and actually laying it to form a floor in a home. It’s hard manual labor but other community members will help with efforts alongside you and the other Fathom travelers. We’ve been told this activity is particularly rewarding as you feel an immediate impact. You’ll meet the person living in the home, making it a very personal experience. You will clearly feel their gratitude as you have made an immediate impact in their life. For an deeper look at what this activity is like, check out this post by fellow bloggers  Turtles Travel , who joined us on our Fathom journey: Fathom’s Impact Activities: Concrete Results .

Ability : This activity requires a considerable level of fitness.

Lunch: A local lunch is included.

What to Bring : Wear clothes you’re comfortable getting dirty. Closed-toed shoes are a requirement. Insect repellent and sun protection is a good idea. Consider rain gear if the weather appears questionable.

Water Filter Production :

Impact Type : Environmental. Millions of families in the Dominican Republic don’t have access to piped water. This lack of clean water causes sickness. The production of these water filters will provide for drinkable water to combat this problem.

Overview : You’ll work alongside local artisans to creates clay water filters. You’ll learn the process and put that new knowledge to action. It all starts by gathering and mixing the raw materials. You’ll then work the clay to shape it before firing it, which create the hardened filter. Finally you’ll test the filters before distributing them to local families.

Ability : This activity should be suitable for most people who can perform a moderate level of activity.

You could tell that Fathom was going to be a different type of cruise from the moment you boarded. Instead of being greeted with a champagne flute, you are instead ushered to meet with your impact guide who immediately sets the tone for the adventures ahead. It’s a perfect introduction to what Fathom is all about. This is not your ordinary cruise, as you’ll notice throughout this Fathom Adonia review.

Overall, we give the Fathom Adonia a great review and most certainly recommend this experience for certain types of travelers. As a completely new brand and concept, the trip was not without issues, such as the journey planner system not working. But we’re confident such minor hiccups will be corrected as they work through these opening kinks and take action on all the feedback in which they seem so receptive to receiving.

But there’s a fine balance in attempting to develop a cruise that delivers a deep and rewarding travel experience. Ultimately Fathom has nailed that.

Fathom Adonia Cabins

We stayed in an outside cabin that had a large window to watch the ocean swells. We found the stateroom to be very comfortable and roomier than those of on other cruise ships we’ve traveled on. The closet and shower felt smaller than average but it never posed any problems. The cabin was clean and stateroom attendant was good. We appreciated the small touches that seemed unique and appropriate for the Fathom brand, such as fair trade toiletries and the complimentary all-natural fruit & nut bars.

The cabin included two American outlets and two European outlets to keep your gadgets charged. There was also an empty mini-fridge, which was nice for those who planned to bring a few of their own beverages aboard the ship. There was no mini-bar.

Dining on the Fathom Adonia

The cuisine on the Adonia exceeded our expectations. Given the focus on impact travel, we figured the food would be an afterthought. Yet we found it to shine, which seemed to be a consensus among other passengers. We only heard a few disparaging murmurs about the food on the ship, which baffled us.

The main dining room is the Pacific Restaurant . We found service to be prompt and very friendly. There were usually a half-dozen menu options available for main courses that typically included seafood, beef, poultry, lamb/pork, and a vegetarian selection. A standout for us was the lobster thermidor. Appetizers were likewise delicious and desert options were fun & creative. The Fathom Adonia menu was heavy on international standards and often included at least one Indian dish.

Local Dominican and Caribbean dishes did make a few appearances, but were not commonly found on the menu. Instead, you could enjoy Dominican favorites in the Ocean Gril l restaurant, which carries a $25 cover charge. Reviews for the Ocean Grill were overwhelmingly positive from diners we spoke with.

The Conservatory Buffet was a step above a typical cruise buffet. It wasn’t unusual to discover delights such as crab cakes just waiting to be devoured at lunchtime. On port days, the open-air buffet dining area on the Adonia’s stern offered incredible views of the surrounding Dominican countryside. Meanwhile on sea days, the buffet was complimented by a BBQ on deck that served up grilled favorites.

There is no room service offered on the Fathom Adonia.

Fathom Adonia Bars and Drinking

There are a total of seven bars on the Fathom Adonia although it didn’t feel as though there were that many while onboard. Most of the bars are fairly small and staffed by one or two bartenders.

The Glass House wine bar was a nice space, which offered wine by the bottle, glass, and also had wine flights for $15. Anderson’s (a lounge) was likewise cozy but neither bar seemed to truly fit with the ship’s casual vibe.

The Pool Bar was pretty standard and offered an array of frozen concoctions with plenty of staff ready to deliver your favorite drink to your deck chair. Meanwhile the Crow’s Nest seemed to be a perennial favorite hangout for the late night crowd, as it often hosted the house band.

You could find all your favorite liquors, cocktails, wines, and beers on the Adonia’s drink menus. As beer drinkers, we were particularly happy with the selection and pricing there. It was a nice touch to see Presidente, the local Dominican beer, on draft throughout the ship. But we appreciated the selection of eight different craft beers (including favorites from Lagunitas, Dogfish Head, and Cigar City), which were all priced at $5.95.

Somewhat confusing was the fact that drink gratuities were not included as part of the drink bill, which is otherwise a common practice on American cruise ships. “Service” was included within the drink price but you were left to add a tip as you wish.

You can also opt to bring your own beverages onto the Adonia. According to Fathom’s official policy, you are permitted to bring two bottles of wine aboard the ship. There is a cork fee in the dining room but you avoid that by enjoying your wine from within your cabin. The only trouble is, with no room service on the ship, you cannot easily get wine glasses nor a corkscrew delivered to your room.

Despite an official policy prohibiting other alcohol from being brought on the Adonia, we found this policy went completely unenforced during our voyage. There is a duty free store in Amber Cove selling local Brugal Rum, among other spirits, with very attractive prices. These bottles of liquor were being freely allowed onboard by security.

No drink packages were offered on the Adonia, which seemed appropriate for this type of cruise.

Fathom Adonia Activities & Entertainment :

Activities throughout the sea days centered on enrichment workshops that were part of one of three themes: Social Innovation, Storytelling, and Discovery. Some of the sessions were educational in nature, such as basic Spanish lessons; while other programming delved into personal discovery, challenging you to lower your barriers to make connections with fellow travelers.

The workshops were mostly good and completely different than anything we’ve ever experienced on a cruise. Yet we felt there was a lack of educational opportunities to learn about the DR. A compelling lecture about Dominican culture and/or history would have been an interesting and appropriate session, in our opinion.

Dominican culture was briefly touched upon within the “Core Programming.” For these sessions, you’re placed into “cohorts” that are composed of about 10-20 fellow travelers. Your cohort will get together with your Impact Guide upon boarding the ship and then again during the three Core Programing sessions. These sessions are critical to the Fathom experience and attendance is strongly encouraged. On Day 2, you’ll learn about “Being a Fathom Traveler.” Day 3 covers “Getting To Know the Dominican Republic.” On Day 7 you’ll reflect back on your experiences during “Fathom What’s Next.” Each session was great and very worthwhile to attend.

As for fun activities, there were a few scavenger hunts at night, which seemed to attract mostly kids. There were a handful of dance classes and we noticed two single trivia sessions throughout the entire cruise. There seemed to be a lack of fun activities but we had to remind ourselves that this journey was about making an impact, rather than being a “fun ship.”

Some bright spots were the Dominoes Throwdown and the Wine & Paint Night. The Dominoes Throwdown taught us how to play this traditional Dominican game that led to subsequent matches. The three Wine & Paint Nights were a big hit, but they filled up early. Be sure to sign up for that soon after boarding the Adonia if it’s of interest to you.

Nightly entertainment included events such as a board game night, live music, movies, and a superhero party with karaoke. While docked in Amber Cove, local bands were brought onto the Adonia to perform. The local music was fantastic, but the dark and intimate theatre space where the bands performed felt a little awkward. Instead, we thought there was opportunity to create a more lively & festive atmosphere in an open space like the pool deck or even the Crow’s Nest.

Other Fathom Adonia Venues

The pool deck was enjoyable and we liked how the jacuzis were warm but not hot. It was the perfect place to recharge after a packed itinerary in DR.

The library had clearly been updated specifically for Fathom, with a great selection of new releases and lots of board games. It was a surprisingly popular space at night.

The Embody Gym seemed adequate for the ship, containing new equipment, but we never used it personally. There was also a small jogging track circling above the pool deck.

There Embody Spa offered different massage therapies and acupuncture, but we did not visit.

The Mayfair Shops contained many locally made-in-the-US products such as Detroit’s Shinola watches.

A Photo Gallery sold photos taken during the Fathom impact activities.

There is no casino on the Fathom Adonia.

Fathom Adonia Crew

The crew on the Adonia was simply awesome, on all levels. The impact guides are fun, motivating, and caring souls who lead you through this transformative experience, both on the ship and on land. They rocked! The numerous impact guides and their friendly presence throughout the ship was noticed and welcomed. We also observed many of the impact guides carried dual talents, doubling as art instructors or even singing in the evening.

Waitstaff was similarly friendly and most helpful. In between courses, our server often entertained us with brainteasers, napkin origami, and jokes. And there were many courses, as our waitstaff was always eager to bring additional dishes. Each night we departed the dinner table completely stuffed and with smiles across our face.

Whoever is hiring and training staff on the Adonia has clearly done and impeccable job.

The only suggestion we’d give is in regards to staff on the ship is with interaction and crew name tags. Most of the crew are from countries from all over the world with a big presence in India and Philippines. On a ship that prides itself on breaking down barriers and engaging in cultural exchange, we often enjoyed chatting with crew about their home countries. We thought it would have been a nice touch to list their country of origin on their name tags, as this could be a conversation starter. Perhaps taking that idea one step further, why not list a hidden talent, superpower, or aspiration? With such a great multicultural crew, we thought this was a missed opportunity to have a culturally immersive experience while on the ship. Making connections doesn’t neccesarily need to be limited to Fathom travelers.

Fathom Shore Excursions and Impact Activities

The impact activities are the heart & soul of what Fathom’s DR journey is all about. The partners they’re working with have done a fantastic job cultivating each of these genuine experiences within the local communities.

When you’re not busy making a social impact, there are a handful of shore excursions to consider, ranging from brief city tours to snorkeling. We did not participate in any of Fathom’s shore excursions, opting instead to explore Puerto Plata on our own. Feedback we heard about shore excursions was mixed with no overwhelming positive or negative sentiments.

A popular shore excursion is the Power Snorkel. In this post on 52 Perfect Days , Roland shares his perspective about the activity from a teen’s point of view: Power Snorkeling Adventure in the Dominican Republic .

Amber Cove Port Review

We loved being docked in this impressive cruise port for four days. The seaside mountain vistas are beautiful. And the port amenities here rival the stunning views.

There are plentiful shops, cafes, and bars. A massive pool with hundreds of lounge chairs awaits you. The adjoining waterslides are a true thrill! All are complimentary.

There is also a Fathom Impact Center in the port where you can learn more about Fathom’s mission and help out with projects right in Amber Cove. Feel free to help with the cocao initiatives by sorting beans and cocoa nibs. Or swing by the onsite nursery to see if they need a hand with any seedlings.

Wifi in Amber Cove costs $8 for the day, but it is free at the bars with a purchase. We also found free wifi at the Fathom Impact Center.

The port does get busy when Carnival ships pull in. Plan your schedule to enjoy Amber Cove when other ships are not present. You can view the port schedule here .

Our only criticism of Amber Cove was the transportation situation for Fathom travelers. Fathom Travel is all about breaking down barriers and immersing yourself into local culture. But the pristine & protective bubble of Amber Cove comes without easy inexpensive access to the city center. Puerto Plata is located about 6 miles from the Amber Cove cruise port and the taxi stand from within Amber Cove charges a flat rate of $35 USD to get to the city center. We felt this to be an exorbitant price for a six-mile trip. We would love to see an affordable, or complimentary, shuttle exclusively for the use of Fathom travelers to access Puerto Plata, so that more people feel comfortable having a local experience while docked in Puerto Plata.

Fathom Adonia Travel Tips & Recommendations

Here are a few suggestions to help you get the most out of your Fathom experience.

Fathom Adonia Dress Code & Attire

Dress was casual throughout the entire voyage. There is no formal night. It wasn’t completely unusual to see people in shorts & t-shirt in the main dining room but the majority of passengers did dress up beyond that. Men tended to wear casual collared shirts with jeans or slacks in the evening. Women often opted for a blouse or a light casual dress at night.

What to Pack for Fathom Adonia Cruise to DR

Here’s a great pack list assembled by our friends at  52 Perfect Days  that we definitely agree with: Fathom Dominican Republic: Ultimate Packing List .

An Important Note About Signing Up for Impact Activities

Register for your Impact Activities before your sailing, as soon as possible. Activities such as the Cocao Cooperative are popular and have limited space, so they do fill up quickly.

You are supposed to use Fathom’s Journey Planner system to register for the Impact Activities. However, some IT glitches have prevented your agenda from being transferred to the ship. This is a known issue that they’re actively working to fix and may even be resolved by the time you read this. Until that’s confirmed, we’d strongly recommend calling Fathom to confirm your impact activity selections after you’ve made them in the Journey Planner. Once you board the Adonia, be sure to confirm your agenda at the Explorer’s Desk.

Read the Soundings

Each evening “the Soundings” will be delivered to your stateroom, which includes a wealth of information for the following days agenda. Be sure to review it and plan accordingy for some of the critical sessions you should try to attend. On a traditional cruise, if you miss Bingo, it’s no big deal. But on the Fathom Adonia, if you miss the “teaching English” session, you’ll be at a disadvantage when you embark on that impact activity.

Participate!

You will get as much out of your Fathom experience as you put into it. While it may seem nice to lounge at the pool all day, don’t. (Okay, maybe a little.) But do be sure to get involved in the impact sessions. Find common ground with strangers and make new friends. This is a very unique experience so be sure to get the most out of it as you can.

Bring Water & Other Beverages

In your cabin, there is an empty mini-fridge at your disposal. So pack your favorite drinks and keep them cool. And although Fathom’s official alcohol policy forbids all but two bottles of wine, this seemed to go unenforced. What you do with that information is up to you.

Make More Electrical Outlets

The cabin is equipped with two American electrical outlets and two European outlets. If you have an excess of cameras, phones, laptops, and kindles to keep charged, you may want to pack a travel adapter, like this , that will magically turn one outlet into three, plus two usb ports!

Enjoy Amber Cove without the Crowds

Amber Cove was one of the nicest cruise ports we’ve been too. But when the big Carnival ships pulled in, thousands of tourists spill into the mix which completely changes the dynamic of this beautiful port. Plan to spend a few hours relaxing in Amber Cove but check this Port Schedule in advance to avoid times when another ship is also in port.

Free Wifi in Amber Cove  

The Adonia offers free wifi on this ship whenever it’s docked in Amber Cove. But it seemed that everyone would try to logon at the same time which severely impact the ability to connect. Instead, we recommend going to one of the bars or cafes in Amber Cove where you can access fast wifi with a purchase. Or go sort some cocoa beans in the Impact Center and ask for the wifi password.

Currency in the Dominican Republic

Within Amber Cove, US Dollars are the accepted currency. Dollars were also accepted in a few places in Puerto Plata but Dominican Pesos were more the norm. There were few exchange places in Puerto Plata but ATMs were more plentiful and a better option if you have an ATM with no international fees. A taxi from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata will gladly accept US Dollars.

Taxi from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata

A taxi from within Amber Cove to Puerto Plata city center costs a flat rate of $35 for the six-mile trip. But if you walk outside the gates of Amber Cove, there are unofficial taxis that are completely open to negotiation. We got a taxi from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata for $10 USD. $300-$400 Dominican Pesos ($6.50-$9.00) seemed to be the going rate when returning by taxi from Puerto Plata to Amber Cove.

Don’t Be Late

We were surprised to notice many Fathom Travelers lingering in Amber Cove, beyond the scheduled departure time on the final day. The ship absolutely will leave without you. Be on time during departure day. Also be sure to be back on the ship Wednesday night for the scheduled departure to dump the waste water overnight.

Fathom Adonia Gratuities

Gratuities on the Fathom Adonia were $11.50 per person per night. Total Fathom Adonia gratuities for the week sailing came to $80.50 per person which gets divided up among your stateroom attendant and the waitstaff.

Other General Cruise Tips

For other cruise tips, check out these 50 cruise hacks and tips that will save you time, money, and hassle.

Price, Booking, and Discounts a Fathom Adonia Journey

Pricing for the journey to the Dominican Republic starts at $974  $499 (updated pricing: June 2016) for an inside cabin during low season sailings. We think that the experience is a great value overall, given everything that is included.

Fathom Adonia Value and What’s Included

Your Fathom trip includes comfy sleeping accommodations, your transportation on the Adonia from Miami to DR, and all of your meals while on the ship. And the meals don’t stop while in Amber Cove, as the Adonia still serves up complete breakfasts, lunches, in dinners while in port.

All of the onboard workshops and activities are, of course, included too. And even your Impact Activities on the ground in the Dominican Republic are included. Your transport, guide, and some local lunches on the ground during the Impact Activities are all covered.

The only additional expenses are sodas or alcoholic beverages on the Adonia, shore excursions, souvenirs, wifi, spa treatments, and gratuities.

Bon Voyage!

We hope this helps to explain a bit about Fathom Travel in Dominican Republic, gives you some tips to use abroad the Fathom Adonia, and even saves you a few bucks so you can experience the journey yourself! This adventure is such an interesting and new concept in travel that we hope you find just as rewarding and impactful as we did. If you have any questions about the voyage, please feel free to drop us a comment below. And if you go (or have been) on the Fathom Adonia, we would love to hear your feedback too!

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August 27, 2017 at 9:19 PM

I’m certainly glad you had a great experience. I however after being on board with horrible toxic fumes and construction noises during the early portion of the morning found this experience quite disturbing. I’m all for helping the people and spreading good deed, but hopefully there will be a better venue in the future to do this. Highlights of our trip were DR and Cuba, as they are fabulous locations to visit.

August 30, 2017 at 6:31 PM

Oh no, sorry to hear that. We didn’t notice the fumes nor construction during our trip. I know that the Fathom-branded ship was recently returned to the P&O line, so perhaps there was some construction remove all the Fathom stuff and transition it back to a P&O ship. Anyways, am glad you had a good time in DR and Cuba. Certainly fabulous locations indeed!

March 22, 2017 at 3:34 PM

Thanks for writing this very entertaining article. The Bahama’s often overshadows the Dominican Republic for tourism, and I think activities like this helps DR to stand out from other travel destinations.

March 26, 2017 at 11:27 AM

Hi Aaron, Thanks for the comment! We completely agree with you. Getting to spend quality time with the people in the DR was such a memorable and rewarding experience. The DR is such a beautiful location with so much to do, we’d love to get back and explore more of what DR has to offer!

October 23, 2016 at 4:28 PM

Thanks so much for a fantastic post! I just heard about this today from a friend and you answered every question I had! I will be booking this trip and can’t wait. It sounds like exactly the type of experience that I love!

November 3, 2016 at 11:06 AM

Awesome! Hope you enjoy your Fathom travel experience as much as we did! It really is just a great combination of fun, relaxing, enriching, and rewarding experience. So glad to hear that this post helped to answer your questions. Feel free to reach out if there’s anything we didn’t cover here. Have a great trip!

October 1, 2016 at 11:25 PM

This is a really informative review! Thanks for posting.

October 4, 2016 at 9:14 AM

Hey Candace, thanks so much for the comment! So happy to hear you found our review helpful 😊

July 30, 2016 at 1:19 PM

Hey John, I was on the second cruise that went to the DR!!!! Everything you said was true!!!! I loved it!!! THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME and I’m going back!!! This time with my three grown daughters. Four of us!!!! Can’t wait!!!! Blessings, Kate

August 5, 2016 at 1:31 AM

Hi Kate! So glad you enjoyed the trip as much as we did! What a great experience to share with your family, you’ll make memories for a lifetime:-)

June 26, 2016 at 2:35 AM

The price difference between the DR and Cuba voyages are crazy! Was your ship empty going to the DR?

Also, did you pay for the cruise or did you get it for free as a blogger? I recently read a review that said about half of that person’s sailing was on board for free because bookings are so low.

June 26, 2016 at 3:41 AM

Yes, there is definitely a pretty sizable difference in price between the DR & Cuba trip. There is certainly no shortage in demand for people wanting to cruise to Cuba right now, so I assume Fathom has no problems filling those voyages. For our DR trip, Fathom’s 2nd voyage ever, the ship was roughly half full, which was really nice! Always a deck chair available to relax, no lines, no waiting, etc. The DR trips are about impact travel and totally different from the Cuba trip, which is for cultural immersion (and doesn’t do any impact activities). And while there’s been mass media coverage of the historic Cuba voyage, there has been little to no coverage or even traditional advertising about the DR impact travel experience. So many people simply don’t know much about it yet. Hence Fathom has invited media professionals, influencers, travel agents, and bloggers like ourselves on their DR voyages so we can help provide some coverage and spread the word about the experience. I would guess that as word slowly gets out, interest will rise, and hence so will occupancy, and probably price too. That’s why right now, while many people still don’t know about it yet, is such a perfect time to go! 🙂 If this were a $3,000 trip to DR for impact travel, I’m not sure that I could honestly recommend it. But at the current pricing, it’s an absolutely steal and incredible value!

June 16, 2016 at 1:54 PM

My mother has booked her own cabin with no plans of doing any of the impact activities. Our TA assured us that she will still have a good time. Agree?

June 20, 2016 at 10:03 AM

That’s really tough to say and I suppose I’d have to know your mom to really give my two cents. But this trip is all about the impact activities. I would think she’d get so much more out of the experience by participating in at least one or two of the impact activities. Would she still have a good time without participating? I suppose that it’s possible, but it’s really tough to say. She’ll still have some great meals and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere the Adonia provides. But she must realize this is not a typical cruise, there are no shows, and the ship will be docked in DR for three days that are centered around the impact activities. If there is truly zero interest in those activities, I’d really suggest a different cruise. But if this cruise isn’t refundable, I’d suggest to definitely give it a go, and perhaps consider taking part in at least one of the impact activities and the other days enjoy Amber Cove.

May 12, 2016 at 7:24 PM

What a great detailed account of your Fathom experience! I went on the inaugural sailing and had an awesome trip too! It’s been cool reading other articles! Great work.

May 13, 2016 at 6:07 AM

Thanks Justin! Ahh, you went on the inaugural sailing – how cool! So I suppose when you were getting off the ship, we were getting on. So glad to hear you likewise had an awesome trip!

May 11, 2016 at 7:12 PM

I love your review, ill be going on the May 22 sailing and you answered alot of questions THANKS I look forward to going

May 13, 2016 at 6:01 AM

Thanks so much for the positive feedback and we’re glad to hear this has answered many questions. Hope you have a great sailing next week and feel free to shoot us any other questions you may have. Happy travels to the DR!

May 10, 2016 at 10:52 AM

Great post. I’d heard so much about Fathom lately that I was wondering what it was all about!

May 13, 2016 at 6:05 AM

Thanks Katie! Well, now you know 😉 There’s been a lot in the media about Fathom in regards to their historic cruise to Cuba which may have been where you heard if them. We’re happy to explain our experience with Fathom in DR. 🙂

May 9, 2016 at 6:04 PM

Great write up. I’m so jealous. I was supposed to be on the first voyage that got cancelled. I’m rebooking sometime this summer and cannot wait! Thanks for all the helpful tips.

May 9, 2016 at 9:30 AM

This sounds great, I consider myself as something in between (backpacker and tourist who just wants to enjoy the beach), and I learn to learn and help. Great idea!

May 9, 2016 at 12:29 PM

We also often find ourselves right in the middle of those two extremes. We think it’s a great experience for those of us! 😉

May 9, 2016 at 4:04 AM

I’ve been hearing a lot about Fathom lately and it sounds like such a wonderful experience! Thanks for such a detailed post explaining all the different parts of the cruise. I love that the cruise combines helping people with traveling–it’s so nice to make meaningful connections with people like this. I think the Cocoa Women’s Chocolate Cooperative would be a great excursion–I love that they help the women create sustainable jobs for themselves!

May 9, 2016 at 12:32 PM

Of course, who wouldn’t want to help out with the production of chocolate 😉 We didn’t get a chance, personally, to try out that impact activity but we helped out with the cocao initiative at the Impact Center in Amber Cove. The smells alone we worth the labor of bean sorting 🙂 But ultimately making those meaningful connections that you mentioned that was really the highlight.

May 8, 2016 at 9:28 PM

After reading ll the hype about this cruise thanks for laying out the details it is certainly an innovative and new way to travel

May 8, 2016 at 10:25 AM

It sounds like a fathom trip would really suit me – interesting that they try to separate themselves from voluntourism – I can see how there would be differences between this and what they’re calling impact travel though. Such a wonderful way to make a difference and really connect with the local communities you visit. You don’t always have to be present in someones life for a lengthy period of time to make an impact or a difference – it often comes down to just one moment.

Thanks for the run down and introducing me to Fathom 🙂

May 8, 2016 at 12:20 PM

Yes, before we began the voyage we were under the impression, this was volunteering. But Fathom soon explained to us how it is different. We were also really impressed how we could travel so deep into some of the rural communities we visited. And you’re definitely right about being able to make a difference, even with time constraints. But it was nice being able to spend four days in a row in the same port, which is otherwise unheard of in cruising. Or perhaps I should say it is unFATHOMable 😉

May 8, 2016 at 5:36 AM

I’ve spent plenty of time lolling on the beaches in the DR – but working with the community would be a much more immersive experience. I’ve been curious about the new Fathom cruises so thanks for filling me in.

May 8, 2016 at 12:23 PM

We drove by some of the beaches and they looked beautiful, but it was an equally warming experience to spend time in the local communities!

May 8, 2016 at 12:02 AM

I love the idea of being able to connect with locals while still exploring great destinations. Sometimes it’s hard to get an idea about a place’s culture when you’re only in port for a day, but being able to meet the people who actually live there is a great help.

May 8, 2016 at 12:26 PM

Definitely! Connecting with the locals was such a beautiful experience and the Dominicans were all so fun & friendly. Sometimes I wonder if we learned more from them or if they learned more from us. That’s what this cultural exchange is all about!

May 7, 2016 at 10:22 PM

I never heard of this company before but this sounds like a great, unique experience! I’m definitely interested in looking into this for myself for the future!

May 8, 2016 at 12:28 PM

We hadn’t heard Fathom before either. It’s brand new! 🙂 Glad to hear this is something you’re interested in. Just let us know if any questions.

May 7, 2016 at 8:24 PM

This really sounds like a fantastic way to combine traveling with volunteering. The cruise also would be fun. Great in depth post about it!

May 8, 2016 at 12:29 PM

It was indeed an interesting blend of cruising and making an impact that we ultimately found both fun and rewarding.

May 7, 2016 at 5:08 PM

What a great concept! Thanks for the thorough review, I am definitely bookmarking this!

May 8, 2016 at 12:31 PM

Yup, it’s really unlike anything we’ve ever seen in the world of travel.

November 8, 2016 at 1:36 PM

John, thanks for an incredible post! Wondering if travel insurance is required for this cruise as it is to Cuba on same ship.

November 10, 2016 at 12:33 PM

Travel insurance is not required for the Cuba voyage, but we would strongly recommend having it in the event of flight/baggage delays on your flight to Miami, trip cancellations, medical emergencies, trip interruption, etc. When cruising, we use RoamRight for having what we think to be the best combination of value and coverage. You can check out their policies here: http://bit.ly/2eNOhU5 And for more about why we recommend booking travel insurance, check out Tip #23 in our Top 50 Cruise Hacks article: http://www.roamingaroundtheworld.com/50-cruise-hacks-and-tips-to-save-you-money-hassle-and-weight-gain/

Hope you have an awesome Fathom cruise to Cuba!

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FATHOM TRAVEL: A NEW KIND OF ADVENTURE

Recently I took a trip that included beaches and mountains, but not the kind you'd typically find me on. This was a new adventure, one that wasn't your typical vacation.

I’d never been on an impact trip. I had always been curious but was always picky about what kind of trip I would take. I wanted to work next to locals, in cultures, without commercialization.

Guys, I found it.

Recently, I went on an impact travel trip to Puerto Plata, the Dominican Republic with Fathom Travel . The purpose of the trip was to make a difference in the community, while still enjoying a Caribbean vacation. I arrived with fellow blogger Adventure Mom , curious and unsure exactly what to expect. We were soon to discover this trip would surpass all expectations we could have dreamt up.

The Dominican Republic is the second most visited country in both North and South America, trailing only behind Brazil. Punta Cana is situated on the southeastern coast, lined with resort after resort on flat sandy beaches, making it the biggest tourist location in the country. Although millions of travelers get their passport stamped and visit this country, very few leave with hearts full of Dominican love and culture.

That’s what made this trip different.

We loaded the bus and headed to a local beach in the city. A Dominican work group known as IDDI greeted us upon arrival. This organization is one of the primary companies in the Dominican Republic that works on community development in local areas. Almost all of the workers of IDDI were young adults from Puerto Plata and the surrounding towns, which I was absolutely thrilled about. Not only was the trip helping with impact activities, but it was helping to support local organizations.

The Fathom group along with IDDI spent the day planting 407 sea grape trees, collecting 200 seedlings to be brought and raised in a greenhouse, and collecting 25 bags of garbage off the beach. The area is one of the main beaches for locals in Puerto Plata, and unlike many northerners, they want to stay out of the sun. In time, the trees should grow and provide valuable shade for them along the beach.

We ventured to the mountains (YIPPEE) on a long and bumpy bus ride to the small town of Cupey. The mountain town was quaint and beautiful, and my inner hiking soul was begging to climb every peak I could see for miles, which was a lot.

We came to this town to visit the Centro Educativo Isabel Meyreles, which was the local village school. It was the first time they would have a visit from any outside organization, which was absolutely amazing to be a part of. We learned that some of these kids must walk for hours over the surrounding mountains to get to school every day. Makes you think.

Our stay was with the fourth-grade class, where we danced to “Uptown Funk”, drew pictures, and made soccer balls out of balloons and newspapers. My little drawing partner was named Wilson, and although he spoke no English we communicated perfectly. I’m also pretty sure his drawing turned out better than mine. Touche, Wilson.

The school was something I will remember forever. We worked to teach them important skills that they may need in life. The truth is, many of them won’t be able to go out and buy a soccer ball whenever they wish, so teaching them alternatives for their wants was not only important, but heartwarming. We were told that instead of bringing them items (toys, classroom supplies, etc) it’s more beneficial to teach them these important skills. By bringing actual items, it can actually do more harm in the schools than good, even though people who bring things have good intentions.

I had never considered that perspective, but it was undoubtedly true. By simply supplying goods, the kids may learn to expect something to come to them, rather than learning skills to figure out alternatives on their own.

Our third and final activity we met up with the IDDI team once again and they took us to an impoverished area of Puerto Plata, where we were going to visit an all-women entrepreneurship initiative called RaPapel . This organization has supplied important jobs for women in the town where they work to make recycled paper.

None of the women spoke English, but we communicated with laughter and smiles. Before we began, each of the women stood up in front and talked to us (with a translator) to describe what RaPapel means to them and how it has impacted their lives .

We learned the entire papermaking process, which was incredibly awesome. We danced, and sang, and shook our hips (or at least I tried), and had an absolute blast. We belted Christmas songs because the women knew the English versions, and I learned that just because you’re at work doesn’t mean it can’t be a party. In my book, each of the women were complete and total badasses.

At the end of the day, we had helped to complete over 3 days of work in the little time were there. Those women taught me some very important lessons that day, and they will be lessons not soon forgot.

This was a new kind of adventure for me. I didn’t climb a mountain and I wasn’t camping, but it was an adventure that I will always cherish. I was able to experience culture in a new way and meet inspirational people along the journey. I was there to help, but it turns out they helped me more.

**This trip was compensated by Fathom Impact Travel . As always, all opinions, thoughts, and stories are my own. The first official Fathom trip includes a cruise to the Dominican and begins in April. DO IT, PEOPLE. **

What a great experience. I may have to try Fathom.

You must! It is an experience you won’t ever forget.

Sounds like a very rewarding trip, Shalee. I know the feeling. I have helped build schools and churches in Cambodia and am planning on doing the same in Guatemala next winter. It is a wonderful way to get learn about other cultures and to give back to life. Thanks for sharing. I’m sure this will encourage others to consider doing the same rather than always laying on a beach for a week being waited on hand and foot.

Guatemala next winter?! That’s amazing Bruce! I must hear some of your stories this year at the festival.

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Fathom Travel Site Taps Kate Spade To Guide You Through Your Next Vacation

There are plenty of travel sites out there, but have you ever noticed that almost all of them help you get where you’re going and then leave you all alone in the dark once you actually arrive there? What spots are must-see, what food is must-eat, and which shops do you absolutely have to pop into?

There really isn’t a great way to efficiently and reliably plan out a trip itinerary on the web, except of course for the new travel site and service, Fathom . And thanks to a new partnership with Kate Spade, Fathom is about to get a whole lot more fashionable in destinations like New York, L.A., London, Tokyo and Tahiti.

The site is a streamlined guide to the cities you want to visit, curated by former DailyCandy editors who can shed more light on food and good travel than most of the user-generated content out there. The core idea is tightly edited lists of places to go, food to eat, and things to do.

“24 is the magic number,” said founder Pavia Rosati.

The service compiles lists of 24 travel ideas, including old favorites, new finds, and multiple price points to make sure you can find what you’re looking for without sorting through a mess of madness. Rosati describes Fathom as the type of information your best friend would give you if they lived in the city you were traveling to, but couldn’t be there with you.

Fathom also features a store that lets you bring your favorite destinations back to you, with highly curated products. You can shop by destination, traveler, category or activity, meaning you can shop for a Safari or get your favorite mustard that’s only available in New Orleans.

Fathom has also just partnered with Kate Spade to bring Spade-themed travel guides to five locations, including New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London and Tahiti. If Tahiti sounds like the word that doesn’t belong, that’s simply because Kate Spade is working with a Tahitian-inspired print this year.

Each guide will have five sections, with five to eight suggestions for each category (sleep, eat, drink, shop, and explore). The guides will also feature itineraries, cheat sheets, and clever packing lists.

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Transportation | ‘Flying cars’ may be the next mode of travel…

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Transportation

Subscriber only, transportation | ‘flying cars’ may be the next mode of travel for south florida commuters, will regulators be ready when electric flights reach for the skies.

Looming not far off to the northwest: the Seminole Hard Rock’s massive Guitar Hotel in Hollywood. Suddenly, it was easy to decide where to conclude this brief experiential trip.

With a few nudges of a joystick, the two-seat eVTOL descended gently and safely onto the roof, some 450 feet up.

Well, that was according to the flight simulator at Doroni’s headquarters in Pompano Beach.

Decades after The Jetsons, the animated TV sitcom that featured flying cars in the 1960s, developer-entrepreneurs are edging American commercial aviation toward the day when electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing aircraft will roll out of suburban garages for work commutes to downtowns, or shopping trips and dinner-and-movie dates in the suburbs.

Last year, Doroni founder and CEO Doron Merdinger made headlines when he became the first person to pilot a two-seat personal eVTOL in the U.S. He did it with a brief in-house liftoff of a predecessor prototype of the H1-X.

Last Sunday, with his company poised to raise a new round of funding to provide a financial lift for the H1-X buildout, Doroni opened its doors for a public demonstration. It’s taking “pre-orders” from the first 500 people willing to put up an initial $1,000 deposit. The anticipated retail price range: $350,000 to $450,000.

“Doroni’s mission is to offer a safety-centric, eco-friendly mobility option to the public, commonly referred to as ‘flying cars,’” the company said in a statement. “By enabling people to transport themselves intuitively within urban environments and between destinations at a fraction of the time possible with traditional automobiles, Doroni aims to transform the way we travel.”

From the U.S. to Europe and Asia, other companies are developing their own versions of electric flying vehicles, whether for personal travel, or for public transportation, military use, freight carriage or law enforcement and emergency medical services.

One company, Lilium of Munich, Germany, has secured 20 orders from a new Miami-based airline called UrbanLink, which announced last Monday that it intends to start flying a regional air commuter service among Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties.

During a presentation at Doroni’s warehouse, Merdinger said his company’s eVTOL will be a much better ride for all of those uses than any helicopter can produce.

“There is really not a comparison,” he said, “The helicopter is in constant vibration. It’s annoying.”

Once aboard a Doroni vehicle, “You are sitting on a cushion of air. It’s like sitting on a magic carpet. You are just floating on air. There is no motor, There is no combustion.  It’s all electric.”

Flying car commutes?

But will the H1-X and other craft like it become the future of daily air travel in a dense and congested metropolitan area such as South Florida?

Merdinger believes they can be, and says his H1-X can be configured not only for personal use, but for customized versions suitable for law enforcement, medical rescue services, the military and cargo delivery companies.

“I had a vision — a world without roads where you could live without traffic,” he declares on a promotional video.

The H1-X, he said,  “looks and feels breathtaking.”

The craft can carry 500 pounds, sports eight contra-rotating propellers for lift, and has two ducted fans for moving forward. Top speed is 120 mph. They can fit in a two-car garage.

“One push of a button and you’re up — floating in the clouds with a panoramic view of your surroundings,” Merdinger added on the video.

The two-seat H1-X evolved from an idea in 2017 that started with a vehicle that had only one seat and an open cockpit. But that first version fell short as a viable product for wide distribution.

The ensuing H1,  which was certified last year by the Federal Aviation Administration for test flights, underwent up to 70 tests inside Dorani’s facilities. And last July, with Merdinger at the controls, the aircraft rose in the company hangar in a test billed as the “the first-ever US manned test flight of a personal 2-seater eVTOL.”

The “more optimized” H1-X was unveiled in March. It needs its own FAA certification, a spokeswoman said, “as we are planning full scale outdoor flights with it showcasing the full specifications.”

“Our target is to submit the H1-X to the FAA for certification and proceed to mass production in 2026,” the company says in a circular for investors.

The airframe is being manufactured elsewhere by a partner Merdinger would not identify. “I cannot disclose at this point, but [it’s] in the U.S,” he  told reporters.

Merdinger emphasized that safety is a top priority.

It’s simple enough to operate, he said, for a youngster to be at the controls.

It is equipped with a parachute and has an anti-collision system that would prevent people from flying into buildings or other aircraft. If a pilot heads for restricted airspace, the vehicle will prevent the pilot from going there, Merdinger said.

Merdinger said the aircraft’s developmental journey started after he moved to South Florida from Israel 11 years ago with his wife and children on a talent visa, which according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is designed for people with “extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.”

Later, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

“Florida is considered to be the biggest aviation hub,” Merdinger said, explaining why he chose the Sunshine State. “We have the support of the state of Florida.”

In 2020, Space Florida, along with the Florida Venture Forum, awarded Doroni Aerospace a second-place finish in an all-virtual Aerospace Innovation and Tech Forum competition among 20 companies.

Doroni has the enthusiastic support of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, the economic development agency of Broward County.

“There’s no doubt that it’s coming,” David Coddington, senior vice president – business development, said of the evolution of the electric-powered aircraft. “Even in Paris — the Olympics this year are supposed to have some working eVTOLS to take people around.”

“There’s all different designs out there,” Coddington added. “Doroni’s new design is pretty cool looking.”

He sees real estate developers making space for them in their residential and commercial projects.

“When you think how much wealth there is here in South Florida, there’s a market here for it, without a doubt,” he said.

But it’s a price point makes it largely a product for the top 1%, asserted Gregory Stuart, executive director of the Broward County Metropolitan Planning Organization, which plots transportation policy for the county and arranges federal funding for public projects.

“It’s interesting but it’s not completely baked,” Stuart said.  “I’m really excited to see it but in the end it’s early.”

“It doesn’t mean it can’t change over time and develop,” he added. “It’s a sexy thing because we all saw the Jetsons. The people in the upper 1% of our economy — they are the ones who will end up using it. It’s not going to replace the [proposed] Coastal [Rail] Link, it’s not going to replace our friends at Brightline or the single persons running up and down on I-95.”

Even at the Hard Rock, the specter of eVTOLS dropping off gamblers, concertgoers and dining-out patrons atop or near the Guitar Hotel seems a bit far-fetched.

“This subject is too new for a meaningful comment,” said spokesman Gary Bitner.

Rules for the eVTOL highway

There is also the question of how and when regulators, namely the FAA and the Florida Department of Transportation, will lay out rules to accommodate eVTOLs in the air and on the ground.

“What once seemed only real in movies or cartoons is happening,” the FAA says in a web post on what it calls Advanced Air Mobility. “Our job is to ensure this new generation of air taxis maintains the high level of safety that defines commercial aviation today.”

It says the Biden-Harris Administration intends to use the craft as part of a “vision of transportation that is more efficient, more sustainable, and more equitable, while creating thousands of great jobs.”

In April, the Florida Department of Transportation conducted a series of meetings in Tampa to scope out how the new technology will fit in the state’s overall scheme of travel.

“Florida is an ideal target market for this technology and for related business opportunities,” said DOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue in a statement. “The efforts we are making now lay the groundwork for this upcoming option and will ensure success in the future.”

The meetings involved public and private sector leaders who discussed how needs, challenges, streamlined processes, and the development of “necessary infrastructure to begin AAM services in the Sunshine State.”

But an FDOT spokesman in Fort Lauderdale did not have any immediate information on what it all meant for South Florida.

“From what we know you will be able to take off and land from private and personal property or property that will give you permission,” Merdinger said by phone on Thursday. “We expect to fly a couple of hundred feet to 500 or 1,500. They know this technology is coming. We are now working on the rules for this category.”

“We are waiting for the FAA, and from what we know so far they are talking about corridors or highways in the sky — you go up and go to a route — a specific road in the sky,”  he added. “There are already rules for aircraft. We don’t expect this to be working too differently.”

Some would-be owners say they don’t have to worry about how local airspace will be controlled.

Matt Gillio, who operates an avocado farm in Ventura County, Calif., which is just north of Los Angeles, said he’ll use his “to check my fields.”

“From the air you can see things a lot better,” he said in a telephone interview. “It’s a lot quicker to be doing my job.”

“All of our stuff is within a 30-mile range,” he said. “I have an office with a big barn. I would charge at my office and take off from my office.”

Gillio said he tried drones, but “it really didn’t work out.”

“I would never do helicopters, they are too complicated and hard to fly,” he added.

Electric-power aircraft are “the wave of the future,” Gillio said. “I think it’s going to be a big deal. It’s exciting to be on the ground floor.”

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Transportation | New shortcut to get to Fort Lauderdale beach? A $55 million bypass road is planned.