Carnival has introduced their tenth company to the world. This new venture will allow travelers to give back as they are vacationing in the likes of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata to be exact. Imagine not just a cruise but a travel experience. They are calling this “social impact travel”. Tara Russell, a non-traditional, Social entrepreneur says, “We harness the assets and resources of the world’s largest travel and leisure company and combine them with the talents and hearts of those working in social enterprises around the world.” She is heading up the program with support from Carnival.
Fathom is the brain-child of adventurers who want to be able to give back. Vacationers that enjoy fellowship and enhancing the lives of others. Simply put, paying it forward. Carnival, one of the largest cruise brands in the US has been helping tourism to the Domincan Republic and now they are looking to help with enriching the lives and well beings of the natives of the beautiful land. Fathom is a way that you can volunteer your time and make an impact in the lives of others. You will be able to vacation, share a new cultural experience, and be part of a community that you may have only wanted to visit the land but you can actually become one with the people.
“fathom will cater to a growing market of consumers who want to have a positive impact on people’s lives, and aren’t always sure where to begin,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “We believe travel is a meaningful way to allow for personal growth while making purposeful and engaging contributions to the world. We are so pleased that fathom will give travelers a unique opportunity to work alongside local people as part of a larger scale effort that will demonstrably improve lives. Both our travelers and the local citizens will learn and benefit from the opportunity to serve together.”
This program has been headed up by a few key persons from Carnival as well as representatives from the Dominican Republic. Business partners have been long run with the two entities but now they are both looking to grow their relationship to truly bring about a new understanding and appreciation for the good of all involved. This partnership allows everyday people to do personal mission work as well as keeping vacation in mind. The program will allow for any and all organizations to partake and while volunteering is optional it is highly encouraged. The current plan is for a 7-day cruise with a 3 to 4 day stay in port. The ship will be able to accomodate approximately 700 passengers and with each person donating just a mere 30 minutes of their time it could benefit generations with learning the English Language, understanding the world from the American perspective, and enrich lives by showing their people that care about their well beings.
“We created fathom to meet the real hunger in the world for purpose, while at the same time tackling profound social issues through a sustainable business model,” said Russell.
The first expedition has a current departure set for April of 2016, with no actual date set. As this is just the beginning of what can be a great way to travel with a purpose, set for the whole family or individuals, Dominican Republic is the only location currently discussed with parties and infrastructure already in place. Cruises would be leaving out of the port of Miami and booking would be allowed through the likes of travel agents and online through Carnival’s site, which went live already. Carnival has rough pricing and plans for group pricing in the near future. Each cabin will be capable of 4 people and the MV Adonia, a 710-passenger vessel redeployed from Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises will be available for the start-up of the new operation.
As you can see this may be a great time to getaway and giveback. We would love to get a first hand look on how this will work. Would this interest you? Let us know.
