CORRECTION: Pearl Seas Cruises is visiting more Cuban stops than the line last announced.
Just when we think Fathom is slowing down, it picks up some steam by announcing that it has received approval to tack on one Cuban port to six of its upcoming Dominican Republic sailings. So, where exactly does that leave the brand and competition now?
As far as it is still understood, Fathom's only dedicated ship, the Adonia, will still transfer back to P&O Cruises following May of next year, but one can't help but wonder if combining Cuba with its less popular Dominican Republic itinerary might have been a means of keeping the vessel on beyond had this been conceived earlier.
[READMORE]READ MORE: The Future of Fathom and Cuba Cruising Remains Bright[/READMORE]
For now, the fledgling cruise line still alternates weekly between Cuban and Dominican Republic departures from Miami, Florida, but on February 26, March 12 and 26, April 9 and 23, and May 7, Santiago de Cuba, the second largest city in the country, will be added to the DR portion starting at only $599. Rather than four days docked at Puerto Plata's Amber Cove, there will only be an abbreviated three featured with the fourth dedicated to Cuba.
Could it be if these hybrid cruises are successful that Fathom will continue to sail the Adonia after all? It's possible but not probable. P&O Cruises has already announced new itineraries for the ship, and parent Carnival Corporation is seeking approval for its other brands to visit Cuba instead. Fathom is still anticipated to live on as a software-only brand with volunteer opportunities available on different cruise lines, perhaps with the freedom to expand well beyond the DR.
Until which time Carnival corporately receives approval for its other lines, it's likely that these additional stops in Cuba are a means to entice travelers to continue choosing Fathom as many competitors received their own approval to sail to Cuba roundtrip from Florida next year as well. As the Cuban-exclusive weeklong trips are far costlier with remaining cabins beginning at $2,499, the cheaper combined cruise approach is more financially attractive.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Even More New Options for US Citizens to Cruise to Cuba[/READMORE]
However, even at the higher fare, Fathom's full Cuban cruises are still the best for seeing more of the island nation with three total stops in Cienfuegos, Havana and Santiago de Cuba. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Limited's and Royal Caribbean Cruises Limited's brands only plan to visit Havana next year. But by January 2017, Pearl Seas Cruises will uniquely deploy its Pearl Mist from Florida for visits to Cienfuegos, Havana and Santiago de Cuba; as well as Trinidad; Isla de la Juventud; El Cobre, Santiago and Parque Baconao, Santiago; taking the port breadth crown from Fathom.
If Carnival Corp. does receive approval to sail to Cuba beyond May of 2017, it will be interesting to see if one or more of its other brands too only go to Havana or if they will continue on to the current three or even more ports to stay competitive with Pearl Seas' upcoming offering.
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