WASHINGTON HEIGHTS, NY — Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest travel and leisure company, has launched a new brand called fathom, defining a new travel category it is calling ‘social impact travel’.
The new brand is designed to offer consumers authentic, meaningful impact travel experiences to work alongside locals as they tackle community needs.
“What sets fathom apart is the long-term, systematic partnership approach with its partner countries paired with the unique business model that allows for sustained impact and lasting development. fathom’s scale and global vision reach beyond what the world has ever seen,” said Carnival.
The company’s first destination will be the Dominican Republic, a country where the average household income is approximately US$6,000 a year and more than two million Dominicans do not have access to piped water.
fathom will operate as a standalone brand, the 10th global brand in the Carnival Corporation family.
Beginning in April 2016, fathom will embark on seven-day voyages from PortMiami aboard the MV Adonia, a 710-passenger vessel redeployed from Carnival Corporation’s P&O Cruises (UK) for the start-up of the new operation.
Depending on their passions, interests and skills, travellers will have the opportunity to choose from a range of social impact activities and experiences both onboard and onshore.
“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.”
Prices for the seven-day trip to the Dominican Republic start at US$1,540 per person, which includes an exterior cabin with a window, all meals on the ship, onboard social impact immersion experiences, three on-shore social impact activities and related supplies, taxes, fees, and port expenses. Prices will vary by season.
There will be four pricing levels, based on cabin configuration and location – interior cabins, exterior cabins with a window, exterior balcony cabins and suites. Additional recreational activities, cabin upgrades, and dining and beverage packages will be priced separately.
For more information, visit fathom.org.
