Carnival may delay first Fathom cruise to Cuba

Carnival is still confident that 704-passenger Adonia will depart on first cruise to Cuba on May 1

APRIL 19, 2016 —  Should Cuban officials delay a decision on treatment of Cuban-born passengers past the May 1 scheduled departure of the first cruise from the U.S. to Cuba in 50 years, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) may delay the start of cruises to Cuba by its Fathom brand accordingly,

Carnival is in discussions with Cuba to allow cruise ships to operate in the same manner as current air charter operations, which transport Cuban-born individuals to and from Cuba.

Carnival Corporation is accepting bookings on the Fathom cruises from all travelers to Cuba, regardless of their country of origin.

Carnival says it is in active discussions with Cuba, asking that travel on Fathom be on a level playing field with air charter travel to Cuba and remains confident its discussions with Cuba will result in a positive outcome for everyone who wants to travel to Cuba, including those who are Cuban-born.

“We want everyone to be able to go to Cuba with us,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “We remain excited about this historic opportunity to give our guests an extraordinary vacation experience in Cuba.”

“We have already seen tremendous consumer interest in the incredible Cuba journey we have put together,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom. “Our guests will visit three beautiful and unique destinations on the island all in one week, with the convenience of only having to unpack once while we sail on the Fathom Adonia, our premium small ship with its excellent and diverse dining, service and accommodations.”