We’re getting you up to speed with the cruise industry’s latest big headlines.
Carnival Corp. is announcing the advent of a new cruise line that has a social focus. The company’s new brand fathom will debut in 2016, offering “social impact” itineraries to developing countries where passengers can take part in volunteer activities.
According to USA Today, fathom will launch with an existing ship, the 710-passenger Adonia. She will set off every other week from Miami to the Dominican Republic, where guests will spend three days on land participating in activities like teaching English in schools, cultivating plants and building water filtration systems. When aboard the ship, they can partake in orientations to the country, learn conversational Spanish, and more.
A portion of the revenue will go to fathom’s partner organizations to cover on-the-ground expenses. Prices for the seven-night cruises start at $1,540 per person, based on double occupancy. Included is taxes, port fees, all onboard meals, and three on-shore social impact activities.
Luxury cruise line Azamara Club Cruises is planning to renovate its two ships, according to TravelPulse. The 686-passenger Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest will undergo the transformation early next year in the Bahamas and Singapore, respectively. The top suites will receive additional furniture, while their bathrooms get a re-do. Club Continent Suites are getting new curtains, fabrics, furnishings, modern TVs, headboards, art, lighting, bathrooms, closet doors, vanities, and electrical work.
Every stateroom and suite are slated to get new blackout curtains, bedding, sofas, drapes, carpets, lighting, and TVs.
An Asian fusion restaurant will be built on Deck 9 while the existing Windows Café will be spruced up with new furniture, lighting, place settings, and tables for two. Sunset Bar will be replaced by Pool Grill and Bar Pool Grill, which will have a grill, salad bar, and soft-serve yogurt machines with toppings.
The sister ships are also getting enhanced spas and lounges.
