Carnival Corporation’s 10th and newest brand, Fathom is a different kind of cruise that combines one’s love of travel with the desire to make a difference in the world. Fathom is defining a new category of travel, Social Impact Travel, and its guests begin making a encouraging impact in Dominican republic in economic development, education and environment

Fathom’s inaugural expedition was a huge success as hundreds of guests joined Fathom for a once in a lifetime weeklong journey that left a permanent impact on each of them, as well as an direct impact on people destitute in the Dominican Republic.

[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “Feedback from our guests during the voyage was extremely positive,” said Tara Russell, president of Fathom and global impact lead for Carnival Corporation.  “This first voyage provided more evidence there is a growing market of guests who want to make a positive, direct impact when traveling. Fathom gave our guests a unique way to leave an impression on a very personal level within the community, as well as have an extraordinarily rewarding experience.”   [/pullquote]

Launched in June 2015, Fathom provides the opportunity to travel with people on the same wave length, become absorbed in another culture and work together with its people to create lasting social impact. What sets Fathom apart is the lasting, orderly partnership method and unique business model of travelling every other week to the Dominican Republic – a recipe that creates continued and lasting impact.

[pullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “Our brand has been on an incredible journey, from the idea’s conception over two years ago through today,” said Russell. “We set out to do something special with Fathom by introducing the world to a unique type of travel – travel with purpose. I want to personally thank everyone who stood alongside Fathom, and had a hand in getting us to where we are today. Without your support, we would not be where we are today.”   [/pullquote]

Making a Sustainable Impact

Seeing the joy on the local children is rewarding

Fathom nominated the Dominican Republic as its first impact destination, as it is a country of great splendour and rich culture but also a country with great needs.  The average family income is less than $6,000 and in excess of 3 million Dominicans do not have the right to use to piped water. Yet the country has much potential – its natural means are abundant, it has a good infrastructure that can allow for positive impact, and its people are driven to create better lives for them and their families.

Impact activities in the Dominican Republic comprise a wide range of schemes focused on economic development, education and the environment. During the inaugural voyage, guests, depending on their specific desires and skills, joined in projects they felt most passionately about, and worked openly alongside local people and Fathom’s partner organizations.

“We have already accomplished a lot in a short period of time – but there is still much to do,” added Russell. “While we celebrated and introduced the unique Fathom experience to our guests last week, we are looking forward to taking our guests every other week to the Dominican to continue making a profound and lasting impact for people in the country.”

Working with its impact partners Entrena and the Instituto Dominicano de Desarrollo Integral, Inc. (IDDI), Fathom and its guests in less than one week’s time, made an immediate impact including:

Student English Conversation & Learning / Community English Conversation & Learning:
Impact: Nearly 650 students and community members benefited from effective foreign language interaction with native English speakers.
Why It Matters: English proficiency is the main driver of employment success in the Dominican Republic economy.

Reforestation & Nursery

Fathom Volunteers working alongside locals planting trees

Impact: Planted more than 2,400 trees.
Why It Matters: Gradually, this will lead to more nutrient-rich soil, decrease in soil loss, better-quality localised air and water, an upsurge in localised biodiversity, and higher farming yields.

Water Filter Production

Water Filter Project

Impact: Produced 50 water filters.
Why It Matters: In the Dominican Republic, more than 3 million inhabitants do not have access to piped water. This access provides a noteworthy decline in waterborne illness cases, and secondary benefits include better work and school attendance.

Cacao Chocolate Cooperative

Cacao, the chief ingredient in chocolate, is a major cash crop in the Dominican Republic

Impact: Cleaned more than 200 pounds of cacao nibs and wrapped more than 6,000 chocolate bars.
Why It Matters: By helping improve production and increase sales, it allows the organisation to hire more local women, and offer critical income in a region with limited employment opportunities.

Recycled Paper and Crafts Entrepreneurship

Molding Recycled Paper

Impact: Nearly 600 sheets of paper produced.
Why It Matters: Guests’ support helps provide critical income to the women, and in the end allows them to increase their business. It also helps overall employee self-esteem.

Concrete Floors in Community Homes

Impact: Poured concrete floors for two homes directly positively effecting 20 people.
Why It Matters: In the homes of poorer populations, the common basic dirt floors are a genuine health risk. The new floors provided a healthier and safer living environment for families.

Making Time for Leisure

Fathom volunteers having some fun leisure time with the locals

When not partaking in social impact projects, Fathom guests experienced fun and memorable leisure, and visited the attractions in the Dominican Republic. Whether discovering ancient ruins, interacting with the rich marine life in the clear water, or lazing along the sun-soaked stretches of surf and sand, guests made the most of their experiences in the Dominican Republic.

The MV Adonia docked at Carnival Corporation’s newest port Amber Cove, located in the Puerto Plata region, where guests had access to select shore excursions. The port offers numerous sea and landside experiences, including several beach getaways, kayak, paddle board and snorkeling tours, ATV-like terracross buggy expeditions, Puerto Plata tours, helicopter rides, fishing trips, horseback riding, deep sea fishing tours and catamaran sailings.

Guests learnt that impact travel is far more than a seven-day experience. On the return trip, Fathom facilitated guests with ways they can stay involved by bringing the knowledge, inspiration and insight back to their home communities.