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Does this come as a surprise to anyone outside
of Carnival Corp?
When it was launched in a blaze of publicity
in June, cruise line Fathom promised something different – the chance for
passengers to help impoverished islanders in the Caribbean.
Travelling on the 700-capacity Adonia – which is to transfer from P&O Cruises’
fleet – guests were promised the opportunity to volunteer to work on projects
such as a women’s chocolate co-operative in the Dominican Republic.
A few weeks later, Cuba became the second destination on Fathom’s schedules. The
gradual relaxation of the US trade embargo against the Communist-run island
might not yet be opening the door to mainstream cruise ships, but educational
and social engagement is permitted.
Fathom has received the go-ahead from the American authorities, although it is
yet to announce whether agreement has been reached with the Castro government.
It’s a bold initiative, but doubts remain over whether the good intentions of
parent company Carnival Corporation will be successful in attracting paying
‘voluntourism’ guests in viable numbers.
And with four months to go before the first Fathom cruise, fares have been
slashed – a sure sign they are not selling as well as anticipated.
Another indication that the ‘social impact’ trips are not proving that
attractive came in a Carnival announcement a few days ago.
Early publicity suggested that passengers would also spend their days on board
ship learning to speak Spanish and discovering more about their island
neighbours.
Fathom is now keen to stress that there will be opportunities for sightseeing
and fun in the Dominican Republic, scuba diving lessons and a day spent relaxing
aboard a catamaran. Not to mention taking advantage of the shops, bars,
restaurants and other attractions of Carnival’s recently opened private resort
at Amber Cove, where Adonia will be berthed.
Absent is any mention, however, of what there is to do during a week in Cuba.
There’s a nagging doubt that the well-meaning marketeers at Fathom may find
themselves out of their depth in the cold, hard commercial world.
Article by - Captain Graybeard of the Mirror Website. |
