Fathom Adonia Review: Impact Travel in Dominican Republic

Update: As of June 2017, the Adonia was returned from Fathom to the P&O line. Although the experience described throughout this post no longer exists, we hope this archived article shows a snapshot of what this pioneering concept of impact travel was like, as it was launching back in May 2016. We look forward to seeing how the innovative Fathom Travel brand evolves in the future.

In a bare room of a local home on the outskirts of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, there I sat teaching English to a group of about 15 adults who were eager to learn. Slow progress was made practicing the days of the week. But “Thursday” proved to be extremely difficult to pronounce. The students completely botched the word over and over again. I was ready to give up. But we continued to practice.

Finally, one student hesitantly murmured “Thurs…day?” She nailed it. There were high fives all around. Success! Eventually this student and the rest of the class were confidently saying “Thursday” too. It was at that moment I truly felt that I had not only made an impact but I had really connected with the students. We had first shared frustrations, which led to laughs, and we left with hugs. There was a meaningful connection. That’s what this Fathom Travel experience is all about.

Class was dismissed and I met a curious community member outside of the rural house. Her mother was in my class, so she had been listening in from an open window. The woman inquired as to why there were different people coming each week to teach her mother English. I briefly explained to her that we were only here visiting, from a cruise ship nonetheless, and that teaching English in her community was actually an activity that we were all doing as part of a vacation. As I explained more, the confused look on her face transformed into a big smile. This new concept that is Fathom Travel had blown her mind.

I can relate. Having just experienced “Impact Travel” during the second ever voyage on the Fathom Adonia, it had completely blown our minds too. It’s a totally new travel concept that is difficult to fully grasp when you first hear about it. But just as I had attempted to explain the concept to my new Dominican friend, I hope this blog post will serve to review and explain to you all about traveling to the Dominican Republic on the Fathom Adonia cruise.

Table of Contents

• What is Fathom Travel
• Who May Like A Fathom Travel Journey
• The Voyage from Miami to DR
• All About the Impact Activities
• Fathom Adonia Cruise Review
• Fathom Travel Tips & Recommendations
• Booking, Pricing, & Discounts

What is Fathom? What is Impact Travel?

Fathom is a new brand, part of the Carnival Corporation, built around the concept of “impact travel.” Fathom defines impact travel simply as “travel with a purpose,” but here’s a more thorough explanation they provide:

Impact travel is a new category of travel that provides the opportunity to build community with like-minded travelers, become immersed in another culture, and work alongside its people to create enduring social impact.

On the surface it may seem like a volunteer cruise or “voluntourism,” but Fathom insists it is not. It differentiates itself from traditional volunteering by providing immersive experiences that puts you working alongside the Dominican people. You’re not volunteering your time to work for them, but rather collaborating with them, in a mutual effort to create positive outcomes.

Donations are actually discouraged. It’s not about the money. It’s about making an actual impact and making personal connections across cultures. It’s a learning experience as much for the travelers as it is for the Dominicans they’re collaborating with.

A big part of the Fathom impact travel experience revolves around the enrichment, and transformation of – you! While part of this impact travel trip most certainly does involve working on projects that help the Dominican people, there is a simultaneous focus on personal development and human flourishing. While sailing to and from the Dominican Republic, you’re introduced to a number of workshops on board the Fathom Adonia that really hone in on this for those seeking personal exploration.

We found this new concept to be magical and well executed. Cruise vacations and having deep travel experiences aren’t something that naturally go hand and hand. But Fathom has somehow managed to bridge this gap by creating a revolutionary travel experience that nurtures the mind, body, and soul during a week long voyage to the DR.

So that’s Fathom Travel in a nutshell, but let’s now dive deep into the details.

Who May Like A Fathom Travel Journey?

Although we think a lot of people will love Fathom, this new concept is definitely NOT for everyone. Fathom is not for a tourist who wants to relax on a beach for a week while being waited on hand & foot. Yet Fathom is also not for hard-core backpackers and solo independent budget traveler types either. Rather, Fathom seems to be ideal for travelers who fall somewhere right in the middle of those two extreme travel styles.

Fathom seems to be a perfect fit for someone who may book curated travel packages but also has a desire to explore deeper. A Fathom trip could be a fantastic introduction for those who want to make a transformation from being a tourist to being a traveler. Fathom can act as metaphorical training wheels to comfortably ease you into this immersive experience.

Traveling with Fathom can appeal to both cruisers and non-cruiser alike. Previous cruise passengers will find many of the aspects they love about cruising such as the dining, activities, and drinks by the pool, yet with a much more enriching and rewarding experience. Meanwhile, a Fathom voyage could also be the perfect introduction to a non-cruiser, as the Adonia wisely avoids many cliché cruising aspects (e.g., cheesy lounge acts, belly flop contests, and Bingo), which may be turnoffs to those who’ve intentionally avoided cruising.

Ages ran the gamut during our sailing and it became apparent that Fathom appeals more to a certain mindset, rather than to any particular age group. Socially-minded millennials will likely appreciate a Fathom journey just as much as retirees looking for a more rewarding vacation. We also witnessed some families getting a lot out of the experience together. But there is an age limit set for children, who must be at least 8-years-old.

Fathom would also be great concept for groups. We could see huge appeal for faith-based organizations and community groups. It could also make for an interesting and different corporate retreat. Or it might be a nice idea for the alternative spring break movement, for college students looking to make a difference.

We really see Fathom drawing in an eclectic crowd of travelers who all share some core elements of curiosity, openness, a desire to make a difference, and a yearning to travel deeper within communities.

The Voyage: Miami, FL to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic

The Fathom Adonia departs the Port of Miami each Sunday, alternating between its history-making Cuba route and the round-trip journey to Puerto Plata that we experienced. Boarding begins at 1:00 and you must be on the ship by 4:00, as the Adonia sets sail shortly thereafter.

The entire day Monday is a sea day which is filled with enrichment workshops, reviewed later in this article. By midday Tuesday, the Adonia pulls into the beautiful Amber Cove, located a few miles west of Puerto Plata. Tuesday afternoon is when many travelers’ impact activities begin. Others may embark on shore excursions or have their own agenda.

The Adonia remains docked in Amber Cove on Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. But don’t make plans to stay out late on Wednesday because the Adonia actually departs at 9:30 pm in order to responsibly dump biodegradable waste into the open ocean. You’ll be out at sea all night until returning to Amber Cove around sunrise on Thursday morning, when impact activities resume.

The Fathom Adonia remains docked in Amber Cove again, until mid-day Friday, when you’ll make your return journey. You’ll then have another day and a half to enjoy the Adonia as you pass by the northern fringes of Cuba while recharging during the voyage back to Miami.

So what’s there to do on the ship during that time at sea? We cover that in the Fathom Adonia review section. First, let’s take a look at the Impact Activities, which is the main attraction of this experience.

All About The Fathom Impact Activities

The Impact Activities is a big part of what your Fathom journey is all about.

Each impact activity falls within one of three types:

• Economic,
• Environmental, and
• Social/Educational.

Currently there are seven different impact activities. These impact activities are not run by Fathom directly. Instead, they are managed by two partner organizations that operate on the ground in DR, that you’ll connect with once in Puerto Plata. You’ll be working with Entrena and IDDI.

Simply put, these impact activities were awesome! At one moment, you’re in your cruise cabin getting ready for the day’s adventure and the next moment you’re at a rural school in a farming community laughing with kids as you teach them English. Then the next day you’re off making chocolate bars at a women’s coop or perhaps bringing someone to tears as you transform their dirt floors into a solid structure. To say it’s heartwarming would be an understatement.

We’ve debated whether we got more out of these activities or the Dominican people we worked alongside with. Be prepared to work hard but just realize that it’s not all hard work. Get ready to dance, sing, and laugh. Dominicans are such a fun-loving culture. And you’ll get to experience this fun in full force while visiting deep within their communities.

 

How Many Impact Activities to Participate In

It seemed that most people aimed to participate in about three impact activities while in Puerto Plata. Taking part in three activities felt like an ideal amount to us, as it will allow you time to enjoy Amber Cove, explore Puerto Plata, go on an excursion, and/or join in the shipboard activities that continue while docked. Each Fathom impact activity runs for about 4-6 hours depending the activity and day. Some activities depart in the morning, while others leave in the afternoon.

Although currently not mentioned on Fathom’s website, there was material on the Adonia suggesting there was a limit of three activities. Still, some Fathom travelers successfully participated in more by being put on a stand-by list, which ultimately did have room for these additional participants.

 

Which Fathom Impact Activities to Choose

Each of the impact activities seem interesting, so you may find it difficult to narrow it down to selecting three. So which activities are the best? The answer is subjective and based on your experience that day and your personal opinion. But we must say that the Concrete Floor activity seemed to be a strong favorite among everyone we spoke to who participated in it. I personally found the Community English activity to be rewarding and we also had a great time getting our hands dirty during the reforestation effort. But each activity is not for everyone.

Consider what type of activities you may be more passionate about: social, economic, or educational. Pick a track or mix it up. You must also consider your physical ability. Don’t do the Reforestation or Concrete Floor activities if you’re physically unable (or unwilling) to perform some intense manual labor that may involve lots of sweating, hard work, and getting dirty.

Also, if traveling as a couple, know that you don’t have to participate in the same activities as your partner. Feel free to stay together or split up for the activities. Either way, you’ll make new friends!

 

Cost of Fathom Impact Activities and What’s Included

Unlike shore excursions, Fathom’s impact activities are included with the price of the cruise. Only the Concrete Floors and the Water Filter Production trips carry a nominal $20 surcharge per person, which helps with the cost of supplies for those impact activities. Transportation from the Adonia to the impact activity site is included on air-conditioned buses. Bottled water is also provided complimentary throughout the experience. Also, some of the morning activities include a nice local lunch before returning to the Adonia.

 

A Review of the Fathom Impact Activities

We collectively participated in four of the seven impact activities, so the other three reviews are based upon second-hand information we received from talking to Fathom travelers.

 

Reforestation and Nursery:

Impact Type: Environmental. This activity helps to restore the degraded land and contribute to conservation efforts in the DR.

Reforestation & Nursery Overview: There are actually two different experiences depending on which day you embark on this activity. During our Wednesday morning activity, we were bussed up in the mountains where we trekked for about 10 minutes until we came to a cleared area. This is where we dug holes and planted seedlings, which had already been prepared for us. It’s this preparation of the seedlings that other groups of Fathom travelers undertake on different days. You can read a synopsis of that reforestation experience from fellow bloggers, One Road At a Time.

Ability: Be prepared to possibly trek more than a mile in hot weather, on uneven terrain, across streams, and in mud. Be ready to work hard and sweat.

Lunch: A local lunch is included only on Wednesday morning and Thursday morning departures.

Costs: $0

What To Bring: Wear old clothes, as you may get dirty. Bring insect repellent, as there were bugs about. Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sunny weather. If rainy, be sure to bring a good rain jacket, although thin ponchos will be provided if you don’t bring your own. Don’t bother with an umbrella, as it that will get in the way. We felt comfortable wearing sneakers but many people commented they would have preferred to wear boots.

Other Tips: If it works well for your schedule, we’d suggest registering for the Wednesday or Thursday morning Reforestation activity. Going in the morning will be slightly cooler and you’ll have a decreased chance of showers compared to the afternoon. You’ll also enjoy a good local lunch afterwards, which isn’t included on other days.

 

Community English Conversation & Learning:

Impact Type: Educational. Knowledge of English is in high demand for local employers yet English teachers are in short supply. This activity will help increase proficiency in English, which should ultimately lead to better employment opportunities and increased income.

Community English Overview: You’ll be bussed to a local community where you’ll be introduced to it’s members and participate in some icebreakers as a group. You’ll then get paired up with some of the community members who will invite you into their actual homes, which is where you’ll proceed to teach and practice the day’s lesson. The curriculum is provided for you. You’ll have an instruction book and props that will help to guide the lesson. You’ll focus on one particular topic such as greetings, numbers, or food.

It was my experience that the Dominican students were super awesome and very eager to learn. They ranged in ages from teenagers to senior citizens and had virtually no prior knowledge of English.

Ability: You should only participate in this activity if you speak English fluently. No previous teaching experience is needed. No physical ability is required although it should be noted that it does get hot in the houses and there is no air conditioning. So anyone who is particularly sensitive to heat may want take that into consideration.

Lunch: Plan to eat on the Adonia before and/or after this impact activity.

Costs: $0

What to Bring: Bring a smile, patience, and a sense of humor. I found these to be critical. Dress appropriately for the Dominican Republic, which means pants and a shirt that covers the shoulders. You’ll be a teacher for the day, so dress like it! But also dress comfortably, as it may be hot.

Other Tips: While sailing to DR, on Day 2 (Monday), there is an optional “Empowering English Tutoring” workshop. I’d strongly encourage attending this class to anyone who is planning to join the Community English activity in Puerto Plata. It would also be helpful if you brush up on some basic Spanish. This will better enable you to connect with the students and to provide them encouragement.

 

Student English Conversation & Learning:

Note: This activity is not possible during the summer break of June 21-August 12 and holidays. A “Creative Arts, Music, and Sports” activity will be available instead.

Impact Type: Educational. Knowledge of English is in high demand for local employers yet English teachers are in short supply. This activity will help increase proficiency in English, which should ultimately lead to better employment opportunities and increased income.

Student English Overview: You’ll be bussed to a local elementary school where a classroom of students awaits you. You’ll be briefed in the bus along the way and upon arriving you may be treated to a song & dance by the students. Icebreakers commence. You’ll then pair up with one or a few students that you’ll spend the next few hours working directly with them focusing on one specific topic.

Like almost any class in the world, the students were composed of a wide range of attention spans and eagerness to learn. Yet all of them were very well behaved, friendly, and cooperative.

Ability: You should only participate in this activity if you speak English fluently. No prior teaching experiencing is needed.

Lunch: A local lunch is included only on Wednesday morning and Thursday morning departures.

Costs: $0

What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the DR, with long pants and a shirt covering the shoulders.

Other Tips: Have fun with it! Like many kids, we found attention spans to dwindle. Make up some games and really try to engage with them. Get excited at their accomplishments to show encouragement. Also, be sure to take the “Empowering English Tutoring” workshop offered on Day 2 (Monday) during the voyage over to Puerto Plata.

 

Cocao and Women’s Chocolate Cooperative:

Impact Type: Economic. You’ll help out with some menial tasks which allows the cooperative to ramp up production and so they can focus more on the business.

Cocao Cooperative Overview: You’ll help out with tasks throughout the production cycle. You could assist with cultivating cocao trees, doing prep work with the beans, and/or wrapping candy bars. It’ll all be a big help to the women while also providing you with a learning opportunity and cultural exchange.

Ability: This is an activity for everyone.

Lunch: A local lunch is included with Wednesday morning and Thursday morning departures.

Other Tips: The Cocoa Women’s Chocolate Cooperative is a very popular activity with limited space. So if this is a “must-do” for you, be sure to register for it as early as possible. But don’t worry if it gets full. If you’re not able to fit it into your schedule, you can still help participate by sorting cocao beans and nibs at the Impact Center in Amber Cove. This is a way you can help out whenever you’d like, no registration required.

 

Recycled Paper & Crafts Entrepreneurship:

Impact Type: Economic. By aiding with the production of recycled paper and other crafts, you’ll help the association to grow their business.

Recycled Paper Overview: You’ll be transported to the women’s association where they will teach you exactly how they recycle paper that are used to make crafts. You’ll learn the tricks of their trade while providing them some appreciated assistance on the production process. You may also learn about and help out with other crafts such as candles.

Ability: There is some light physical activity and there may be some optional dancing, but its otherwise suitable for everyone.

Lunch: Plan to eat on the Adonia before and/or after this impact activity.

Costs: $0

 

Concrete Floors in Community Homes:

Impact Type: Many Dominicans living in poor communities reside in homes with dirt floors, which poses significant health risks among other general living challenges.

Overview: You will spend the day mixing concrete and actually laying it to form a floor in a home. It’s hard manual labor but other community members will help with efforts alongside you and the other Fathom travelers. We’ve been told this activity is particularly rewarding as you feel an immediate impact. You’ll meet the person living in the home, making it a very personal experience. You will clearly feel their gratitude as you have made an immediate impact in their life. For an deeper look at what this activity is like, check out this post by fellow bloggers Turtles Travel, who joined us on our Fathom journey: Fathom’s Impact Activities: Concrete Results.

Ability: This activity requires a considerable level of fitness.

Lunch: A local lunch is included.

Costs: $20

What to Bring: Wear clothes you’re comfortable getting dirty. Closed-toed shoes are a requirement. Insect repellent and sun protection is a good idea. Consider rain gear if the weather appears questionable.

 

Water Filter Production:

Impact Type: Environmental. Millions of families in the Dominican Republic don’t have access to piped water. This lack of clean water causes sickness. The production of these water filters will provide for drinkable water to combat this problem.

Overview: You’ll work alongside local artisans to creates clay water filters. You’ll learn the process and put that new knowledge to action. It all starts by gathering and mixing the raw materials. You’ll then work the clay to shape it before firing it, which create the hardened filter. Finally you’ll test the filters before distributing them to local families.

Ability: This activity should be suitable for most people who can perform a moderate level of activity.

Lunch: A local lunch is included.

Costs: $20

What to Bring: Dress appropriately for the DR, with long pants and a shirt covering the shoulders.

Fathom Adonia Cruise Review

You could tell that Fathom was going to be a different type of cruise from the moment you boarded. Instead of being greeted with a champagne flute, you are instead ushered to meet with your impact guide who immediately sets the tone for the adventures ahead. It’s a perfect introduction to what Fathom is all about. This is not your ordinary cruise, as you’ll notice throughout this Fathom Adonia review.

Overall, we give the Fathom Adonia a great review and most certainly recommend this experience for certain types of travelers. As a completely new brand and concept, the trip was not without issues, such as the journey planner system not working. But we’re confident such minor hiccups will be corrected as they work through these opening kinks and take action on all the feedback in which they seem so receptive to receiving.

But there’s a fine balance in attempting to develop a cruise that delivers a deep and rewarding travel experience. Ultimately Fathom has nailed that.

Fathom Adonia Cabins

We stayed in an outside cabin that had a large window to watch the ocean swells. We found the stateroom to be very comfortable and roomier than those of on other cruise ships we’ve traveled on. The closet and shower felt smaller than average but it never posed any problems. The cabin was clean and stateroom attendant was good. We appreciated the small touches that seemed unique and appropriate for the Fathom brand, such as fair trade toiletries and the complimentary all-natural fruit & nut bars.

The cabin included two American outlets and two European outlets to keep your gadgets charged. There was also an empty mini-fridge, which was nice for those who planned to bring a few of their own beverages aboard the ship. There was no mini-bar.

 

Dining on the Fathom Adonia

The cuisine on the Adonia exceeded our expectations. Given the focus on impact travel, we figured the food would be an afterthought. Yet we found it to shine, which seemed to be a consensus among other passengers. We only heard a few disparaging murmurs about the food on the ship, which baffled us.

The main dining room is the Pacific Restaurant. We found service to be prompt and very friendly. There were usually a half-dozen menu options available for main courses that typically included seafood, beef, poultry, lamb/pork, and a vegetarian selection. A standout for us was the lobster thermidor. Appetizers were likewise delicious and desert options were fun & creative. The Fathom Adonia menu was heavy on international standards and often included at least one Indian dish.

Local Dominican and Caribbean dishes did make a few appearances, but were not commonly found on the menu. Instead, you could enjoy Dominican favorites in the Ocean Grill restaurant, which carries a $25 cover charge. Reviews for the Ocean Grill were overwhelmingly positive from diners we spoke with.

The Conservatory Buffet was a step above a typical cruise buffet. It wasn’t unusual to discover delights such as crab cakes just waiting to be devoured at lunchtime. On port days, the open-air buffet dining area on the Adonia’s stern offered incredible views of the surrounding Dominican countryside. Meanwhile on sea days, the buffet was complimented by a BBQ on deck that served up grilled favorites.

There is no room service offered on the Fathom Adonia.

 

Fathom Adonia Bars and Drinking

There are a total of seven bars on the Fathom Adonia although it didn’t feel as though there were that many while onboard. Most of the bars are fairly small and staffed by one or two bartenders.

The Glass House wine bar was a nice space, which offered wine by the bottle, glass, and also had wine flights for $15. Anderson’s (a lounge) was likewise cozy but neither bar seemed to truly fit with the ship’s casual vibe.

The Pool Bar was pretty standard and offered an array of frozen concoctions with plenty of staff ready to deliver your favorite drink to your deck chair. Meanwhile the Crow’s Nest seemed to be a perennial favorite hangout for the late night crowd, as it often hosted the house band.

You could find all your favorite liquors, cocktails, wines, and beers on the Adonia’s drink menus. As beer drinkers, we were particularly happy with the selection and pricing there. It was a nice touch to see Presidente, the local Dominican beer, on draft throughout the ship. But we appreciated the selection of eight different craft beers (including favorites from Lagunitas, Dogfish Head, and Cigar City), which were all priced at $5.95.

Somewhat confusing was the fact that drink gratuities were not included as part of the drink bill, which is otherwise a common practice on American cruise ships. “Service” was included within the drink price but you were left to add a tip as you wish.

You can also opt to bring your own beverages onto the Adonia. According to Fathom’s official policy, you are permitted to bring two bottles of wine aboard the ship. There is a cork fee in the dining room but you avoid that by enjoying your wine from within your cabin. The only trouble is, with no room service on the ship, you cannot easily get wine glasses nor a corkscrew delivered to your room.

Despite an official policy prohibiting other alcohol from being brought on the Adonia, we found this policy went completely unenforced during our voyage. There is a duty free store in Amber Cove selling local Brugal Rum, among other spirits, with very attractive prices. These bottles of liquor were being freely allowed onboard by security.

No drink packages were offered on the Adonia, which seemed appropriate for this type of cruise.

 

Fathom Adonia Activities & Entertainment:

Activities throughout the sea days centered on enrichment workshops that were part of one of three themes: Social Innovation, Storytelling, and Discovery. Some of the sessions were educational in nature, such as basic Spanish lessons; while other programming delved into personal discovery, challenging you to lower your barriers to make connections with fellow travelers.

The workshops were mostly good and completely different than anything we’ve ever experienced on a cruise. Yet we felt there was a lack of educational opportunities to learn about the DR. A compelling lecture about Dominican culture and/or history would have been an interesting and appropriate session, in our opinion.

Dominican culture was briefly touched upon within the “Core Programming.” For these sessions, you’re placed into “cohorts” that are composed of about 10-20 fellow travelers. Your cohort will get together with your Impact Guide upon boarding the ship and then again during the three Core Programing sessions. These sessions are critical to the Fathom experience and attendance is strongly encouraged. On Day 2, you’ll learn about “Being a Fathom Traveler.” Day 3 covers “Getting To Know the Dominican Republic.” On Day 7 you’ll reflect back on your experiences during “Fathom What’s Next.” Each session was great and very worthwhile to attend.

As for fun activities, there were a few scavenger hunts at night, which seemed to attract mostly kids. There were a handful of dance classes and we noticed two single trivia sessions throughout the entire cruise. There seemed to be a lack of fun activities but we had to remind ourselves that this journey was about making an impact, rather than being a “fun ship.”

Some bright spots were the Dominoes Throwdown and the Wine & Paint Night. The Dominoes Throwdown taught us how to play this traditional Dominican game that led to subsequent matches. The three Wine & Paint Nights were a big hit, but they filled up early. Be sure to sign up for that soon after boarding the Adonia if it’s of interest to you.

Nightly entertainment included events such as a board game night, live music, movies, and a superhero party with karaoke. While docked in Amber Cove, local bands were brought onto the Adonia to perform. The local music was fantastic, but the dark and intimate theatre space where the bands performed felt a little awkward. Instead, we thought there was opportunity to create a more lively & festive atmosphere in an open space like the pool deck or even the Crow’s Nest.

 

Other Fathom Adonia Venues

The pool deck was enjoyable and we liked how the jacuzis were warm but not hot. It was the perfect place to recharge after a packed itinerary in DR.

The library had clearly been updated specifically for Fathom, with a great selection of new releases and lots of board games. It was a surprisingly popular space at night.

The Embody Gym seemed adequate for the ship, containing new equipment, but we never used it personally. There was also a small jogging track circling above the pool deck.

There Embody Spa offered different massage therapies and acupuncture, but we did not visit.

The Mayfair Shops contained many locally made-in-the-US products such as Detroit’s Shinola watches.

A Photo Gallery sold photos taken during the Fathom impact activities.

There is no casino on the Fathom Adonia.

 

Fathom Adonia Crew

The crew on the Adonia was simply awesome, on all levels. The impact guides are fun, motivating, and caring souls who lead you through this transformative experience, both on the ship and on land. They rocked! The numerous impact guides and their friendly presence throughout the ship was noticed and welcomed. We also observed many of the impact guides carried dual talents, doubling as art instructors or even singing in the evening.

Waitstaff was similarly friendly and most helpful. In between courses, our server often entertained us with brainteasers, napkin origami, and jokes. And there were many courses, as our waitstaff was always eager to bring additional dishes. Each night we departed the dinner table completely stuffed and with smiles across our face.

Whoever is hiring and training staff on the Adonia has clearly done and impeccable job.

The only suggestion we’d give is in regards to staff on the ship is with interaction and crew name tags. Most of the crew are from countries from all over the world with a big presence in India and Philippines. On a ship that prides itself on breaking down barriers and engaging in cultural exchange, we often enjoyed chatting with crew about their home countries. We thought it would have been a nice touch to list their country of origin on their name tags, as this could be a conversation starter. Perhaps taking that idea one step further, why not list a hidden talent, superpower, or aspiration? With such a great multicultural crew, we thought this was a missed opportunity to have a culturally immersive experience while on the ship. Making connections doesn’t neccesarily need to be limited to Fathom travelers.

 

Fathom Shore Excursions and Impact Activities

The impact activities are the heart & soul of what Fathom’s DR journey is all about. The partners they’re working with have done a fantastic job cultivating each of these genuine experiences within the local communities.

When you’re not busy making a social impact, there are a handful of shore excursions to consider, ranging from brief city tours to snorkeling. We did not participate in any of Fathom’s shore excursions, opting instead to explore Puerto Plata on our own. Feedback we heard about shore excursions was mixed with no overwhelming positive or negative sentiments.

A popular shore excursion is the Power Snorkel. In this post on 52 Perfect Days, Roland shares his perspective about the activity from a teen’s point of view: Power Snorkeling Adventure in the Dominican Republic.

 

Amber Cove Port Review

We loved being docked in this impressive cruise port for four days. The seaside mountain vistas are beautiful. And the port amenities here rival the stunning views.

There are plentiful shops, cafes, and bars. A massive pool with hundreds of lounge chairs awaits you. The adjoining waterslides are a true thrill! All are complimentary.

There is also a Fathom Impact Center in the port where you can learn more about Fathom’s mission and help out with projects right in Amber Cove. Feel free to help with the cocao initiatives by sorting beans and cocoa nibs. Or swing by the onsite nursery to see if they need a hand with any seedlings.

Wifi in Amber Cove costs $8 for the day, but it is free at the bars with a purchase. We also found free wifi at the Fathom Impact Center.

The port does get busy when Carnival ships pull in. Plan your schedule to enjoy Amber Cove when other ships are not present. You can view the port schedule here.

Our only criticism of Amber Cove was the transportation situation for Fathom travelers. Fathom Travel is all about breaking down barriers and immersing yourself into local culture. But the pristine & protective bubble of Amber Cove comes without easy inexpensive access to the city center. Puerto Plata is located about 6 miles from the Amber Cove cruise port and the taxi stand from within Amber Cove charges a flat rate of $35 USD to get to the city center. We felt this to be an exorbitant price for a six-mile trip. We would love to see an affordable, or complimentary, shuttle exclusively for the use of Fathom travelers to access Puerto Plata, so that more people feel comfortable having a local experience while docked in Puerto Plata.

Fathom Adonia Travel Tips & Recommendations

Here are a few suggestions to help you get the most out of your Fathom experience.

Fathom Adonia Dress Code & Attire

Dress was casual throughout the entire voyage. There is no formal night. It wasn’t completely unusual to see people in shorts & t-shirt in the main dining room but the majority of passengers did dress up beyond that. Men tended to wear casual collared shirts with jeans or slacks in the evening. Women often opted for a blouse or a light casual dress at night.

 

What to Pack for Fathom Adonia Cruise to DR

Here’s a great pack list assembled by our friends at 52 Perfect Days that we definitely agree with: Fathom Dominican Republic: Ultimate Packing List.

 

An Important Note About Signing Up for Impact Activities

Register for your Impact Activities before your sailing, as soon as possible. Activities such as the Cocao Cooperative are popular and have limited space, so they do fill up quickly.

You are supposed to use Fathom’s Journey Planner system to register for the Impact Activities. However, some IT glitches have prevented your agenda from being transferred to the ship. This is a known issue that they’re actively working to fix and may even be resolved by the time you read this. Until that’s confirmed, we’d strongly recommend calling Fathom to confirm your impact activity selections after you’ve made them in the Journey Planner. Once you board the Adonia, be sure to confirm your agenda at the Explorer’s Desk.

 

Read the Soundings

Each evening “the Soundings” will be delivered to your stateroom, which includes a wealth of information for the following days agenda. Be sure to review it and plan accordingy for some of the critical sessions you should try to attend. On a traditional cruise, if you miss Bingo, it’s no big deal. But on the Fathom Adonia, if you miss the “teaching English” session, you’ll be at a disadvantage when you embark on that impact activity.

 

Participate!

You will get as much out of your Fathom experience as you put into it. While it may seem nice to lounge at the pool all day, don’t. (Okay, maybe a little.) But do be sure to get involved in the impact sessions. Find common ground with strangers and make new friends. This is a very unique experience so be sure to get the most out of it as you can.

 

Bring Water & Other Beverages

In your cabin, there is an empty mini-fridge at your disposal. So pack your favorite drinks and keep them cool. And although Fathom’s official alcohol policy forbids all but two bottles of wine, this seemed to go unenforced. What you do with that information is up to you.

 

Make More Electrical Outlets

The cabin is equipped with two American electrical outlets and two European outlets. If you have an excess of cameras, phones, laptops, and kindles to keep charged, you may want to pack a travel adapter, like this, that will magically turn one outlet into three, plus two usb ports!

 

Enjoy Amber Cove without the Crowds

Amber Cove was one of the nicest cruise ports we’ve been too. But when the big Carnival ships pulled in, thousands of tourists spill into the mix which completely changes the dynamic of this beautiful port. Plan to spend a few hours relaxing in Amber Cove but check this Port Schedule in advance to avoid times when another ship is also in port.

 

Free Wifi in Amber Cove 

The Adonia offers free wifi on this ship whenever it’s docked in Amber Cove. But it seemed that everyone would try to logon at the same time which severely impact the ability to connect. Instead, we recommend going to one of the bars or cafes in Amber Cove where you can access fast wifi with a purchase. Or go sort some cocoa beans in the Impact Center and ask for the wifi password.

 

Currency in the Dominican Republic

Within Amber Cove, US Dollars are the accepted currency. Dollars were also accepted in a few places in Puerto Plata but Dominican Pesos were more the norm. There were few exchange places in Puerto Plata but ATMs were more plentiful and a better option if you have an ATM with no international fees. A taxi from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata will gladly accept US Dollars.

 

Taxi from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata

A taxi from within Amber Cove to Puerto Plata city center costs a flat rate of $35 for the six-mile trip. But if you walk outside the gates of Amber Cove, there are unofficial taxis that are completely open to negotiation. We got a taxi from Amber Cove to Puerto Plata for $10 USD. $300-$400 Dominican Pesos ($6.50-$9.00) seemed to be the going rate when returning by taxi from Puerto Plata to Amber Cove.

 

Don’t Be Late

We were surprised to notice many Fathom Travelers lingering in Amber Cove, beyond the scheduled departure time on the final day. The ship absolutely will leave without you. Be on time during departure day. Also be sure to be back on the ship Wednesday night for the scheduled departure to dump the waste water overnight.

 

Fathom Adonia Gratuities

Gratuities on the Fathom Adonia were $11.50 per person per night. Total Fathom Adonia gratuities for the week sailing came to $80.50 per person which gets divided up among your stateroom attendant and the waitstaff.

 

Other General Cruise Tips

For other cruise tips, check out these 50 cruise hacks and tips that will save you time, money, and hassle.

Price, Booking, and Discounts a Fathom Adonia Journey

Pricing for the journey to the Dominican Republic starts at $974 $499 (updated pricing: June 2016) for an inside cabin during low season sailings. We think that the experience is a great value overall, given everything that is included.

 

Fathom Adonia Value and What’s Included

Your Fathom trip includes comfy sleeping accommodations, your transportation on the Adonia from Miami to DR, and all of your meals while on the ship. And the meals don’t stop while in Amber Cove, as the Adonia still serves up complete breakfasts, lunches, in dinners while in port.

All of the onboard workshops and activities are, of course, included too. And even your Impact Activities on the ground in the Dominican Republic are included. Your transport, guide, and some local lunches on the ground during the Impact Activities are all covered.

The only additional expenses are sodas or alcoholic beverages on the Adonia, shore excursions, souvenirs, wifi, spa treatments, and gratuities.

 

Bon Voyage!

We hope this helps to explain a bit about Fathom Travel in Dominican Republic, gives you some tips to use abroad the Fathom Adonia, and even saves you a few bucks so you can experience the journey yourself! This adventure is such an interesting and new concept in travel that we hope you find just as rewarding and impactful as we did. If you have any questions about the voyage, please feel free to drop us a comment below. And if you go (or have been) on the Fathom Adonia, we would love to hear your feedback too!