Fathom Cancels Soft Launch Of Historic Cruise To Dominican Republic

Fathom’s Adonia. Photo: Facebook.

The first-ever sailing of Carnival Corp.’s social-impact brand Fathom was cancelled yesterday, the very day it was scheduled to depart, because of mandatory tests run by the U.S. Coast Guard. Cruise guests were already in the terminal preparing to board.
 
According to a statement from Fathom, “rigorous operational tests with the U.S. Coast Guard” on the 71-passenger Adonia took longer than expected and additional tests are now required, forcing Carnival Corp. to cancel the soft launch.  
 
Fathom vice president of operations Kurt Kroemer told passengers the company will pay for any expenses they suffer because of the cancellation—including air change fees and taxi or shuttle fees to the airport, along with the full cruise and airfare costs in and out of Miami.  
 
Carnival also allowed some cruisers to make other arrangements.  
 
Justin Plus Lauren posted on Instagram that after the soft launch was cancelled at around 2:15 p.m., travel agents in his hotel lobby were able to rebook him on the Carnival Sensation for a five-day cruise out of Miami. “I’m so grateful that our vacation is still on,” he wrote.  
 
Another would-be-cruiser, Lizza Monet Morales, posted on Periscope that she also was able to change her plans at the last second and rebook on the Sensation.  
 
“Fathom is doing a great job,” she said.  
 
Fathom also paid for guests’ accommodations at Miami’s Doubletree Hotel the night before the cruise, and will provide a future cruise credit to passengers for the amount paid for the cruise.  
 
The Adonia is scheduled to sail its official inaugural cruise this Sunday, April 17, to the Dominican Republic. It will then head to Cuba on May 1.