Cuba has
agreed to allow passengers on Fathom cruises to Cuba who were born in Cuba to
arrive by sea, a change in policy sought by Carnival Corp.
The
decision removes any uncertainty that Fathom’s first voyage to Cuba, scheduled
for May 1, will be postponed.
Carnival
had already begun accepting reservations for the trips from Cuban-born
travelers in anticipation of the change.
"This
is a positive outcome and we are extremely pleased,” Carnival CEO Arnold Donald
said. "We want to extend our sincere appreciation to Cuba and to our team
who worked so hard to help make this happen.”
Protesters had complained that
Fathom’s previous plan to exclude Cuban-born travelers was discriminatory.
Carnival said it was following the travel rules set by Cuba for arrivals by
sea.