Dominican Republic: My First Visit with Fathom Adonia

After spending nearly seven years at sea with Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Renaissance Cruises, it can be challenging to find a ship port that I have not seen. I was thrilled to be invited to sail on the new Fathom Cruises concept to the Dominican Republic. Not only would it be my first visit to the DR, but it was also on the Fathom Adonia which used to be a Renaissance ship so it was like sailing home for me.

I have ” target=”_blank”>Explore the Ship with me: Wondering how you will find the Fathom Adonia? Join Lisa Niver for a tour of the ship and discover what to do and where to do it. This video explores the ship and finds the Glass House on Deck 10 as a hidden gem to sit and watch the world sail by! There are BBQs on deck, live music and a lovely library. The Ocean Grill specialty restaurant on Deck 10 is a intimate place to dine for lunch or dinner. Raffles Bar and Pacific Restaurant are located on Deck 5. Relax outside on Lido deck for a quiet place to read with no music. You can also find space to sit on Deck 11 forward by the mural. Look all around the ship for curiosity boxes and learn something. In box #8, there are instructions for salsa dancing!

What is there to do in ” target=”_blank”>Chocal Cocoa Factory, you will learn about the chocolate process: sorting, drying, mold making and participate in every process. Leurys, our liaison from IDDI, the NGO in the Dominican Republic, told our Fathom group, “You did a week’s worth of factory work today;” I realized that specific volunteerism projects can make an impact. Together our small steps made a grand gesture for the 20 women at the factory and the 130 families they support. Our group of 34 sorted over 75 pounds of beans and pulled shells out of 87.5 pounds of nips. In some ways our unskilled labor was like having a group of kindergarteners for assistance but our work meant the skilled team could be more productive. As we left the Chocolate factory, Isidor from IDDI, told me, “Thank you amazing people for choosing to come to my country and help our factory on your vacation. You are making a big impact.”

I loved my adventures on