Fathom Adonia Review
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We chose the Adonia because it was the only ship we found that sailed from a US port to Cuba. Fathom is the new line in the Carnival family. She sails only two itineraries -- Cuba one week and the Dominican Republic the next. Their cruises are unlike any cruise we've sailed previously in that they call at only island and concentrate on 'impact' travel. Their definition of 'impact' is helping to change and improve the communication between peoples. In Cuba, that means striking up conversations with local people whenever and wherever you can -- not a particular easy thing in the ports, other than Havana.
I was disappointed by the amount of information available from Fathom prior to the cruise. Their instructions for completing the appropriate forms was scanty and confusing. Phone calls to the line for clarification were non-productive. The phone staff didn't really seem to understand the instructions either. The website description for the various tours is poor, and the information I received on the phone was inaccurate. Perhaps with time, these difficulties will improve -- I would hope so. I found those difficulties to be unusual in the Carnival family.
We've not sailed from Miami previously, and found the port a bit confusing. The Adonia sailed from "J" -- parking was readily available and quite plentiful. Except for the relatively high cost, we had no objections to the parking area -- a multi-level garage with more than enough spaces on the first two levels to accommodate all who drove. The check-in and boarding went well and cabins were available when we boarded. It took little time for our luggage to arrive. Our stewardess arrived promptly to introduce herself and offer any assistance we needed.
Cabin Review
The cabins are a bit small, but well furnished and very clean. We had a balcony cabin, with two chairs and a small table. Not excessively large, but comfortable to sit and watch the world go by. The bed was quite comfortable -- though being tired from the walking and the heat probably made it more so! We were delighted to find a small refrigerator which was not stocked with a mountain of expensive offerings. We had stopped on the way to the port to purchase a case of water and some soft drinks. We stocked the fridge and were quite happy to bring a couple bottles of water on the tours. (Water is given out on the bus tours -- but not on the walking tours.) My only objection to the cabin was that the bathroom was uncomfortably small and the shower was downright tiny. The nylon shower curtain seemed to delight in wrapping itself around me. Unfortunately, because of the extreme heat and humidity in Cuba, I spent a lot of time becoming very good friends with that shower curtain.
I would also suggest getting a cabin forward in the ship. Ours was aft, and we heard quite a bit of engine noise throughout the cruise.