I was looking for a chance to take a cruise where I could bring my family and be able to relax on board while experiencing some of the country and the people off board. The review that was posted was so accurate about the beauty of the small British ship Adonia and the young professional staff of guides, as they were kind, fun, informative, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable about the benefits of volunteering and of the Dominican people they had encountered. What the reviewer didn't mention was the wonderful serving staff aboard the ship, at Amber Cove, the destination near Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and with each volunteer organization. The mostly East Indian staff in the dining area and housekeeping were generous and kind. We made friends with them and hated to leave, as we did with the cohorts and some of the other passengers.

We enjoyed the house band and the fun activities: teaching of Dominican dances, giant yard games on deck, movie under the stars, game show night, karaoke, trivia contest, etc. But each volunteer experience really meant something to us, as we worked alongside the Dominicans for good things (laid cement for a playground, taught English while we learned Spanish, planted seeds for reforestation, and helped make and deliver water filters as so many people do not have access to clean water. We also enjoyed a fabulous, fabulous afternoon aboard a catamaran for reef snorkeling, but we were also treated to informal dance lessons and rum punch with fruit. It was a treasure of a day our family of three young adults and my husband and I will never forget. We also voyaged out to visit the national park with 27 waterfalls.

I could not possible recommend this cruise highly enough. Many of the passengers were from other cruise ships who were tired of the emphasis on drinking and over eating and lack of chance to interact with real people when they visited ports. They decided to give the Fathom Impact Cruise a try and loved it! Read more