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An uber ride from my Miami hotel on a Sunday morning to Miami’s carnival seaport, for an epic journey to the Dominican Republic on my first ever cruise ship ride!
Onboard Fathom’s Adonia cruise ship, we sailed down south to reach Amber Cove, Puerto Plata.
But before we sailed, a couple of things had happened, from touring the ship, getting set up in our rooms, meeting with our preassigned activates leaders and groups! (I know right, I didn’t expect anything like that; in fact, it’s something not every cruise ship does, or probably ever did!) And going through safety drills with some stand-up comedy on the side! (I’ll explain lol)
on my way to my room with my luggage (let’s do this!)
a little virtual tour of my place via Snapchat, but when your room got teas, coffee, and snacks… Honey, I’m Home!
After getting set up in my room and looking at the daily itinerary and the welcome package… I can almost hear my heart beating.. of joy, that is! I couldn’t wait to see the Dominican Republic and get to engage with the locals, and volunteer with the activities Fathom had to offer.
Since it was my first cruise trip, I did not know what happens to them. I thought of it as a regular boring transportation ride, like any other to a specific destination. Most of them can be, but it all depends on you deciding to stay in your room and not engage in the activities, or meet people and have fun ten days away from home! (and of course, work/school stress)
Looking at the daily activities, breakfast from 7 am-10 am, lunch at 10 am-1 pm, Snacks, dinner, etc..
Then there was salsa dancing class, fitness, workshops, Spanish classes, group meetings, karaoke,
live band,
and
it all was basically “How to make friends 101.”
We all started as strangers and became Life long friends! Apologize… I mean FAMILY!!
Even with the staff! Like we got so comfortable with each other. The team started pranking us with taking selfies with our phone! (ME!!)
So,
I decided to go to the restaurant’s dinner, not the buffet for the first night (there’re so many places to eat, you will never go hungry, not even for a second on that ship!) I was surprised that I got greeted by a host wearing a white shirt and a black collar to match his black pants, seated by a waiter in between a group of strangers on a round table, handed the menu with fancy type fonts and top Manhatten restaurants kind of dishes.
I was the third person to get seated at that table, I and a married couple that looked like they were in their fifties, chatted till another two members joined in (an exchange student to the US and his host) followed by another two young couple from California, ended up with a bunch of strangers knowing more about your Life and goals than your parents and friends over an incredible four courses fancy meals and drinks.
But of course, when the clock turned 10:00 pm, cinderella… Oh, sorry, I had to excuse myself and catch that salsa dance.
You see! My special Dominican Republic story kind of officially begins from Salsa class! Where the people that I met became more than just strangers and more into friends, best friends, and family to me!!
Let me show you some beautiful Amber Cove pics before we head into town!
Fathom had so many “things to do” both on and off the ship! We used to run around from one event or class to another before it finishes, not to miss another one happening simultaneously with our full-back to back schedule!!
The way Fathom made my Luxurious cruise to the Dominican Republic impactful both mentally and locally is terrific.. to the point you feel good about traveling to developing countries because you’re heading there to volunteer and help local communities as well.
Fathom had so many opportunities to help out locally, for example;
Teaching English to a local school (We were the first tourists they ever saw!)
We got to hear so many beautiful stories of courageous people and how they dealt through all of Life’s troubles, that we felt empowered to change and “be the change we want to see in the world.”
Here are some of Fathom’s work;
Now, let’s get to the part where we broke some rules and left the cruise ship to have our adventure!!
One girl had an uncle in DR, so when everyone was doing whatever they were doing (Salsa, shopping, sun tanning, swimming, etc.) we sneak out to meet with her uncle, her cousin, and her other cousin’s boyfriend! (LOL) to a tour all across the Dominican Republic by car (total of two vehicles). We stopped on the way to exchange some money, we got the drinks and snacks and went straight to a private beach called Playa La Ensenada!
with lots of corny incidents and miscommunications with lots of hand gestures; unforgettable laughs and funny moments that will make it to my future grandchildren when I tell them about my travels 😀 
And why not be a little tourist!
With great friends (I met them on the cruise ship 😀 )
A walk into town central!
And a little visit to the amber museum (of course, I bought a beautiful pair of amber earrings!)
My amber earrings… I’m wearing them in this picture!
We also visited Brugal.
Where they create their most famous Rum
We got a little tour too 😀
With all that, there’s nothing more beautiful than going back -after many long days trips into town- to our Fathom ship at night.
Or our view in the next morning!
And when we decided to chill by the pool!
Or on the hammock, while doing some work!
Ahh, Life is so beautiful in all its shapes…
We loved how every local we met was very grateful for what they had in Life and genuinely happy with what they have… it’s a feeling many people lack and indeed seek back in the states, to feel happiness!
The Dominican Republic was a unique, unforgettable experience. I’m very grateful for Fathom Cruises for giving me that opportunity to experience and live, meeting the most beautiful people who I call family now, and giving me a chance to experience happiness from the eyes of people with the most basic lives.
DR.. I’ll be back soon. Thanks for the most amazing week of my life 😀
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