There are many people who take advantage of their days off to work as volunteers in different projects for the community, whether teaching English, saving turtles or planting trees…. It is what companies have called ecotourism, voluntourism and I have even seen in some articles the concept of pro-poor tourism.
The company Carnival shipping company calls it social impact tourism, and has prepared a specific program aboard one of its boats for these vacationers with a social conscience. This company has been harshly criticized from some areas for the pollution generated by its ships, avoiding taxes and minimizing salaries.
Carnival will launch a new brand called fathom, for young tourists, so-called members of Generation Y or millennials, who want to combine a week on a cruise with the opportunity to help others.
The first fathom trip will depart in April 2016 and consists of a 7-day crossing to the Dominican Republic. During these days, those who have so chosen will have the opportunity to grow cocoa plants, teach English or work in a local women's cooperative that makes artisan chocolates.
The ship destined for this project is the MV Adonia. This ship will not have for this trip a casino or Broadway-style theatrical shows, but will offer movies, food and music from the Dominican Republic.