Next week I’m sailing off on a trip that will not only change the course of my own life but will impact the lives of others as I take part in the inaugural cruise with Fathom™ Travel, a new way to see the world.

As an educator for the past 30 years, my life has been enriched each and every day by the spark of creativity, exploration and discovery that comes from working in a classroom so to be a part of something like this was the perfect next step in my own journey.

But waking up knowing that this time next week I’ll be a board the brand new state of the art Adonia, sailing towards the Dominican Republic as I prepare to enter the classrooms there, is truly the fulfillment of a lifetime of dreams come true.

So just what is this new kind of travel? Leaving from Miami, a Fathom™ voyage is anything but travel as usual. It combines the best in leisure moments, creature comforts and time for recreation but will also give me the time at sea to be focused on building a community with your fellow travelers, as I participate in on-board activities designed specifically to prepare me for my on-ground impact experience.

Fathom™ is the newest brand in the Carnival Corporation & plc family, which carries nearly 11 million passengers every year to ports around the world. As part of the Carnival family, Fathom is supported by its sister brand, P&O Cruises, in bringing impact travel to life aboard the 704-passenger Adonia, the smallest ship in the P&O fleet. The Adonia is the heir to over 175 years of P&O maritime tradition. And now, in Fathom’s inaugural year, it’s about to establish a new tradition of its own.

Once I dock in Amber Cove, the lifelong dream becomes a reality when I join in to work alongside local community members on projects focused on improving educational, environmental, and economic conditions in the Dominican Republic. 

During my time on the island, I’ll be involved in the projects that I felt the most strongly about including working in the classrooms helping with students leaning English, working with the members of a community co-op, making handmade recycled paper and other unique art products using recycled waste with a group of local artisans, as well as working alongside a Cacao and Women’s Chocolate Cooperative. Although all of this is billed as a way for me to give back and have an impact on their lives, I think the real impact and change will come from within myself as they change and impact mine.

It all begins on Sunday and you can sail right along with me across social media by following the special #TravelDeep hashtag or by following me on Twitter. Instagram, and Facebook. I don’t know where this journey will ultimately lead me, but one thing I know to be true, the life that will be changed the most is mine because when you volunteer, it is the gift you give not just to others, but to yourself. Stay tuned right here as my journey begins. it’s travel with purpose. Travel that transforms lives starting with my own. When you combine the power of people + passion + partnership, you can’t help but to make an impact. Fathom™  Travel; it’s a new way to discover the world around you,.

#TravelDeep

Disclosure: I was provided with a free travel by Fathom Travel but all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.