Photo: Ricardo explains the impacts the cruise aims to have on the communities it serves, and its travelers.

This is the second time in history this trip has ever happened. As with any new venture, there are kinks to work out. For example, I’d like to bring in 12 Dominican grandmas and have them take over the galley, and as I write this from my deck, I’m hoping that the toilet magically unclogs itself by the power of prayer.

BUT.

The essence of this cruise, as is almost anything else, is the people who have come together to all do this thing–to sate a curiosity, to help a country family by family. Fathom can fix all the bugs over time. But the magic of this trip and Fathom’s vision is the power of collective heart, which is here in full force as we sail into port. In one year, 32,000 people would have all come to help the people of the DR — and here’s the important part — by doing what is asked of us, not with a convenient photo op the company can add to a brochure.

Our plans over the next two days include working on a reforestation project and helping in a chocolate factory. And hopefully eat some food from a Dominican grandma.