A Fathom social impact cruise to the Dominican Republic and other types of voluntourism cruises are a different type of vacation experience. In addition to enjoying fun in the sun, guests will be taking part in a variety of activities that give back to the local community. These include teaching English to children in schools and to adults in local communities, making water filters, laying down concrete floors in homes, reforestation activities, and assisting production in women's cooperatives focused on recycled paper and chocolate making.

Packing for this cruise is different than for a normal Caribbean cruise. Those who participate in concrete floors and reforestation activities will need to bring clothes that can get very dirty. Some guests bring old clothes and shoes that can be thrown out after participating in these excursions. In addition, those who will be teaching English at local schools must dress appropriately. Women are asked to wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders. No tank tops are allowed. Similar dress is appropriate for teaching English to adults, since you will be visiting their homes in local communities.

There's plenty of free time to enjoy all of the attractions offered at Amber Cove and in the greater Puerto Plata region, however, so pack accordingly. The port of Amber Cove features a huge water park, opportunities for water sports, a zip line and much more. Puerto Plata has many attractions including beaches, a beautiful nature park with 27 waterfalls, museums, shops, an outstanding tram ride, and much more. Guests will want to bring bathing suits, shorts and appropriate clothes to enjoy all these activities.

As with any cruise, pack your carry-on bag carefully. Make sure to include a your medications, bathing suit, shorts, top, underwear, your first night's dinner outfit, reading material, sunscreen, and anything else that is critical to enjoying the cruise. Keep your cruise and travel documents, passport, credit cards, cash, prescription medications, cameras and electronics, extra glasses, and any other important items with you. In addition, make 2-3 copies of your passport and important travel documents. Keep one or two of them with you separate from the originals in case your documents are stolen. Leave another at home with someone who could get them to you if necessary.

If you're going on a Fathom social impact cruise to the Dominican Republic or another type of voluntourism oriented cruise, here's a suggested packing list for your trip.

TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AND ITEMS

Airline tickets or e-tickets
Passports, visas and other proof of citizenship
Cruise documents
Pre-purchased shore excursion information
Medical insurance card and medical/prescription information
Credit cards (call credit card companies in advance of your cruise)
ATM card as needed
Cash including small bills and singles
Language phrase book if needed (Spanish for Dominican Republic)
Emergency phone numbers

MEDICINES AND SUNDRIES

Prescription drugs and other important medications (in carry-on bag)
Bonine/Dramamine
Antibiotic cream
Anti-itch cream
Anti-diarrhea medication
Band-aids
Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and/or asprin
Sunscreen
Sunblock for lips
Moisturizer
Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
Bug spray or Deep Woods Off towelettes
Ear plugs
Vaseline or lip moisturizer
Cosmetics
Deodorant
Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
Feminine hygiene products
Razor/shaving gel
Brush/comb
Blow dryer (provided in Fathom staterooms, but might want to bring your own)

CAMERAS AND OTHER ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Camera(s) and charger(s)
Camera bag(s)
Disposable underwater or waterproof camera
Batteries
Extra digital camera memory cards
Cell phone and charger
Laptop and charger (if desired)
Tablet and charger
USB and cords
Small lighted travel clock with alarm
Night light or small flashlight

READING ITEMS

Books and/or magazines
Glasses (bring extras) and/or contact lenses
Contact lens cleaner
Sunglasses
Reading sunglasses
Business cards
Notebook or journal

OTHER HELPFUL ITEMS

Zip lock plastic bags (both quart and gallon)
Rain poncho or umbrella
Snorkeling gear
Binoculars
Empty folding tote (to use as beach bag)
Power strip
Duct tape
Extra luggage tags
Pod-type laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Travel size Febreze
Dry-erase marker

WOMEN’S CRUISE CLOTHING

Fathom social impact cruises to the Dominican Republic and other voluntourism cruises are often more casual than other types of cruises.

2 pairs Lightweight long pants
1 Lightweight long-sleeved safari-type shirt
1-2 pairs of Jeans
3-4 T-shirts that cover shoulders
Clothes that can get very dirty (if doing concrete floors or reforestation)
Shoes that can get very dirty (if doing concrete floors or reforestation)
Closed toe shoes - such as sneakers
2 pairs Shorts
1 pair long shorts below the knees (if teaching English in schools) - or
1 Dress/skirt below the knees (if teaching English in school)
3 pairs of socks
Underwear
Bras
Bathing suit
Cover up
Workout clothes
PJs
1-2 casual dresses/skirts for dinner
1 resort wear-type dress/long skirt for specialty dining/lobster dinner night
Light rain jacket
Purse
Belts
Watch
Tote bag
Sandals and flip-flops
Water shoes (if going to 27 waterfalls park)
Light rain jacket
Hat
Hair ties

MEN’S CRUISE CLOTHING

Fathom social impact cruises to the Dominican Republic and other voluntourism cruises are often more casual than other types of cruises.

2 pairs Lightweight long pants
1 Lightweight long-sleeved safari-type shirt
1-2 pairs of Jeans
3-4 T-shirts
1-2 casual shirts with collars
Clothes that can get very dirty (if doing concrete floors or reforestation)
Shoes that can get very dirty (if doing concrete floors or reforestation)
Closed toe shoes - such as sneakers
2 pairs Shorts
3 pairs of socks
Underwear
Bathing suit
Workout clothes
PJs
1 pair of dress slacks for dinner
1 long-sleeved dress shirt for specialty dining room/ lobster night dinner
Sport jacket if desired for specialty dining room/ lobster dinner night
Light rain jacket
Belts
Watch
Sandals or flip-flops
Dress shoes if desired
Water shoes (if going to 27 waterfalls park)
Light rain jacket
Hat