Daily Archives: February 17, 2022

There's always something new and different happening with Royal Caribbean that it's hard to cover it all, but there were a few things over the last few days that I've summed up in a new post.

There are smaller updates from across the fleet that I think are kind of interesting, neat, or otherwise good to know.

If you ever have a news tip, feel free to email it to [emailprotected] for possible inclusion in a future update!

Royal Caribbean informed guests with a Mariner of the Seas cruise booked in early 2023 their cruises have been cancelled.

Guests received emails today informing them that the ship will need more time for her scheduled dry dock, which impacts cruises between January and March 2023.

The specific dates cancelled are sailings between January 7, 2023 and March 27, 2023.

"Mariner of the Seas will need some extra time during its scheduled dry dock next year," the email said. "We known this news is disappointing and apologize for the impact."

Guests booked on a now cancelled cruise have the choice of rebooking to Jewel of the Seas sailings during the same time period:

If guests choose a Jewel of the Seas sailing, they'll receive their original stateroom price protected, as well as $50 onboard credit for interior, ocean view and balcony staterooms. $100 for suites.

Royal Caribbean will also cover up to $200 in change fees for non-refundable transportation costs.

Guests also have the choice to re-book on any other cruise, or a full refund if they decide to cancel.

Mariner of the Seas was last refurbished in 2018 when she received her Royal Amplification updates.

Typically, cruise ships go in every 5 years for a dry dock. Older ships can sometimes go in more often than that.

UPDATE: The plot thickened when people booked on Independence of the Seas received a similar email that they are being moved to Mariner of the Seas.

What does it mean and how can two ships be cancelled for same timeframe? Share your ideas in the comments.

Royal Caribbean filed a trademark application with theUnited States Patent and Trademark Office that sounds like it could be related to the new Icon Class cruise ships.

Two trademarks were filed on February 10 for:

Trademark applications are notoriously vague, and simply filed to coverthe category of cruise ship services.

It just got easier for someone that is fully vaccinated to travel into Canada.

The Canadian government announced this week it fully vaccinated travelers entering Canadawill not need to take a PCR test, beginning February 28.

Instead, fully vaccinated people entering the country can take an authorized rapid antigen test taken no more than one day before their flight or arrival at the land border.

Currently, travelers entering Canada must show proof of a negative molecular test taken within 72 hours of their departing flight or planned arrival at the land border.

More here:

Royal Caribbean updates: Mariner cancellations, Icon of the Seas, & more - Royal Caribbean Blog

CJ Invest, CJI Conversations, Hotels and Development, News

February 16, 2022

By Guy Britton

Larry Cuculic took over as the newest chief executive officer of Best Western Hotels and Resorts towards the end of 2021, overseeing a company that is in the midst of a broad expansion push in the Caribbean in particular.

Caribbean Journal Invest caught up with Cuculic to learn more about Best Westerns Caribbean pipeline, where its looking to expand and the companys pitch to owners.

Congratulations on your recent appointment as CEO. You have been with Best Western for 12 years now, how has that prepared you for the job at hand?

I was fortunate to have been an advisor to the Board of Directors and senior leadership team over the last 12 years and I am confident that my diverse experience across our organization has provided a strong foundation for my new responsibilities.

During my time as General Counsel, I had the opportunity to develop a deep and wide understanding of the organizational structure, the needs of our hoteliers, and how our company can best drive results to their hotels.

In addition to my role as General Counsel, I oversaw the Call Center, directed the Human Resources Department, supported our development efforts, and have international brand-level experience.

What might hotel developers not know about you already, that makes you unique?

I am committed to serving this organization with the same values that have defined my life integrity, honesty, and humility. I am proud to bring my varied life experiences to my role as President and CEO, all of which shaped me into the person I am today.

I graduated from West Point, the United States Military Academy, and served in the Army as a Judge Advocate officer after graduating from Notre Dame Law School. I served in the military for 20 years prior to beginning my corporate law career. My military service molded me into who I am today, teaching me values of honor, leadership, commitment, and teamwork.

I promise to remain true to my values as I work with our hoteliers to continue our track record of success as an iconic global brand.

How many brands are in the Best Western portfolio? Can you give us an overview of those brands?

BWH Hotel Group is a leading, global hospitality network comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels Collection, Best Western Hotels & Resorts and SureStay Hotel Group. The global network boasts approximately 4,700 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide*. With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotel Group suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.

Details of each brand can be found here.

Are there particular brands that appeal more to investors and developers right now?

Were fortunate to offer a worldwide family of 18 brands, from luxury to economy. The major influence on all development today is the generational shift in demand across the world. The younger demographic really desires a unique experience, local cuisine, something unexpected and a photo moment at every turn. Our WorldHotels Collection, BW Premier Collection, BW Signature Collection and SureStay Collection soft brands, boutique offerings like Vb and Aiden, along with our upscale Best Western Premier brand, answer this call. We see a big future for all of them across the Caribbean.

Which brands have seen the most growth in recent years?

The soft brands, including WorldHotels Collection, BW Premier Collection, BW Signature Collection and SureStay Collection, offer independent owners and operators a unique connection point with our revenue-driving engines. We are seeing strong growth in these soft brands, which give the guest a trusted and comfortable experience, while also delivering support to hoteliers who seek to operate an independent property.

Why is the Caribbean important to Best Western?

If there is anything we have learned in recent years, its that people will always be passionate about traveling vacations are a celebrated pastime and at BWH Hotel Group we recognize the importance of having hotel offerings in key vacation designations. As travelers plan their island getaways to the Caribbean, we are committed to remaining top-of-mind to our loyal guests.

There are several current Best Western development projects in the Caribbean. Can you tell us about those?

BWH Hotel Group has just added two beautiful hotels to our Caribbean portfolio and have one additional signed and under development now. In December, the Arubas Life Vacation Residences became a member of our BW Signature Collection soft brand, offering guests the opportunity to live like a local while enjoying one- and two-bedroom apartments, complete with kitchens, living rooms, and dining rooms in a resort with a caf, bar, and a convenient location just minutes from the beach. We also opened the Brion City Hotel, a BW Signature Collection in downtown Willemstad, Curacao, in the heart of historic Otrobanda at the iconic Queen Emma bridge.

Earlier in 2021, we signed an agreement for a new-construction Best Western Premier Hotel in scenic Dorado, Puerto Rico. The 125-room full-service hotel will welcome visitors to the beautiful beach in Dorado, as well as a new multi-discipline health center being developed at that location. It is expected to open in late 2023.

We grew our SureStay Hotel Group brand this year with The Lodgings, a SureStay Collection at the Providenciales, Turks & Caicos airport. Super convenient for visitors as they arrive or depart Turks and Caicos, and just minutes from the beach, the hotel offers superior accommodations and a restaurant and bar with a fun vibe.

Are there new Caribbean Best Western development projects in the pipeline?

Yes, as we continue to expand our Caribbean presence, our active pipeline includes multiple projects in St. Croix, Antigua, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados.

Which Caribbean Islands are you represented in now and what is notable about your hotels in those destinations?

In addition to the Aruba, Curacao, and Turks & Caicos locations, we also have hotels or resorts open in Belize and Puerto Rico:

Our Belize hotel is the Best Western Plus Biltmore Plaza Hotel. This full-service, garden style hotel in Belize City is the perfect starting point for exciting day trips to any of Belizes great natural attractions. Simply head inland to visit one of Belizes Ancient Mayan Cities or beautiful rainforests.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, the full-service Best Western Plus Condado Palm Hotel is perfectly located for guests visiting the upscale Condado area, or who wish to explore nearby Old San Juan or venture out to the historic forts, rainforest, or other attractions.

Visitors to historic Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, in the western part of the island can enjoy the unique experience of staying in the former monastery for the historic cathedral. This boutique-style property is just steps from many restaurants and shops on Mayaguez Plaza and a short trip to beaches and other attractions.

What islands are you targeting for future development, and would you consider growing in other destinations, as well?

We can envision at least one hotel in each of the 32 nations of the Caribbean (33 when Cuba reopens), and for now, believe that the following islands best align with our guest demographics and performance potential: Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Martin, and on a beach in Turks & Caicos. As travel patterns and guest demand are dynamic, were always open to thoughtful consideration of other destinations, as well.

How important is business travel to your brands? What about leisure travel, particularly in the Caribbean?

Our brands are in a desired space in the industry, with strong demand from both leisure and business travelers. Our hotels have performed well throughout the pandemic and into recovery, particularly as leisure travelers continued to travel and sought to get outside as travel resumed. We also pride ourselves on delivering a strong product offering and experience for business travelers. Developers are attracted to the BWH Hotel Group portfolio because we can deliver business from multiple segments including leisure, business, group, and others.

What do you look for in a development partner?

Each hotel or resort is individually owned and operated, and that has contributed to the success of BWH Hotel Group for more than 75 years. Over the years, weve leaned into the expertise of our hoteliers and developers, and we believe our best owners and operators are those individuals or companies who truly know and understand their local markets. These leaders in our organization understand the local dynamics, embrace the concept of warm and welcoming hospitality, and create a unique stay experience for todays modern traveler.

What makes Best Westerns brands attractive to developers in the Caribbean?

We are proud to bring a very strong value proposition to prospective developers in the region, offering flexibility and creativity in our hotel offerings while providing sales, marketing and technology platforms that provide superior revenue. For example, our GL and Vb lifestyle brands deliver a fresh, hip, and modern experience while still embracing local flair and design. Our soft brands, including WorldHotels Collection, BW Premier Collection, BW Signature Collection, and SureStay Collection, allow owners to maintain their own identity, culture, and reputation, while benefiting from the strength of a global hospitality powerhouse.

The benefits of being supported by the BWH Hotel Group brand include strong demand from nearly 50 million loyalty members; proprietary channels to reduce reliance on higher-cost OTAs; low, negotiated OTA commissions for guests who do choose to book through these channels; a global sales team dedicated to generating demand; robust support, design, and supply programs; and of course, our fee structure, which is among the lowest in the industry.

What is your outlook for 2022 and beyond?

We believe the outlook for 2022 is very positive for both the Caribbean and North America. BWH Hotel Group is continuing to build across its portfolio of 18 brands, each of which bring a unique value proposition and experience for guests. We expect that travel will continue to recover and we plan to continue growing our footprint in the region during this time, adding four hotels and resorts in 2022.

View post:

CJI Conversation: Best Western CEO Larry Cuculic on the Caribbean Market - Caribbean Journal

Located in the heart of Flatbush, Sip unWine is the Black-owned wine bar making huge ripples in the Brooklyn bar scene.

Home of the famous Irie Mac&Cheese, the restaurant and wine bar is the place to experience the Caribbean vibes without having to book a flight. The island-style food and drink menu is a favorite among Flatbush residents and across the wider Brooklyn area.

Offering a diverse selection of wines from all over the world, local performances and an impossibly delicious tapas menu, Sip unWine is the place to experience several islands in one night. The menu is a fusion of cuisine types from different parts of the Caribbean and beyond.

The menu features Caribbean favorites from Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Jamaica among others. Throughout the breakfast, brunch and dinner menu there is enough Caribbean influence to transport you from the U.S. straight to the islands.

Sip unWine is a Black-owned wine bar that prides itself on sourcing from organic, biodynamic, and earth-supportive vineyards that respect the Earth and its natural resources.

Some favourite dishes include Coconut Curry Shrimp, Jerk Shrimp, Jamaican Snapper or the Classic Jerk Chicken served with housemade jerk sauce, seasoned rice, and steam vegetables. There is also an option for vegans and vegetarians in this Black-owned Caribbean hot-spot. The vegan bowl includes grains, roasted asparagus, seasoned pumpkin, callaloo, curried chickpeas, steam vegetables, and kale salad.

Of course the iconic Irie Mac & Cheese cooked to creamy perfectionin a mini cast iron skilletis a Sip unWine classic and an absolute must-try when visiting.

The famed sorrel wine is also a favorite on the menu and perfect for Summer evenings spent on the bars cozy backyard patio.

As a Black-owned wine bar in Brooklyn, the restaurant and bar also double up to an events space, allowing for community members to gather and connect with the Caribbean vibes.

Read more:

Sip unWine - Escape To The Caribbean In Black-Owned Wine Bar And Restaurant In Brooklyn - Travel Noire

Deciding between Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas means choosing between two cruise ships with lots of of fun things to do.

Whether youre planning your first cruise or fiftieth, Royal Caribbeans newest and biggest ships are likely to be of interest to you. The Quantum and Oasis Class ships are among the biggest in the world and come with seemingly endless dining venues, entertainment choices, and activities.

How do the two classes of ships compare, though? Lets take a look at Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas to see how the ships compare and contrast in layout, itineraries, and offerings for guests.

Harmony of the Seas is the 3rd ship in Royal Caribbeans Oasis Class, the largest class of cruise ships. She has a capacity of 6,687 guests, length of 1,188 feet, and measures 226,963 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in May of 2016.

Anthem of the Seas is the 2nd ship in Royal Caribbeans Quantum Class. She has a capacity of 4,905 guests, length of 1,141 feet, and measures 168,666 in gross tonnage. Her maiden voyage was in November of 2014.

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas is split into seven main neighborhoods. These are designed to help break up crowds by spreading guests around the ship, and all are quite distinct from each other:

Anthem of the Seas does not have the same neighborhood concept as an Oasis Class ship. However, the ship can still be broken into a few distinct areas:

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same dining venues:

As an Oasis Class ship, Harmony of the Seas has several more dining options than Anthem of the Seas.

One venue that is offered on Anthem of the Seas but not on Harmony is Cafe @ Two70. Located inside the Two70 entertainment venue found only on Quantum Class ships, Cafe @ Two70 has a similar selection of food to Park Cafe on Oasis Class ships.

There is also a coffee bar located in Cafe @ Two70 where guests can order specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic coffee drinks. Cafe @ Two70 is a complimentary venue aside from specialty beverages.

The second venue found on Anthem of the Seas but not Harmony is La Patisserie. Guests can order specialty coffee and tea beverages here as well as French delicacies including macarons, cheesecake, and eclairs. La Patisserie is an extra-cost venue.

Outdoor dining on Anthem of the Seas includes a section of the Windjammer which offers views of the aft and an outdoor area of Jamies Italian on the Promenade Deck.

Outdoor dining on Harmony of the Seas can be found at dining venues located at the Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods, including Jamies Italian, Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Park Cafe, Sabor, and Johnny Rockets.

Both Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas share many of the same bars and lounges:

Several bars and lounges feature excellent views of the pool deck and ocean, such as the North Star Bar on Anthem of the Seas and Mast Bar on Harmony of the Seas.

Harmony of the Seas has several smaller bar areas located throughout the ship as well, including Wipe Out Bar on the Sports Deck and Trellis Bar in the heart of Central Park.

Perhaps the most unique bar on Harmony of the Seas is the Rising Tide Bar. This is a bar that moves up and down three stories between the Royal Promenade and Central Park neighborhoods. The bar is adults-only and free to ride.

There are a few more lounges to note on Harmony of the Seas:

Guests looking for a nightclub lounge experience onboard have options on both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas. On Anthem of the Seas guests can go to the Music Hall, a two-story venue with a stage, dance floor, two bars, comfy seating, and pool tables.

On Harmony of the Seas, guests will enjoy Dazzles. This is another two-story music and dance venue which overlooks the Boardwalk neighborhood.

Both Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer top-notch entertainment options. Both ships have a Royal Theater with a full-length Broadway musical performance, but each ship has a selection of other shows in the diverse entertainment venues found onboard.

Anthem of the Seas is home to Two70, a signature venue found only on Quantum Class ships. This is a venue in the very aft of the ship with floor-to-ceiling windows offering 270 degree views of the ships aft. The venue incorporates technology through moveable television screens and light effects into its performances. Both live and virtual concerts are available here.

Anthem of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

In addition to the Royal Theater, Harmony of the Seas has an Aquatheater and Studio B ice skating rink. The Aquatheater is unique to Oasis Class ships and is where Royal Caribbeans signature aquatic shows are performed.

Harmony of the Seas offers the following signature shows:

Harmony of the Seas features three main pools: the Main Pool, the Beach Pool, and the Sports Pool. The pools are all very similar to each other, with pool games being offered in the Sports Pool and a beach-style design at the Beach Pool.

Anthem of the Seas has two main pools: one indoor pool and one outdoor pool. As Quantum Class ships were designed to function in both cold and warm weather, Anthem of the Seas has plenty of indoor pool deck space, with indoor jacuzzis and an indoor pool bar as well.

The Solarium on Harmony of the Seas does not have a pool, but instead has four jacuzzis throughout the space. The Solarium is not an enclosed space, but offers plenty of shade. The Solarium on Anthem of the Seas is fully enclosed, and features a series of cascading pools as well as jacuzzis.

Both ships offer plenty of activities for kids on the pool deck, too. Harmony of the Seas has a large Splashaway Bay area with kid-sized water slides, splash pad areas, water dump buckets, and water sprayers.

Anthem of the Seas has the H20 Zone, which features shallow pool areas for young children. There is also a small kids pool here as well that is not as shallow as the splash pad areas.

Harmony of the Seas has three water slides: the Cyclone and Typhoon slides, where guests can race each other, and the Supercell slide, where guests spin around a champagne bowl to make their way to the bottom.

Being a Quantum Class ship, Anthem of the Seas does not have water slides.

With Anthem of the Seas being a Quantum Class ship and Harmony of the Seas being an Oasis Class ship, many of their signature activities onboard differ from each other.

Harmony of the Seas offers several signature activities that are included in your cruise fare. The majority of these activities take place on the sports deck or Boardwalk:

Likewise, Anthem of the Seas offers several activities only found on Quantum Class ships:

The hub of activity on Anthem of the Seas is in the SeaPlex. The SeaPlex is the only indoor sports center in Royal Caribbeans fleet, where guests can enjoy indoor soccer, volleyball, pickleball, dance classes, and more. This is where signature activities such as bumper cars, roller skating, and circus school are located.

Most signature activities on both ships are complementary. On Anthem of the Seas, though, there may be both a complementary and extra fee option for the North Star and RipCord by iFLY. Guests should make reservations for these activities via the Royal Caribbean app as soon as they get onboard, as complementary reservations can fill up quickly.

Both ships offer the Flowrider and rock climbing wall. Because Harmony of the Seas has a higher capacity, there are two Floriders and two rock climbing walls available. There are also two arcades on Harmony, whereas Anthem of the Seas has one arcade.

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas offer itineraries that differ from each other in length, departure port, and region of the world.

Anthem of the Seas splits her time sailing from Southampton, England, and Cape Liberty, New Jersey. She sails from Southampton from May to October, offering a variety of European cruises. Highlights include:

For the rest of the year, Anthem of the Seas sails from Cape Liberty, New Jersey offering cruises to the Caribbean. Cruise selections include:

Transatlantic cruises are also offered on Anthem of the Seas when she sails to and from Europe.

Harmony of the Seas sails from Cape Canaveral until October 2022, when she will begin offering cruises from both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. Regardless of the embarkation port, Harmony of the Seas offers Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean cruises. Highlights include:

As Quantum and Oasis Class ships, both Anthem of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas offer everything from the most basic interior rooms to exquisite loft suites. Both ships offer the Virtual Balcony for interior rooms as well.

In addition, Anthem and Harmony of the Seas offer the Royal Suite Class. Depending on the suite, guests will be in either Sea Class, Sky Class, or Star Class, all of which bring exclusive benefits, including access to the Coastal Kitchen restaurant.

Star Class is the most exclusive suite class and includes a Royal Genie, who is a personalized concierge during your time onboard.

A difference between the two ships are the neighborhood rooms available on Harmony of the Seas. Oasis Class ships offer both Central Park and Boardwalk balcony rooms, which look down into their respective neighborhoods.

Central Park rooms do not have an ocean view, but Boardwalk balcony rooms will have a partial ocean view to the side. There are a few interior Central Park view staterooms available as well, which have a porthole looking into Central Park.

Harmony of the Seas also has Aquatheater suites which overlook the ships aft and Aquatheater area.

Harmony of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas will both provide an excellent, modern cruising experience. There is no shortage of things to do and places to eat on either ship, but there are a few key things to consider before choosing one over the other.

First, the itineraries on the ships are totally different. For those living in the northeast, Anthem of the Seas can be a nice option for a Caribbean cruise that does not require flying to Florida. Anthem of the Seas is also a good option for those based in Europe, due to her wide range of European itineraries.

Harmony of the Seas offers more traditional Caribbean cruises. Because she departs from Florida, there are fewer sea days required to reach Caribbean destinations. Therefore, guests can see a wider range of Caribbean islands on Harmony of the Seas than they can on Anthem of the Seas.

Second, Anthem of the Seas has more of a traditionally-built cruise ship layout whereas Harmony of the Seas, being an Oasis Class ship, has a completely different layout to other Royal Caribbean ships.

Both ships offer plenty to do for families. Harmony of the Seas may have a slight edge toward toddlers and young children with a full sized Splashaway Bay on the pool deck, whereas Anthem of the Seas has many activities for older children like bumper cars and RipCord by iFLY.

Ultimately, whichever ship you choose will lead to a fantastic Royal Caribbean cruise, and you will definitely not run out of things to do and see on either ship.

Read more:

Harmony of the Seas vs. Anthem of the Seas - Royal Caribbean Blog

Watch the Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade

The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux Parade-Unleash the Decades: A Pet Parade February 13, 2022, at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds.

Shreveport Times

Laissez les bons temps rouler, Shreveport! We are smack in the middle of Mardi Gras season and there is so much going on in the community you don't want to miss out on.

The Krewe of Barkus and Meoux parade took place on Valentine's Day and it was a fun treat for the community to come out and see all the precious pets celebrating Mardi Gras.

The Krewe of Centaur will be rolling through the community on Saturday, Feb. 18. From road closures to parking, here's everything you need to know before you attend.

As always, don't forget to check out the list of all the parades and bals happening so you don't miss out on all of the fun.

On this week's Food Finds, we tried West African Caribbean fusion. RNL's Cookery Corner food truck boasts unique menu items like Krio wings and alligator bites for adventurous eaters.

If you've ever thought about becoming a filmmaker, but going back to school isn't an option for you don't worry, because Film Prize has you covered. Film Prize University is offering free online courses that will teach you how to get from script to screen.

This week we had some interesting stories about locals like Brittany French, who let us in on the art of making wigs. We got a close-up look at her work and peek at her brand new shop, The Wig Cellar.

Not ready to be done with Valentine's Day? Check out a tale about a mother who married on the Texas Street Bridge neon lighting in 1993 and her daughter who will be doing the same on the LED Bakowski Bridge of Lights debut next week.

Be on the lookout forThe 318,our round-up of the week's top headlines Sunday night.

Also, check outBusiness in the 318, our weekly roundup of all things business in the area.

Meredith G. White is the arts and culture reporter for the Shreveport Times. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and Twitter as @meredithgwhite, and email her at mgwhite@gannett.com.

Read the original here:

Life in the 318: See Shreveport's pet parade, and try RNL's West African Caribbean cuisine - Shreveport Times

Dianne Newcomer| Monroe News-Star

"Do you ever feel like we have been watching the same show over and over again for a couple of years now? I think it is time to change the channel!" I announced to my bewildered husband, a man who has the uncanny ability to watch "Everyone Loves Raymond" and "King of Queens" over and over again and even laugh hysterically at the same jokes each time.

Thinking perhaps my analogy would better help him understand the repetitiveness-- the grayness-- I was feeling on a chilly day last week, I continued, "Check out this email I just received from Antigua's Elite Island Resorts.They are offering free airfare on Frontier Airlines if we stay 7 nights at any of their five all- inclusive resorts in Antigua. Remember how much we liked that little island and those great beaches? A salty destination like this would most definitely spice up these gray days, and, like the email suggests, doesn't it sound nice to be swept away, surprised and spoiled?"

Unfortunately, my excitement waned as my epic island escape with free airfare on Frontier Airlines only worked if I flew to Antigua from Orlando and stayed a week. Still, all was not lost. While doing my research, I found a great travel deal to the beautiful Caribbean island of St. Maarten. Honestly, if Ihad to pick only one island to best represent the vastly diverse travel experiences found in all of the Caribbean, it would be St. Martin/St. Maarten where two nationalities, the French and the Dutch, co-exist beautifully to create the most unique cultural experience the Caribbean has to offer.

It is said Columbus set foot on the island in 1493 and named the island in honor of Bishop St. Martin of Tours, but,when he learned its 37 square miles of land was shared with the cannibalistic Caribe tribe, he left very quickly. Spain lost out. The island was up for grabs, so, in the 1600's, both Dutch and French settlers arrived. Each claimed the land for their respective country, but diplomatic ownership became a big issue.

Things got confusing. To resolve the question of territorial boundaries-- who got where, how much, and what-- the two countries agreed to race for the land. Unlike the Oklahoma land rush, this was a foot race. From the agreed starting point, the Frenchman ran/walked the fartherest, and France was awarded the most land. Yet, it seems the Dutchman was smarter: he raced to the harbor area, which was then, as it is now, the most valuable real estate on the island.

Those race boundaries remain today as two uniquely different self- governing countries govern their section of the island. The people of St. Maarten are Dutch nationals; they carry a Dutch passport. On St. Martin, a French passport is used. St. Martin uses the euro while St. Maarten has its own currency, but, lucky for us, they both accept the US$! English works well on both sides of the island, but this duality of systems is also strange. For example, a phone call made from the Dutch side to the French side--less than 36 miles away-- is considered an international call!

Having the chance to experience two-distinct-European cultures with a Caribbean twist contriubutes to the island's popularity. Most American tourists possibly feel more comfortable on the Dutch side where prices are lower, the big hotels have casinos, and there is more nightlife, which are all reasons why cruise ships regularly drop into the town of Phillipsburg for a busy day of shopping, sightseeing, and beach fun. The contrast between a busy, bustling St. Maarten and the quiet countryside and harbor towns of the French St. Martin is decidedly noticeable.

I think two very different vibes on the same island, where, within only a few minutes, everything can be changed is really quite delightful though! Several years ago, as a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service, I might have suggested clients stay on the Dutch side but eat on the French. Yet, today, everything is different. We are a more "foodie" society, plus, thanks to a hurricane in 2017, everything has changed. Irma was the category 5 storm that refused to leave. She hovered over the island for about 8 hours and about 90% of the island's buildings were damaged wtih over 1/3 completely destroyed.

The road to recovery was long and hard for the islanders, but the result was a nice facelift, especially for tourism. On the Dutch side, Divi Littl Bay, Simpson Bay Resort and Oyster Bay Beach recovered beautifully, and, on the French side, the Belmond La Samanna is as stunning as ever. For Secret Resort fans, it took $20 million to turn the Riu Palace St. Martin into a premier property of this deluxe brand.

Whereas the resorts may look differently, it is very doubtful their 37 beaches, where you can just plop down in a lounge chair, enjoy the blue of a Carribean view, and bare it all (or not), could be any better. Divers also tell me the marine life is flourishing well on Saba, a nearby island easily accessible by a high speed ferry from Simpson Bay, and, with pandemic restrictions easing, day trips to the famous beaches of Anguilla or to the glitzy shops and restaurants of St. Barts will soon be possible again.

Honestly, about the only problem about a vacation to St. Maarten is getting there. Leaving from the Jackson Airport is a necessity, but, then again, if I think about that extraordinarily decadent lemon dessert Rob and I enjoyed at a little French restaurant named Oceans 82 on the French side, I would drive to New Orleans or Dallas to get there. It doesn't even matter which side of the island we stay on. There is no bad choice, and I am just so very ready to change the channel and travel again.

Dianne Newcomer is a travel agent at Monroe Travel Service.There For your next vacation or cruise, please call 318 323 3465 or email INFO@MONROETRAVEL.com. Our service is free and our advice is priceless.

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St. Maarten island is the jewel of the Caribbean - The News Star