Daily Archives: October 13, 2022

White sand, palm trees, and clear turquoise water. You may be picturing a private island in the South Pacific. But what if you could skip the $2,000 plane ticket and rent your own private tropical island right here in the United States? In Florida, you can! If its a Florida Keys island rental youre after, jump straight in to part 1 on our list. Looking forCentralFlorida island rentals? Then check out part 2! From a 62-acre private island in a lake near Orlando to a 10-acre tropical Florida Keys private island rental, theres a little bit of something for everyone in this list of our8 favorite Florida private island rentals.

If youre searching for something just a bit more tropical, then a head a little farther south in our list of Belize Private Island Resorts or browse islands in the Caribbean. Want to stick to the US? Then check our complete list of more than 60 private island rentals in the United States!

So you want to rent an island in the keys? Seabird Key is an exclusive, 10-acre private island in Florida that can accommodate up to 10 guests in a 4,500 square-foot home. For more information on Seabird Keyvisit the Vrbo listing for this island.

Check prices & availability

East Sister Rock Island is a Florida keys private island rental located a quarter mile off the Atlantic Coast of Marathon. This island can accommodate 6 people in a beautiful 2500 square foot Bahamian-style house. East Sister Rock Island Florida is one of the most stunning Florida private island rentals available! This may be the smallest private island on our list but you cant beat the privacy! For more information visit the Vrbo listing for this private island.

Check prices & availability

Listed as Houseboat Docked at PRIVATE TROPICAL ISLAND with 17-ft Motorboat + Kayaks!Quiet Cove Key, Florida is a private island in the keys off the coast of Marathon. This Florida Keys private island rental comes with a house boat to sleep on! Not only is this one of the most beautiful and natural Florida private island rentals, it is also the most affordable on our list.Find other rentals in Marathon, FL or see our entire list of private island rentals in the United States.

Check prices & availability

Listed as Sanibel FL PRIVATE ISLAND Featured on HGTV Island Hunters.Crescent Island is one of the only Florida private island rentals near the famous Sanibel Island. This 4-acre forested private island can accommodate up to 10 people in a stunning 1850 square foot home. For more information about Crescent Island, Florida, visit the Vrbo listing for this private island.

Check prices & availability

Listed as Bridge to Paradise Island. This Florida island rentals near Cedar Key can accommodate 10 guests in a beautiful 2,975 square foot home. You can drive onto the island via a bridge from the mainland.And were so glad to see it because its a beauty. Check out the Vrbo listing for this stunning Florida private island rental!

Check prices & availability

Listed as Up to 45 Guests Sleep At This Unique Private Island 62 Acre Estate!The Ever After Estate is a 62-acre private island near Orlando, Florida and can accommodate 45 guests in 3 homes. That makes Ever After Estate the largest of the Florida private island rentals on our list! This island is like having your own private theme park.The Ever After Estate has four video game arcades, poolside movie theater, a basketball court, soccer field, horseshoe pit, and a 14-hole mini golf course! Theres even a 2-story water slide and a ballpit room featuring 23,000 balls!For more information visitthe VRBO listing for this private island.

Check prices & availability

Listed as Private Island Lodge Anglers, Scallopers, Get-A-Ways, Golfers, Retreats.Homosassa Island Lodge is a private island in the Homosassa River on the gulf coast of Florida . The island can accommodate up to 8 guests in a 2800 square foot lodge. There is a separate bungalow rental so youd have to rent both to have the whole island.For more information visit the VRBO listing for this private island.

Check prices & availability

Listed as Rainbow River Home with Private Island. Includes kayaks, pool table!This property on Rainbow River, Florida includes a 5000 square foot home on the mainland and a private island in the river that you can camp on. The rental can accommodate up to 20 guests.For more information visit the VRBO listing for this private island.

Check prices & availability

See the article here:

Florida private island rentals - 8 islands that will blow you away!

Located just east of the island of Phuket, an island popular with tourists and estate owners, Rangyai is the largest island currently available for sale in the region.

The island is close to both Phuket and Coconut Island both of which are home to numerous resorts, and are very popular with tourists. Ranyai Island is an advantageous position in the area, allowing the prospective owner to capitalize on the development potential of t ...

Located just east of the island of Phuket, an island popular with tourists and estate owners, Rangyai is the largest island currently available for sale in the region.

The island is close to both Phuket and Coconut Island both of which are home to numerous resorts, and are very popular with tourists. Ranyai Island is an advantageous position in the area, allowing the prospective owner to capitalize on the development potential of this property.

At 110 acres in size, the island comes complete with fresh water, electric generator, and mobile signal. The island is located only 20 minutes form Phuket International Airport and just 10 minutes by boat from the nearest town.

Much like its neighbour, Phuket, Rangyai Island is adorned by beautiful white sand beaches and lush tropical forests. In addition, given its advantageous location between the islands of Phuket, Krabi, and Phangna, the island benefits from incredible 360-views.

Located just east of the island of Phuket, an island popular with tourists and estate owners, Rangyai is the largest island currently available for sale in the region.

The island is close to both Phuket and Coconut Island both of which are home to numerous resorts, and are very popular with tourists. Ranyai Island is an advantageous position in the area, allowing the prospective owner to capitalize on the development potential of this property.

At 110 acres in size, the island comes complete with fresh water, electric generator, and mobile signal. The island is located only 20 minutes form Phuket International Airport and just 10 minutes by boat from the nearest town.

Much like its neighbour, Phuket, Rangyai Island is adorned by beautiful white sand beaches and lush tropical forests. In addition, given its advantageous location between the islands of Phuket, Krabi, and Phangna, the island benefits from incredible 360-views.

Read the original post:

Rangyai Island - Thailand, Asia - Private Islands for Sale

Zuha Island comes from the creators of Abu Dhabis Maldives-inspired Nurai Island

The creators of Abu Dhabis jaw-dropping Zaya Nurai Island are turning their attention to new shores in Dubai. Were already mentally checking-in to Zuha Island, a dazzling new private island resort currently under construction at the World Islands.

According to the Zuha Island website, the private island will be home to a collection of just 30 1, 2 and 3 bedroom residential villas, each on its own generous plot of land with dedicated beach and utmost privacy. But if youve not got a spare million or 60 lying around, youll be excited to hear that alongside the residences, Zuha Island will be home to a boutique retreat.

So even if youre not in the market for a mega mansion on the beach, youll be able to check-in for an idyllic, tropical staycation just 15 minutes from the Dubai mainland.

The website advertises that the Zuha is set to handover in the final quarter of 2024, which is when we expect the resort will also welcome guests. The Zuha resort will feature 70 resort villas perched on the ocean edge, and the first renders suggest that, like the brands original Abu Dhabi resort, many villas will come complete with their own private pools.

With a strong focus on wellness at this stunning boutique retreat, guests will benefit from treatments at a serene spa and healing centre, and will also enjoy access to a central swimming pool.

To keep stomachs satisfied, an all-day dining restaurant, a ceviche bar and a chic beach club are all part of the plan for Zuha Island.

The aesthetic is light and curvaceous, with interiors designed to celebrate and accentuate the shape of the island. Neutral palettes and natural materials are all about ensuring a seamless flow between interior and exterior spaces.

This is the third development to join the Dubai World Islands portfolio. The first hotel within the island archipelago, a luxurious Anantara property, opened at the end of 2021. In the coming weeks, the first hotels at The Heart of Europe will begin to welcome guests, with island staycationers first set to check-in to Cte dAzur Monaco resort.

zuha-island.ae

Images: Zuha Island

> Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

Read the rest here:

Check out the out-of-this-world plans for Dubai's new private island resort - What's On Dubai

Looking for a beachy getaway? Pack your sandals, your best sunglasses, and some flattering swimwear, and check out these luxurious resorts in the Caribbean. With sandy beaches and clear blue waters, you will be able to relax and soak up the sun in no time.

If you are looking for more of an adventure, there is plenty of that to be found on the islands as well. From scuba diving to hiking, you will not have time to get bored. The entire collection of Caribbean countries offers virtually unlimited beach resorts and vacation destinations.

Here are 5 of the most popular and highly rated options you should put at the top of your list.

This well-known and respected Caribbean beach resort covers 395 acres by Montego Bay. Enjoy luxurious Grand Hotel amenities in the well-appointed rooms and common areas, delicious meals at multiple restaurants, and plenty of opportunity to relax on the half-mile-long white beach.

This resort also offers many activities including tennis and racquetball as well as traditional watersports. You can choose from more affordable hotel rooms or super luxury private villas.

The Half Moon is 4-star rated by Forbes Travelguide and 5-stars in our hearts. Its one of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and it will take your breath away.

Check out the Half Moon Jamaica here.

Crystal blue waters, white sand beaches, and days full of sun are the foundation of any great Caribbean beach resort. Fowl Cay in Great Exuma, Bahamas offers plenty of extras that any traveler will appreciate.

If you get tired of sunning yourself or playing in the surf, try petting a shark, playing tennis, or going kayaking.

This luxury vacation includes use of a golf cart. Amazing restaurants live for attention with your own private kitchenette if you opt for a holiday villa.

Fowl Cay is owned by Sandals Resorts International, one of the most renowned resort companies in the world. So expect only the best when you rent out one of their private Villas.

Explore 1000 acres of beautiful Caribbean countryside at this beach resort frequented by celebrities and millionaires. It is a private island with a mom full mile of golden sand beaches to enjoy.

You can spend your time relaxing by the turquoise waters, take a hike with a skilled guide, or enjoy the luxurious on-site spa with a huge list of therapy and relaxation options. Beautiful rooms, impeccable service, and 24-hour VIP perks can all be yours.

This is one of the best reports in the Caribbean simply for its seclusion. You will find endless beaches to walk to and interior cays to explore. What an incredible place to spend your holiday when you visit the Caribbean.

What could be more special and memorable than visiting a resort that takes up an entire private island just off the coast in the Caribbean?

The Cayo Espanto is the perfect romantic getaway for those who like more privacy and a smaller crowd of tourists around them.

There are just seven luxurious villas with amazing ocean views and access to the water. Do you want something even more amazing?

The Casa Ventanas honeymoon suite has a glass viewing panel in the floor where you can watch sea life swim by.

Ideal for both families in search of adventure and couples who want a more romantic getaway, this five-star hotel offers an amazing array of options for fun and relaxation.

The air-conditioned rooms and suites are well-appointed with all the latest amenities. On-site restaurants and bars make it easy to find a delicious meal.

They offer both kid-friendly activities and more grown-up options like a cigar lounge, nightclubs, and more. The location is simply beautiful.

Now some people may be concerned about traveling to Cuba but the good news is that it is no longer as difficult as it was is past years/ Traveling to a Cuban resort is as easy as booking a flight and packing your bags.

Explore theNews in South Floridato learn about more travel opportunities to the hottest resorts in the Caribbean. Even though these five options are excellent choices for your next tropical adventure, there are even more places to explore in these beautiful island nations.

See the original post:

These Are The Best 5 Beach Resorts in The Caribbean - South Florida Caribbean News

One of the best things about cruising is the great places you get to visit, but excursions can be pricey, some even costing hundreds of dollars for families.

But there is good news for MSC cruisers visiting the cruise line's private island in the Bahamas. You can have an incredible day without spending any extra money. Not a penny

Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (Ocean Cay) is MSCs exclusive island in the Bahamas, just 65 miles east of Miami, providing an idyllic secluded paradise. Best of all, you can enjoy a day in paradise without adding to your cruise bill. Who doesnt love that?

Here is how you can spend your day at Ocean Cay without making a dent in your pocketbook.

MSC Cruises has repurposed the island, converting it from an industrial site, restoring it to a natural Bahamian island with plenty of vegetation and marine life. The waters around the island once again welcome fish and other aquatic animals, making it perfect for snorkeling.

Being in the sunny Caribbean, the weather at Ocean Cay is ideal for cruisers all year long, with daytime highs ranging from the 80s to 90s, along with warm sea temperatures. Great weather for a variety of activities.

Ships dock at the pier at Ocean Cay, making it an easy port stop, and you can always pop back to the ship if you forget anything. Getting around is a breeze, with numerous walking paths and free transportation that goes all over the island.

Before heading off for the day, there are a few things to know to make the most of your visit.

Bring a towel, water bottle, bathing suit, snorkeling gear, and other appropriate equipment and clothing for any activities you want to do. Dont forget the all important sunscreen and a hat. There are free lockers in the washrooms for those wanting to store stuff while visiting for the day.

If you plan on doing a lot of walking, a comfortable pair of shoes or running shoes is a good idea. The island is large, and there are lots of places to explore. For families with younger children, bringing along some sand toys can make a beach day even better.

With that sorted out, now on to the fun. Here is how you can spend a fun filled day at Ocean Cay at no extra cost.

Ocean Cay has not one but 8 beaches to enjoy while you are on the island. This includes complimentary loungers with umbrellas or some natural shade.

Amongst the most popular is South Beach. Not far from the Welcome Center, walking along the main boulevard, you can't miss it. The water at South Beach is very calm, with soft sand, and there are lifeguards on duty. Close to the main food court, a bar, and washrooms, nothing is far away. It looks across to North Beach, which you can access by a small bridge, which had few people on itthe day we visited.

There are several other beaches as well, including Lighthouse Bay, which has a great view of the ship; it is also popular with families. Colorful umbrellas dot the beach, with chairs and loungers, again at no charge.

For a break from the beach, the island offers numerous paths that take guests across the two islands that make up Ocean Cay. There are plenty of signs throughout the island, so it is easy to explore, in addition to free transportation all over.

There are many desolate beaches and beautiful tree-lined paths to explore. While visiting, I was stunned at the scenery throughout the island and the isolated areas that feel like a deserted island. MSClanted 80,000 plants, trees and shrubs on this island, which adds to its lush feel. The new vegetation has also attracted numerous birds who now make Ocean Cay their home.

Not to be overlooked is the islands signature lighthouse. With its bold red and white stripes, its easy to spot from afar. It is a magnificent spot to take pictures or relax on one of the couches at the viewing point by the bar.

The Bahamas is known for its ocean waters and marine life, and MSC went to great lengths to reinvigorate the marine life on this island. They have relocated 400 coral colonies, making a great base to see fish and explore the crystal clear waters.

You can rent equipment (for a fee), but best to bring your own snorkel equipment to take great advantage of this bountiful water which is seeing the return of coral, seagrass, conch and lobster, among many fish species.

There are outdoor showers and change rooms so that you can wash off at the end of the day.

MSC passengers can choose from a couple of complimentary food venues on the island, including a buffet as well as some food trucks. Seakers Food Court is an open air venue that offers a wide range of food options, with lots of covered searing. It opens at 11:30 and runs late in the afternoon (4 pm).

It has a fairly extensive menu with a variety of salads, and protein options such as hamburgers, hot dogs, pork chops, sausages, and ribs, along with jerk chicken and fish, to name a few. There are plenty of great sides, including fries, corn on the cob, and mac and cheese. There is lots of fresh fruit for dessert, along with cookies and other sweet items.

Inside, you can refill your water bottle, or if you have a drink package, there is a bar area within the food court where you can use your onboard account to buy beer and soda. There are bars nearby for something more substantial.

There are a couple of food trucks located throughout the island. The Beach Shack serves BBQ favorites with pasta salad, fries and brownies, all complimentary.

If you have a drink package with MSC good news- it works on the island as well. For those that don't, bring along a water bottle which you can fill up at the buffet.

There are a variety of bars dotted around the island, so you never have to go far to find a drink. Among my favorite is the Lighthouse Bar which has incredible ocean views and was quite quiet the day we were there.

If you don't have a drink plan, fill up your water bottle prior to leaving the ship. The only place I found to fill up was Seakers Food Court, although it does not open until 11:30. The bars only have canned water that they sell.

Ocean Cay offers a wide variety of activities, some of which are at an additional cost, such as kayaking, boat tours, jet skis, stand-up paddle boarding, and it even has a spa.

However, for those looking to save their money, there are many ways to enjoy this island. The day we visited, there were numerous free activities on the agenda, including volleyball, kite flying, a treasure hunt, and bocce.

You don't have to buy anything, but it is fun to look through the stores on the island, which are located near the dock. Set in colorful, Bahamian style buildings, they sell many Bahamian made products that the islands are well known for, including straw and sponges. I personally enjoyed talking to local Bahamians working in the retail spaces who have come to live on the island.

A major don't miss at Ocean Cay is the free nighttime activities. This is particularly nice; as the sun sets, the temperature dips to more comfortable temperatures, and you can enjoy the island in a different atmosphere.

The Junkanoo parade is amongst the best things all day at Ocean Cay. Junkanoo is a famous Bahamian tradition where dancers and musicians come together to celebrate, usually around Christmas, but luckily, MSC puts on a show all year round.

Dressed in incredibly bright costumes with beautiful hats with feathers, it was a sight to see. The musicians followed with drums and shakers, creating a magical repeating beat. They traveled along the island's main route, dancing with passengers, and everyone was having a wonderful time.

There is also a music party with lights and pumping music at the Lighthouse, which ends a perfect day.

Read this article:

How to have a great time at MSC's Ocean Cay without spending any money - Cruise Blog

It was around the end of August when Peter and Jennifer Bernard moored their 50ft cutter-rigged ketch, Steel Sapphire, at the marina below Londons Tower Bridge.

Their journey to circumnavigate the globe was supposed to have taken them back to Sydney within five years, but after four, they had only reached the British capital. They were halfway round and years late.

The forces of the natural world with the dictates of seasonal cyclones and a global pandemic had seen their beautifully laid plan fall apart.

Peter, 50, learned to sail as a teenager and had always planned to sail around the world when he retired. It was Jennifer, 52, having lost a close friend to cancer, who challenged Peter when they got together: Why would we wait until we were in our 60s?

Unlike most who tackle the odyssey, they didnt come from engineering or trade backgrounds, so the two self-described corporate desk jockeys spent eight years learning about engine maintenance, plumbing and first aid.

But the truth is, we could never have learned everything, Peter says. Ultimately, you just have to set a date.

The couple sold their three-bedroom house in Glebe to buy the yacht that would become their home on the seas. They left their management jobs in the pharmaceutical industry and set off from Sydney Harbour on 1 July 2018.

Between 2010 and 2018, everything that we planned we did to the letter and left on the day we said we would leave, Peter says.

Everything was perfect. And we then had a very detailed plan for what was going to happen next month by month, everywhere we were going to be in the world, and not a damn thing of [that] has come true.

After travelling along the east coast of Australia and then from Darwin to Indonesia, Jennifer says it was in Thailand that their beautifully laid plan fell apart.

There, a small refit got delayed and delayed and delayed, and we missed our opportunity to sail across the Indian Ocean.

Because of seasonal cyclones, You have to follow the weather. The weather dictates as to where we could be in the world and what time its safest.

The couple decided to make the most of the situation by returning to Indonesias Anambas Islands, which they had raced through on their way north.

If no one knows about them, thats great, because they are a hidden gem, Jennifer says.

At the time, Peter says, they thought: Its not that bad, its only the first year. Weve got all of 2020. What can possibly go wrong in 2020?

The Bernards arrived in Maldives the same day authorities declared a Covid-19 lockdown, which saw them and those aboard 15 other boats confined to their vessels.

After a month of being forbidden from setting foot on land, the government gave those on private boats permission to go ashore on a private island during daylight hours.

After four months in the Maldives, on 11 July 2020 the couple sailed on.

They were one of nine boats to secure a permit from the British Indian Ocean Territory Administration to enter Chagos Islands despite Covid restrictions.

The islands in the middle of the Indian Ocean, 500km south of the southern tip of the Maldives, and thousands of miles from land in any other direction, was the home of the Chagossian people until 1973, when the entire population was forcibly removed by the British colonial administration.

While the British allow private boats to stop at Chagos if they can prove they have a valid reason for safety at sea respite, the UK refuses to allow the descendants of Chagos Islanders to return.

As part of their three weeks on the islands, the couple spent time on Boddam Island, seeing the vestiges of homes, stores, a church and a cemetery all solidly built over a 100-year period from stone, and now lying in ruins since the people were forced to leave.

Peter says what was equally sobering was the rubbish broken beer bottles scattered among the ruins, and assorted sailing debris including buoys, floats, jerry cans, a damaged rudder, even a mast left by a different era of cruising before the concept of leaving a clean wake was established.

It was hard to know what to feel more sad about the fate of the Chagossian people, forcibly evicted and unable to return despite UN resolutions demanding that the UK allow them to, or the terrible abuse of the white privilege enjoyed by the yachties who were allowed to come here when the Chagossians were not, and showed so little appreciation of the beautiful and pristine environment that they spoiled it for everyone in the future, Peter says.

After three weeks on the Chagos Islands, the Bernards sailed on to Seychelles on 4 August 2020, and thats where the world really wasnt opening up as fast as we hoped or wanted, Jennifer recalls.

We had to weigh up that decision: do we sail on to South Africa and miss out all the islands we wanted to see, like Mauritius and Runion and Madagascar, because they were all closed, and even South Africa was closed, so it was a risk to sail there, albeit wed been told it was likely to open soon, Peter explains.

They made the decision to stay in Seychelles for an extra year to be able to see all the places they had planned to on their adventure.

The Bernards had to accept theyd lost two years out of their five-year plan. They decided that in order to get their finances back on track, they would stop in London to work and earn enough money to complete the second half of their circumnavigation.

While the pandemics disruptions cast their plans into disarray, this also took them off the beaten track for most sailing cruising routes, and the couple say its some of these places that proved the most memorable. For example, because Covid prevented them from visiting so many countries, they decided to sail an alternative route through the Red Sea, which took them to Tanzania.

There they climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, went on safari, hung out in coffee houses in Zanzibar and spent a few days helping a remote island community where their friends had installed a generator the year before.

Weve had places where the sailing was better for sure. Weve had places where the food was better for sure, but Tanzania was just this multifaceted experience Peter says.

When the couple sailed through the South Atlantic, they travelled from Cape Town to Namibia, then on to Saint Helena, where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled, and eventually on to Ascension Island.

Jennifer says it was in this last place that to get ashore, its the most difficult dinghy landing with this huge swell coming in.

You have to partially tie up to this pier, which you then have to leap in between swells with these huge Galpagos sharks circling underneath your dinghy just waiting for you to fall in.

And these are the bitey human-eating kind of sharks. Youre not allowed to swim in Ascension, because the sharks developed a taste for humans. It was incredibly exhilarating and scary, and I cant believe I did it.

For Peter who emigrated to Australia from Scotland in his 20s after falling in love with the country as a backpacker the highlight of their journey was sailing up the River Clyde into the port in Largs, where his father taught him to sail.

I was expecting that my dad would come out in his boat and greet us, Peter says. The bit I wasnt expecting was that my parents had organised for a bagpiper to be standing on the bow of my dads boat so as we moored it up to them, the bagpiper struck up Scotland the Brave and then proceeded to serenade us all the way into the marina.

That was a pretty epic moment. I dont know that many other moments in my life will be as epic. Bear in mind, this is Scotland and by rights it should be pouring down with rain, but it wasnt. It was beautiful sunshine and the heavens smiled and it was perfect.

The pandemic has made us change our plans, Jennifer explains. This is just a different chapter to our journey. And so were going to make the most of living in London and enjoying what this amazing city has to offer.

We dont know how long its going to be. We know it has to be a fair length of time because we really need to save up a lot more money, and its a chance to spend time with Peters family and friends.

We do believe that we will finish our circumnavigation, but as they say, sailors plans are drawn in the sand at low tide.

Originally posted here:

What can possibly go wrong? Global headwinds stall Australian couples epic round-the-world voyage - The Guardian

Share The Article

Last Updated 4 days ago

A new major cruise port is set to be built in The Bahamas in what is undoubtedly an exciting development for the cruise industry. Famous the world over for their pristine beaches, vibrant and authentic Caribbean culture, and clear, deep blue waters, The Bahamas are a spot thats already popular with cruise tours and regular holidaymakers, and the exciting new cruise port development could see even more travelers getting the opportunity to experience their beauty for themselves.

The new port development which will also come with a luxury resort could change the face of cruising in the region, making up for years of inactivity at the hands of the pandemic. Heres a look at everything we know about the planned development so far, including when it is expected to be completed, how many passengers it will be able to handle, plus a look at what we know about the resort set to be built alongside it.

The Bahamas is well-known for being one of the most scenic ports in the world, with millions visiting each year to sample its delights. In 2019, prior to the pandemic putting cruise travel on the world for more than a year, the scenic island nation welcomed a staggering 3.8 million cruise guests to its beach, bays, and lively backstreets, with the country generating a substantial amount of revenue from tourism-related trade. With cruising very much back in vogue now, the country is hoping to return to such figures once more and a new cruise port looks like a great way to do it.

Just this week, the government of The Bahamas signed off on a new deal to bring a mega port to the country, a move that will boost the number of travelers able to visit the islands significantly. Azul Destinations Ltd and Calypso Cove Destinations Ltd are working to deliver the project at a cost of $250 million, with the port set to have a suitably tropical name Calypso Cove. Fortunately for travelers, the project is set to be much more than just a place to sail into, but a top destination in its own right.

The exciting new construction will be located on the countrys Long Island, which is located to the south of both the capital city and current cruise port of Nassau and Carnival Cruise Lines exclusive private island of Half Moon Cay. The Deputy Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Chester Cooper, stated that the port will play host to a large variety of different attractions, which will help solidify the country as a favorite cruise destination amongst cruise enthusiasts.

Along with a port, the construction will also include a 200-room hotel to host both cruisegoers and regular vacationers alike. The hotel will feature a water park with both indoor and outdoor pools, whilst the planned casinos and shopping center will provide guests with more than enough leisure activities to keep them occupied during their stay. As if thats not enough, there will also be an 18-hole golf course at the port, where guests can enjoy a round of the famous old sport in almost unparalleled natural surroundings.

Construction is set to begin on the project late next year or early 2024, with an estimated completion date not yet known. Once completed, the port will be capable of handling 13,000 cruise passengers per day, which will go some way towards helping the country reach its goal of welcoming 4 million passengers per year. The government will also be working on upgrading the local airports facilities to meet the expected demand.

The project will be overseen by former Carnival Corporation Vice president for Global Port and Destination Development, Carlos Torres de Navarra, who stated that choosing a location in close proximity to the cruise capital of the world, Florida, was a major factor in selecting Long Island for the new port. The port will feature a pier large enough to welcome two Oasis-class ships, which are amongst the largest in the world.

Read More:

Cruise Lines Still Offering Amazing Deals As Cruising Popularity Begins To Skyrocket

Travel Insurance That Covers Covid-19 For 2022

U.S. State Department Issues New Travel Advisory Updates For Nearly Every Country

This article originally appeared on Travel Off Path. For the latest breaking news that will affect your next trip, please visit: Traveloffpath.com

Join the community

TheTravel Off Path Community FB grouphas all the latest reopening news, conversations, and Q&As happening daily!

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Paths latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox

Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictionscan change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationalitys entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories

See the article here:

New Major Cruise Port To Be Built In The Bahamas - Travel Off Path

Fiji has been named as the top island Australia and The South Pacific by readers of the influential tourism magazine, Cond Nast Traveler.

Fiji has beaten destinations such as Bora Bora, French Polynesia, Tasmania, Australia, Moorea, French Polynesia and Tahiti, French Polynesia in the Top Islands: Readers Choice Awards 2022 category.

Very proud to today announce that Fiji has been named #1 Island in the Pacific by travel Bible Cond Nast in the US, said Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill in a social media post.

Fiji has also been featured on the cover of the Cond Nast Traveler and featuring an right page spread on Fiji tourism.

Fantastic exposure for us in one of our key markets.

Congratulations also to Royal Davui Island Resort, Turtle Island, Kokomo Private Island Fiji and Nanuku Resort, Fiji being named in the top 10 resorts in the Pacific.

Book in and come and see what all the hype is about where Happiness Finds You!

Read the rest here:

The Fiji Times In the top 10 resorts in the Pacific - Fiji Times

BARNSTABLE COUNTY Two candidates are vying to become the next Cape and Islands District Attorney an office that's been dominated by Republican leadership since 1971.

After Michael O'Keefe, current district attorney for the Cape and Islandsannounced in January that he wouldn't run for re-election, three Republicancandidates immediately jumped on the ticket, with Daniel Higgins, assistant district attorney for the Cape and Islands, immerging victorious afterSeptember's primary elections.

Higgins will run against Robert Galibois,a Barnstable-based defense attorney, who is running as a Democrat.

While Higgins has served in the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office since 2009,Galibois was alsoassistant district attorney from1997 to 2003,serving under then-Cape and Islands District AttorneyPhilip Rollins.

Shortly after O'Keefe's election in 2002, Galibois began practicing as a criminal defense attorney in 2003, subsequently opening a private practice in 2008.

More: What will be focus for Galibois, Higgins, in race for Cape and Islands district attorney?

The duties of a district attorney, who is answerable only to voters,include, working with state and local police investigating major crimes, determining whether a suspect is charged and what charges a suspect should face, recommending bail and how much the bail should be, confiscating property even prior to a conviction, recommending the sentence for defendantswho are convicted, offeringan alternative to criminal charges, such as counseling; and deciding whether a plea bargain is offered to a defendant, according to the League of Women Voters Cape Cod Area.

The Cape andIslands District Attorney's Office prosecutes crimes inGay Head (Aquinnah),Barnstable, Bourne, Brewster, Chatham, Chilmark, Dennis, Eastham, Edgartown, Falmouth, Gosnold, Harwich, Mashpee, Nantucket, Oak Bluffs, Orleans, Provincetown, Sandwich, Tisbury, Truro, Wellfleet, West Tisbury andYarmouth.

We asked both candidates to provide information about their backgrounds, experience and priorities if elected. They are in alphabetical order.

Age: 52

Residence: Barnstable

Education: Boston College High School, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Massachusetts School of Law at Andover

Political Experience:Bourne Planning Board from 1997 to 2002; chairman of the Bourne Planning Board from 2001to 2002.

Other Civic Involvement:Capital Outlay Committee, Finance Committee and School Building Committee in the town of Bourne. Volunteered at Massachusetts vaccination sitesto assist in COVIDvaccine distribution and organized teams of volunteers to prepare 100,000 meals for those suffering from food insecurity during this pandemic.

Employment Experience: Law Offices of Robert J. Galibois II

Why do youwant to be district attorney?

The first priority of any district attorney must be public safety. Over the course of my 27 years working as both a prosecutor and defense attorney in courtrooms across the Cape and Islands as well as the entire commonwealth, I have gained the necessary experience across the entire spectrum of criminal cases. My caseload in courtrooms provides diverse experiences where I witnessed different solutions to common problems within our communities. Moreover, my lifelong commitment to serving the members of the community through both civic engagement and volunteer efforts, reveals my passion to serve.

Additionally, I will unequivocally utilize the power of the office to protect womens reproductive health care rights while also protecting health care providers.

What are the most pressing issues in your district and how would you address it?

The opioid crisis remains at the forefront of our communities. For far too long there has been a critical need to establish residential treatment programs in the Mid- to Lower Cape areas as well as each island. Efforts to build such residential treatment programs are not within the traditional role of the District Attorneys Office; however, and again for a long period, these are not traditional times. A districtattorney should endeavor to work with a focus group consisting of other local elected officials, medical professionals in the field and private investors to explore ways to grow residential treatment.

Additionally, I would seek to launch new sessions dedicated to mental health and a veterans sessionin the district court. In these specialty sessions, teams of professionals and volunteers would work alongside our judges, probation officers, prosecutors and defense attorneys to identify and address the core issues that bring someone suffering from a mental health matter. Undoubtedly, these efforts would reduce recidivism and make our neighborhoods safer.

How do I differ from the other candidates?

The breadth of my experience over 27 years provides me with a unique vantage point in this race. My experiences across the entire commonwealth as well as in other states have allowed me to work with a vast number of district attorneys offices. I have witnessed firsthand how many different types of district attorneys have tried to transform their priorities into practice.

Here on the Cape and Islands, there remains a disconnect between the DAs office and the people it serves.

To develop and nurture the relationship between the District Attorneys Office and the people it serves I have proposed three specific ideas to promote community engagement:

First, the creation of a full-time community engagement liaison whose exclusive responsibility will involve being present throughout the district every day and reporting directly back to me.

Second, building a community coalition, called the DA and US, with a chapter in every town on the Cape and one for each Island. The coalition will be comprised of local elects (members from the select board, school committee, etc.), local officials including police and community residents and monthly meetings will be held with our office.

Third, there are approximately 65 employees on staff. Each employee, including yours truly, will commit to 4 hours of community service each month.

All of these specific ideas express my unique vision of how the District Attorneys Office can remain connected to the people it serves. These efforts complement the more traditional roles to promote public safety.

I also believe in the sanctity of elections and will honor the will of the voters by accepting the result of the election.

Age:39

Residence:West Barnstable

Education:Boston College,Suffolk University Law School.

Employment:Assistant district attorney at the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office

Political Experience:None

Civic engagement:YMCA Cape Cod, Barnstable Bar Association, West Barnstable Civic Association, White Ribbon Day, Independence House, Earth Day Cleanup

Why are you running?

I am running for district attorney because I believe its important to keep experienced professional leadership at work in the District Attorneys Office. My home is here in the district. I live in West Barnstable with my wife Elizabeth and our son Charlie. I want to keep our communities safe for my family and yours. This is not a place for on-the-job training. This is a job where experience counts. The district attorney has to lead the largest law firm on the Cape and that requires knowledge and good judgment, which only comes from experience. I bring that knowledge and experience to this race, and thats why I am running.

What is the most pressing issue in your district and how would you address it?

The most pressing issue remains drug addiction. It is a problem that has been hidden somewhat by the pandemic. But as the pandemic recedes, attention will once again focus on this issue. In our office, we have 18 Massachusetts State Police personnel, half of whom are dedicated to drug interdiction.

But we cannot arrest our way out of this scourge of drugs. We must continually work on improving treatment and prevention in medical facilities and schools. It takes all of society to do this, not just the criminal justice system.

The foregoing should not diminish other serious issues such as child and elder abuse, domestic violence and violent crime, all of which are important particularly if they happen to impact you or a loved one. In our office, we pay attention to all of these issues.

How do you differ from other candidates?

I differ from the other candidate in one important respect. I have devoted my entire legal career to prosecuting those who prey on our communities. I have the prosecutorial experience and knowledge of the criminal justice system to be district attorney and to lead a group of 25 assistant district attorneys. I have been an assistant district attorney for the past 13 years. I have prosecuted all types of criminal cases including murder. I have been in a leadership position in the District Attorneys Office, supervising the attorneys in the five district courts in our jurisdiction. Being a district attorney is not like being a state representative or senator. It is an executive position where hard decisions have to be made.

I will continue to ensure that the assistant district attorneys who work in this office recognize the difference between those who come before the court out of human frailty and those who commit genuinely evil acts. While we try to help the first group with either substance abuse problems or mental health issues the second group must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to keep our communities safe.

I bring that understanding and experience to this race and that is why I am the best candidate for this job.

Contact Rachael Devaney at rdevaney@capecodonline.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RachaelDevaney.

Get the Cape Cod news that matters delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletters.

Originally posted here:

Galibois, Higgins vie to be the next Cape & Islands District Attorney - Cape Cod Times

By Sorrel North

Lopez Island

Orca Behavior Institutes new study claims evidence for a protective sentinel effect provided by whale-watching vessels in the vicinity of killer whales. The study was undertaken to fill in gaps of data regarding the sentinel vs. magnet effect (private vessels being attracted to whales due to the presence of whale watching vessels). However, OBIs study focuses exclusively on the benefits of commercial whale watching and leaves out any data related to cumulative vessel impacts, including underwater noise and disturbance, on the orcas. OBI promotes the ecological benefits of allowing professional commercial whale watchers to be present near killer whales in the Salish Sea. The study, read in its entirety, appears more like a public relations campaign for commercial whale watching than an unbiased research paper.

OBI was founded by Monika Wieland Shields and Michael Weiss, who is also the Research Director of the Center for Whale Research. Center for Whale Research has, for years, received significant funding from Pacific Whale Watching Association. PWWA funds numerous orca researchers and organizations (including San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau), all of whom unsurprisingly defend and promote commercial whale watching. Most of the data for OBIs study was collected by observers on commercial whale-watching boats.

Soundwatch Boater Education Studies have been conducted in the San Juans for over two decades. Prior to the new licensing regulations, Soundwatch observed commercial whale watchers following the Southern Residents up to 12 hours per day, 7 days a week, primarily in their core feeding habitat near San Juan Island. While the majority of rule infractions are committed by private boaters, whale watchers are responsible for dozens of violations every year. The science panel for the Commercial Whale Watching Licensing Advisory Committee concluded in 2020 that there is no evidence that commercial whale watchers provide a sentinel effect for the Southern Resident orcas.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations recent study (Holt, 2021), boat traffic within 400 yards of Southern Resident killer whales interrupts their foraging, often leading female whales to cease feeding altogether. OBIs study was conducted from whale-watching boats that routinely approach the endangered orcas just outside the 300-yard distance regulation. At this range, whale watchers knowingly cause the nutritionally deprived whales to abandon foraging. They also attract private vessels close enough to create what one researcher called an underwater acoustic hell. Waving flags to shoo away private boaters does not make whale watchers into sentinels, especially when they are simultaneously depriving the orcas of their ability to feed.

Commercial whale-watching licensing rules were created after an exhaustive and thorough process initiated by the Southern Resident Orca Task Force. The Department of Fish and Wildlife suspended commercial whale watching last summer due to its known detrimental impacts on the orcas. OBIs study only confirms that the industry places profit above protection. Why else would whale watchers continue to approach the Southern Residents closer than 400 yards when multiple studies have confirmed that vessel noise within this range has devastating consequences? The endangered orcas do need protection, from private vessels and commercial whale watchers alike. More enforcement boats should be provided by the state, along with an indefinite suspension of whale watching.

Over the last 30 years, the whale-watching industry has appropriated the entire Salish Sea ecosystem for its own financial gain. But the Southern Resident orcas are not commodities to exploit for profit. They are a critically endangered species who have a right to thrive in their ancestral waters. The Coast Salish Peoples view these whales as beloved relatives worthy of dignity and respect. Its time we do the same.

Read more from the original source:

Orca Behavior Institute study leaves out data related to cumulative vessel impacts | The Journal of the San Juan Islands - Journal of the San Juan...