Daily Archives: November 6, 2023

We love taking the family on weekend cruises as a quick escape, and when we got the chance to try the Royal Loft Suite on Allure of the Seas, it seemed like a great opportunity.

This is one of the biggest suites on Allure of the Seas and a cabin that has Star Class benefits, which means it has some of the best perks on the ship.

Read more:Royal Caribbean Suites Guide & Review

Ordinarily, a suite of this size would command a gargantuan price, but Allure of the Seas just shifted to doing short weekend cruises from Port Canaveral and that brought the overall price down to something more affordable. For my family of 4, the price came out to $7,388.32 for the 3-night cruise.

I booked this cruise right when the itineraries were announced back in March of 2022, and that proved to be a good decision as the prices then were much lower than they later became.

Take a tour of spacious my hotel room at sea complete with two bedrooms, a jacuzzi on the balcony, and some of the best views from any cabin.

My suite was located on deck seventeen, which is deck reserved exclusively for suite cabins.

On this deck there are many other suites, along with the Suite Lounge and Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive restaurant for guests staying in a suite (and Pinnacles too).

The layout of this deck is a "U-shape", and we were located on the aft facing port side.

When I tapped my room key card and opened the door, I walked into the living room.

The Royal Loft Suite has two bedrooms, a dining room, and large living room. Let's start with the master bedroom.

Given that this suite has a loft configuration, there are two levels, with the master bedroom and bathroom being entirely located on the upper floor. A staircase is how you access the second floor.

There is a king size bed, tv projector, and more closet space than you can possibly use.

There is no door to the master bedroom, but there is a remote controlled curtain that completely encompasses the upper bedroom to provide privacy and darkness.

The one noticeable feature missing compared to a newer cruise ship are power or USB outlets near the bed. The closest outlets were by the office desk closer to the staircase.

The office desk has a chair, and faces the balcony so you can have a view to enjoy.

Behind the bed is where all the storage space is located. There are drawers and closets, and there seemed to be much more space than I could possibly fill.

The safe is also located in this area, long with a seating area with mirror.

The master bathroom is also enormous, with a toilet, bidet, two sinks, two showers, and a jacuzzi tub.

The showers have two adjustable heads, along with a rainforest shower. All three can be used at the same time, or one at a time.

The second bedroom is located on the main floor, near the entrance to the suite. It can sleep two people, and the beds can be separated if needed.

The second bedroom has its own door, which makes for better privacy for anyone sleeping here.

It also has its own television, along with desk and mirror.

Adjacent to the second bedroom is a full bathroom.

Each shower has upgraded shower toiletries, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

In the foyer is a piano, which you can play on your own or use an autoplayer feature.

There's also a library of books you can borrow for the duration of your sailing.

In the living room, you will find chairs, ottomans, sofas, and comfortable seating.

There is also a large television in the living room.

Behind the living room is the dining room, which is a very large table to enjoy mealsdelivered by room service.

The in-room coffee maker can make a quick cup of coffee anytime you want.

Stepping onto the balcony, there are three doors you can use: two from the living room, and one from the second bedroom.

The Royal Loft Suite has a wrap-around balcony that provides views of the ocean and Sports Deck below.

There is a wet bar outside that you can use, along with another dining table with lots of seats. When having food delivered to the suite, you have the choice of dining indoors or outdoors.

There are two giant loungers on the balcony that face the sports deck.

There are also comfortable loungers that face the ocean.

The "pice de rsistance" of the Royal Loft Suite is the private jacuzzi hot tub on the balcony, which faces the ocean.

The hot tub is available day and night, and is one of very few suites to have this feature.

Another compelling feature of this suite isthe Royal Genie services, which providesVIP privileges to everyone staying in the cabin.

Of course, the Royal Loft Suite was far from cheap, but it's designed to offer one of the most luxurious accommodations you can find on Allure of the Seas.

I felt the suite delivered on the promise of a luxurious cabin for our family to enjoy on a short cruise. We prioritized spending more time in the cabin and taking advantage of what the in-room amenities, along with the Royal Genie services.

If your family wants a lot of space, the absolute best perks, and are willing to spend a lot for it, then the Royal Loft Suite is a great choice for you.

More information:

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A $7000 Suite on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas Cruise - Royal Caribbean Blog

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) monitors trends in staple food prices in countries vulnerable to food insecurity. For each FEWSNET country and region, the Price Bulletin provides a set of charts showing monthly prices in the current marketing year in selected urban centers and allowing users to compare current trends with both five-year average prices, indicative of seasonal trends, and prices in the previous year.

The main staple foods produced and consumed throughout most of Central America and the Caribbean are maize, rice, and beans; the latter constituting a key source of protein for poor households. In Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua white maize, mostly consumed in the form of tortillas, and red or black beans are preferred, while in Costa Rica and Panama rice dominates in production and consumption. In Haiti, the primary staples are rice, black beans, and maize.

In Central America, there are typically two main growing seasons: the Primera (April-September) during which maize is primarily produced, and the Postrera (August-December) during which bean production dominates. The Apante season (November-March) is a third growing season during which beans are produced in south-central Nicaragua, northern Guatemala, and northern Honduras. In Haiti, there are several growing seasons. Maize is produced during the Primavera season (April-September). Black beans are produced over two seasons in Haitis humid and mountainous areas. The first season spans from March to May and the second from July to October. Beans are also produced in the countrys irrigated and humid mountainous areas during a third, fall season from December to January.

White maize and beans are commonly traded between Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica in Central America. The market in San Salvador in El Salvador is considered the most important regional market for these staple foods and is well integrated with the rest of the region; due to the high levels of commercial exchange it hosts both with regional and international markets. Other important trade hubs include Guatemala City (Guatemala), San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa (Honduras), Chontales and Managua (Nicaragua), San Jose (Costa Rica) and Panama City (Panama). The Dominican Republic is Haitis main source for imported maize, beans, and tubers. Haiti relies heavily on the United States for rice imports, for about 80 percent of consumption needs.

Continue reading here:

Central America and Caribbean Price Bulletin, October 2023 ... - ReliefWeb

Focusing on social protection beneficiaries, this report explores Digital Financial inclusion. The study analyzes the financial landscape and identifies barriers and opportunities to financial inclusion.

The WFP Caribbean Multi-Country Office presents three reports exploring Digital Financial inclusion focusing on social protection beneficiaries in Dominica, St Lucia and Jamaica (forthcoming). The studies analyze the financial landscape in each country and seek to identify barriers and opportunities to financial inclusion for the most vulnerable. In each study, interviews were conducted with key stakeholders to analyse the ecosystem and supply sides of financial inclusion, while focus groups discussions were held with beneficiaries of social protection programmes to better understand the demand for digital and financial services. These studies have been published in the context of the emergence of multiple digital financial solutions across the region, digitization of some components of social protection systems, and efforts by governments, with support from WFP, to test the use of digital payment solutions for social protection payments in Jamaica, St Lucia, and Belize. Based on the research findings, these reports recommend strategies to improve the delivery of social protection payments, promote financial inclusion, enhance financial literacy, and develop user-friendly digital financial solutions in each country.

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Digital Financial Inclusion: Insights and Opportunities from the ... - ReliefWeb

A batch of showers and thunderstorms has evolved into a loosely organized tropical rainstorm that continue to bring showers and thunderstorms to Central America into early this week, with the likelihood of heavy rain and the potential for dangerous mudslides and flash flooding, AccuWeather meteorologists warn.

The system began as a tropical wave that traveled westward from the coast of Africa a couple of weeks ago and began to flare up in the past week as it entered the eastern Caribbean. However, the system did not organize enough in time to become an officially named tropical storm as it moved onshore Saturday.

Regardless of the system's status, the tropical rainstorm will cause a significant uptick in drenching showers and locally gusty thunderstorms from southern Mexico to Costa Rica and Panama with the bulk of the activity likely in Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador.

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"Even though an organized tropical system is not expected to impact Central America, the expected heavy rain combined with the rugged terrain of the region can produce life-threatening mudslides and flash flooding," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Bill Deger said.

Some of the downpours may soak areas hit by eastern Pacific Tropical Storm Pilar this past week. Pilar drifted eastward, producing rough seas, gusty winds and locally heavy rainfall, mainly in El Salvador, before the tropical storm turned 180 degrees and headed out to sea.

Pilar claimed the lives of at least four people, including three in El Salvadore and one in Honduras, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP). Heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding from the tropical storm displaced hundreds of people in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.

"It is possible that the Atlantic tropical rainstorm may survive the trip westward across Central America this weekend and could organize on the eastern Pacific side this week," AccuWeather Tropical Meteorologist Alex DaSilva said.

Should development occur on the eastern Pacific side, the next name in the queue is Ramon.

The average November produces one named tropical system in the Atlantic basin, so time is running out on the 2023 season, according to data from the National Hurricane Center (NHC).

AccuWeather meteorologists believe the Atlantic will remain quiet after the tropical rainstorm affects Central America through this week.

A vast area of wind shear will be present over the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and southwestern Atlantic, the primary development zone during November. Wind shear occurs when winds change direction or speed with altitude or across a horizontal plane. When wind shear is strong, it can prevent tropical development or cause a tropical storm or hurricane to weaken.

Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer.

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Caribbean tropical rainstorm to bring dangerous conditions to Central America - AOL

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The idea of work has certainly changed in recent years.

What was once stereotyped as something you attended between 9 5 in some sterile, cold office building has been completely transformed ever since the days of the pandemic.

The digital nomadism phenomenon has truly cemented itself in our modern culture, with flexible working opportunities causing many companies to see spikes in performance and morale levels among their employees; and of course, why wouldnt you, if they could be working from somewhere likesay, the Mexican Caribbean?

As workers all over the world with advanced digital skills and a passion for travel look for their next place to set up shop, Mexico stands out as a clear leading destination to choose from, with its cultural heritage and technological advancements catching the interest of many.

While many countries scramble to create new opportunities to welcome more and more visitors through their borders, Mexico has been one step ahead in adapting to the digital nomadism trend, creating visas that are remote worker friendly, giving them the opportunity to work in the country for up to six months without any lengthy, traditional visa processes.

Of course, the huge draw to working remotely in the Mexican Caribbean is the location.

With more and more hip and trendy co-working spaces popping up all over the place, surrounded by the stunning beaches and coastlines of incredible areas such as Cancun, Tulum, and Playa Del Carmen, its easy to see why Mexico is one of five Latin American countries that are hosting many digital nomads.

In fact, once it began to offer workation services and long-stay packages specifically designed for the worker and their laptop, coworking spaces in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen saw an increase of 400 %.

Now that beaches are introducing high-speed public Wi-Fi in popular beach areas, digital nomads could literally be sitting on sugary white sands with crystal-clear water splashing at their feet while they type away on their laptops and take their next Zoom call.

While most countries offer tourism visas for three months, Mexico has extended the period one can stay for six months in the hope of enticing as many people as possible to the country.

If you wish to stay longer, you will have to apply for a residency permit, which comes with its own requirements.

There are some challenges when being a digital nomad, especially in somewhere like the Mexican Caribbean, as the lines between work and vacation may blur slightly.

Daily organization is key to creating schedules and daily routines for productivity and balance, and planning ahead of time if you are moving from place to place.

Keeping on top of your financial situation is also key, ensuring that you have a steady income stream and monitoring your expenses, and making sure you arent spending too much on all the marvellous things you can do in the region.

Luckily, affordability in the Mexican Caribbean is definitely a highlight, and why it is the perfect place to find yourself working for a few months.

There is also the problem of loneliness, which comes from not walking into an office every single day and working purely from a piece of non-human technology.

It is super important that you try to build different relationships, most especially with other digital nomads, which can inevitably open doors to different opportunities, as well as create a community for yourself while you are away from home.

Luckily, the Mexican Caribbean is known by digital nomads and expats alike (a huge percentage being American) as being one of the friendliest and most welcoming environments of any country in the world.

Most people want you to be there and will go above and beyond to help you, which is most likely why it is experiencing a record-breaking year in tourism.

So if you are looking to escape the rat race of corporate-wherever-youre-from, and instead be surrounded by lush tropical surroundings, as well as some of the best cuisine the world has to offer, then making the Mexican Caribbean your new office might just be more than ideal!

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Why The Mexican Caribbean Is The Best Digital Nomad Hotspot In ... - The Cancun Sun

Curry Lobster With Potato recipe.

Photo by Chris De La Rosa

Im definitely not impressed by lobster in any form or fashion. I personally think is highly overrated and Id much prefer shrimp any day well except for pepper lobster. While I did enjoy the Curry Lobster With Shrimp I shared a while back, its not something Id crave. In doing this Curry Lobster, if youd like to go with half the water and add coconut milk to make up the other 1/2 of liquid needed, it will add a lovely sweet undertone to the overall curry sauce.

Youll Need

2 lobsters (about 3 lbs total) 2 1/2 tablespoon veg oil 1 medium onion (diced) 5 cloves garlic (smashed) 1 green scotch bonnet pepper (cut 1/2) 1 ripe Scotch Bonnet pepper (whole) 3/4 teaspoon cumin seeds (geera) 3/4 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning 2 tablespoon curry powder 2 1/2 3 cups water 4 medium potatoes (pre-boiled in salted water) 3/4 teaspoon salt (adjust) 2 tablespoon finely chopped parsley *

Notes! If doing this recipe gluten free, please go through the full list of ingredients to ensure they meet with your specific gluten free dietary requirements. Especially the curry powder you use as some may have fillers. I used two scotch bonnet peppers, use any spicy pepper you like or can source. Optionally, you may leave them out or use as much as you can handle. Please follow along with the use of the video below.

Clean, trim and cut the lobster into pieces. Hit the claws to crack them so we get the curry flavors deep within. Yes, you may use lobster tails if you wanted to.

Peel and cut your potatoes into 1/4s and boil in salted water (about 3/4 teaspoon) until tender. Drain and set aside. Heat the oil in a deep saucepan and add the diced onion, smashed garlic and geera seeds (cumin). Cook for 3-4 minutes on a low heat.

Add the green scotch bonnet pepper (cut in half) and the Caribbean Green Seasoning. A green scotch bonnet will not be as fiery as a ripe or fully mature one, but it will still have a kick. A couple minutes later add the curry powder and stir well. Continue cooking on low.

The goal is to NOT BURN anything, especially the curry or youll have an offensive tasting curry sauce at the end. Never BURN curry! After 4 minutes add the water, turn the heat up and bring to a boil.

As it comes to a boil add the whole scotch bonnet pepper (I explain why in the video below) along with the prepared lobster to the pan and stir well. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 4 minutes before adding the pre-cooked potatoes.

Be sure to mix well so the potato gets covered with the tasty curry sauce and in the process, soak up some of it.

After 3-4 minutes, its time to taste and adjust the salt to your liking and as you turn off the stove, toss in the finely chopped parsley. Should you prefer to use cilantro or Shado Beni (culantro), do you. If you find that the gravy or sauce is a bit runny, you may crush a few pieces of the potato to thicken things up. However do keep in mind that the residual heat in the pan will further cook things, plus as it cools it will thicken up further.

Source:https://www.caribbeanpot.com

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Curry Lobster With Potato Caribbean Life - Caribbean Life

Addressing the triple planetary crises of biodiversity loss, climate change, and pollution is an urgent imperative. To that end, the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP 15) to the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (Post-2020 GBF) for protecting nature and halting biodiversity loss across the globe. The GBF will be an important tool to complement the other international agreements. Significant resource mobilization across the climate, biodiversity, and sustainable development agenda, in terms of financing green (increasing nature-positive flows), financing transitions that are aligned with pathways to maintaining global warming to below 1.5C, and greening finance (reducing nature-negative flows and phasing out harmful subsidies as fossil fuel subsidies), will be central to the global response to the poly crises.

Catalyzing additional finance for biodiversity

The small island and low-lying coastal states significantly rely on international public sector financing, however, the potential for private sector financing should also be explored, taking into account the nature of the private sector in SIDS and their debt dynamics.

Domestic public finance - which has historically had an outsized role in financing biodiversity - cannot fill this gap alone. An exponential increase in Official Development Assistance (ODA) alone would also be insufficient. Given this context, UNEP published an analysis in support of CBD COP 15 negotiations, of existing financing mechanisms and instruments in support of biodiversity conservation that includes a review of a select few financial instruments and structures involving public-private partnerships or blended finance structures such as pooled investment vehicles, bonds, risk mitigation instruments (guarantees & insurance), high-quality carbon credits, and biodiversity offsets & credits. These have the potential to scale and catalyze additional financing for biodiversity.

Enhancing access to biodiversity finance

Drawing from lessons learned with accessing finance from multilateral funds, key features for improving and enhancing access to finance for small island developing states include less burdensome application procedures, simplified approval procedures, direct access modalities for national and regional entities as well as for sub-national and local organizations or entities, faster deployment of funding, efficient governance and reduced transaction costs and information asymmetries. Moreover, given the interconnected nature of challenges, finance solutions that enable co-benefits across climate, biodiversity and development agendas, that align with national priorities, and promote debt sustainability are critical.

Strengthening UNEPs mandate to support ocean governance issues by exploring biodiversity financing at the country level is pivotal. Biodiversity finance, when effectively implemented, plays a pivotal role in achieving global environmental goals, including the Paris Agreement on limiting climate change to below 1.5OC through the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) and achieving Land Degradation Neutrality Targets, and halting biodiversity loss and reverse the three planetary crises. Importantly, successful implementation of financing biodiversity necessitates the whole of government and whole of society approach.

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Caribbean Regional Consultation Meeting on Integrated Financing ... - UNEP