Category Archives: Caribbean

Seaweed covers the Atlantic shore in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis, on Wednesday. A record amount of seaweed is smothering Caribbean coasts from Puerto Rico to Barbados. Ricardo Mazalan/AP hide caption

Seaweed covers the Atlantic shore in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis, on Wednesday. A record amount of seaweed is smothering Caribbean coasts from Puerto Rico to Barbados.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico A record amount of seaweed is smothering Caribbean coasts from Puerto Rico to Barbados as tons of brown algae kill wildlife, choke the tourism industry and release toxic gases.

More than 24 million tons of sargassum blanketed the Atlantic in June, up from 18.8 million tons in May, according to a monthly report published by the University of South Florida's Optical Oceanography Lab that noted "a new historical record."

July saw no decrease of algae in the Caribbean Sea, said Chuanmin Hu, an optical oceanography professor who helps produce the reports.

"I was scared," he recalled feeling when he saw the historic number for June. He noted it was 20% higher than the previous record set in May 2018.

Hu compiled additional data for The Associated Press that showed sargassum levels for the eastern Caribbean at a near record high this year, second only to those reported in July 2018. Levels in the northern Caribbean are at their third highest, following July 2018 and July 2021, he said.

Scientists say more research is needed to determine why sargassum levels in the region are reaching new highs, but the United Nations' Caribbean Environment Program says possible factors include a rise in water temperatures as a result of climate change and nitrogen-laden fertilizers and sewage waste fueling algae blooms.

Long Beach is covered with sargassum in Crest Church parish along the south coast of Barbados on July 27. Kofi Jones/AP hide caption

Long Beach is covered with sargassum in Crest Church parish along the south coast of Barbados on July 27.

"This year has been the worst year on record," said Lisa Krimsky, a researcher and faculty member with Florida Sea Grant and a water resources regional specialized agent at University of Florida. "It is absolutely devastating for the region."

She said large masses of seaweed have a severe environmental impact, with decaying algae altering water temperatures and the pH balance as well as leading to declines in seagrass, coral reef and sponge populations.

"They're essentially being smothered out," Krimsky said.

The "golden tide" also has hit humans hard.

The concentration of algae is so heavy in some parts of the eastern Caribbean that the French island of Guadeloupe issued a health alert in late July. It warned some communities about high levels of hydrogen sulfide emanating from huge rotting clumps of seaweed, which can affect people with respiratory problems including asthma.

The Biden administration declared a federal emergency after the U.S. Virgin Islands warned last month of "unusually high amounts" of sargassum affecting water production at a desalination plant near St. Croix that is struggling to meet demand amid a drought.

"We're consuming as much as we can produce right now," said Daryl Jaschen, director of the islands' emergency management agency. "We're very concerned about that."

In addition, the U.S. Virgin Island's electricity generating station relies on ultra-pure water from the desalination plant to reduce emissions monitored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The loss of such water would force the government to use a type of diesel fuel that is more expensive and in limited supply, officials said.

Experts first noted large amounts of sargassum in the Caribbean Sea in 2011 that Hu and other scientists think were created by stronger than normal winds and currents. The problem has worsened as clumps multiplied, fueled by nutrients and strong sunlight.

"In the tropical Atlantic, everything was right," Hu said. "Everything grows fast."

Lakes Beach is covered in sargassum in St. Andrew along the east coast of Barbados on July 27. Kofi Jones/AP hide caption

Lakes Beach is covered in sargassum in St. Andrew along the east coast of Barbados on July 27.

Sargassum in moderation helps purify water, absorb carbon dioxide and is a key habitat for fish, turtles, shrimp, crabs and other creatures. But it is bad for tourism, the economy and the environment when too much accumulates just offshore or on beaches.

A carpet of brown algae recently surrounded an uninhabited island near the French Caribbean territory of St. Martin that is popular with tourists, forcing officials to suspend ferry service and cancel kayaking and snorkeling tours. The normally translucent waters around Pinel Island turned into a prickly brown slush.

"This is the worst we've ever seen it for sure," said Melody Rouveure, general manager for a tour company in the Dutch Caribbean territory of St. Maarten, which shares an island with St. Martin. "It did ruin my personal beach plans."

On Union Island, which is part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the seaweed invasion has forced some resorts to close for up to five months in the past.

Masses of sargassum also have strangled the Caribbean's fishing industry. It damages boat engines and fishing gear, prevents fishermen from reaching their boats and fishing areas and leads to a drop in the number of fish caught. Barbados has been especially hit hard since flying fish make up 60% of the island's annual landed catch, according to the University of the West Indies.

An overabundance of sargassum was blamed for the recent deaths of thousands of fish at the French Caribbean island of Martinique. It also has activists concerned about the plight of endangered turtles, with some dying at sea entangled in seaweed or unable to lay their eggs given the mat of algae covering the sand.

In the Cayman Islands, a thick carpet of sargassum had prompted officials to launch a trial program in which crews pumped more than 2,880 square feet (268 square meters) of seaweed out of the water. But on Tuesday, the government announced it suspended removal efforts because the level of decomposition made it impractical.

"The sargassum stranding in the North Sound is unlike any we have experienced previously in terms of its location, weather conditions and scale," officials said.

Other island nations have opted to use heavy machinery to remove seaweed from the beach, but scientists warn that causes erosion and could destroy the nests of endangered turtles.

Attempts to use sargassum as fertilizer, food, biofuel, construction material or medicinal products continue, but many Caribbean islands are unable to remove the vast amounts of the seaweed because they are struggling financially and have limited resources.

Gov. Albert Bryan of the U.S. Virgin Islands said he asked President Joe Biden to declare a federal emergency for the entire three-island territory, not just St. Croix, but that didn't happen. Bryan said he is now trying to find local funds to clean beaches, "but a lot of things need money right now."

Since 2011, large amounts of sargassum have invaded the Caribbean every year except 2013 an anomaly that scientists believe may have resulted from a lack of nutrients and a change in wind strength and direction. And the record amounts reported in recent years are even more concerning for scientists and island governments.

"We don't know if this is a new normal," Krimsky said. "This has been devastating for over a decade."

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A record amount of seaweed is choking shores in the Caribbean - NPR

Many sun-seeking travelers are familiar with tourist-friendly Aruba. But those looking for a more relaxed, lifestyle-focused island where they can experience cultural heritage, wellness, and outdoor adventure without being overwhelmed by cruise ships and crowds are sure to love its underrated (and stunning) neighbor, Curaao the C in the so-called ABC Islands just off the coast of Venezuela. (The A stands for Aruba and the B for Bonaire.) While the entire trifecta remains part of the kingdom of the Netherlands, its Curaao that packs the biggest cultural punch. And its apparent everywhere you look.

Our island is colorful and so are our souls, says Dewi Pomario, a Curaao tourist board guide. The people of Curaao are so proud of our culture, our traditions, our food, and our relaxed way of living.

Best suited for travelers who arent content to spend their entire vacation at the pool, Curaao offers an off-the-beaten path alternative that trades casinos, all-inclusive resorts, and restaurant chains for a more intimate, authentic experience.

The capital of Willemstad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, serves as the center of Curaaos fascinating multi-ethnic culture, a rich mix of European and Caribbean influences with a celebrated artist community. There, travelers venture beyond their hotel to explore incredible natural sites like rocky coves and salt flats, local restaurants serving delicious fusion specialities, and wellness traditions at Den Paradera Herb Garden.

From swimming with green sea turtles and getting painting lessons with a resident street artist to sipping cocktails in the trendy Pietermaai district and visiting healing salt flats, here are some of the best ways to feel Curaao's magic.

Filled with quaint colonial buildings arguably the best surviving examples of European architecture in the Caribbean Willemstad could easily be confused for a Dutch city if it werent for all the cheerful, candy-colored paint. Check out the sites on a Green Wheels scooter, an eco-friendly and convenient option for those looking to see and Instagram as much as possible. Be sure to stop by Wilhelmina Plaza, the Governors Mansion, and the bright yellow Penha Building. No trip to the island is complete without strolling across the gently swaying Queen Emma Bridge. Built in 1888, it ranks as one of the oldest wooden pontoon bridges in the world. But be on alert: A siren announces when the bridge is about to swing open to allow boats to sail through, and you dont want to get stuck.

In addition to its cultural past, Curaao boasts a vibrant street art scene that stretches throughout Willemstads charming neighborhoods, from the famed Colorful Steps in Otrobanda to kaleidoscopic paintings in Scharloo Abou. In fact, the islands electrifying vibe can be felt just about everywhere you go, thanks to its dynamic, warm residents. I believe it's not only the artist community that contributes to the atmosphere of the island, says Francis Sling, a popular street artist. A large part of the people living here are creatives in their own way. It's as if you're walking in a huge play.

While its certainly possible to explore Curaaos art on your own, walking tours like Dushi Walks and Art Tours Now, founded by artist Avantia Damberg, lend context to everything you see. For an even more hands-on experience, attend a painting workshop by request at the studio of Francis Sling, whose larger-than-life murals are beloved throughout the island. Looking to bring home a bit of Curaaos creative spirit? On narrow Windstraat, a de facto art alley in the Punda neighborhood, youll find a treasure trove of galleries and arts and crafts boutiques, including Serenas Art Shop, famous for its Curaao Chichi figures hand-painted by local female artists.

Want to get away from it all? Discover some of the most stunning scenery in the entire Caribbean on the rural west side of the island. Located along the protected Curaao Underwater Marine Park, many of Curaaos beaches, such as Playa Kenepa Grandi and Playa PortoMari, offer bright, clear water and healthy coral reefs near the shore, making them ideal for an afternoon of swimming and snorkeling. One of the best ways to experience as many as possible (Curaao has 38 in total) is by zipping around by jetski with Tourrific Curaao.

Get your adrenaline going by cliff jumping at Playa Forti and swim with green sea turtles at Playa Kenepa Chik. If you feel the need to go deeper (literally) Curaao offers some of the best scuba diving in the world with top-notch outfitters like Ocean Encounters. From a tugboat wreck in only 15 feet of water to a thrilling drift dive with sharks and rays, this is the place to hit the water, whether its your 500th time zipping up a wetsuit or youre first.

On some Caribbean vacations it might be tempting to take full advantage of the resorts all-inclusive meals. But Curaao has a thriving food culture that should be explored. No better place than at Bario Urban Street Food, a bustling food court style restaurant popular with travelers and locals alike. Each window or snek stand a type of to-go cafe serves its own curated menu of tropical cocktails, desserts, vegan food, or street food. Dine on specialties like chicken satay, stoba fries (fries topped with a traditional beef stew), roti, ceviche, and bolo di cashupete, a cashew cake typically reserved for festive occasions, while listening to live music. Afterward, have a nightcap at the newest addition to the trendy Pietermaai district, Ochenta Cocktail Bar, where bartenders mix drinks using the freshest ingredients and local brands, including authentic Blue Curaao made of the peels of the native bitter Laraha orange (something thats near to impossible to get outside of the country).

Curaao offers a wellness culture all its own in addition to the expected poolside massages and lavish facials. Once used by the Dutch for salt mining, the islands precious salias, or salt flats, are now designated nature reserves. But that doesnt stop some locals from sneaking in to bathe in the mineral-rich waters which are said to boost skin health. If what ails you is more than skin deep, stop by Den Paradera Herb Garden where you can learn about herbal healing and wellness from legend Dinah Veeris. Decorated by the Dutch Royal Family for her contributions to the community, Veeris invites people to stroll through her calming oasis and offers holistic health advice and products such as immunity-boosting tea and salves for bug bites. The traditional medicinal plants of the island of Curaao is a culture, a knowledge that we must preserve, says Veeris. Nowadays you see that so many people want to go back to nature and want to live a healthier life. The traditional medicinal plants have so much to offer us.

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The Underrated Caribbean Island That's A Cultural & Wellness Treasure - The Zoe Report

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Everyone loves an island paradise and the Mexican Caribbean is home to some of the best island living around. Isla Mujeres is directly off the Cancun mainland, and Cozumel can be found a few miles out from the Playa del Carmen shoreline. But in the battle of the islands, is Isla Mujeres or Cozumel better? Lets find out.

Most visitors to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel will take a ferry Cancun to Isla Mujeres takes around 20-25 minutes and Playa del Carmen to Cozumel around twice as long, at 45 minutes. Getting to Cancun or Playa del Carmen is easy from the main Cancun airport, with direct buses and taxis available to each destination.

Cozumel visitors also have the option of flying into the islands own international airport. However, prices can be high and routes are limited, meaning this will be an option for only a limited number of visitors.

Winner: Theres no standout winner, so well call this one a TIE.

This will be another close-fought round, with both Isla Mujeres and Cozumel home to some of the regions best stretches of beach.

Cozumel has sections of almost deserted coastline to be enjoyed, as well as fully developed areas offering facilities and quality beach clubs.The southern side of the island has great beaches that are easily accessible from the cruise ports. Most are sheltered, making them perfect for snorkeling and swimming. The wilder eastern beaches are more secluded, but have stronger currents and more waves, making them less attractive to visitors.

Isla Mujeres boasts a beach thats often named the best in Mexico. Playa Norte has become very developed over the last fifteen years or so, with beachfront bars, hotels and beach clubs, as well as an active boat tour scene. But it retains its staggering beauty, as well as offering respite from the worst of the sargassum that blights this part of Mexico each year although this can still be a problem at times. The islands central beach is another popular white-sand turquoise-ocean option and both beaches are easily accessed straight from the ferry port.

Winner: ISLA MUJERES. Although Cozumel has some enviable beaches, Isla Mujeres has to win thanks to the unbeatable charm of Playa Norte beach.

Both Cozumel and Isla Mujeres benefit from fantastic access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, meaning coral, tropical fish, and turtles can be easily spotted on a dive trip.

Cozumel has a reputation for the best diving, and boasts around 40 dive sites, which are enough to keep even the most experienced diver happy. There are dive sites suited to all experience levels, from novice to dive master. Also, the island has a huge number of dive shops offering trips to the islands swim-through, wall, and wreck sites at very reasonable prices.

Isla Mujeres is also popular for snorkel and dive trips from the mainland. Whale sharks pass through the waters as part of their migration route from early-June to mid-September each year, and this is one of the most popular times to dive. Isla Mujeres is also home to the MUSA underwater museum, which is an artificially constructed reef made up of art installations that offers a unique dive experience.

Winner: COZUMEL. Despite Isla Mujeres having much in the way of enticing diving, Cozumel has to win this category for the sheer number and variety of dive sites.

Isla Mujeres comes in at 425 sq miles, while Cozumel is a petite 250 sq miles. Despite the difference in size, both islands have plenty to do.

Some of Cozumels main attractions are:

Isla Mujeres offers the following activities, among others:

Winner: COZUMEL. For its size, Cozumel packs a big punch when it comes to things to do.

A vacation to Cozumel or Isla Mujeres will generally be more expensive than staying on the mainland of Mexico, as goods have to be transported over from the mainland.

Cozumels main town of San Miguel can see inflated prices in stores and restaurants, due to it being the gateway to the island, as well as being where most cruise ship visitors will spend their time. Accommodation prices vary wildly in Cozumel, with budget hotels as well as ultra-luxe options available. Restaurants may be slightly cheaper in Cozumel, where there is a less well-developed food scene.

Isla Mujeres can be very expensive, with plenty of luxury resorts and foodie-friendly restaurants, but it does also have a decent budget scene, with some reasonably priced hotels and resorts, and budget eats to be found. Transportation costs vary on Isla Mujeres, as theres a well-developed and relatively cheap bus system running routes around the whole island. But equally, golf carts are popular, but are pretty expensive at around 50 USD per day.

Winner: TIE. Its too hard to call this one both islands are expensive when compared to mainland Mexico destinations.

Cozumel just beats Isla Mujeres in this island battle. However, its a close-fought race and both islands are worth visiting in their own right.

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Isla Mujeres vs Cozumel: Which Mexican Caribbean Island Is Better? - The Cancun Sun

New Pirates of the Caribbean Loungefly ear bands as sparkly as a pirates treasure have been found at Disneyland Park in Emporium.

The ear band is deep red velvet on the inside and bow. The outside of the band is Loungeflys signature faux leather.

There is a pirate emblem in the center of the ears in a brassy-gold color. A braided gold detail is outlined on the inside of the bow.

The side of the band has a Disney x Loungefly plaque in matching red. Disney x Loungefly recently released a Pirates of the Caribbean mini backpack in the same color scheme.

The back of the ears sparkle just as much as the front with the gold sequins.

Yo ho, yo ho will you-hoo be getting these Pirates of the Caribbean ears on your way to the attraction? Let us know what you think!

For the latest Disney Parks news and info, follow WDW News Today onTwitter,Facebook, andInstagram.

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'Pirates of the Caribbean' Loungefly Ears Sail into Disneyland Resort - WDW News Today

St. Vincent is a vacationers' paradise as it flaunts some of the most magnificent scenery in the Caribbean. The perfectly formed string of islands scattered throughout the sea is richly endowed with palm-lined bays, white sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. St. Vincent's thrilling water sports and paradisical destinations attract yachters and wealthy individuals who love indulgent living. From beautiful views of La Soufriere Mountain to luxurious resorts, here are ten reasons St. Vincent is a dream Caribbean destination.

St. Vincent offers picturesque trails, unique landscapes, forests, and beautiful gardens to explore. The Mesopotamia Valley presents a colorful and graceful nature perfect for photography. Additionally, strolling through the Montreal Gardens leads to mesmerizing labyrinths of different flora. Challenge seekers can embark on a thrilling journey of climbing La Soufriere Volcano, but they should be appropriately dressed and in the company of a licensed tour guide. Also, nature lovers looking for spectacular scenery can undertake a Buccament Valley hike where they enjoy a rich array of wildlife, including Parrots, hummingbirds, and the Green Herron.

Related: The 10 Cheapest Caribbean Islands To Fly To This Summer

Tourists visiting the island love to pass by Port Elizabeth and Admiralty Bay, which is a famous commercial center. History buffs may stop by Bequia Maritime Museum to learn about the island's remarkable history. Visitors will also love Firefly Plantation, where they can sample tropical fruits such as guava, breadfruit, bananas, coconuts, and mangoes.

Related: Are These Underrated Caribbean Destinations Worth Visiting?

Petit St. Vincent is a privately owned island that harbors Petit St. Vincent Resort, where guests are accommodated in magnificent ocean-facing villas scattered around bays and hillsides. The island adopted an old-fashioned method of using colored flags to convey messages, eliminating phones and televisions to preserve tranquility. The location is popular among tourists seeking a serene environment for meditation and soul rejuvenation.

Salt Whistle Bay is a small island that is famous due to its beautiful Bay and white sand beach. But it can only be accessed by boat. Yachters regularly visit this place for the sunbathing experience or to buy souvenirs from local vendors. The beautiful island has a single road that leads to a small village with breathtaking ocean views and Tobago cays.

Mustique island is a unique island in St. Vincent, Famous for its unique nature and popularity amongst celebrities. The island is encircled by healthy coral reefs and inhabits diverse wildlife such as tortoises, herons, and iguanas. The island's Macaroni beach offers a perfect opportunity for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, diving, and kayaking. Mustique features luxurious cottages and outstanding customer service.

St. Vincent's capital, Kingston, is not only a top attraction site in the Caribbean but also a gateway to other highlands. History buffs visit the island to explore cobblestone streets and ancient buildings installed by the colonialists, such as the St. Vincent churches. Tourists also come to tour St. George's Anglican Cathedral, a Georgian-style architectural structure built in 1802, and St. Mary's Catholic Cathedral, which assumes the Roman style. Meanwhile, travelers visit Kingstown's large market, where fresh vegetables and fruits are found. They also get the opportunity to enjoy street food and coconut juice.

Located in Kingstown, St. Vincent Botanic Gardens is the oldest in the Western Hemisphere. Founded in 1765, this Garden is famous amongst visiting historians due to its crucial role during the development of British colonialism. The Garden teaches them how botanists studied plants such as black pepper and breadfruit, which were later moved to colonies worldwide. Meanwhile, St. Vincent Botanic Gardens features exotic trees, parrots, and sweet-smelling plants. Guests visit the Garden to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and escape the intense sun of the Caribbean.

Union Island offers a peaceful and relaxed environment for visiting tourists. The destination is popular among scuba divers and tourists who are boating or preparing to sail. The island is well-endowed with lush inland vegetation, ideal for hikes. On the other hand, palm island is home to a wide range of wild animals, including turtles, geckos, lizards, mockingbirds, herons, gulls, osprey, pigeons, and land crabs. Tourists can seek accommodation at Palm Island and Resort Spa, which features restaurants, a swimming pool, and a gym.

Baleine Falls is located north of St. Vincent, offering visitors an adventurous experience. The falls landing into an enormous pond are approximately 60 feet high and can only be accessed by boat. A boat trip toward the waterfall rewards visitors with breathtaking views of marine animals such as dolphins. Furthermore, the picturesque nature of Baleine Falls allows tourists to capture incredible memories. Swimming enthusiasts also use the opportunity to swim under this incredible waterfall.

St. Vincent is home to rich historical heritage and culture, attracting historians, sociologists, and culture buffs from around the world. Tourists search for knowledge reflected in carvings such as Layou Petroglyphs, Fort Charlotte, and other ancient carvings and constructions signifying the origin of Kingstown, St. Vincent.

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10 Reasons Why St. Vincent Is A Caribbean Dream - TheTravel

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The global brand Hilton Hotels & Resorts has been expanding in Mexico and the Caribbean. Now, travelers from all over the world will be able to enjoy and have a unique luxurious experience at any of the companys all-inclusive resorts.

The most recent all-inclusive hotel is the Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya, the companys largest resort in the Caribbean. This 735-room property in Mexico opened to the public in April this year.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts expect to keep expanding its presence in the region. And now, guests will be able to explore the spectacular resorts available. A great option also for digital nomads or remote workers, since Hilton hotels have a great reputation for high-speed internet connection.

Heres a list and a brief description of Hiltons all-inclusive hotels in Mexico and the Caribbean:

At the companys newest resort, travelers will be able to experience a natural sanctuary with a spectacular private beach. The rooms have balconies and amazing views of the beach or the resort.

Guests have access to unlimited cocktails and drinks, 13 dining outlets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, pool and beach service, a personal concierge, and fascinating activities including music and entertainment, yoga and wellness, and cultural activities.

Check Prices At: Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya

This 68,000-square feet property offers travelers a unique stay in a very convenient location, just 20 minutes away from Cancuns international airport. Its modern rooms offer travelers stunning views. Guests will get to try the 12 gastronomic experiences included and enjoy special sweets at the Cream and Churros Shop.

Check Prices At: Hilton Cancun All Inclusive Resort

This adults-only resort in Playa del Carmen includes 14 restaurants and bars, two pools, night entertainment, an Innan spa, and beautiful rooms with ocean views and hot tubs. Hilton Playa del Carmen is near downtown and travelers can also easily visit the famous Quinta Avenida and explore local markets and restaurants.

Check Prices At: Hilton Playa del Carmen

This fantastic property is located between downtown Puerto Vallarta and the beaches Bahia Banderas. This resort includes night entertainment, wifi, unlimited drinks and cocktails, daily activities, beach service, and delicious food at their 14 restaurants. Guests can also relax at the Hilton Vallarta Riviera spa and its two pools.

Check Prices At: Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort

Travelers who enjoy adventure and luxury will definitely enjoy this fabulous resort in the Dominican Republic. Hilton La Romana offers guests large swim-up rooms, an eco-friendly private beach, a dive center, non-motorized watersports, waiter service at pools and beach, a fitness center, and 24 hours room service.

Check Prices At: Hilton La Romana Adults Only

This tropical resort in the Dominican Republic offers a unique family vacation service. Guests will be able to explore the beauty of the island, stay in large rooms with living areas and swim-up rooms, access six restaurants, and enjoy the four outdoor pools, night entertainment, and daily activities for all ages. Visitors also get to have fun at the propertys water park and relax at the private beach.

Check Prices At: Hilton La Romana Family Resort

The Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in Jamaica offers guests 400 acres of the Caribbean coast, a private beach, a golf course, a tennis court, a spa, 11 restaurants, excursions in Montego Bay, and beautiful rooms with terrace or balconies and views to the ocean or the mountains. It also includes a water park, poolside concierges, outdoor pools, and a fitness center.

Check Prices At: Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa

This fascinating resort in Curacao offers activities adapted to all guests different needs and access to a beautiful property. Travelers staying at Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao get to have fun at its water park, the beautiful infinity pool, the beach spa, get rooms with minibars, and have unlimited dining and snacks, and concierge services.

Check Prices At: Mangrove Beach Corendon Curacao

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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

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Hilton Has Launched Its 8th All Inclusive Property in Mexico and The Caribbean - Travel Off Path

Traveling to the French Caribbean island of St Barth just got a whole lot easier.

The tiny Caribbean paradise just removed all travel restrictions to the island, Caribbean Journal has confirmed.

That means travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination or testing in order to enter the island.

In other words, traveling to St Barth is just like it was before the pandemic.

Fabrice Danet, director of the islands Remy de Haenen St Barth Airport confirmed the move, which comes as Frances national government has officially removed its Covid-related State of Health Emergency.

The move officially took effect on Aug. 1.

For St. Barths, this means that all the measures related to the health pass applied so far are now lifted, Danet said in a statement.

Its a major boost for St Barth, which has been seeing sizzling tourism numbers for much of the pandemic era.

That means a much simpler trip to enjoy some of the islands spectacular villas like those at WIMCO to the Le Barthelemy beach resort.

The move comes as St Barth is ramping up for what should be a busy shoulder and winter season, kicking off as it does each year with the Caribbean Rum Awards in the first week of November.

Thats followed by the popular Gourmet Festival the following week, part of St Barths celebrated Gourmet Month.

And dont forget to fly there on Tradewind Aviation, still the most glamorous way to arrive on the island.

For more, visit St Barth Tourism.

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The Caribbean Island of St Barth Just Removed All Testing, Vaccination Rules - Caribbean Journal

Right now going on a cruise ship is one of the best vacation values out there, and if you're looking for the best deal, there are a few tried-and-true strategies.

Cruise ships are sailing at 100% capacity in the Caribbean, which means lots of people are vying to get onboard as well.

While there are lots of people enjoying a cruise, the good news is you can still get a great deal on a cruise if you're looking for a deal. The key is to know where and when to look.

To get the best cruise deal, you're going to want to employ these top tips for getting a great price. No matter the time of year, these tricks should get you a great price so you can maximize every dollar of your vacation budget.

Every region of the world that a cruise ship sails has peak and off-peak times, so if you can take a cruise during the less popular times you will find some of the best cruise deals out the season.

Off-season cruises are when there are less people able or willing to go on a cruise. Usually this is at the very beginning or very end of when ships begin sailing in a region, such as Europe or Alaska.

In the Caribbean, where the cruise season is year-round, the off-peak cruise times are usually opposite the school calendar. When school is in session, there are less families that can cruise.

Just like a 6am flight, there is less demand for these departures and that means lower prices to be found.

Besides bad timing, less than perfect weather can be a factor for why there is less demand for certain sailings.

In Alaska, the very beginning and end of the season is when it is coldest. May and September typically are when Alaska cruise prices dip to their lowest.

In the Caribbean, hurricane season greatly impacts people's desire to book a cruise.This means lower prices for a Caribbean cruise in September or October. You'll also find great prices in January and early February, when school is back in session.

In other forms of travel, the public has been conditioned to expect the best prices if you book things on your own to "skip the middle man". This strategy doesn't work as well with cruises.

The cruise industry still relies heavily on travel agents to spur sales, and there is no doubt that a good travel agent can help get you the lowest possible price for a cruise.

The potential money savings of working with a travel agent are not about simply who can do an internet search for a cruise price faster. Travel agents have access to special group rates and discounts you would never be able to find on your own.

Many travel agents are part of aconsortium of agencies, who have rates you cannot otherwise book.

Moreover, a lot of people booking on their own may simply be unaware of special discounts offered to select groups, such as residency discounts, military discounts, and more.

If there's one incredibly common mistake people make by booking on their own, it's not fully understanding the deposit rules and regretting it later when there are fees for changing or cancelling. Travel agents can assist greatly with this before making a mistake.

A good travel agent can guide you through the different fares, help you pick out the perfect cruise ship cabin type for your family and avoid the bad cabins.

The best part about leveraging a good travel agent is they should cost you nothing extra to use, because Royal Caribbean pays them a commission for their services.

The best strategy for locking in a great price for your cruise is to book as early as you can.

Cruise ship pricing has many factors, but as more and more cabins on a particular sailing get booked up, prices tend to go up as inventory diminishes.

Cruise experts advocate booking your cruise as soon as you can. Ideally, when Royal Caribbean releases the new sailings around two years in advance of the sail date and inventory is untouched.

Not only will booking a cruise years in advance get you a rock bottom price, you're also going to have plenty of cabin types to choose from. The first type of cabins to sell out on a cruise are almost always suites.

Of course, booking a cruise that far in advance is difficult for many people because most people don't plan vacations years in the future. But if you have the flexibility, this is the best strategy for netting a great cruise price.

Read more:How far in advance should I book a cruise to get the best price?

While Royal Caribbean's Oasis and Quantum Class ships are as amazing to cruise on as they look, they do not usually have the cheapest cruise fares out there. Newer ships command higher prices.

Instead, price shop around the Voyager or Radiance Class ships to find the real bargains.

Similar to how a used car that is a few years old will provide a better value than a brand new vehicle, cruise ships that have been around for a few years tend to offer better deals to entice cruisers to book them.

The great thing about the Voyager and Radiance Class ships is that you are not compromising a ton on the onboard experience, but will save a lot compared to the bigger ships.

If you don't mind flying, you can often find the lowest prices for a cruise on a sailing that begins in one port and ends in a different port.

Known as repositioning sailings, these are when Royal Caribbean moves the ship from one region to another.

Because of the logistics of getting to and from the cruise, as well as duration of the sailing, repositioning cruises can be a tremendous value. Simply put, less people are willing to book these because it requires more vacation time or they'd have to find a different way home.

The most common type of repositioning cruises are transalantic and transpacific cruises, where the ship moves between North America and Europe or Australia.

More elusive than booking early, you can sometimes book a last-minute cruise deal if you are flexible.

This won't work for everyone, but there are sometimes really good prices in the final weeks leading up to a sailing when inventory hasn't fully sold out yet.

As mentioned earlier in this article, prices tend to go up over time as more and more people book a sailing. But sometimes a sailing doesn't sell as well as Royal Caribbean wants, and you can find a price drop meant to spur sales.

If you can travel on short notice and aren't picky, there are last-minute cruise deals to be had for those that look for them.

When you book at the last minute, you'll have less cabins to choose from and last minute airfare prices may negate any savings from the cruise fare.

Read more:Why booking a last-minute cruise isn't always a great idea

It's important to act quickly if you do spot a good cruise to book that sails soon, because inventory within the last month or two of a cruise will disappear fast.

One way to turn an average cruise price into a great deal is to let Royal Caribbean pick your exact cabin.

Guarantee staterooms are when you tell Royal Caribbean the minimum cabin type you want and let the cruise line assign a cabin to you, instead of you picking a specific room.

You will receive a room of at least that category (or higher), but it may be days or weeks before you learn of the room assignment.

In exchange for this ambiguity of room selection, you can often save hundreds of dollars off your cruise fare.

Keep in mind that you may end up with a cabin at the very front or very back of the ship. Or even a cabin with a partially blocked view. Those that value convenient cabin location or are sensitive to motion sickness may not want to roll the dice on a guarantee cabin.

If the exact location of your cabin doesn't matter much to you, then a guarantee room could be your ticket to deep savings.

Read more:How to find the cheapest cabins on Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean will periodically offer a kids sail free promotion, where the third and fourth passengers under the age of 12 in your cabin will cost you nothing extra in terms of cruise fare.

In short, kids sail free will result in a cruise fare cost of zero dollars for third guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger. You are still responsible for paying for the taxes and port fees associated with the children, along with any other charges onboard.

For families, a kids sail free promotion is one of the most lucrative offers Royal Caribbean has, especially if you book a suite since the per-person savings are highest in these luxurious cabins.

Kids sail free will still save you money on other cabin types, but the amount is significantly less.

One drawback of kids sail free is you have to share a cabin with your kids. This means in many cabins one bathroom for three or four of you.

Families on a budget can often get a great deal, especially when combining kids sail free with the tip earlier in this article about booking as early as you can.

A wonderful tool meant for travel agents to spot great deals has returned.

Before the pandemic the Going, Going, Gone weekly flyer was a staple at Royal Caribbean that would list especially good rates for last minute cruises to book.

The flyer usually gets updated weekly on Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.

You'll have to act fast if you want in on these days because by weeks end, most of the deals are gone.

You can find the flyer always at this address.

More cruise advice

More here:

8 ways to get the best cruise deals - Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbeans newest state-of-the-art cruise terminal will open later this year in Galveston, Texas as the cruise line brings one of the worlds largest cruise ships to Texas.

The $125 million cruise terminal will allow Royal Caribbean to homeport an Oasis class ship in Galveston for the first time. The 170,000 sq. ft. building is 75% complete and is scheduled to open in November. The terminal will feature mobile check-in and facial recognition for a seamless arrival experience.

Allure of the Seas will sail seven night cruises to the Western Caribbean beginning on November 13, 2022. The cruise ship will also offer a few shorter four and five night cruises from Galveston as well.

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The week long cruises on Allure of the Seas will visit Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan. Each seven night cruise will also have three sea days.

View Prices on Cruises on Allure of the Seas

Royal Caribbean posted the following video showing a construction update on this new $125 million cruise terminal in Galveston that will open in November.

Read this article:

Royal Caribbean's Newest Cruise Ship Terminal Will Open This Fall - Cruise Fever

Have you ever docked in a port on your Royal Caribbean cruise and wished you had more time to explore the city?

One of the biggest drawbacks of cruising is not having enough time in each port; in fact, this is often cited as one of the top reasons that people choose not to cruise and opt for land-based vacations.

Of course, one of the perks of cruising is getting to see multiple cities and countries in one vacation. Its so nice to step onboard your cruise ship and unpack your suitcase just one time. Before you know it, youre waking up in a new place every morning.

On the other hand, your time in port is usually limited on a cruise - ranging anywhere from just 6-9 hours at each stop. Also, you have little to no flexibility about what time you arrive and depart the port because you are at the mercy of the cruise ship to get there on schedule.

The best way you can spend more time ashore on a Royal Caribbean cruise is choosing an itinerary that features overnight ports.

For some cities, when the sun goes down, the city comes to life! Cruisers have felt for a long time that they miss out on everything a city has to offer because the ship leaves too soon.

Normally, cruise ships are chasing the sunset and heading out to sea in the evening. When the sun goes down, the ship is already sailing off to the next destination on the itinerary.

But when you have an overnight stop, youll get to spend multiple days exploring all the port has to offer while your ship stays docked throughout the night.

With more flexibility offered in an overnight port stay, your excursion and exploring options become multiplied.Your cruise ship essentially acts as a floating hotel during an overnight port. The cruise ship will allow you to come and go throughout the day and night rather than having a strict all aboard time after just one day of being docked in the port.

With an overnight port, you can explore throughout the day, come back for a quick bite to eat, and then head back ashore to experience the citys nightlife. Maybe you head to the rooftop bar to see the night skyline or you might prefer to have dinner at a local restaurant!

Ultimately, overnight ports allow cruisers to be more fully immersed in the culture of a destination. These port stops can occur mid-voyage or even at the beginning/end of the itinerary.

To offer more flexibility and time to explore ports over multiple days, Royal Caribbean has started to incorporate more overnight ports in its itineraries. The cruise line has also announced itineraries that feature late-night departures and multi-stay destinations.

By adding these itinerary options, this certainly appeals to cruisers who want to see everything a city has to offer over the course of multiple days.

One of the most common itineraries to offer an overnight port is in Bermuda. Because of Bermudas location, there arent many options for port stops other than sailing down the east coast of the U.S. or down south to the Caribbean.

Most itineraries feature at least one overnight in Bermuda but some even offer two overnights. With plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby, you can spend all day and night exploring this country.

Royal Caribbean offers 2022 and 2023 summer sailings (May to October) to Bermuda from Cape Liberty (New Jersey), Orlando (Florida) and Baltimore (Maryland). Some ships sailing to Bermuda include Enchantment of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas.

Across the pond and nestled in the Portuguese hillside is the historic city of Lisbon. With little trams running through the cobblestoned streets, you can experience quintessential Europe with all of the architecture and culture of Lisbon.

Because of Lisbons bustling nightlife, Royal Caribbean has incorporated overnight stays on some of its longer Mediterranean itineraries. An overnight stay in Lisbon means you can watch the sunset on a rooftop bar or enjoy a local Portuguese dinner in Lisbon. Even better, the cruise port is right in the city center so everything is close by!

Also, with Royal Caribbeans itineraries offering two days in the city, you can even venture out to Sintra. This nearby city features UNESCO World Heritage Sites that include the Jeronimos Monastery and Quinta da Regaleira. Its a real life fairytale!

Royal Caribbean has itineraries featuring overnight stays in Lisbon on Anthem of the Seas sailing from Southampton for summer 2022 and 2023.

If the Arctic Circle is more of your vibe, youll find plenty of itineraries that feature overnight stops in Iceland. Most of the itineraries will feature an overnight in Reykjavik, which is the capital of Iceland.

Having multiple days allows you to explore the citys museums and churches while still having time to take a dip in the Blue Lagoon.

Royal Caribbean also has numerous itineraries that feature overnight port stops in Akureyri, Iceland. This tiny Icelandic town is situated at the end of the Eyjafjordur and features a quaint old town and plenty of hot springs.

Because Iceland is a smaller country with tons to explore, having overnight stays allows cruisers to get an in-depth experience of the Arctic Circle.

Itineraries featuring overnights in Iceland can be found sailing on Jewel of the Seas from Amsterdam throughout the summer of 2022 and 2023. Transatlantic and Arctic Crossing itineraries are also available on Royal Caribbean, including a 17 night crossing in August 2023.

One of the more culturally immersive Royal Caribbean Mediterranean itineraries features overnight ports in Israel. With up to 3 days in Israel, cruisers are able to see all of the wildly historical places in cities like Nazareth, Jerusalem and Bethlehem.

With so many sites to see, most of which are located outside of the port city, its great to have multiple days to explore Israel while using your cruise ship as a home base each night.

Haifa and Ashod are two of the most common cruise ports for Holy Land itineraries in Israel. These port cities give access to some of the most commonly visited biblical sites while also giving access to Tel Aviv and other cities in Israel.

Royal Caribbean features Holy Land itineraries with overnights to Israel on Odyssey of the Seas through the summer of 2022 and 2023.

You know all of your favorite celebrities are obsessed with Cabo - and for good reason! Cabo is an electrifying destination with plenty of nightlife located in Baja California.

With an overnight stay in Cabo, you can stay out all night partying in the night clubs, indulging in a margarita (or two), trying local Mexican cuisine or dancing the night away. During the day, youll have two full days to explore the town by foot and sea.

Royal Caribbean offers 5-night cruises with overnight port stops in Cabo San Lucas in September 2022, March 2023 and April 2023 on Navigator of the Seas from Los Angeles, California.

If Southeast Asia is on your bucket list, Thailand is a destination that can't be missed. I can speak from personal experience that visiting the Thai islands by cruise ship is a great way to immerse yourself in their culture.

With an overnight stay in Phuket, you have so much flexibility to really explore the island, like visiting elephant sanctuaries, beautiful temples, and stunning beaches.

Our second day in Phuket, we ventured out to Phang Nga Bay to see the floating village by boat. It was absolutely stunning to sail around the islands.

One of the most dazzling cities in Asia is Bangkok, Thailand. The city has centuries-old temples coupled with brand new skyscrapers and rooftop bars. Theres no city like Bangkok; lucky for Royal Caribbean cruisers, most itineraries feature an overnight stay in this fascinating port city.

From street-food vendors to tuk tuk rickshaws that run the streets, youll have two full days on your itinerary to see everything the city has to offer. Dont forget about all of the Thai temples, museums and Buddha statues.

Look for overnight ports in Bangkok and Phuket on Royal Caribbeans Spectrum of the Seas, sailing from Singapore throughout 2022 and 2023.

Most Southeast Asian itineraries will feature a stop in Penang, Malaysia; if youre lucky, your itinerary will feature an overnight stay in the northwestern Malaysian port city to give you even more time to immerse yourself in the culture.

Youll find the port of Penang is filled with a rich and diverse culture, mostly because of its location as a trading center among India, China, Britain and the Middle East. Plenty of local food stalls accompanies the many religious temples scattered throughout the town.

Overnight stays in Penang can be found on Royal Caribbeans Spectrum of the Seas, sailing in January 2023 from Singapore.

Those sailing in the South Pacific will appreciate Royal Caribbean adding overnight ports on some of its most popular itineraries.

Port Vila is the energetic capital of Vanuatu, where you can spend 2 full days exploring the island. From the French-inspired city to waterfalls and heritage centers, you might wish you had even a second overnight!

Royal Caribbean offers overnight sailings to Port Vila on its South Pacific itineraries. Quantum of the Seas has multiple itineraries sailing from Brisbane, Australia throughout the winter of 2022 and 2023.

Visiting Hawaii on a Royal Caribbean cruise is one of the best ways to explore multiple islands. Even better, you can find itineraries with overnight ports to have ample time to squeeze in everything you want to do on the islands.

Royal Caribbeans itineraries feature overnight port stays in Maui and Oahu, giving cruisers extra time to explore the island. With Maui having so much to offer - from hiking to luaus and surfing on the beach - youll be thankful to have all the time to explore ashore.

Itineraries to Hawaii are typically during the transition seasons when cruise ships are transitioned to Australia from Alaska. Quantum of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, and Ovation of the Seas all have Hawaii itineraries featuring overnights in Hawaii. Sailings are October 2022/2023 and April 2022/2023.

Even if your cruise doesnt feature an overnight port stop, you might get lucky and have some late-night port departures. While you won't have two full days in a city, you can still experience some of the nightlife with port stays that last up to 14 hours.

In this scenario, your cruise ship will depart the port around 9pm -10 pm instead of a more standard time like 6pm.

One of the places you can find late departures is the Greek island of Santorini, known for its picturesque blue rooftops and white villas on the mountainside. But, Santorini is best known for its unparalleled sunsets from the town of Oia.

Instead of having a typical departure time of 5 or 6pm, Royal Caribbean has some itineraries that feature late-night departures of 9pm or 10pm in Santorini so cruisers can see the incredible sunset.

Rhapsody of the Seas features late-night departures from Haifa to Santorini in the fall of 2023.

Another popular city that features late departures is Le Havre, France. This European port city is the closest place a cruise ship can dock to Paris, even though its still 2.5 hours each way to get to the city.

Because of the distance to Paris, which is surely a top destination for cruisers, Royal Caribbean docks in Le Havre from 8am to 10pm. Having 14 hours in the port allows you to explore Paris during your cruise and catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.

Anthem of the Seas has late-night Le Havre departures on sailings throughout the summer and fall of both 2022 and 2023.

Although one day is certainly not enough to see everything Paris and Santorini have to offer, Royal Caribbeans late-night departures allow for more flexibility in port to experience the even more of what the cities and countries have to offer.

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Best Royal Caribbean itineraries with overnight ports - Royal Caribbean Blog