Category Archives: Caribbean

Royal Caribbean sails to over 200 destinations around the world, from common ports like Cozumel to off-the-beaten-path destinations like Mo'orea, French Polynesia and Alexandria, Egypt.

While theres no best cruise port in the world, there are several ports that should be high on anyones bucket list. Whether youre interested in exploring medieval history or are looking for a picturesque beach day, heres our list of the top 10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations that cant be missed.

If youre looking for a port that transports you back in time 1000 years, look no further than Kotor, Montenegro.

Kotor is a small, medieval town located in the Bay of Kotor, which is often called a fjord due to its winding waterway surrounded by steep mountains. The sail into Kotor is arguably one of the most scenic in Europe, where youll pass charming mountain villages dwarfed by the rocky cliffs above.

Once you arrive in Old Town Kotor, youll find yourself walking through one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the Mediterranean, lined with narrow streets of traditional stone buildings, cathedrals, and public squares.

If youre up for a challenge, consider hiking to the Castle of San Giovanni for the most impressive views of Kotor and the bay. While the 1300 steps and 70 switchbacks may have you struggling in the moment, it will be well worth it when you reach the top.

Related: Aday spent in Kotor, Montenegro

St. Maarten is one of the more common cruise ports in the Caribbean, and youll often find the port on Eastern Caribbean itineraries.

St. Maarten is unique in the fact that the island is owned by two countries. On one side of the island is Sint Maarten, a Dutch territory, and on the other is Saint Martin, a French territory. Because the island is quite small, its possible to visit both sides of the island in one day.

One of the most touristy spots on the island is Maho Beach, where youll witness planes flying directly overhead as they take off from St. Maartens international airport, located directly adjacent to the beach.

Related: Top things to do in St. Maarten on your Royal Caribbean cruise

A more tranquil beach day can be found at Orient Beach, located on the French side of the island, with pristine waters and soft white sand.

Most visitors to St. Maarten will opt for a beach day, although more adrenaline-filled activities are available, including kayaking, snorkeling, cycling, and 4-wheeling.

When you think of Thailand, youll likely picture crystal clear beaches, green mountains, colorful temples, and spicy street food. Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, offers all of those attractions and more.

If a beach day is up your alley, consider a full-day boat tour of the world famous Phi Phi Island (Koh Phi Phi). Youll sail past steep green cliffs emerging from turquoise waters on your way to some of the worlds best beaches, where youll have the opportunity to snorkel in paradise.

Be sure to visit a Wat (Buddhist temple) while in Phuket to gain more insights into Thailands fascinating culture. You may also want to visit The Great Buddha of Phuket, a 150 foot seated Maravija Buddha statue set atop a hill with views of the sea.

Make sure to try local Thai cuisine, too, which is often regarded as one of the best cuisines in the world. Spicy curries, fried noodle dishes, papaya salads, and noodle soups can be found at countless street food stalls or restaurants on the island.

Some itineraries may offer overnight stops in Phuket, meaning youll have more time to explore the citys nearby attractions.

San Juan is another favorite destination among many cruisers for its historical landmarks, natural beauty, and alluring old town. Cruise ships dock adjacent to Old San Juan, the colorful, colonial area of San Juan lined by the old city walls.

San Juan is a port that is easy to explore without prior planning. Because the ships dock right in town, you can simply walk off the ship and spend a few hours wandering around Old San Juan. History buffs may want to visit the Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a citadel built between the 16th and 18th centuries to protect the city.

Related: Things to do in Old San Juan

If youre interested in exploring Puerto Ricos natural beauty, consider an excursion to El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the United States National Forest Service. Excursions to the rainforest often include hiking and visits to waterfalls.

Many itineraries dock in San Juan until 10 or 11PM, meaning you can enjoy a relaxing evening in port, taking in sunset views and sampling cuisine at local restaurants.

While Portugal has been on the travel radar for decades, it has recently been rising in popularity. Boasting world-class beaches, a sunny climate, affordability, and diverse landscapes, its no wonder that Portugal has become one of the most up-and-coming destinations in Europe.

A major benefit when cruising to Lisbon is that cruise ships dock right in the historic city center, just a 5-minute walk from Praa do Comrcio, the citys main square. From the square you have immediate access to Lisbons Alfama neighborhood, the oldest neighborhood in the city known for its narrow, hilly, and colorful streets.

While in Lisbon, be sure to try the countrys famous pastel de nata, an egg custard tart with a crispy crust. Youll find these delightful treats all over the city. Youll also want to find the best miradouros in the city, which are viewpoints atop hills offering the best views of Lisbon (and the best place to take a selfie).

Because Lisbon is located on the Atlantic coast as opposed to the Mediterranean, youll typically only find port stops to Lisbon on longer (9 to 12-night) cruises departing from Southampton, England.

Royal Caribbeans premiere private destination in the Caribbean, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offers a stress-free beach day experience with activities for every cruising style and budget.

The majority of the island is complimentary, with beaches, pool chairs, umbrellas, locker storage, trams, and food included in your cruise fare.

Other activities, such as kayaks, snorkeling, ziplining, and a helium balloon ride come at an extra cost. You can also opt to rent a cabana for the day or visit the Coco Beach Club, offering a slice of tranquility and your own private place to relax.

Related: 40 Perfect Day at CocoCay tips, tricks and secrets

Passengers traveling with kids will be amazed by the variety of kid-friendly activities on the island, too. From Thrill Waterpark, home to the tallest waterslide in North America, to Splashaway Bay, it wont be hard to keep kids busy at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Another plus of visiting Perfect Day at CocoCay is that your drink packages will work on the island, extending the value of your beverage package.

Juneau is the most popular port on Alaska cruise itineraries, and the city offers everything you could want in a quintessential Alaskan experience, from glaciers to wildlife and culture.

Mendenhall Glacier is one of the most popular places to visit while in Juneau, which is located in a recreation area with hiking trails and the 377ft. Nugget Falls waterfall. Kayaking tours are also common here, where youll have the chance to get up and personal with the massive glacier.

Juneau is one of the best whale watching destinations on an Alaska cruise, too, as it's known for the abundance of humpback whales calling the area home in the summer months. Helicopter tours, dog sledding excursions, and the Goldbelt Tramway are other fantastic ways to spend the day in Juneau.

Related: Top 10 things to do in Juneau, Alaska

Often mistaken for being a Caribbean island due to its tropical beaches and landscapes, Bermuda is actually located in the north Atlantic, 650 miles east of North Carolina.

Something unique about a cruise to Bermuda is that ships often dock overnight (sometimes with two overnights). With so much time in port, you wont have to pick and choose one activity over another as youll have time to experience many different areas of the island.

Related: Why you should take a cruise to Bermuda

There are around 34 beaches and coves to discover in Bermuda, although the most famous is Horseshoe Bay, known for its clear waters and pink sand. The island also boasts excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities including underwater visits to shipwrecks.

Bermuda has an efficient public transportation system that makes exploring the island a breeze. Youll enjoy taking a stroll around the colorful, colonial buildings in Bermudas capital of Hamilton, visiting Bermudas crystal caves, or touring the Royal Naval Dockyard.

Simply put, theres no shortage of ways to keep busy in Bermuda despite the islands small size.

Youll find most Bermuda itineraries departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey or Baltimore, Maryland, making visiting this Atlantic paradise convenient for those living in the northeast.

Spains Canary Islands are located off the coast of Africa and more than 600 miles from mainland Spain. There are eight main islands in the Canaries.

Youll typically find a few itineraries per year to the Canary Islands. These cruises generally depart from Southampton, England on Anthem of the Seas and visit three ports in the Canary Islands in addition to several ports on mainland Spain and Portugal. Visits to the Canary Islands can also be found on select transatlantic itineraries.

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, offers black sand beaches, cliffside towns, and diverse landscapesfrom volcanic to dense forests. Consider an excursion to Teide National Park, where youll find Mount Teide, the highest mountain in Spain.

Lanzarote, another island in the Canaries, has plenty of otherworldly landscapes to discover. Some parts of the island may make you feel like youre on Mars, with desolate volcanic landscapes, whereas others will transport you to a palm tree-lined paradise.

Each Canary Island has its own distinct charm that will surely leave you wanting to discover more of this unique archipelago.

Lets head down under for our last destination not to be missed: Airlie Beach, Australia. Located on the coast of Queensland, Airlie Beach is a gateway to Australias Whitsunday Islands and Great Barrier Reef.

Cruises tender near the town of Airlie Beach, with a walkable main street and several attractions in the town itself, such as the Airlie Beach Lagoon, white sand beaches, and cafes, shopping, and restaurants.

Most visitors to Airlie Beach will opt for an excursion to discover the areas natural beauty. Catamaran tours to the Whitsunday Islands, for example, give the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe on the archipelago of 74 small islands floating off the coast.

If youre looking for a unique experience, consider a flightseeing tour over the Great Barrier Reef, where you can spot the massive reef and nearby Whitsunday Islands from above.

Regardless of what you choose to do in port, Airlie Beach is sure to exceed your expectations for a gorgeous beach day.

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10 Royal Caribbean cruise destinations not to be missed

The sargassum situation in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean region is critical, according to Jos Reyes Lpez, Vice Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.

He attributes the increase of brown macroalgae, which are becoming more frequent, to the effects of climate change due to human activities. In addition, the arrival of sargassum affects Dominican beach tourism, the main economic engine of the Caribbean country.

More and more, as a product of climate change and the changes that are generating the currents, the sargassum is reaching points where it had never reached our island before, he said, giving as an example that the algae have reached Pedernales, Miches and Puerto Plata.

He explained that the presence of sargassum in the Caribbean was given special attention in 2011 when it accumulated on the coasts. In the last few years, it has been monitored even by satellite, as the University of South Florida, according to Diario Libre.

In its June report this year, the academy indicated that the amount of sargassum continued to increase in the tropical Atlantic, the Caribbean Sea, the west-central Atlantic, the east-central Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico. In total, with the regions combined, the amount increased from 18.8 million tons last May to 24.2 million tons in June 2022, setting a new all-time record, it added.

During the celebration of the Latin America and Caribbean Climate Week 2022, he also warned that more sargassum might enter the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico in the following months due to the main ocean currents.

Reyes Lpez said that since it is becoming a problem in the region, a working group will be launched with different institutions and the support of the European Union. The table would be chaired by the Dominican Republic, which seeks to position itself as a regional leader on the issue.

He warned that rapid action must be taken in relation to the sargassum that is destroying marine biodiversity in the places where it arrives, turtle nesting, fishing communities, obstructing coral reefs and the environmental ecosystem, harming fishing communities, and increasingly impacting the tourism sector.

The Vice-Minister indicated that the sargassum barriers are placed individually in the hotel zones but be assured that it is done with the guidelines of the Vice-Minister of Coastal and Marine Resources of the Ministry.

He acknowledged the work of the barriers but warned that they were not enough and that they only stopped a part of the algae. He said that, in addition, the issue of collection and final disposal of sargassum must be addressed. That cannot be taken to just any landfill, he specified.

That is part of the table, not only to prevent the sargassum from arriving, but also the disposal, and also, from that table, to try to find a use for the sargassum. If we dont find a use for it, we are not going to put an end to it, he said.

Andrs Bison Len, executive president of Sargassum Ocean Sequestration of Carbon or SOS Carbon, considered that the sargassum issue has worsened due to the lack of actions to face the problem.

At the level of what the problem represents in economic impact, impact to tourism, impact to the environment, impact to human health, the level of response has been shallow, he considered.

He explained that SOS Carbon, a research project of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), developed a cost-efficient mechanism for collecting sargassum in the sea before it reaches the beaches. He assured that this model minimizes sargassums economic, ecological, human health, and environmental impacts.

We continue with the goal of uniting all the actors to work as a team and provide the necessary response to the urgency of the problem, said Bison Len.

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Environment: Situation of sargassum is critical in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean - Dominican Today

A hidden gem in the Caribbean

A mere three hour plane ride from Miami, toward the more well-known islands of Anguilla and St. Martin, youll find Nevis. This less than 36-square-mile island was once a star in the sugar trade world, but when the last sugar factory shut down in the 1950s it became an island that thrives on tourism though its not an island thats typically on everyones radar. Fun fact: its where Alexander Hamilton was born. To get to Nevis, youll probably fly into its more urban sister-island, St. Kitts, and take a 15 minute boat ride over.

A peaceful and magical getaway, Nevis is a barely touched gem that allows its visitors to get a true taste of the Caribbean. And one of those delicious things youll undoubtedly taste on a visit to Nevis is mango 44 different kinds, in fact. Theres so many mangoes on Nevis that its without a doubt the Mango Capital of the Caribbean, but youve got to visit the island in order to enjoy this abundantly juicy fruit since its not exported off the island.

Bankie hosted several mango tasting sessions at the Nevis Mango Festival

Ronald Bankie King, not only works for the Nevis Department of Agriculture, but hes known for being the foremost expert in all things mango in Nevis. Though the official variety count of mangoes in Nevis is 44, Bankie says theres easily 200 or so that he can name off the top of his head, because over the years people have grafted trees from other countries and brought them over knowing theyd thrive in the islands soil.

Because of Nevis Peak (a potentially active volcano that sits in the very center of the island), our soil is rich and mangoes can grow anywhere, says Bankie. Everyone has mango trees, they even grow wild on the side of the road. You dont really have to nurture or take care of the trees for them to survive. They just appear and produce.

Some of the more popular varieties are Gods Blood, Ice Cream, Round Ball, Amory Polly, Stephen, Teeny, Julies, Cream, and Grafted mangoes all of which Bankie mentions he can recognize by blind tasting or just a quick glance at the fruit.

With as many mangoes as there are on the island, Bankie says they cant possibly use them all. Were almost overrun with mangos. We cant make our way through all of them, says Bankie. Plus, with the regulations around fruits, its not possible for them to export this delicious crop, because it can be affected by the mango seed weevil. Fortunately, this pest doesnt affect mangoes eaten on the island, but requires that every Nevisian mango stays put basically in its own version of quarantine.

There are 44 official varieties of mangoes in Nevis

In an attempt to make use of the thousands of mangoes produced on Nevis each year, the Nevis Tourism Authority hosts an annual Nevis Mango Festival that takes place the first weekend in July featuring three days of events and activities all centered around the tasty fruit, as July is peak season for mangoes.

With so many different types of mangoes grown here, they are an integral part of Nevisian cuisine, said Devon Liburd, Nevis Tourism Authority interim CEO. Each variety has a slightly different look, taste and texture, giving our chefs lots of opportunities to be creative. We believe the Mango Festival is the perfect way to experience a Caribbean vacation with a distinctively Nevisian flavor.

Scenes from the mango cocktail competition

The festival features a dozens of chefs from both Nevis and St. Kitts showcasing mango-centric dishes. Think mango chutneys, mango salsas, mango curries, mango hot sauce, mango smoothies, mango skewers, mango rice everything mango. Theres also a Mango Eating Contest, a Mango Cocktail Competition with some of the islands top bartenders, a Mango Wellness Zone where guests are treated to mini massages using mango butter products, and a Mango Cooking Competition featuring notable local chefs who compete Chopped-style on stage with a mystery basket of ingredients while still making sure to highlight Nevis mangoes in each dish.

Mango at Four Seasons Nevis

Those looking for even more mango during their visit to Nevis are encouraged to pop over to Mango restaurant at Four Seasons Nevis, a stunning open air restaurant right on the water serving delightful Caribbean cuisine and delicious cocktails by resident Master Mixologist, Kendie Williams. Naturally, as the name implies, youll find plenty of mango dishes and beverages on this menu from a mango and pumpkin soup with quinoa and coconut cream to curried green mussels with mango chutney, and a mango cheesecake for dessert.

Mangojito: a refreshing mango-forward take on a mojito

Looking to sip your mango? Opt for the Mangojito, a fun take on a mojito made with Brinley mango rum, mango puree (most likely made using mangos grown right in Kendies backyard), soda, mint, and lime.

Unlike most Caribbean islands, Four Seasons Nevis is the only big resort youll find on the island. Theres a charming law in Nevis that states nothing can be built higher than a coconut tree, so you tend to find lots of small inns, rental homes, and villas many of which are also home to lots of mango trees with fruit ready for picking if youre visiting anytime from June to early September.

If youre visiting, dont be shy in your mango consumption. The locals say they are best eating straight from the tree and theres plenty to go around.

More:

This Unexpected West Indies Island Is The Mango Capital Of The Caribbean - Forbes

By Sounds and Colours | 25 July, 2022

The Caribbean history and culture could be a book of hundreds of pages because Caribbean culture is highly diverse. Its culture has been built from the heterogeneous identities of indigenous peoples, settlers (mostly Europeans), and enslaved people from Africa, all created by the diaspora of these peoples and the influence of Latin America. The Caribbean Sea washes many shores belonging not only to continental powers but also to island powers. The union of these states is commonly referred to as the Caribbean countries. The island nations stretch between North and South America, some of the largest being the Bahamas and the Antilles, whose area is 245,000 square kilometers.

For fans of games here, too, everything is simple because, for example, online teen patti game here, no one forbids.

Christopher Columbus declared this place the West Indies because in 1492, on his way back from Europe, his crew became lost and, upon docking on the shores of the Bahamas, though it was India. From that moment, the Spaniards were actively exploring new lands. Soon enslaved people were brought to the island to develop land and build plantations. Africans were especially valued because they were resistant to the hot climate and, therefore, more hardy.

But Spain wasnt the only one claiming newly discovered land; countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, and France also wanted a piece of it. But it wasnt just the enslaved people that attracted them, and it was mainly the crops that grew:

Plantations were established on the islands to grow these crops, and enslaved Africans accustomed to the hot climate were used to work on them. Thus the colonies in the islands of the Caribbean came into being.

The period of colonization lasted three centuries, after which the individual islands gradually became independent. The first freed colony was San Domingo, and it received independence from France in 1804. It was followed by Cuba, Puerto Rico, and others. But colonial History left its mark on the culture of the peoples. The locals mingled with natives from Africa and other regions, merging religion, customs, and blood, which gave birth to a whole new culture, unique.

Nearly a century after Christopher Columbus set foot in new lands, mistakenly assuming that they had only discovered a new route to Asia rather than new lands, pirates began to settle in the Caribbean islands. The newly discovered areas of land were fertile, and all developed countries tried their best to claim the islands; ships came and went constantly and carried many valuables; no doubt this attracted the pirates. The most favored islands for them were Tortuga and Port Royal.

The islands period of prosperity for pirates is considered the first 30 years of the 18th century, during which time personalities such as Blackbeard, Charles Vane, and many others became famous.

At the moment, like many warm countries, the island nations thrive solely on tourism. The lists of resorts are vast, and the country can be chosen based on culture, local cuisine, service, and season. Even though the islands washed by the Caribbean Sea have a year-round resort, seasonality still exists; in some months, there comes a period of rain. At this time, beach lovers are better to stay somewhere else, glad that this seasonality comes to the islands, not at the same time.

The nature here is unique in its way:

It is a dream to rest here for many, but because of the flight distance for residents of several countries, such a trip can seriously hurt the bottom line. The list of benefits rest here is complemented by the presence of the tastiest ripe fruit, which will replenish your body with vitamins.

The Caribbean climate is good; at least in November, it is not hot; however, in May, it is very hot in some places. Therefore, a hurricane season is roughly from mid-June to mid-November, with a high risk of weather-related flight delays or cancellations.

Cuba

Europeans, for example, are very fond of Cuba, and, despite the costly flight, visiting this country our compatriots is growing every year. Stay on the island without a prior permit can be 90 days.

Holidays in Cuba will suit every generation, the youth can dance till they drop at the brightest parties, trying the famous Cuban rum, and the older generation can indulge themselves with the authentic Cuban cigars and beautiful sea views. Gambling is popular here. It is especially true for the best 3 patti real cash game and poker.

Haiti

Haiti is the only state with two official capitals. Haiti is the most exciting island in the Caribbean because of its volcanic origin and the high frequency of earthquakes. In addition, the island is full of rips and fast rivers, perfect for rafting.

Jamaica

The most relaxed island, washed by the Caribbean Sea. In addition to visa-free travel for Europeans, the island is also attractive as the cradle of reggae. Here, Bob Marley, the progenitor of reggae, was born, raised, and built his solo career. It is also where a museum was opened in his honor. Holidays in Jamaica are the most relaxed.

Puerto Rico

An island of solitude and tranquility with lots of small unpopulated islands around. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and people, among other things.

Housing in this region is expectedly expensivethe most expensive area in the British and American colonies. The British are costly because they are not tourist-oriented but offshore: 40% of offshore companies worldwide are registered in the British Virgin Islands.

Also costly accommodation on small independent islands: St. Kitts, Barbados, Antigua everywhere the cheapest room without air conditioning costs from $50, no hostels. The high prices can be explained by the fact that all these hotels are made exclusively for tourists, mainly Americans, who have enough money. Hotels are unnecessary for locals who do not live very rich because anywhere on the island you can get in one or two hours. So it feels like the colonies are somewhat cheaper than the independent countries.

Living in the Caribbean islands is safe and beautiful but not cheap. The economy of the islands is dependent on tourism and investors. Previously, the Caribbean countries emphasized farming, mainly growing spices. Today, more and more attract investors, offering them many advantages.

To obtain a passport as a citizen of an island country, you must make a financial contribution to its economy; the money is considerable, and the amount varies from state to state. However, we are talking about hundreds of thousands of dollars, so much pleasure can not afford not everyone.

The most attractive investors are Dominica, St. Kitts, Grenada, and Antigua, because their infrastructure is the most developed, and their residence security is at the highest level.

The Caribbean is currently in a phase of prosperity, and the island nations are not only friendly but ready to cooperate. Resorts are attractive to celebrities from all over the world, which is why the prices here are not small, but this makes the alternatives even more beautiful, and the tourist flow increases yearly.

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The Caribbean islands - how not to get confused and see all the exciting things? - Sounds and Colours

A Greenland sharkPhoto: Shutterstock (Shutterstock)

One of the strangest and longest-lived species of shark has been spotted far beyond its usual haunts. In new research this month, marine biologists report having found a sleeper shark in the western Caribbean waters near Belize for the first time. The discovery is the latest to suggest that these enigmatic creatures, typically seen in the Arctic, may be more common and widespread in the waters of the deep than previously thought.

The sighting happened this April by researchers from Florida International University. With the help of local fishermen, they had been trying to tag tiger sharks at Glovers Reef, a coral atoll in Belize, when they captured something else: a small-eyed, grayish, roughly 11-foot-long fish, pulled from the waters depths. When the beast was brought to the surface, it was especially slow-moving and quite unlike any fish that the team had come across before.

I knew it was something unusual and so did the fishers, who hadnt ever seen anything quite like it in all their combined years of fishing, said Devanshi Kasana, a Ph.D. candidate at the Florida International University Predator Ecology and Conservation lab, in a statement from the university.

The sleeper shark briefly encountered by the researchers near Belize. Photo: Devanshi Kasana

Due to incoming storms and not wanting to endanger the creature, the group quickly released their catch, though not before documenting it. Upon consultation with other experts, they soon surmised that they had briefly met a sleeper shark. Their findings were published this month in Marine Biology.

Sleeper sharks are named for their sluggish behavior. Even in their usual deep-water setting, they swim slowly and expend little energy in hunting or scavenging for food, often catching their prey while theyre asleep. Perhaps the most well-known sleeper shark, the Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), may also be one of the longest-lived animals in the world, with a lifespan thought to extend up to 400 years. Though these sharks could in theory snack on a human, their natural environment is far from human activity and no attacks have ever been reported. Their bodies are also normally toxic to us, thanks to the adaptations theyve made to survive in the depths, but Icelandic people have figured out a way to eat them anyway, and cured Greenland shark flesh is a local delicacy. Due to the sharks large size, the researchers believe they either captured a Greenland shark or the hybrid offspring of a Greenland and a related species called Somniosus pacificus.

Though these sharks are typically thought to spend most of their time in the frigid waters of the Arctic, some populations do seem to migrate, and there have been occasional sightings around the tropics in recent years, including in the Caribbean. This latest sighting adds another wrinkle, though, since the team was much closer to the shore than other teams have been when they stumbled upon their tropical sleeper. But because the reef has waters that reach as far down as 9,500 feet, there is a plausible source of cold temperatures available for these sharks to live comfortably. Since we know so little about these sharks, they could be much more widely distributed around the world than currently documented.

The team plans to continue studying the deep sea fish of Belize. And though theyre not necessarily expecting to spot a sleeper shark again, they will be carrying specialized tags from now on to monitor any potential specimens they do encounter, just in case.

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A Mysterious Arctic Shark Just Showed Up in the Caribbean - Gizmodo

What happened

Shares of cruise ship stocks have that sinking feeling this morning, with Carnival (CCL 0.47%) (CUK 0.79%), Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH 2.64%), and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL 2.02%) all falling 4% or more at 10:41 a.m. ET on Tuesday.

While there was no specific company or industry news to trigger the rogue wave that is swamping cruise stocks, Walmart yesterday issued a profit warning for its second-quarter and full-year earnings that also said consumers were cutting back on discretionary spending.

The prospect of a second consecutive quarter of gross domestic product contraction -- the rule of thumb for what a recession is -- suggests consumers are stepping hard on the spending brake, which could lead to fewer people taking cruises.

The cruise industry, though, is seeing robust booking patterns with rates above pre-pandemic levels even though prices are higher. Last month Carnival reported occupancy was rising sequentially as it has 91% of its fleet back in the water, while deposits for future cruises exceed $5 billion.

Royal Caribbean is running at 95% capacity with booking 40% above 2019 and Norwegian is seeing similarly strong numbers, although it admits much of it is because occupancy that typically wouldn't be available now is. Even so, that shows people want to go on cruises again.

However, the cruise operators have significantly more debt now than they did before the pandemic and they're burning a lot of cash to remain afloat. Carnival just completed a share issue at a steep discount to raise $1 billion. The announcement of the stock sale at a price below $10 a share caused shares to tumble hard as investors feared the company may burn through its available cash if it's not able to stay shipshape on bookings.

Analysts view the move as a proactive one on Carnival's part, not a defensive one, and following the CDC's decision to lift its monitoring requirements on the industry, a more relaxed atmosphere may help cruise stocks.

Still, if the economy continues to deteriorate, cruise line stocks will be in for even rougher seas in the coming months, and there is the risk the recent monkeypox outbreak plunges the industry into chaos again. The World Health Organization recently declared monkeypox a global health crisis.

Both Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean are scheduled to report second-quarter results next week. Analysts are looking for a loss of $0.82 per share for Norwegian, which would be a 57% improvement over the year-ago period,while Royal Caribbean is expected to lose $2.18 per share, which would show similar year-over-year improvement.

Investors will be watching for how much the cruise lines are burning through their available cash. If it's significantly worse than it's been (not that anyone is anticipating that at this time) it may mean Norwegian and Royal Caribbean might also have to tap the equity markets to raise more money.

With these stocks already sinking to Davy Jones' Locker territory in recent months, it could prove devastating.

Rich Duprey has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Walmart Inc. The Motley Fool recommends Carnival. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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Why Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean Are Taking on Water Today - The Motley Fool

Hes a truly spiritual person, Fuad Abu Bakr told me. He was referring to his father, Yasin, the notorious Trinidadian militant who led thefirst and only Islamist insurrection ever attempted in a Western democracy.We were standing in front of the mosque his father built at 1 Murcarapo Road on the outskirts of Trinidad and Tobagos capital city, Port of Spain.

It was early 2016, and I had gone to Trinidad toreporton Trinidadian ISIS foreign fighters forThe Atlantic.Between2013 and 2016,some240Trinis travelled to Syria and Iraq to join the caliphate, making Trinidad one of the worldsbiggest exporters, per capita, of ISIS foreign fighters. I wanted to know how a country famed for calypso, rum and carnival could incubate something so profoundly unTrinidadian.

As a former resident of the country, Id heard a lot of things about Yasin Abu Bakr, none of which contained the word spiritual. He had led the Jamaat al Muslimeen (JAM), a fringe group of black Muslims, with all the tact of an inebriated pitbull and it was clear there was a connection, albeit tangled and complex, between the JAM radicals of the Nineties and the ISIS fighters who came later.

It was here, 32 years ago this week, on 27 July 1990, outside the mosque where Fuad and I were standing, thatBakr gathered his men for a group prayer and pep-talk. They were armed to the teeth with AK47s, pump-action shotguns and rifles. According to Fuad,Bakrwas seeking guidance from God, a sign that he was on the right path: He was saying to God, if Im gonna do the wrong thing, then stop me from leaving here. But there was no divine obstruction, and Bakr and his men, all 114 of them, sped off into Port of Spain to overthrow the government.

When Bakr and his men left the compound at1 Murcarapo Road, one group headed for the nations parliament in the Red House, and another to Trinidads only TV station, Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT). Within hours of laying siege to the parliament, which was still in session, aseniorJAM member had shot Prime Minister Arthur Robinson in the leg. Afemale clerkwas killed, and Leo des Vignes, a government MP, was also shot in the leg: he died from blood loss a couple of days later. Robinson, already wounded, was made to lie on the floor with his trousers pulled down.

In the TTT building, where 27 hostages were being held, Bakr was preparing to address the nation. Like the stars of the present-day global jihad, Bakr instinctively understood the power of the media, both as a tool for attracting attention and for spreading propaganda. At just after 7pm, TTT went on air with the most dramatic newscast in its 28-year-old history: At 6pm this afternoon, the government of Trinidad and Tobago was overthrown, Bakr coolly told the nation. The Prime Minister and members of the cabinet are under arrest. We are asking everybody to remain calm. The revolutionary forces are commanded to control the streets. There shall be no looting.

Almost immediately, looting began but there was no uprising. The JAM leadership had made a gamble: that once they took over the parliament and TTT, a groundswell of popular support would propel them forward to a real and durable political takeover. But it didnt happen, because while many Trinis sympathised with Bakrs critique of political corruption and social injustice, they were appalled by his violent contempt for democracy. This included the vast majority of Trinidads mostly East Indian Muslim population, who were suspicious of Bakrs group and did not take kindly to Bakrs inflammatory suggestion, voiced to theTrinidad and Tobago Sunday Expressin 1985, that they were not really practising the true tenets of the religion.

The coup continues to cast a dark shadow over life and politics in Trinidad. Bakr and his followers were never properly punished for their actions they were pardoned after serving just two years in prison and Bakr not only took perverse delight in playing up to the monstrous image that the local media had assigned to him, butremaineda vexatious and controversialpublic figurein Trinidad right up until hisdeathlast year aged 80.

Furthermore, many Trinis believe that the spiralling levels of crime in the country since the late Nineties is a legacy of the coup: Trinidad and Tobago currently has one of the highest crime rates in the world. In Freudian terms, Bakr, the big monster, cleared a path for all the little monsters, showing them it was possible to unleash murderous havoc in Trinidad and more or less get away with it. Then in 2013, Trinis began joining ISIS; many were the sons and daughters of original JAM members.

But how could this mainly Christian and Hindu country, with a population evenly divided between descendants of African slaves and Indian indenturedlabourers, fall victim to an attempted Islamist coup?

The answer doesnt lie in ideology although Bakr would have journalists believe that the JAM had sacrificed themselves for the poor and oppressed. While its true that Bakrs group attracted many impoverished families, providing them with shelter, food, work and a supportive community, the coup had nothing to do with advancing the interests of Trinidads marginal men and women. Nor was it about some grand plan to create an Islamic State in Trinidad.

The primary cause, rather, was far more prosaic: it was to do with a convoluted land dispute between the JAM and the government over the ownership of 1 Murcarapo Road. When the JAM moved there in the late Seventies as guests of the Islamic Missionary Guild (IMG), it wasmostly swampland. The IMG left, but the JAM remained: they drained the land and started building on it, putting up a mosque, a medical clinic, housing quarters and a primary school. But they did so without the approval of the local government, and on land that they had no legal right to. And so began the JAMs conflict with the government.

Three months before the coup attempt, the army and police entered the Murcarapo premises and set up positions. This was to prevent the JAM from continuing to build on the land. Bakr not only saw this as an intolerable challenge to his moral authority; he also came to believe that the authorities wanted to kill him and destroy his group. When asked, in 1993, by criminologist Ramesh Deosaran what really sparked the 1990 insurrection, Bakr said: It was a military solution to a military problem.

Last year, I made a 12-minute documentary: Diary of a Jihadi: The 1990 Coup in Trinidad and Tobago, supported by the Airey Neave Trust, on how the coup unfolded over the course of six days. The opening scene features the late Raoul Pantin, a prodigiously talented journalist who was working at TTT when Bakrs men came calling and was taken hostage alongside his other male colleagues. In his personal account of the coup,Days of Wrath, he sharply conveys the sheer ridiculousness of Bakr and the strangeness of the events he unleashed. In one telling passage, he recalls that three days into the coup Bakr and his men broke into song:

There was Bakr, using the mouth of an AK47 rifle as a microphone, singing along with a popular calypso playing on the radio. It was the old legendary calypsonian, Sniper, crooning, Trinidad is my land and to love it Im proud and glad Two or three other gunmen had joined in, one of them using his rifle butt as a drum, and the other strumming an imaginary guitar on his AK47.

Just days earlier, these militants had aimed those very same weapons at the heads of the hostages in TTT, and had already put them to vigorous use. Now they resembled the kind of moronic extremists that Chris Morris would go on to satirise with such verve inFour Lions.

In an observation that cuts to the very psychological core of Bakr, Pantin speculates that it wasnot wholly implausible that Bakr had staged a bloody coup merely to appear on television and harangue the nation In his two earlier appearances on TTT that Friday night, Bakr had been the star of his own show, relishing every moment of it, switching from the angry Leader of the Revolution, to the humble Imam who was merely carrying out the will of Allah.

Toward the end ofDays of Wrath,Pantin wonders if Bakr is crazy. On the last day of the coup, after he had successfully negotiated a deal with the government and agreed to surrender, Bakr invited all the hostages at TTT to dinner at his Murcarapo compound once the coup was over. A shuddering thought went through my mind, Pantin wrote. Hes insane. Hes probably been insane for years.

Political violence is such a horrible and serious business that theres a strong temptation to think that violent extremists must be deeply serious people. Pantins book calls this into question. A good number of the JAM militants were very young, Pantin observes, and clearly didnt know what they were doing. But did Bakr and the other senior leaders of the JAM know any better? Despite their rhetoric about martyrdom, they clearly did notwant to die. Indeed, they eventually surrendered. And the idea that 114 self-styled jihadis could overthrow a democratically-elected government in a majority Christian-Hindu country was utterly insane. Pantin teaches us to prick the self-glorifying rhetoric of extremists and to recognise their fundamental lack of seriousness.

Of all of Bakrs critics, perhaps the most trenchant were the Trini ISIS jihadists, whose parents were once part of Bakrs orbit. In July 2016,Dabiq, ISISs glossy propaganda magazine, published an interview with Shane Crawford, one of the first Trinis to join ISIS.He would have beenfive years old in 1990: There was a faction of Muslims in Trinidad that was known for militancy, he told the magazine, referring to the JAM. Its members attempted to overthrow the disbelieving government but quickly surrendered, apostatised, and participated in the religion of democracy, demonstrating that they werent upon the correct methodology of jihad. This was no idle reminiscence on Crawfords part: according to many classical interpretations of the Islamic faith, the punishment forapostasyis death. Crawford was, in effect, saying that the blood of the JAM washalaland could be shed.In February 2017, Crawfords own blood was shed: he was severely injured in a US airstrike in Raqqa and died.

The irony is thatwithout Bakr and the JAM, Crawford would probably still be selling fishalong the Southern Main Road in Enterprise, central Trinidad, for it was from the JAM that an ISIS-supporting faction emerged.Nazim Mohammed, who fought in the coup and is now in his late seventies, split from Bakr and set up his own radical Islamic community in the south. At least 15 members of his family left Trinidad to join ISIS in Syria and Iraq but he denies any association with ISIS.

No one in Trinidad has yet been charged for joining or supporting ISIS, and there arereportedlyaround 100 Trinis in detention in camps in Syria, while Nazim Mohammeds daughter and three granddaughters are currently locked up in an Iraqi prison. At some point, they will return.

Whether the jihadi spirit will be rekindled in Trinidad is yet to be seen. But Bakrscoup shows just how easy it is for a small group of marginal men, radicalised by grievance and inflamed with ideological zeal, to inflict a tremendous amount chaos and suffering on a democratic society. It also serves as a salutary reminder that, while we should resist the temptations of apocalyptic alarmism, we should never take for granted the resilience of democratic institutions.

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The Jihadists of the Caribbean - UnHerd

CANCUN, Mexico--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GigNet, a Digital Infrastructure company with an extensive regional fiber optic broadband network from Costa Mujeres, North of Cancun, through the Hotel Zone of Tulum, announced today it has signed an agreement to provide high-speed Internet to five Selina Hotels in Cancun and the Riviera Maya including Isla Mujeres, Downtown Cancun, Cancun Hotel Zone, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.

Selina is a unique hospitality brand operating in more than 60 destinations worldwide that combine remote work, sustainable travel, and community. From off-grid hidden gems in the middle of nature to buzzing hubs in the heart of innovative cities, Selina has changed the remote work landscape and enabled digital nomads to travel seamlessly across the globe. Selina enables the ultimate work-life balance with well-designed co-working spaces at every destination complete with desks, high-speed WiFi, meeting rooms, and more. Selected locations also feature curated wellness programs to nourish the mind, body, and soul. For example, Selina Isla Mujeres offers a library area, a movie theater, an outdoor event area, and an IDC Scuba Instructor Certification Center - the only one in Latin America inside a hotel.

Mark Carney, OBE, and President of GigNet Mexico, stated, We are excited about welcoming Selina Hotels to the GigNet family. I personally have fond memories from Selina Isla Mujeres, the former site of Poc-Na an original Mexico hostel, since I stayed there for a year when I first arrived in Cancun over forty years ago. Just as when I started my career in Cancun, Selina caters to a new generation of travelers seeking career and personal adventures. The difference is that now guests at all the Selina properties in the Mexican Caribbean can work, communicate, and innovate with friends and colleagues around the world seamlessly and securely.

Mr. Carney added, Selina recognizes that digital nomads are some of the most interesting and productive entrepreneurs and creators on the planet. The Cancun region is the perfect nomad and permanent - destination for tomorrows technology and business leaders who can now travel, live, and work with the advantage of GigNets high-speed fiber connectivity.

ABOUT SELINA HOTELS

Rafi Museri and Daniel Rudasevski, creators of Selina Hotels, have designed a travel experience where guests can enjoy a hearty and healthy breakfast and concentrate on their work while sharing a space in the co-working area, and relax and meet other travelers to enjoy a drink, food, and music from guest DJs or live musicians. Museri and Rudasevski themselves embody Selina, working remotely, traveling the world, meeting new people, and forming lasting bonds. Their desire to build Selina was personal fueled by a desire to make interesting spaces around the world, driven by the social aspect, and the vision that Life must be with people. https://www.selina.com/es/mexico/

ABOUT GIGNET

GigNet is the Mexican Caribbean brand of GigNet, Inc., a U.S. based international Digital Infrastructure company specializing in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) for enterprise customers including hotels, resorts, retailers, offices, large commercial operations, governmental offices, and medical and educational facilities, as well as fiber-optic transport services for mobile phone operators in the region. Through its Mexico operating subsidiaries, GigNet, S.A. de C.V., and Sanalto Redes Peninsular, S.A.P.I. de C.V., the Company is a fully licensed telecommunications provider in Mexico. GigNet is actively adding customers to its extensive regional broadband network in the Mexican Caribbean, one of the largest and fastest growing tourism and new residential development destinations in the world, with over 25 million annual airport visitors. GigNet is a leader in the Digital Transformation of the region.

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GigNet Signs Agreement with Five Selina Hotels in the Mexican Caribbean to Provide High Speed Internet - Business Wire

Posted on July 27, 2022

Executive Vice President of the Afreximbank, Kanayo Awani chats with Prime Minister Mia Mottley during her visit - GP

Barbados is expected to host more than 700 African businessmen, investors, and representatives of financial institutions during the first Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF) from August 31 to September 3 this year.

The Forum is one of the first projects coming out of last years First Africa-Caricom summit and will be held at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre under the theme: One People. One Destiny. Uniting and Reimagining Our Future.

The event is a collective initiative of Invest Barbados and Export Barbados in collaboration with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

The Forum aimsto fosterthe development of strategic partnerships between the business communities in Africa and the Caribbean, to bolster bilateral cooperation and increase engagement in trade, investment, technology transfer, innovation, tourism, culture, and other sectors, a media release from Export Barbados (BIDC) and Invest Barbados stated.

Additionally, ACTIF 2022 is expected to contribute to the implementation of theAfrican Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)and the Caribbean trade development agenda, further reflecting the deep-rooted ties between Africa and the Caribbean based on their shared history, culture, common identity, and destiny.

As part of their commitment to the Forums success, CEOs of Export Barbados (BIDC) and Invest Barbados Mark Hill and Kaye Greenidge respectively, hosted Kanayo Awani, executive vice president of Afreximbanks Intra-African Trade Bank and her team during a preparatory visit to Barbados between July 20 and 22.

Awani also had meetings with Prime Minister Mia Mottley and representatives of key local and regional organisations.

Mottleysaid Barbados ACTIF2022 will be a major step towards strengthening relations between Caricom and Africa.

Last September, Barbados signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Afreximbank, and we are committed to the success of that MOU, she said.

Indeed, Barbados is of the view that the Afreximbank is a key partner for all Caricom member states in facilitating trade and investment opportunities between Africa and the Caribbean.

The prime minister added: Establishing air links between our regions is vital if those prospects are to be realised, and Barbados is committed to doing its part to achieve that. After four centuries, Africa and the Caribbean are joining forces, and so this Forum must embrace all our people.

It is a historic moment that cannot be captured by only a few businesses and businessmen; none of us should miss it.I am confident that ACTIF2022 will connect our peoples and result in an increased flow of goods and services between our two regions and overall, wider cooperation.

Commenting on the Forum, Awani said ACTIF2022was taking placeagainst the backdrop of the renewed engagement between Africa and the Caribbean.

The joint hosting of the first Africa-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum is a key step towards the renaissance of the relationship between Africa and the Caribbean, she said.

Following the step taken on September 7, 2021, by the African and Caribbean heads of state and government at their summit, where they renewed their commitment to revitalise the relationship, ACTIF2022 is the next logical stride, using the power of trade to reconnect the two regions.

We thank the government of Barbados for sharing our vision and generously committing itself without hesitation to host this Forum, extending the invitation to the business communities and developmental agencies in Africa and the wider Caribbean region. We look forward to a successful Forum and a renewed relationship between two regions that everything links.

Intending participants, including potential exhibitors, can register for ACTIF2022 by visiting the event website.

(PR/AR)

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Forum to advance Africa-Caribbean trade and investment in August - Nation News

What if a tourist could travel across the Caribbean on a single visa?

Thats the idea of Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, who says the implementation of a regional tourist visa regime among CARICOM nations has huge economic potential.

A regional visa regime is something that weve been talking about. I think if we are to build Caribbean tourism, then we must recognize that as individual states, we are too small to grow and to benefit from the recovery of tourism as it now stands, but together as a region, we can grow and we can benefit, Bartlett says.

That would create the potential for a malt-destination tourism network, Bartlett says.

More importantly, it would create a single common airspace, where airlines flying to the Caribbean would pay one fee.

The idea would be that a traveler could clear customs in Jamaica and then be domestic across the countries of the Caribbean Community, from Barbados to Antigua to Trinidad.

It will bring more airlines into our space because the turnaround time for the aircraft will be significantly reduced as a result. More rotations could be had, and thus more visitors can come in, Bartlett says.

The other element of importance is that it also provides a new skill set to be developed in the Caribbean area. What tourism will be doing is now saying were not just people who have bartenders, cooks and housekeepers, but we are into technology, aviation, logistics and procurement, he said.

Its not completely without precedent.

Indeed, for the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, CARICOM treated the nine host countries (and Dominica) and a single domestic space tor travelers for nearly three months.

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A Single Tourist Visa for the Whole Caribbean? - Caribbean Journal