Category Archives: Caribbean

A new Caribbean rum event is coming to the Dutch Caribbean island of Bonaire.

Its called Bonaire Rum Week, and its a celebration of the world of Caribbean rum, featuring cocktail competitions, exquisite rum pairings, cigar events and the chance to taste some of the worlds finest rums.

Set for June 14-17, 2022, Bonaire Rum Week is hosted by Tourism Corporation Bonaire and organized by Caribbean Journal, the worlds leading Caribbean travel media company and the team behind the annual Caribbean Rum Awards in St. Barth.

Bonaire Rum Week was announced last week in the presence of the CEO of TCB Miles Mercera, Commissioner of Tourism Hennyson Thielman, and from Caribbean Journal editor and publisher Alexander Britell and managing editor and EVP Guy Britton.

Were so excited to bring a high-end rum event to one of the most authentic, naturally beautiful and eco-adventurous islands in the Caribbean, said Alexander Britell, editor and publisher of Caribbean Journal. Bonaire has long had a world-class culinary scene, and this week of rum-fueled fun is the perfect way for the destination to help spotlight it while elevating it to the next level.

Bonaire Rum Week Partner Tourism Corporation Bonaire CEO, Miles B M Mercera, We are proud to introduce Bonaire Rum Week as a new signature gourmet experience on the island. Besides being known as the worlds divers paradise, we are also being discovered and recognized by foodies around the world for our culinary offerings. Our first annual Bonaire Rum Week serves as our invitation to adventure seekers around the world to come and experience our authentic cuisine, local rum and our island life.

The festival will kick off with an opening celebration, followed by an island-wide cocktail competition at the islands premier cocktail bar, Tiki & Co, featuring Bonaires top bartenders; a rum-infused lunch; a spiced rum Happy Hour; a multi-course rum-pairing culinary experience followed by a rum-and-cigar pairing event.

This event is a great way to showcase another side of Bonaire, as one of the Caribbeans foremost destinations for foodies and spirits lovers alike, said Guy Britton, managing editor and EVP of Caribbean Journal.

Bonaire has a thriving cocktail culture, from signature rum punches to microbreweries and beach bars.

The island is also home to the Cadushy Distillery, which makes Rom Rincon, Bonaires sought-after, award-winning and locally-made rum, which is the events Host Rum.

Bonaire Rum Week Partners include Tourism Corporation Bonaire; Caradonna Adventures; Delfins Beach Resort Bonaire; Captain Dons Habitat; Buddy Dive Bonaire; Harbour Village Beach Club; Bellafonte Bonaire; Tiki & Co; Cadushy Distillery; JC Herrera; Bottles Bonaire; The Wine Factory Bonaire; Best Cellars and Best Brands Bonaire.

For more information, visit Bonaire Rum Week or contact rum@caribjournal.com.

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Bonaire to Host New Caribbean Rum Festival in June - Caribbean Journal

The Mediterranean diet is a renowned diet backed by decades of research that shows it improves brain health, reduces your risk of heart disease, and even lowers cancer risk (1, 2, 3).

Patterned after dietary habits in Mediterranean countries like Greece and Italy, its full of healthy nutrients from fruits, vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and fish (3).

Yet the Mediterranean diet is culturally representative of foods found in the Mediterranean.

Some of these foods are hard to get outside this region. If youre from another locale, you may be wondering how to gain the health benefits of this diet without omitting your local and cultural foods.

If youre from the Caribbean region as I am it may feel as if the cultural food gap is too wide to bridge. However, following a Mediterranean diet using local foods is easier than you think.

In this article, Ill share science-backed swaps and recommendations to give the Mediterranean diet a Caribbean twist.

The Mediterranean diet is rich in leafy green vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Extra virgin olive oil is a fundamental component of the diet (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).

You can eat moderate amounts of fish, poultry, and dairy, while you should limit or avoid red meat, eggs, added sugar, saturated fat, and red wine (3).

Notably, sugary foods, red meat, and highly processed foods are all common in the Western diet and if eaten in excess associated with an increased risk of chronic disease (4).

Although emerging research indicates that saturated fats arent as harmful as once thought, this diet likely still helps you limit your intake of unhealthy types of saturated fat (7, 8, 9).

Keep these food lists in mind if youre interested in the standard Mediterranean diet (3).

Current U.S. dietary guidelines recommend drinking alcohol in moderation, which means one drink per day for women and two per day for men (10).

The Mediterranean diet is notably rich in the following nutrients (3, 4):

Research demonstrates that in the long-term, following this diet reduces the occurrence of heart events like heart attack and stroke by up to 30% after approximately 5 years (2, 3, 9).

Other research indicated that the Mediterranean diet may protect against certain cancers, including colorectal cancer, and the loss of nerve cells in Parkinsons disease (1, 8).

The standard Mediterranean diet is rich in extra virgin olive oil, leafy green veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. Its also low in added sugar and saturated fat.

Many of the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet have been attributed to high amounts of olive oil (1, 8, 9, 11).

However, scientific research suggests that tying the health benefits of a diet to any single food or nutrient is misleading. The overall eating pattern matters most (2, 11, 12).

Furthermore, studies show that different foods can provide similar nutrients to those found in the Mediterranean diet (3).

This means that in the Caribbean where olive oil is imported, making it costly and less accessible you can continue to enjoy cultural foods that provide an array of health-promoting nutrients.

In fact, foods grown and eaten in the Caribbean are abundant in key nutrients found in the Mediterranean diet. As such, you can comfortably swap ingredients based on seasonality, cost, and preference.

Adapting diets to fit your local cuisine is a fundamental principle that guides my personal and professional approach to nutrition and health, so I confidently incorporate cultural foods and dishes into a balanced diet.

Here are some key swaps you can make for a Caribbean twist on the Mediterranean diet.

Oleic acid the main monounsaturated fatty acid in olive oil is said to give this oil most of its health properties (9, 11, 13).

Notably, the Hass avocado has been shown to have a ratio of oleic acid to saturated fat similar to that olive oil, plus similar contents of both fats (14).

Little information is available on Caribbean avocado varieties like Choquette and Hall. Yet, avocado also called zaboca or pear in the Caribbean is generally rich in monounsaturated fats and oleic acid, and it may reduce heart disease risk by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol (14, 15).

Avocados are a seasonal fruit in the Caribbean. When theyre out of season, consider using other sources of oleic acid, such as avocado oil, olives, olive oil, and walnuts (16).

Although coconut oil is common in Caribbean cooking, its higher in saturated fats which may increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and isnt a suitable replacement for olive oil. You should eat it only in moderation as part of a balanced diet (17).

Tubers colloquially called ground provisions are a staple in the Caribbean diet.

Sweet potato, cassava (yucca), dasheen (taro), eddoes, yam, and potato are eaten in meals like provision and saltfish and as a complement to game meat dishes, such as stewed agouti (a type of rodent), manicou (opossum), or other stewed meats and fish.

Tubers are underrated gluten-free sources of complex carbs like dietary fiber and starches. They also boast anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels (18, 19, 20).

Plus, ground provisions are good sources of essential nutrients even in comparable or greater amounts than some whole grains in the Mediterranean diet, such as brown rice.

This chart compares 1 cup (100 grams) of raw taro root to 1/2 cup (100 grams) of uncooked brown rice (21, 22):

As you can see, taro is higher in fiber, folate, vitamin E, and potassium.

Other nutritious, starchy swaps for whole grains include breadfruit, plantains, and green fig (underripe banana) for their fiber, resistant starch, and mineral contents (23, 24).

Other Mediterranean diet foods are easily adaptable to a Caribbean style of eating. Enjoy local varieties of these foods as suggested:

A Caribbean twist on the Mediterranean diet replaces olive oil with avocado and whole grains with ground provisions (tubers). You can also enjoy local varieties of fruits, veggies, legumes, fish, red meat, eggs, and poultry.

Here are a few specific meal ideas to kick-start your Caribbean-style Mediterranean diet.

Enjoy 12 slices of whole grain bread with 24 tablespoons of crushed avocado and a boiled egg for added protein.

This is a traditional Caribbean breakfast and is now popularly referred to as avocado toast.

Pelau is a one-pot meal made with caramelized meat (chicken or beef), rice, and pigeon peas.

Make half of your plate pelau and half vegetables like coleslaw or watercress, then top with two slices of avocado.

Make half your plate non-starchy vegetables like sauted bok choy (also called patchoi), a quarter of your plate curried kingfish, and a quarter ground provisions of your choice, such as dasheen or cassava.

Add a slice of avocado for a source of healthy fat.

Caribbean dishes that go great with a locally adapted Mediterranean diet include ground provisions and fish, avocado toast with egg, and pelau with coleslaw and avocado.

The traditional Mediterranean diet is rich in extra virgin olive oil, leafy green veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains.

However, some of its staple foods are local only to the Mediterranean.

A Caribbean twist on the Mediterranean diet may include using avocado in place of olive oil and ground provisions (tubers) in place of whole grains. You should also focus on local varieties of fruits, vegetables, legumes, fish, red meat, eggs, and poultry.

Just be sure to keep portion sizes in line with those recommended on the Mediterranean diet.

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A Caribbean Take on the Mediterranean Diet - Healthline

On the night of December 31, 1862, a day before he issued the final Emancipation Proclamation to effectively end slavery in America, PresidentAbraham Lincoln signed a contract with Bernard Kock, an entrepreneur and Florida cotton planter. Their agreement: to use federal funds to relocate 5,000 formerly enslaved people from the United States to le Vache (Cow Island), a small, 20-square-mile island off the southwestern coast of Haiti.

Since the early 1850s, Lincoln had been advancing colonization as a remedy for the gradual emancipation of the nations enslaved. While he strongly opposed the institution of slavery, he didnt believe in racial equality, or that people of different races could successfully integrate. And unleashing nearly 4 million Black people into white American societyNorth or Southwas a political nonstarter. So despite the fact that most Black Americans in the 1850s had been born on U.S. soil, Lincoln advocated shipping them to Central America, the Caribbean or back to Africa. If as the friends of colonization hope[we] succeed in freeing our land from the dangerous presence of slavery; and, at the same time, in restoring a captive people to their long-lost father-land, Lincoln said during his eulogy for statesman Henry Clay in 1852, it will indeed be a glorious consummation.

Lincoln saw colonization as a practical solution to the millions freed by the Emancipation Proclamation, wrote Jayme Ruth Spencer, a scholar of the le Vache effort. Thus the proclamation would satisfy those who wished for emancipation of the Negro as well as those who feared that the freed slave would overrun the North.

READ MORE: How a Movement to Send Formerly Enslaved People to Africa Created Liberia

An illustration from a New York City Colonization Society document, founded in 1817 by Robert Finley, to support the return of free Africans Americans to what was thought to be greater freedom in Africa, 1837.

The New York Historical Society/Getty Images

Nearly a month before he signed the contract with Kock, during his second annual message to Congress, Lincoln had proposed a constitutional amendment to colonize African Americans outside the United States. The amendment included federal compensation for slaveowners who lost their human property due to emancipation.

Looking for proof of concept, Lincoln settled on Kocks le Vache proposal after serious consideration of another colonization plan that would have sent freed Black Americans to the Chiriqu province of Panama. In Kocks plan, the former slaves would work on a cotton plantation. Each family would receive homes and access to hospitals and schools. And after the end of their four-year work contracts, they would be given 16 acres of land and the wages they had earned over that period. Colonization was voluntary for former slaves, but deeply encouraged by Lincoln, Kock and its many other proponents.

The intelligent negro may enter upon a life of freedom and independence, conscious that he has earned the means of livelihood, Kock wrote in his proposal, and at the same time disciplined himself to the duties, the pleasures and wants of free labor.

WATCH: The HISTORY Channel documentary event, Abraham Lincoln, premieres Sunday, February 20 at 8/7c. Watch the trailer now.

The colonization movement was never popular with most African Americans and abolitionists. "Shame upon the guilty wretches that dare propose, and all that countenance such a proposition, wrote Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist orator and publisher, in his newspaper The North Star in 1849. We live herehave lived herehave a right to live here, and mean to live here."

On August 14, 1862, Lincoln met at the White House delegation of Black leaders to make his case for the voluntary emigration of African Americans to countries outside the U.S. Your race suffer from living among us, while ours suffer from your presence It is better for us both, therefore, to be separated, Lincoln told the delegation.

Douglass, who wasnt invited, and who read about the meeting in a newspaper, wrote in his Douglass Monthly that the proposal reminds one of the politeness with which a man might try to bow out of his house some troublesome creditor or the witness of some old guilt.

READ MORE: Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass: Inside Their Complicated Relationship

US Cabinet members, gathered to hear Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, 1862. (L-R) President Abraham Lincoln, Solomon P. Chase, William H. Seward, Montgomery Blair, Gideon Welles, Edwin M Stanton, Caleb B. Smith and Edward Bates.

Buyenlarge/Getty Images

Lincoln was undeterred by these complaints from Douglass and other African American leaders. On April 14, 1863 the vessel Ocean Ranger departed from Fortress Monroe, Virginia, with 453 hopeful African American emigrants aboard, headed to le Vache.

The mission proved an unmitigated failure from the start, according to Graham Welch, an historian and attorney.

By the time the Ocean Ranger reached le Vache in early May, at least 30 of its Black passengers had died from smallpox. A second ship, which was supposed to follow the Ocean Ranger with building and living supplies, never set sail. Kock, the self-appointed superintendent of the island, had misled the government and the Black settlers about the living conditions. On a visit to the island, a government official found the African American settlers with tears, misery and sorrow pictured in every countenance. Instead of the homes they were promised, the families slept on the ground in small huts made of palmetto and brush. Kock offered wages in a self-printed currency, which workers were obliged to spend on exorbitantly priced food and goods in a kind of company shop. There was also a no work, no rations policy. When the emigrant workers threatened revolt, Kock fled.

WATCH: Abraham Lincoln: His Life and Legacy in HISTORY Vault

By the summer of 1863, news of the inhumane conditions in le Vache reached Lincoln, who confided in Union army chaplain John Eaton that the Negroes in the Cow Island settlement on the coast of Hayti were suffering intensely from a pest of jiggers from which there seemed to be no escape or protection. On February 1, 1864, the President ordered his secretary of war, Edwin Stanton, to commission a naval vessel to rescue the le Vache group. A month later, the Navys Marcia C. Day carried the 350 surviving emigrants back to America, arriving in Alexandria, Virginia on March 20. Also in March, Lincoln signed a bill withdrawing the $600,000 appropriated for colonization, of which the administration had spent only about $38,000.

According to Welch, Lincolns signing of the bill signaled that he was finally abandoning colonization as a viable option for those freed from slavery. Following his reversal of the le Vache venture, Lincoln not only remained silent on the failed Haitian colony, but also never issued another public statement concerning colonization, Welch wrote. Instead, Lincoln began exploring ways to integrate those he had freed into a post-emancipation society.

While le Vache was a disastrous failure that led to the deaths of many African Americans, the end of colonization as government policy with the affair heartened many African Americans who had opposed emigrating to another country. This turn to assimilation, rather than displacement, Welch wrote, found support within Black communities, particularly those who saw enlistment as an avenue to support the nation and president that had granted them freedom.

Read more:

When Abraham Lincoln Tried to Resettle Free Black Americans in the Caribbean - History

A new ship has taken the throne as the largest cruise ship in the world. Just recently launched, Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas stands tall as the largest cruise ship in the world, overthrowing sister ship Symphony of the Seas, built in 2018.

Claiming the largest ship in the world is nothing new for Royal Caribbean. This cruise line has been turning out mammoth ships for years now. However, even though building big ships is nothing new for Royal Caribbean, theres a lot about Wonder of the Seas thats absolutely brand-new.

Need to know what to expect if youre one of the lucky cruisers snagging a spot on one of this ships upcoming itineraries? Here are all the details youll need.

Wonder of the Seas boasts some impressive stats, clocking in at

How exactly does that compare to some of the other largest ships in the world?

Well, the second-largest ship in the world is Royal Caribbeans Symphony of the Seas, which measures in at 228,081 GT nearly 8,000 GT less than Wonder of the Seas. Additionally, Symphony of the Seas only has 2,759 staterooms, or 100 fewer than Wonder of the Seas. Wonder of the Seas is also longer than the largest military ship ever, the U.S. Nimitz-class aircraft carriers.

Wonder of the Seas premier has been a long time coming. Royal Caribbean Group first ordered the ship in 2016, with an anticipated early 2021 delivery. Construction was moving along as planned up until the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the cruising industry, at which point delivery was delayed until 2022.

Bookings for the much-anticipated ship opened in early 2021, though (even as itineraries evolved to meet changing travel guidelines), and, in January 2022, Royal Caribbean accepted delivery of Wonder of the Seas. The ships maiden voyage kicks off March 2022.

Read Also: Royal Caribbean Takes Delivery of the New Worlds Largest Cruise Ship

So what can you expect with Wonder of the Seas 2,867 staterooms?

You have four primary stateroom options to choose from:

Whichever of these four categories that you choose, though, you can be assured of updated, modern, fresh interiors like you definitely wont find on older cruise ships. Think sleek furnishings that make great use of each space, for roomier accommodations even in interior staterooms, and muted color palettes that are a far cry from the bold, bright, somewhat-jarring decor of the older era of cruise ships.

Unlike previous interior staterooms, you can find interior staterooms aboard Wonder of the Seas that actually include sitting areas, which is a nice change. The ocean-view staterooms, of course, have that big, bed-side window, while the balcony staterooms feature well-furnished outdoor spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Its the suites aboard Wonder of the Seas that really stand out, though. Elegantly decorated and incredibly spacious, each suite is designed with the full guest experience in mind, giving you a private resort-like feel that youll hardly want to leave. You could enjoy your full cruise in some of these suites and never even feel like youre missing a thing especially when you upgrade to Royal Suite Class.

Royal Suite Class breaks down into three other classes: Star Class, Sky Class and Sea Class. Depending on which you upgrade to, youll receive special benefits and perks. These perks can include

Of course, every suite aboard this ship is magnificent, but theres one that really stands out: the Ultimate Family Suite. This ship is the third Royal Caribbean vessel to include an Ultimate Family Suite and it truly is ultimate. The suite is outfitted with sleeping arrangements for 10 guests and comes with cool features like game areas, a hot tub and more.

So, have you sailed on another Oasis-class ship or even on an older Royal Caribbean ship and you want to know whats new on Wonder of the Seas? Here are a few of the brand-new offerings that you can expect, namely:

The Suite Neighborhood is basically an entire section of the ship thats only dedicated to those lucky guests staying in a suite (see the Royal Suite Class perks listed above!). Those in Royal Suite Class stay in this neighborhood and get access to a bevy of VIP areas, such as a suite guest-only sun deck with a plug pool and bar, as well as a private suite guest-only restaurant, Coastal Kitchen.

The new Mason Jar specialty restaurant is as you may have been able to guess by the name a southern-inspired restaurant that focuses on barbecue, Bayou and Low Country fare. Think fried chicken, gumbo and beignets.

The new Vue pool bar is a cantilever, panoramic bar that sits above the main pool deck. During the day, you can sip your favorite drinks while enjoying ocean views. At night, you can enjoy the light installation over the bar that adds extra visual appeal.

Lastly, the new Wonder Playscape childrens area is an outdoor play space thats great for the younger travelers in your crew, with tot-friendly climbing walls, games, puzzles, murals and more. Think of it as the coolest outdoor playground on water.

Give a quick look to Wonder of the Seas dining options and youll immediately see how dining on this ship gives you so many more options than you might find on one of Royal Caribbeans older ships. Just included within your normal cruise fare, you get access to

For an elegant sit-down meal, the main dining room is your place to go. The Windjammer Cafe offers your typical cruise buffet experience. For lighter options throughout the day, such as salads, soups and sandwiches, you can choose between Park Cafe, Vitality Cafe, Cafe Promenade and the Solarium Bistro.

If youre a suite guest, youll have access to the suite guest-only VIP Coastal Kitchen, with its California-meets-Mediterranean cuisine. For kid-friendly casual eats, theres the Sorrentos pizzeria, El Loco Fresh Mexican restaurant and the Boardwalk Dog House for gourmet hot dogs.

Your options expand even further when you look at all of the restaurants that are open to dining cruisers for an extra fee. Specialty restaurants on Wonder of the Seas include

As mentioned already, The Mason Jar is the newest restaurant in the Royal Caribbean family, and a nice change from some of the staple eateries on the ship, such as Izumi, Giovannis and Chops Grille, which long-time cruisers already know for their respective Japanese, Italian and American steakhouse-style eats. The Chefs Table is the five-course chef-led dining experience thats limited to 18 guests at a time.

150 Central Park is an Oasis-class-only restaurant that features prix fixe tasting menus. Hooked Seafood is a New England-style seafood eatery, while Playmaker is the ships sports bar. Wonderland channels the latest and greatest in food trends, like molecular gastronomy, while the on-board Starbucks and Johnny Rockets venues offer the same experiences you already know from these two brands.

And while, sure, you can enjoy a drink with your dinner at any of the above restaurants, if you want to visit a watering hole for a true bar experience, then you have plenty of options there, too. Wonder of the Seas boasts a large number of bars and lounges, including

If youve sailed with Royal Caribbean in the past, youll recognize a few of these bars from some of the older ships, but if you havent sailed on a newer vessel from the cruise line, youll want to be sure to check out The Lime and Coconut, the newer resort-style, pool-side bar space, as well as, of course, the new Vue Bar.

But you cant just spend all of your time aboard this amazing ship just enjoying your suite and then eating and drinking your way through the dozens of restaurant and bar options. There are plenty of other ways to have a great time, too.You can

Another major aspect of entertainment onboard the worlds largest cruise ship is the AquaTheater, located aft of the Royal Caribbean cruise ship in the Boardwalk neighborhood. This stunning open-air venue features slackliners, divers, dancers, acrobats, and more in breathtaking performances and shows. The venue also features the deepest pool at sea.

So, what are you waiting for? Wonder of the Seas packs so much fun into one enormous space. This brand-new, larger-than-ever-before cruise ship is the mega-ship that avid cruisers have been waiting for. See what all the fuss is about, when you book your Wonder of the Seas cruise.

As the largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Seas has a gross tonnage of 236,857 GT and is 1,188 feet long. It has 2,867 staterooms to fit a maximum of 6,988 guests at full capacity (5,734 guests at double occupancy). It carries 2,300 crew members and features 18 total decks, with 16 guest decks.

Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas is an Oasis-class cruise ship. All Oasis-class ships rank as the largest passenger cruise ships in the world. Wonder of the Seas sister ships include Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Allure of the Seas and flagship Oasis of the Seas. A final Oasis-class ship has been ordered and is planned to launch in 2024; it is still unnamed.

There are four pools and 10 hot tubs on Wonder of the Seas. There are three main pools available to all cruisers, an adults-only pool in the Solarium and a plunge pool on the VIP, suite guests-only sundeck. The main pools include a beach pool with a resort feel, and then two pools next to the Lime and Coconut tropical bar. Other water features include the FlowRider surf simulator, Perfect Storm water slides and kid-friendly Splashaway Bay.

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Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas: Overview and Things to Do - Cruise Hive

The pandemic has made taking a cruise a somewhat different experience. Covid has impacted most areas of life around the world, but cruises have been affected more than most travel. All U.S. cruise lines including Royal Caribbean (RCL) - Get Royal Caribbean Group Report, Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) - Get Carnival Corporation Report, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) - Get Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. Report, and even Walt Disney's (DIS) - Get Walt Disney Company Report cruise line stopped sailing from March 2020 through July 2021 (with Disney waiting a little longer to come back).

Cruising has returned from U.S. ports, but it's not quite the same experience cruisers had before the pandemic. Some of the changes are minor hassles, while others may make some people consider delaying their trip until the pandemic goes away -- something that may not fully happen.

Protocols have been changing -- and will change again soon for Royal Caribbean and Norwegian passengers -- but much of the altered experience has been consistent since cruises from U.S. ports resumed in July.

Image source: Daniel Kline.

Royal Caribbean requires that all passengers 12 and older be fully vaccinated before they get on board. That means they must be two weeks past their second shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine or two weeks past a single shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

None of the three major cruise lines requires that passengers get a booster shot to be considered fully vaccinated. Royal Caribbean asks passengers to upload their vaccine cards before their cruise using its app so they can be verified. Passengers must also answer some health questions in the app which become available roughly 24 hours before your cruise.

In addition to proof of vaccination, all cruisers must take an approved Covid test, no earlier than two days before their cruise. It's two days, not 48 hours, meaning that if you depart on a Sunday, you can take your test either Friday or Saturday. Assuming you test negative, a printout of your results (or a version shown on your phone) must be shown at the port before you can board.

Once at the port cruisers generally have to stick to their allotted check-in time. That policy seems more strict than it was before the pandemic but it has been very strict on some cruises and not enforced on others. In addition, you will have to wear a mask once you enter the port facility, generally removing it briefly for a picture or to show that you match the picture you took before your cruise.

Once you get to the front of the line you will be asked to show your Set-Sail Pass (Royal Caribbean's name for your ticket). your passport (or, in some cases, other acceptable forms of ID), your proof of vaccination, and your test results. On some cruises, you will have to show these multiple times. For others, it may only be once.

Assuming you have all of those things you can board the ship. That generally requires one more scan of your Set-Sail Pass and then it's time to board.

During this entire time and as you board and once you are on the ship, you will be wearing a mask. As of early February, Royal Caribbean passengers -- regardless of vaccine status -- must keep their masks on in all public indoor areas unless they are stationary and eating or drinking.

From a practical point of view, most passengers remove their masks once stationary in any venue that serves food or drinks. Royal Caribbean has not been strict on this, which may be because as of Feb. 15 the cruise line will allow vaccinated passengers to remove their masks in areas that are only for vaccinated passengers. Those include mot bars and restaurants, as well as the casino.

Currently, smoking has been prohibited in the casino and the company has not said whether it will return when the mask rules loosen.

Masks are not required while outside (though they're technically suggested in crowded areas nor do you gave to wear them at Royal Caribbean's private island, Coco Cay.

At the various ports, mask rules and whether you need to carry your proof of vaccination vary by locale and the cruise line does not set those rules.

In addition to the mask rules, there are some other things that are different onboard, though it does vary somewhat by ship:

In addition, crew members testing positive have led to some shows being canceled or modified. And, because ships are sailing with reduced capacities (though some have returned to nearly normal) hours may vary compared to pre-pandemic at venues like the Windjammer buffet.

Cruising on Royal Caribbean (or Carnival, Norwegian, or Disney) right now requires a level of flexibility. The rules may change based on what happens with Covid. Ports or activities could be canceled and things may not be exactly as you plan for them to be.

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What Is It Like On a Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship Right Now? - TheStreet

A sprawling oceanfront estate on the Caribbeans Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands that was originally listed for $45 million will be auctioned, without reserve, on Saturday.

Named Villa Katsura after the Katsura Imperial Villa, a cultural heritage site in Kyoto, Japan, the estate has four residences fitted into the natural hills and beaches. In total, the estate offers more than 20,000 square feet of living space with six bedrooms, nine full and four half baths, according to Platinum Luxury Auctions, which will handle the sale in cooperation with listing brokerage BVI Sothebys International Realty.

The estate was custom built in 2014 by architectural firm OBM International for a married couple from the U.S. who founded and operated a U.S.-based machine and tool company, according to the auction house. The sellers were not immediately available for comment.

Influenced by Japanese architecture, the property has Zen gardens, bamboo groves, rock sculptures, three Koi ponds, a meditation pavilion, multiple terraces and balconies, outdoor pools and 11 water features, according to Platinum Luxury Auctions.

FROM PENTA: Oppenheim Architectures Desert Rock Mixes Luxury With Sustainability

The propertys unique architecture and landscaping create a truly exotic and private escape in an already incredible oceanfront location within the Rosewood Little Dix Bay resort, said Trayor R. Lesnock, founder and president of Platinum Luxury Auctions.

According to Mr. Lesnock, the sellers spent approximately $25 million to create this property, which has been impeccably maintained. Nevertheless, the homes sale without reserve means it will go to the highest bidder whatever the price.

In todays economic climate, the cost to reproduce such a propertynot to mention the tremendous amount of timewould likely be double the sellers initial investment, he said.

The property was first listed for $45 million in 2014 and the price was dropped to $40 million in mid-2015, according to Mr. Lesnock. The current listing was marked price upon request.

The auction will be conducted virtually as well as at a physical venue, which has not yet been decided.

READ MORE: This Villa Offers Some of the Highest Views on the Caribbean Island of St. Kitts

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Japanese-Influenced Caribbean Estate Once Asking $45 Million Heads to Auction - Mansion Global

The World Bank is pursuing a gradual, incremental approach to better understand and quantify Caribbean countries financial exposure to the effects of natural hazards. Caribbean countries are exposed to high levels of risks from natural hazards, having significant negative impacts on their economic and fiscal stability. In recent years, countries in the region have expressed high demand to deepen their financial preparedness to disaster shocks. The Bank tailors country-specific ways to improve their financial resilience to disaster shocks with the goal of developing comprehensive disaster risk financing (DRF) strategies that can help enhance long-term disaster resilience and adaptation capacity for the most vulnerable countries in the Caribbean.

Developing DRF activities with a wide variety of partners has been beneficial to support countries strengthen their financial resilience. For instance, activities in DRF in the Caribbean, particularly in Saint Lucia, have been implemented in partnership with the WFP and FAO, creating more opportunities for analytical support at the intersection of adaptive social protection and disaster risk financing. information to further enrich the sectoral notes. Maintaining a degree of flexibility when possible can lead to beneficial outcomes for the projects result. Working with the academic sector has required flexibility in order to adapt to academic timelines. Developing an academic course also requires adapting the content to ensure the knowledge can benefit the most wide-ranging audience.

Originally posted here:

Enhancing disaster risk financing in the Caribbean - Technical assistance to strengthen financial protection in the Caribbean - World - ReliefWeb

FILM lovers fell in love with the tale of eccentric pirate Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp.

The first Pirates Of The Caribbean movie premiered in 2003 - here's how to watch the blockbuster films in order.

1

Released: June 2003

This is the beginning of beloved pirate Captain Jack Sparrow's journey.

Eccentric pirate Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) and blacksmith Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) embark on a dangerous journey.

Will wants to save his love, the governor's daughter Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), who was kidnapped by undead pirates led by Jack's mutinous former first mate, Hector Barbossa.

Jack seeks revenge against Barbossa, who left him stranded on an island before stealing his ship, the Black Pearl, and 882 pieces of cursed Aztec Gold.

Released: June 2006

When ghostly pirate Davy Jones (Bill Nighy) comes to collect a blood debt, Captain Sparrow needs to find a way to avoid his fate.

Meanwhile, Lord Cutler Beckett of the East India Trading Company arrests Will and Elizabeth for aiding Jack in his previous adventure.

Beckett offers clemency if Will agrees to search for Jack's compass, the only way to find the Dead Man's Chest - the same one that could help Jack pay off his debt to Davy Jones.

Sparrow's bid to find the chest is complicated by both Will and Elizabeth, who follow him out to sea.

Released: May 2007

Lord Beckett gains power over Jones and, with the help of his ship The Flying Dutchman, he is now on the way to extinguish piracy forever.

To try to stop him, Will, Elizabeth, Barbossa, and the crew of the Black Pearl set out to rescue Jack from Davy Jones' Locker.

As one of the Nine Pirate Lords, Jack is needed in order to release an ancient goddess with the power to defeat Beckett's forces.

Released: May 2011

Jack embarks on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth and crosses paths with a former lover, Angelica (Penelope Cruz).

She forces Jack aboard the Queen Anne's Revenge, a ship captained by the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who is also searching for the fountain.

Released: May 2017

A group of ghostly Spanish Royal Navy soldiers led by Jack Sparrow's old nemesis, Captain Armando Salazar, escape from the Devil's Triangle, with the goal of killing every pirate at sea.

Sparrow seeks out the help of the legendary Trident of Poseidon, a powerful artefact whose owner can control the seas, tides, and aquatic animals, and break curses.

More:

Pirates of the Caribbean movie timeline: How to watch the films in order... - The US Sun

Most of the Royal Caribbean International fleet is now back in revenue service.

While some vessels recently had programs suspended due to COVID-19 related circumstances, 16 cruise ships are sailing for the brand again.

Heres the complete list:

Adventure of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 3,100Date: In service since November 8, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Galveston (United States)Length: 4 and 5 nightsItinerary: Mexico Cozumel, Costa Maya and Progreso

Allure of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 5,400Date: In service since August 8, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Fort Lauderdale (United States) Length: 6 and 8 nightsItinerary: Bahamas, Western and Eastern Caribbean

Anthem of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 4,100Date: In service since July 7, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Cape Liberty (United States) Length: 7 to 9 nightsItinerary: Eastern Caribbean and Bahamas

Explorer of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 3,100Date: In service since November 7, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: San Juan (Puerto Rico)Length: 7 nightsItinerary: Eastern and Southern Caribbean

Freedom of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 3,600Date: In service since July 2, 2021 Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Miami (United States)Length: 2 to 4 nightsItinerary: Bahamas Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay

Grandeur of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 1,950Date: In service since December 5, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Bridgetown (Barbados)Length: 7 and 14 nightsItinerary: Southern and Eastern Caribbean

Harmony of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 5,400Date: In service since August 15, 2021Region: Caribbean Homeport: Port Canaveral (United States) Length: 7 nightsItinerary: Western and Eastern Caribbean

Independence of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 3,600Date: In service since January 29, 2022Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Port Canaveral (United States)Length: 3 and 4 nightsItinerary: Bahamas Perfect Day at CocoCay and Nassau

Liberty of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 3,600Date: In service since October 3, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Galveston (United States) Length: 7 nightsItinerary: Western Caribbean Mexico, Belize and Honduras

Mariner of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 3,100Date: In service since August 23, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Port Canaveral (United States) Length: 4 to 7 nightsItinerary: Bahamas, Western and Eastern Caribbean

Navigator of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 3,100Date: In service since November 19, 2021Region: West CoastHomeport: Los Angeles (United States)Length: 3 to 7 nightsItinerary: Mexico and California Cabo San Lucas, Mazatln, Puerto Vallarta, Catalina Island and more

Oasis of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 5,400Date: In service since September 5, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Miami (United States) Length: 7 nightsItinerary: Bahamas, Western and Eastern Caribbean

Odyssey of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 4,100Date: In service since July 31, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Fort Lauderdale (United States)Length: 6 to 8 nightsItinerary: Bahamas, Western and Southern Caribbean

Symphony of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 5,400Date: In service since January 29, 2022Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Miami (United States)Length: 7 nightsItinerary: Bahamas, Western and Eastern Caribbean

Brilliance of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 2,100Date: In service since December 16, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Tampa (United States)Length: 4 and 5 nightsItinerary: Mexico and Bahamas

Enchantment of the SeasCapacity at 100%: 2,250 Date: In service since December 23, 2021Region: CaribbeanHomeport: Baltimore (United States)Length: 8 to 12 nightsItinerary: Eastern Caribbean an Bahamas

See the original post here:

Here Are the Royal Caribbean Ships Currently in Service - Cruise Industry News

"Alternative citizenship gives you all the freedom of traveling visa-free to a lot more places. Apart from this, investing in real estate and setting up a business without much hassle acts as the extra icing, if Caribbeancitizenship by investment is their choice," says CEO CTrustGlobal.

"If you are someone who is not dependent on a Job and is Independently Wealthy with an interest in Travel and Business investments, "Investment migration" is Your best way out," says CTrustGlobal CEO.

Most countries have citizenship by investment Program - all that differs is the time and price to secure it. One must go through all the research and base their decision according to the requirements and budget.

Where are the wealthy moving these days?

"Without a doubt, it's the Caribbean islands -Caribbean passports that offer visa-free travel to nearly 140 to 160 countries," says the CEO, CTrustGlobal.

Let's look at the secrets that make this region so attractive.

A Strong Economic Bounce-Back

The Caribbean is a tourist-dependent region. It remains one of the most prominent destinations in the world. And yet, it's situated in the eye of the storm.

Hurricanes have passed through with high frequency and intensity. Some of them are utterly destructive for tourist operators. But many have adapted to the bitterness of rising again from the ashes.

COVID-19 impact may have been even greater to these regions. It struggled with border closures, flight cancellations, and a near-fall of the cruise-ship market. The human impact of the virus affected tens of thousands.

A report by the Caribbean Tourism Organization showsa drop in tourism arrivals in 2020 in comparison to 2019. The decline was estimated to be at 65%, the biggest in the region.

Despite these challenges, more and more HNWIs are eyeing the region. It makes one wonder what secret lies here. One of the reasons is the region's quick adjustment to situations.

Experts indicate that Caribbean countries were quicker to implement measures for the pandemic. Tourists returned faster compared to other destinations. It outperformed many other parts of the world, which experienced even steeper drops.

Such a strong economy would attract different investors. It's one of the reasons why HNWIs come here.

The Caribbean enjoys some of the highest levels of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) globally. Many of its economies have FDI to GDP ratios above 10%.

Although the 2008 financial crisis greatly reduced its FDI flow, the region has witnessed a considerable recovery recently. It's still one of the significant economic destinations around.

The Best CBI Programs

Citizen-by-Investment is the process of obtaining a second citizenship and passport through investment. One can buy a property in a host country to acquire citizenship. It's a much faster way of becoming a citizen than the traditional immigration method.

The investor does not need to visit or reside in the host country. CBI is the best way for HNWIs to invest in other opportunities globally.

An applicant can have approval roughly within three months. They will receive permanent citizenship, a valid passport, and visa-free travel, among other benefits.

This is what investors from third-world and developing countries look for. It's no longer just a luxury, but rather a necessity.

Let's look at the two countries that have the highest number of investments in the Caribbean:

India

A press release the Business Standard mentions a rise in the number of Indian HNWIs investing in the Caribbean. They are looking for a better way of diversifying their wealth.

This country faces uncertainties around the healthcare industry, primarily influenced by the pandemic. Also, essential tax rules are affecting their investments. Affluent Indians are therefore looking for a better life for their families and more stable financial assets.

CTrustGlobal reports a sharp increase in the Indian upper class investing in other countries. India has close to 7,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals and over 100 billionaires.

The Global Wealth Migration Review report indicates that close to 5000 millionaires migrated abroad in 2020 alone. A larger percentage of them ended up in the Caribbean.

The Indian government has created flexible policies that allow HNWIs to invest abroad in the past few years. This has allowed them to get citizenship in these countries.

Caribbean countries offer the best CBI programs for Indians. It's no wonder the Indian community is growing steadily. More and more affluent Indians are coming here for business and wealth diversification and a better life for their families.

Nigeria

Despite having vast resources, the Nigerian HNWIs community faces too many global travel restrictions by the Nigerian passport. It grants visa-free access to only 54 destinations, which already includes other African nations.

This is a very small number compared to her neighbors like Ghana, Cameroon, and Cote d'Ivoire. Passports from these countries grant access to other high-end destinations like Europe and the USA.

Investing in Dominica citizenship is the best move. Pairing the Nigerian passport with a Caribbean passport opens doors to more than 150 more destinations globally. This includes the UK, the USA, Russia, and China, which are considered to be economic superpowers.

The CBI process is quick and straightforward. The process will take about three months to complete. Once done, the individual enjoys a wide range of benefits, including expanded visa-free travel to over 200 countries.

Also, investing in the Caribbean passport opens access to tax exemptions from different incomes, gifts, inheritance and wealth, and the best educational institutions. It's a great opportunity for any African investor looking for easy access to the global economy.

Other Reasons

There are several other reasons why the Caribbean has become a favorite destination for HNWIs. Consider the following:

A safe environment

The stable economic development of this region makes it an excellent place for investment. The entire region has been enjoying steady economic growth of about 5% per year, majorly from tourism.

Flexible tax policy

Caribbean countries like Grenada don't impose a foreign income tax, property tax, gift tax, wealth, or inheritance tax on investors. They offer corporate tax incentives to attract more investors, exempting all import taxes too. Also, there is no limit to the flow of capital and profits back home. These are attractive offers for HNWIs investors.

Excellent quality of life

The Caribbean CBI program allows investors to own dual nationality. With this comes the lowest-paid family costs in places like Grenada and Dominica. One can also migrate to the USA using the E2 visa, which allows them to establish, advance, and operate businesses. Besides, their spouse will have the rights to work, and the children can attend the school of their choice.

Final Thought

Investing in the Caribbean CBI is an excellent move for HNWIs who needs access to better business opportunities. The use of FDI promotion policies is more extensive and prevalent here than any other place. It's evidence of stable economic growth. With such a welcoming environment, there is no questions why it is so attractive to investors.

SOURCE ctrustglobal.com

Read the rest here:

The Caribbean: The Haven for The Wealthiest People In The World - PRNewswire