Category Archives: Private Islands

Jamaica Inn

FOR CLASSIC CARIBBEAN VIBES: JAMAICA INN

Given their bottom lines, most Caribbean hotels work hard to get you to stay on property. Jamaica Inn, though, works hard to get youoff. Thats because the storied 48-suite, 4-villa boutique hotel in Ocho Rioswhich dates back to the 1940s and has over the years welcomed everyone from Winston Churchill and Errol Flynn to TS Eliott and Marilyn Monroeis deeply committed to something all properties ought to put above all: community.

Local excursions are thus part and parcel of your blissful stay. Theres a private boat ride to breathtaking Dunns River Falls, and rafting on the Martha Brae River in Trelawney. Guests can visit the local farmers market with Jamaican Inns executive chef, then return to property for a cooking demonstration. Dinner reservations can be made at local gem Miss Ts Kitchen, which has just opened a new wine bar and serves up the best curried lobster in all of Jamaica (yes, I said it!). A must-do is the lovely boat ride to Jamaica Inns thriving fish sanctuary: Via the Jamaican Inn Foundation, which also supports local schools and a womens center, this sanctuary has brought stretches of vibrant reef back to life single-handedly.

Jamaica Inn Cottage

Of course, its also easy to simply stay put and bask in all the on-property joys. The stunningly manicured 8-acre resort sits on a 700-foot private beach that will carry you to otherworldly levels of R&R. All rooms have private balustraded balconies or large verandahs overlooking the wateras if designed to promote reading and contemplation. A live band performs at the restaurant every night, and menus feature all things local: ackee and saltfish for breakfast, Jamaican patties for lunch, curried goat or fresh snapper for dinner. Take a Spice and Fruit Tour of the gardens with the ever-knowledagble Mr. Henry; get schooled in Rumology at Teddys Beach Bar with the vivacious bartender Jevvon; enjoy a new CBD oil massage treatment in a cabana hanging over the sea at the divine Ocean Spa. It all adds up to Jamaica exactly as you want to experience it. Jamaicainn.com

LOCAL TIP Have Jamaica Inn book your trip toStush in the Bush, a farm-to-table dining experience at ZionItes, a 15-acre certified organic farm in the hills of St. Ann. Its theirie,ital Jamaica that few get to seeand taste. Stushinthebush.com

FOR FOODIES: GRAND HYATT BAHA MAR

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar Grotto

Full disclosure: I am not a big hotel kind of girl. Boutique might as well be my middle name. So even though I dont have to be asked twice to hop over to wonderful Nassau, Bahamasespecially given its need for tourism support in the wake of Hurricane Dorian, which devastated Abaco and Grand Bahama but left the other islands mostly unscathedI was daunted by a stay at Baha Mar: a colossal development thats home to three hotels and one more in the making, the largest casino in the Caribbean, six swimming pools, a Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole golf course and more.

But once I settled into my divine room in the sky at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, I found myself appreciating the quite special aspects of the complex: a swimming pool with massive glass windows showcasing the turtles, sharks and sting rays at the neighboring wildlife sanctuary; a pink flamingo mini-farm; a palatial 30,000-square-foot ESPA spa; a vibrant community arts center.

Then I began eating. And eating. And eating some more. And this brought me to a dramatic conclusion: Baha Mar is the Disneyland of food, boasting some of the best food I have ever eaten in a big-hotel setting.

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

By day I feasted at the charming airstream trucks set up on the beach and offering a dazzling array of yumminess: Umami burgers, Mexican delights, authentic barbeque, well-dressed hot dogs, a range of sliders, custom daqueries. Evening came with anxiety: Did I want to go to Greece, Japan or China? I reveled in all three: the feted Katsuya served up truffle ponzu ceviche, lobster dynamite, and miso glazed black cod; Shuang Ba was a journey through the regional cuisines of China, from Peking duck salad, lobster soup and cherry fois gras to chili boiled beef and conch dumplings (a great local touch); Cleo Mediterrneo perfected seafood paella, moussakah, kebabs, curried calamari and a rack of lamb that still makes me salivate. Nights were spent enjoying the music at rooftop hangout Skybar, or sipping Appleton 12 years rum at the classy T Cigar Lounge, partly owned by Tiger Woods and Justin Timberlake (just for kicks, order a Sexy Back, made from patron, raspberry and strawberry). And for a midnight snack there were lamb kofta meat balls, crab cakes, and kobe beef sliders at Jazz Bar, featuring live performances most nights.

By the end of my stay I still hadnt sampled everythingbut I did plan an eating agenda for my inevitable return: sample Stix Noodle Bar, where chefs hand pull traditional Chinese noodles; taste osso bucco and asparagus with burrata at Fi'lia by Michael Schwartz; try theantojitos(little cravings) and mezcals at Costa;order grilled oysters and Nassau grouper at 3 Tides Fish House; devour a steak at Carna by Dario Cecchini. Then, most importantly: go to the gym. Hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/thebahamas/grand-hyatt-baha-mar/nasgh

LOCAL TIP There is one very, very vital Bahamian dish that you cannot get at Baha Mara dish it should be criminal to leave Nassau without eating: fresh conch salad. Get it, along with great local vibes, atStingray Point Native Food & Pub, located on the strip of famous, music-filled conch shacks under the bridge to Paradise Island.

FOR PARTY-LOVERS: THE MONDRIAN SOUTH BEACH

Pool at The Mondrian South Beach

You came to Miami Beach to party. Of course you didso did everyone else. Make that mission easy by checking into the Mondrian South Beach: a feted 218-room hotel thats also ground zero for all things revelry. Set on a lovely stretch ofwaterfront along Biscayne Bay and boasting funky, Instagram-friendly dcor by Dutch designer Marcel Wanders, the hotel has a sprawling pool area that beckons for swimming, yes, but so much more: people watching, sipping bubbly, lounging on the comfy day beds while admiring the unofficial bikini fashion show unfolding around you, snacking on sushi and sliders, sipping more bubbly and jumping in the pool to sober up.At the Sundance Pool Series every Saturday and Sunday theres a DJ andRos specials, turning up the see-and-be-seen factor by many a notch.

The indoor-outdoor Mondrian Caffe is also quite the South Beach scene, especially during happy hourand especially on Fridays, home toSunset Fridays. Order upcoconut rum-based concoctions like the Sunset Breeze, with fresh lime juice and watermelon, and pair it with specially priced Cuban sliders, tangerine charred octopus and beef empanadas.Extend Saturday nights festivities into Sunday at the Caffes all-you-can-eat buffet, which boasts an intense spread of sushi, BBQ selections, omelets, salads, and make-your-own parfaits. Theres a complimentary Mimosa or Bloody Mary included, but youre in South Beach, after all, so go for the bottomless Mimosas or the Grey Goose Experience (at surprisingly affordable prices).

Sunset at The Mondrian South Beach

For all that partying youll need two things: fashion and a hangover strategy. The Mondrian has got you covered. Thanks to their partnership with Lady Jetset, a white-glove concierge fashion rental service, a different designer outfit can land in your room daily. As for that hangover, nothing tackles it like a spa treatment, making the hotels modishGUYandGIRL Spa a must-visit. Try their deep sleep dream-inducing treatment, which uses guided breathing meditation, lavender balms and an acupressure point sequence to give you the rest youre not getting in Miami, night after joyful night.Morganshotelgroup.com

LOCAL TIP Bodega Taqueria Y Tequila boasts some seriously delicious tacos (try the barbacoa and thecamaron al coco, with coconut shrimp), an excellent tequila and mescal collection and a cool, warehouse-style back room thats the perfect place to get your night started (Bodegasouthbeach.com). If youre traveling in October, be sure to partake in the Caribbean-themed fetes during Miami Carnival weekend, which gets more robust by the year; any party by Jay Upscale Promotions (Instagram.com/jayupscale/?hl=en) or Scorch (Thescorch.com) is sure to be a winner.

The rest is here:

Your Winter Escape Roundup: Where to Stay This Season in Jamaica, the Bahamas and Miami - Forbes

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. As Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Bahamas, two groups of islands emerged. One group was hit hard by death and destruction. The other escaped relatively unscathed and now the push is on for tourists to vacation there again.

After the Category 5 storm, Bahamian tourism officials took pains to tell the outside world that many of the countrys destinations, including Nassau, the nations capital, as well as the adjacent Paradise Island, werent badly damaged and are open for business. Cruise lines, which take hundreds of thousands of passengers annually to the Bahamas, say their private islands also were largely spared even though Dorian hit the northern Bahamas and killed at least 50 people.

It is important to spread the word that much of the country had no or little impact and is open for business, said Roger Frizzell, spokesman for Miami-based Carnival Corp. Cruise tourism is a vital economic driver for the Bahamian people.

Cruise lines have started lining up Caribbean itineraries from Florida and beyond. But the government, resorts and cruise lines face a challenge in persuading vacationers to return to the islands, as many reportedly feel uncomfortable booking vacations near areas hit by the storm. Bookings declined significantly at resorts across the country, according to the tourism ministry, which published a map showing how 14 of the nations 16 tourism-centric islands are open for business.

There are plans for various Grand Bahama resorts to reopen in the coming weeks, but no regularly scheduled cruise ships are docking or disembarking leisure travelers in Freeport, as authorities tend to displaced residents and damaged properties. The worst thing that could happen to the island at this stage is to stop going there, said Oneil Khosa, CEO of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line.

The cruise line, which conducted relief missions out of the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, is assessing how to resume leisure cruises to the island. Itd be a controlled cruise experience, Khosa said. We would restrict the region where our passengers would be able to go for their own safety, while not diluting the experience.

RELATED: Thousands in Bahamas struggle to find work after Dorian

Some Bahamians without homes have instability ruling their lives miles from where tourists arrive.

While Nassau is back in business as a cruise and tourist destination, it also has been a landing place for large numbers of storm refugees who lost their homes in Grand Bahama Island, the Abacos and other northern islands. In the capital, there are still nearly 2,000 people in shelters, mostly from devastated areas in the north, a disaster official with U.S. Agency for International Development told The Associated Press.

Besides Nassau and nearby Paradise Island, the storm spared Andros, the Exumas, Eleuthera and farther out, in southeastern islands such as Cat Island and Long Island, most of the island nation never experienced tropical-storm-force winds. But the damage picture is vastly different in the north, where Grand Bahama suffered widespread property destruction in its eastern portion, and maritime operations in Freeport were curtailed.

Atlantis, Paradise Island the huge hotel, casino and water park complex adjacent to Nassau kept its flags at half staff out of respect for people killed by the storm, one of the strongest hurricanes on record. But the complex, which is more than 120 miles south of the storm-ravaged region of the country, is quickly emerging from a short-term decline in visitors who are getting over their reluctance to travel to the Bahamas, a spokesman said.

We have not seen any kind of long-lasting effect other than the week prior to and the week during the storm, said Ed Fields, spokesman for the destination. You would have the same impact as in South Florida. Once (visitors) realize the storm is past, they are quick to start up again and those who may have canceled have rebooked.

We are looking good for the fall. Obviously the islands directly affected have some ways to go. Our focus is to see how we can help them rebuild.

Atlantis, which pledged $3 million to relief efforts, is doing more to entice visitors. Its offering nervous travelers a Worry Free Hurricane Guarantee. Under the plan, would-be visitors can cancel their reservations up to the moment of departure if the National Hurricane Center issues storm warnings within 14 days prior to a persons scheduled arrival. Travelers are expected to rebook within 60 days.

Meanwhile, the cruise lines have resumed most of their regularly scheduled trips to the islands.

Here is a look at where they are headed:

CARNIVAL CORP.

Three of the companys lines Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are all resuming regular sailings starting this month and in October. Destinations include Nassau, the nations capital, and the Carnival-owned private islands of Half Moon Cay, which is 100 miles south of Nassau, and Princess Cays, which is 50 miles east of Nassau. Collectively, the three companies will operate more than 250 sailings to the Bahamas through the end of the year, Frizzell said.

Carnival Cruise Line: The companys ships have returned with scheduled visits to most Bahamian ports of call, including 41 planned calls to Nassau and Carnivals private islands, Half Moon Cay and Princess Cays, for the rest of September. Eight vessels will make a combined 204 calls through the remainder of the year, visiting Nassau and the private islands.

Princess Cruises: Starting Oct. 9, the line has 19 sailings scheduled through the end of this year, including visits to the private Princess Cays enclave.

Holland America Line: Ships are scheduled to return to the Bahamas starting Oct. 21, when MS Zuiderdam calls on Half Moon Cay. Through the end of the year, the company plans 46 scheduled cruises to Bahamian destinations with seven of its ships.

BAHAMAS PARADISE CRUISE LINE

Prior to the storm, the two-ship line offered two-night voyages out of the Port of Palm Beach to Grand Bahama Island, its only destination.

Khosa, the CEO, said he doesnt have a date for resuming regular service. But he has no plans for serving anywhere else.

We are committed to Grand Bahama, he said. It is our only port of call.

On regular cruises, passengers spend most of their time aboard the lines ships and take beach excursions. Most of our guests are going to happy with that, he said.

After the storm, the line converted one of its ships, the Grand Celebration, into a relief vessel.

The second round-trip mission returned to South Florida on Sept. 18. While in Grand Bahama, the ship served 12,000 meals to island residents.

Khosa said large numbers of people from around Palm Beach County and elsewhere in the state volunteered their services to help storm victims.

ROYAL CARIBBEAN

The Miami-based companys website is offering cruises out of Port Everglades to Nassau via Key West. Voyages to Nassau are also being offered out of Port Canaveral. Royal Caribbean reopened its private island called CocoCay, also known as Little Stirrup Cay. The island is 55 miles north of Nassau and is used exclusively by its cruise passengers.

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS

The companys Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line said its ships have resumed operations to Nassau and to its private island called Great Stirrup Cay, which is south of Nassau.

Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, we are unfortunately unable to call to Freeport, Grand Bahama, a spokeswoman said.

The Oceania Cruises subsidiary is advertising Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay as part of cruise itineraries out of Miami in October and December.

MSC CRUISES

The Fort Lauderdale-based U.S. arm of the company continues to serve Nassau out of PortMiami. The line says its Nassau itineraries were not impacted by the storm.

The line is also promoting the opening of a redeveloped private island called Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve, which is scheduled to start operations in November. The enclave, part of the Bahamian district of Bimini, lies 65 miles from PortMiami. It did not sustain any storm damage, a representative said.

See the original post:

The two Bahamas: One still devastated, the other again welcoming tourists - Tampa Bay Times

Summer is officially over, but that doesnt mean you have to pack away the swimsuits and beach gear. You can have an entire tropical island all to yourself and keep the summer vibes going any time of the year.

Kanu Private Island is located off the coast of Belize and is a relaxing retreat for up to 10 adults and 10 children. Kanu is no deserted island this property is all about luxurious amenities and comes with everything you, your family and best friends need, in an all-inclusive package.

Kanu Private Island

For starters, the accommodations are positively dreamy. There are five 1,000-square-foot villas dotting the island. Each one features a spa bathroom, air conditioning, well-appointed decor, and views of the beach and Caribbean Sea. Select villas include a large soaking tub, and the master villa has a family-friendly loft space for the little ones.

If you wish, you can still connect to civilization or opt out of the Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs available in each villa.

While the villas offer privacy, there is a central palapa designed to bring everyone staying on the island together. It houses the communal kitchen, bar and living area. Plus, there is a swimming pool with sun loungers right next to it!

Kanu Private island

With the beautiful villas, pristine beach and a swimming pool, theres more than enough to fill your days on the island. But those arent all the activities included with a stay.

The all-inclusive package includes up to four complimentary massages every day for the whole group. Its up to you to decide the exact schedule, but thats more than enough for everyone to get a turn on the treatment table.

Kanu offers a private boat captain, who is at your service to take guests on tours around the island and to neighboring islands. If you want to make your away around under your own power, there are kayaks and paddleboards just waiting for you. Games and a pool table can be found on site, too.

Kanu Private Island

Just a 15-minute boat ride away is the town of Placencia. Here, youll find shops, restaurants and bars. Its not too much of a culture shock from the quiet island oasis, as its known for a slow pace and uniquely Belizean way of life.

A visit to Belize is incomplete without a tour underwater. The country is home to the longest barrier reef system in the Northern and Western Hemispheres. The stunning central section is conveniently located near Kanu, so you can step into snorkel gear and dive in. Or, let your personal concierge arrange a nearby scuba trip!

Kanu Private Island

As you may have gathered, this private island oasis doesnt come without a hefty price. It rings in at $3,950 per night for exclusive use of the entire island for up to eight adults for a seven-night minimum stay. Its $4,250 per night for use of the entire island for up to eight adults during a four- to six-night stay.

That price does include all housekeeping and laundry, a personal chef, local beverages (including some alcohol) and unlimited use of all equipment. It also includes the services of your personal concierge, your boat captain and a snorkeling and fishing guide.

Kanu Private Island

What are you waiting for? Save up your pennies, grab your nine closest friends and a few kids and head to the island!

Read more from the original source:

Rent This Entire Private Island Near Belize For You And 9 Of Your Closest Friends - Simplemost

This uninhabited island off the west coast of Scotland is on sale for a bargain price.

Wednesday 25 September 2019 13:15

If you're looking for a complete escape and fancy owning a private island then Insh island may be a dream buy. With only cottage ruins and a cave (in which is thought that the previous owner lived for a few years), the island is close to Oban and is on the market for a guide price of 125,000 with Dawsons - a budget of which is less than a central Edinburgh flat.

This private island extends to just over 90 acres and is situated in the Firth of Lorne.

Dawsons

other

The island has rough grass bordered by rocky outcrops and cliff faces. There is also a natural cave and the ruins of two croft cottages.

Dawsons

other

Insh is one of the slat islands, which include Seil, Easdale, Luing, Lunga, Shuna, Torsa and Belnahua.

Dawsons

other

New owners can enjoy complete solidarity as the island is uninhabited.

Dawsons

other

View more

View original post here:

Entire Scottish island on the market for less than an Edinburgh flat - The Scotsman

(CNN) Spin the globe, pick a spot and odds are good you'll alight on the color blue: 71% of the Earth's surface is covered with water.

Vast stretches of ocean spread from the edges of the continents, and what lies between the coasts is true wilderness. Far from terrestrial plants and light-filled shallows, the open ocean makes no accommodation for human comfort or survival.

Islands are the exception. These widely scattered landing places offer respite in the form of fresh water, abundant food and the occasional fruity cocktail.

Every single one invites travelers to leave familiar shores behind.

Whether you're dreaming of a beachy escape or plotting a course for the edges of the Earth, these are the world's 10 most beautiful islands:

Milos (Greece)

This is where the famous Venus de Milo statue was discovered in 1820.

Shutterstock

This is where the famed Venus de Milo was discovered in 1820, and the island -- like the statue -- does spectacular justice to the ancient goddess of love.

Whitewashed houses with blue shutters mirror the island's natural color scheme, and the coast has eroded into a wonderland of arches, coves and white-sand beaches that invite discovery. The Kleftiko caves, which you can reach only by water, are amazing.

Bartolom (Ecuador)

Visitors can't stay overnight at Bartolome Island in the Galapagos.

Shutterstock

The bald summit of Pinnacle Rock looks out across pale beaches and blue-green water, their colors offset by the coal-black lava flow at Sullivan Bay.

It's not possible to overnight on Bartolom, which is named for a friend of the naturalist Charles Darwin, but the island is just a day trip away from Santa Cruz, the Galpagos' main base for visitors.

Go to: Don a snorkel and swim with Galpagos penguins, the only penguins to live north of the equator. Spot the native birds as they dart below the surface while looking for food.

Fregate (Seychelles)

Wild landscapes still thrive on the private island, which is a haven from the Seychelles' more developed shores. Giant aldabra tortoises saunter through the understory here, while two species of sea turtles crawl ashore to lay their eggs.

Granite cliffs swerve for the breakers, giving way to powdery beaches: one, Anse Macquereau, can be turned into a perfectly private getaway. A "beach occupied" sign dangles from a nearby palm tree, inviting visitors to reserve the picture-perfect cove for themselves.

Go to: Channel castaway fantasies gone luxe. (Eating breakfast in a banyan tree platform is where Swiss Family Robinson meets fine china, pressed linen and impeccable service.)

St. Lucia (Lesser Antilles)

The Pitons are twin volcanic spires located in Saint Lucia.

Daniel Slim/AFP/Getty Images

A matched set of volcanic peaks, the Pitons, are the spectacular centerpiece of this beautiful island.

Jura (Scotland)

The Jura mountains dominate the view on the isle of the same name.

Shutterstock

Walking trails ramble through mountains home to native red deer, while golden eagles and sea eagles wheel overhead.

Komodo Island (Indonesia)

Komodo Island will close to visitors in 2020 to protect its most famous residents.

Shutterstock

From a lipstick-pink beach to free-roaming lizards, Komodo Island is a topsy-turvy tropical paradise pulled straight from a fever dream.

Here, thorny savanna rolls towards a shoreline lapped by crystalline water, dramatically varied ecosystems that provide shelter for oddball wildlife.

Senja Island (Norway)

High mountains swoop toward indigo water off Senja Island, a showstopping destination in a country with more than 50,000 beautiful islands.

From the rocky summits of nderdalen National Park to deep, ice-chilled fjords, Senja Island is a dramatic stage for the natural beauty of the Arctic.

Mo'orea (French Polynesia)

A fringing reef wraps the island of Mo'orea in a sheltered embrace, creating a creamy blue lagoon that's a natural playground for swimming and snorkeling.

But it's a dramatic backdrop of jungle mountains that make Mo'orea one of the most beautiful islands on Earth. The summits rise from the forest like jagged stone teeth, a rugged contrast to the paradise scenes at the water's edge.

Go to: Sleep in an overwater bungalow with views of the mountains, then sip your morning coffee as tropical fish dart beneath your front porch.

Palawan, Philippines

Palawan offers many secert beaches with clear water and pale sand.

Shutterstock

Go to: Ride a tidal river deep into a limestone cave system, then bask away the afternoon on a postcard-ready beach.

Kaua'i (United States)

All that lava rock from Kilauea's smoking crater crumbles into otherworldly black-sand beaches,.

Shutterstock

Native forest here provides habitat for bird species that only live in the Hawaiian islands, and a trip into the wilderness reveals hanging valleys and towering waterfalls above crystal-clear freshwater pools.

The most spectacular wilderness on Hawaii's "Garden Island" flanks the N Pali Coast, which intrepid hikers can reach via a challenging trail known as one of America's toughest walks.

Go to: Hike the wilderness N Pali Coast Trail to an untouched beach that can't be reached by road.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story included a photo that misidentified the location of Senja Island, Norway.

When you use affiliate links on this page, CNN may receive revenue. CNN is not responsible for the goods or services provided through such links.

Visit link:

10 of the world's most beautiful islands - CNN

NASSAU, BAHAMAS North Americas largest retail travel company is launching a major initiative with the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation to encourage travelers to visit islands unaffected by Hurricane Dorian.

Travel Leaders Group, which represents 50,000 travel advisors, is hoping its campaign Travel Helps The Bahamas will help minimize the economic impact on the countrys most important industry.

The tragedy and devastation on the Abacos, Freeport and Grand Bahama Island have deeply affected the Bahamian people and everyone who loves The Bahamas, said Travel Leaders Group CEO Ninan Chacko.

We grieve for those who lost their lives, their family members and their homes and businesses and want to help in the best way we can to foster tourism to The Bahamas and minimize the economic impact on the countrys most important industry.

As part of a fundraising and awareness campaign, Travel Leaders Group will match money donated by its advisor community through its foundations to aid The Bahamas relief efforts.

Funds raised, currently totaling $36,000, will be directed to the Ranfurly Homes for Children, which provide a safe haven for Bahamian children who have been displaced because of natural disasters, death, abandonment or other unfortunate circumstances. Travel Leaders Group will also launch an advisor education and marketing effort to promote travel to The Bahamas for fall and winter.

Travel Leaders Group has also partnered with Royal Caribbean International to support travel to The Bahamas through an exclusive offer that provides consumers with up to $100 in onboard spending money on Royal Caribbean voyages that visit Nassau and/or Perfect Day at Coco Cay in The Bahamas.

The offer can be combined with most Royal Caribbean promotions and can only be booked through a travel advisor affiliated with Travel Leaders Network, Nexion Travel Group, Tzell Travel Group, Protravel International and ALTOUR, all units of Travel Leaders Group, the largest retail travel agency organization in North America.

Bonus spending money of $100 per stateroom will be offered for suite reservations; $50 per stateroom for balcony accommodations; and $25 per stateroom for interior and ocean view rooms. Reservations must be made October 1-7, 2019 for cruise departures from October 18, 2019 onward for voyages that visit the charming and historic Bahamian capital of Nassau and/or Perfect Day at Coco Cay, which is a Royal Caribbean private island in The Bahamas featuring beautiful beaches and pristine water, plus exciting experiences like the Thrill Water Park, ziplining and a wide variety of watersports.

Our partners at Royal Caribbean have been absolutely extraordinary in their support for The Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, said Ninan.

At Travel Leaders Group, we are committed to providing aid and fostering travel to The Bahamas, as well. This special offer from Royal Caribbean will help our tens of thousands of travel advisors promote Bahamas cruises to their clients.

Read more here:

Travel Group Partners with Bahamas Tourism To Encourage Travel To Unaffected Islands - EyeWitness News

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) Thursday night football in Savannah involved two of the areas best teams coming away with convincing wins and a thrilling last-minute victory to keep one private school undefeated.

Damozzio Harris and Kian Gary both found the endzone to help Jenkins jump out to a 12-0 lead over Windsor Forest at Garden City Stadium. The Warriors (4-1) never trailed in a convincing 30-0 win over the Knights.

The Islands Sharks continued its winning ways and took care of Groves 65-12 at Memorial Stadium. The Sharks (5-0) have never been undefeated this far into the season and that record will be put to the test next Thursday when they face Jenkins.

Savannah Country Day trailed Johnson by six points with four minutes left in the game at Daffin Park. Sophomore quarterback Barry Kleinpeter engineered a Hornets drive, which included an 8-yard QB keeper touchdown, to tie and eventually take the lead for good.

See original here:

Jenkins, Islands and Savannah Country Day pick up Thursday night wins - WSAV-TV

Carnival Corporation, the worlds largest cruise company with nine cruise lines and over 100 cruise ships, has signed an agreement with the Bahamas to build a pier on their private island, Half Moon Cay.

Half Moon Cay is visited by ships from Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line. Cruise ships currently need to anchor offshore and use tender boats to ferry passengers to the island. Because of this, calls can be canceled due to rough water which makes tendering unsafe.

A pier for cruise ships to dock at will dramatically cut down on missed calls to the private island.

Carnival is planning an $80 million investment to Half Moon Cay. The project is expected to begin in 2020 and will be built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane.

Sponsored Links

The pier will also allow larger cruise ships to visit Half Moon Cay. This includes Carnival Corporations 180,000 gross ton LNG powered vessels, the largest ships built by Carnival.

Half Moon Cay, one of the most popular cruise line private islands, is on the island of Little San Salvador. The island is well known as one of the regions most beloved ports, visited by guests sailing with Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Line.

The current development on the western side covers less than 3% of the 2,400-acre island and includes a tender marina. The new addition will be on the northern part of the island and include a pier able to accommodate larger ships. The beautiful beaches of Half Moon Cay will continue to be a main attraction.

Half Moon Cay received little impact from Hurricane Dorian and cruise ships have resumed visits on the island.

Originally posted here:

Carnival Inks Deal to Build Pier on Half Moon Cay - Cruise Fever

Survivor: Island of the Idolshas shared a sneak peek of its premiere episode.Fans have been waiting patiently since the new season was announced at the finale of Survivor: Edge of Extinction back in May.

Survivor first aired back in May of 2000 and was a big hit among CBS viewers. Themain point of the competitionis to place a group of strangers from different walks of life on an isolated island where they have to find their own food, water, shelter, and fire. Each week, the contestant compete in physical and mental challenges that grant them rewards or immunity for elimination.A contestant is then eliminated by their fellow castmates until one is left to claim the one million dollar prize.

Related:Survivor: Island of the Idols Cast Preview: Who Will Win? Part 1

The 39th season of Americas favorite survival competition is upon us,withSurvivor: Island of the Idolspremiering on September 25. The season premiere wasa glorious 90-minute episode, letting fans jump back into the spirit of the competition. The new season sees two mentors return to the game, Sandra Diaz Twine, who won bothSurvivor: Pearl Islands and Survivor: Redemption Island and Boston Rob Mariana, who won Survivor: Redemption Island. The two all-stars will not be competing to win the one million dollars, but rather there to help the newcontestants find their way. Take a look at a sneak peek of the episode below:

Survivor: Island of the Idolsis filmed in Fiji,makingit the eighth time the franchise had chosen to film inthat location. The two mentors, Rob and Sandra, will also tempt the players to take them on during challenges, which could help them win advantages, suchas an idol in the Tribal Councils. The two legends have three wins, over 200 days in the game, and have made a career out of surviving Survivor. The new game format will have the two mentors living on their own, private island which will be decked out in statues that look like them. The host, Jeff Probst called it Survivor Mount Rushmore.On the secluded island, certain contestants will have the chance to take part in a boot camp led by both Sandra and Rob. The players will be coached, giving them a strategic advantage later in the game.

This new season of Survivor: Island of the Idols is set to be one of the most exciting ones yet thanks to having Sandra and Rob as mentors. Even though the two cannot compete for the monetary prize, fans are sure to experience sneaky motives and plots from the new players.

Next:Survivor: Island of the Idols Cast Guide

Survivor: Island of the Idolsairs Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on CBS.

Source:Survivor

Star Wars 9: Best Look At Repaired Skywalker Lightsaber

More here:

Survivor: Island of the Idols Premiere Episode Sneak Peek - Screen Rant

A Staten Island-bound express bus picks up passengers on 34th Street, Sept. 24, 2019. Photo: Clifford Michel/THE CITY

A city-subsidized private bus operator unpopular with Staten Island commuters has received a years extension on its contract and an additional $300,000 raising taxpayers tab to $3.8 million.

Board members of the citys Economic Development Corp. approved the extra time for Academy Bus, the Hoboken-based company that supplies service along the SIM23 and SIM24, minutes from an August meeting show.

The contract extension marked the companys third in as many years, amid protracted talk of an MTA takeover for the South Shore routes, which run on weekdays to Midtown Manhattan via New Jersey and the Lincoln Tunnel.

The private-bus service for transit-starved South Shore neighborhoods has been in place since 2001. Academy stepped in five years ago after a previous company went bankrupt.

Riders returning home to Staten Island Monday evening sounded off about late buses and breakdowns.

These are the only bus lines in all of New York City where you have to worry about your bus breaking down in the middle of New Jersey, said Robert Perez of Annadale.

Buses on the SIM23 and SIM24, which serve Annadale and Princes Bay, arent equipped with the MTAs new OMNY contactless fare payment system and accept only MetroCards or cash for their $6.75 fare.

Staten Island has only one MetroCard vending machine location outside the North Shore.

The Academy routes also lack GPS tracking that can tell riders when the next bus will arrive.

There are no updates except for from other riders on Facebook, and you just have to keep checking that, said Lisa Angelo, a 31-year-old Huguenot resident.

Academy and EDC did not respond to requests for comment.

In May, midway through Academys last one-year deal, EDC stepped up to supply Academy with an additional $804,000 to its then-$3.5 million base contract.

A staff briefing to EDC board members attributed the ostensibly one-time subsidy increase to declining fare collections, after the MTA reconfigured Staten Islands bus routes: The redesign resulted in significant loss of revenue for Academy due to lower ridership.

Ridership on Staten Island express bus routes overall has slipped only minimally since the redesign, MTA statistics show. Unlike city buses, the MTA does not disclose ridership numbers for the SIM23 and SIM24.

In an interview, Councilmember Joe Borelli (R-Staten Island) suggested his constituents are stuck with Academy until the MTA takes action.

Its not like theres a large roster of bus companies to even bid on this kind of work, said Borelli.

He maintained the only solution is for the MTA to run the routes Theyve told me many times in the past that theyre going to, said Borelli.

Rumblings of a change have grown louder.

New York City Transit president Andy Byford told the Staten Island Advances editorial board in August that It makes no sense to me to have this third-party doing this operation, and said that many issues that riders have would be solved if the MTA were maintaining the routes.

When asked by THE CITY about the possibility of an MTA takeover, agency spokesperson Amanda Kwan said, Were talking with our city partners.

Want to republish this story? See ourrepublication guidelines.

Read this article:

Staten Island's Epic Wait for Alternative to Private Bus Service Just Got Longer - THE CITY