Flights to the Caribbean are getting cheaper, according to the latest report from Airlines Reporting Corp., a travel intelligence firm.

Average ticket prices across the Caribbean’s most popular destinations have fallen, with only flights to Punta Cana seeing an increase.

So what’s the cheapest average ticket to the Caribbean? Flights to Puerto Rico, which were down to $438.58 according to Airlines Reporting Corp.’s latest numbers.

The top destinations in the Caribbean as measured by airline ticket transactions were Cancun, followed by San Juan, Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Nassau and Santo Domingo.

Here’s how their average prices stacked up:

Of course, this data is based on the highest-volume destinations.

Some destinations like the French Caribbean island of Martinique are seeing significantly reduced airfare on low-cost carriers like Norwegian (for as low as $79 each way).

Results were based on roundtrip air tickets purchased from US travel agencies to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Pearl ship has returned to its seasonal homeport of Miami after a two-week-long dry dock.

The ship underwent a renovation project that “revitalized” every stateroom and many of the ship’s public areas, according to the company.

The renovation is part of the cruise line’s wider “Norwegian Edge” investment program.

“Norwegian Pearl is one of our most beloved ships. With this dry dock we wanted to provide her with a refreshed, clean and modern onboard atmosphere while maintaining the ship’s overall charm and flexibility that our guests enjoy so much,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line president and chief executive officer. “Through The Norwegian Edge™ program we are continuing to heavily invest in our fleet to ensure that guests have a consistent experience across all Norwegian ships and the freedom to create their ideal cruise vacation.”

All of the ship’s 1,197 staterooms saw a completely refreshed look, with new furniture, new carpeting, new headboards, new TVs and additions like USB outlets.

Also undergoing changes were the ship’s Cagney’s Steakhouse, the Haven Courtyard and the pool deck.

Norwegian Pearl is sailing from Miami from now through April, with itineraries including round-trip sailings through the Panama Canal.

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To find this rum, you must journey to the base of a volcano.

Here at the foot of Mont Pelee, that fearsome summit in the north of Martinique, is the home of Rhum Depaz.

And this beautiful plantation makes some of the Caribbean’s greatest rum, though even in Martinique it’s generally makes it only as far as the municipal limits of the town of Saint Pierre. (Indeed, it’s one of the most consistent winners in our annual Rum Awards).

Depaz’s greatest asset is its location on the remarkably rich soils of Pelee, the same volcano that destroyed the town of Saint Pierre in 1902 (and its 30,000 inhabitants). But the Depaz family eventually rebuilt the plantation in 1917.

You see, because this is a rhum agricole from Martinique, it has a terroir — because where it’s made, where the sugarcane is grown and what the soil is like actually matters, unlike far too many Caribbean molasses-based rums that simply import their molasses from other countries.

The Depaz family estate on the plantation.

So when you drink Depaz you are tasting Saint Pierre, you are tasting the history, you are tasting that imposing volcano.

And it adds up to some sensational expressions, like the most recent Depaz we tried, the 2002 vintage.

The 2002 vintage is the result of 11 years of aging in oak casks.

Its aroma includes notes of dried apricot, anise, orange peel and black cherry.

Its delicate but complex flavor profile is marked by notes of candied fruit, black pepper, white wine, oak and a whisper of anise.

The finish is smooth and elegant, reminding you of the grand tradition of this exceptional rum.

It is a rum that is a must for any collection and a must-try for any rum lover.

But like all of the best rums of this island, the best way to get it is to come directly to the source.

Even if it means heading to the base of a volcano.

— CJ

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Viking Ocean Cruises has a new ship.

The cruise line’s Viking Sky made its maiden voyage from Rome’s Civitavecchia port to Barcelona.

Viking Sky, which is the company’s third ship, will finish out the year sailing itineraries in the Americas and the Caribbean.

“As we officially welcome our third ship to the fleet, it is a proud moment for the entire Viking family. We continue to see a positive response from our guests and the industry, which makes us confident in our future growth,” said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking Cruises. “We started in the cruise business 20 years ago, and our philosophy is still the same – we do not try to be everything to everyone. We are a destination-oriented small ship cruise line, and as we prepare to introduce a fourth ocean ship by the end of 2017, we look forward to introducing even more guests to The Viking Way of exploration.”

The ship has a total of 465 cabins and a max accommodation of 930 passengers.

Viking is already readying its fourth ship, Viking Sun, set for delivery in November.

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