After a sluggish 2015, Bermuda saw a tourism renaissance in 2016, according to the latest numbers from the Caribbean Tourism Organization.

The Atlantic island reported 231,127 visitors through the end of November 2016, a 10.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2015.

That was among the highest rates of increase of any island in the wider region.

The jump was driven in large part by a very strong 15.7 percent increase in tourism from the United States, with a total of 173,377 stayover visitors in that period.

That was given a big boost by expanded flights to the destination on New York City-based carrier JetBlue.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Norwegian Cruise line Holdings is expanding its fleet.

The company has reached an agreement with shipbuilder Ficantieri S.p.A. to build the next generation of its Norwegian Cruise Line brand.

Four ships are now on order for delivery in 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The four 140,00 gross ton ships will each accommodate around 3,300 guests, with a new focus on energy efficiency and environmental impact.

“This new class of ships will continue Norwegian Cruise Line brand’s legacy of introducing meaningful innovation to the cruise industry,” said Frank Del Rio, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.  “This order continues to highlight our disciplined newbuild program, extends our growth trajectory well into the future, enhances our already attractive earnings profile, and drives expected long-term returns for our shareholders.”

The contract price for each of the four ships is around $849 million.

“We are extremely excited to collaborate with Norwegian Cruise Line and this partnership allows us to include a new prestigious client in Fincantieri’s portfolio,” said Giuseppe Bono, CEO of Fincantieri S.p.A. “We are very proud of the innovative design of these ships and recognize the various stakeholders of the export chain who have contributed decisively to achieving this goal. The significant value of the order will provide substantial economic benefits by extending the employment horizon of our shipyards, and we are honored to support the growth of our country’s economy.”

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The island of St. Lucia has a pair of new resorts.

The all-inclusive Royalton Saint Lucia and adults-only all-inclusive Hideaway at Royalton Saint Lucia have opened their doors.

It’s the latest Caribbean resort for the rapidly-expanding Royalton brand, which now operates properties in Cuba, the Dominican Republic, St. Lucia, Jamaica and Mexico.

The family-friendly Royalton Saint Lucia has a total of 352 rooms, while the adults-only Hideaway has 104 rooms.

The properties boast a range of restaurants (Hideaway guests have access to all), from Armadillo, a Tex-Mex eatery to the Caribbean-focused Calypso restaurant to the brand’s signature C/X Culinary Experience.

The resorts also include Royalton’s “Diamond Club” offering, a premium level that includes exclusive restaurants and bar areas, exclusive pool and beach areas and butlers and concierge service.

Royalton is also readying the debut of similar adults-only and family-friendly resorts in Negril, Jamaica.

— Caribbean Journal staff

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What’s next for the Caribbean economy?

According to the Caribbean Development Bank, the region is projected to see economic growth of around 1.7 percent this year.

The CDB’s Director of Economics, Dr. Justin Ram, warns that this won’t be enough to stimulate employment in the Caribbean, particularly among young people, and to reduce high regional debt levels.

Ram is urging regional policymakers to create an environment which “increases productivity and enhances competitiveness, including a more welcoming doing-business environment, access to financing for Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and labour market reforms.”

“In this endeavor, it would be necessary to reform governance structures and institutions to support the new paradigm. Governments would have to be willing to stabilize their economies through fiscal and debt consolidation, implement structural reforms that enhance growth and develop strong, targeted social development programmes,” he said.

— Caribbean Journal Staff

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Mexico’s Caribbean coast is a culturally rich, energetic and colorful place that is among the region’s most vibrant travel destinations. And happily Riviera Maya resorts live up to the area’s palpable authenticity.

Indeed, the Riviera Maya, the coastal corridor that stretches 86 miles south from Cancun and comprises Puerto Morelos, Playa Del Carmen and Tulum, has something for every kind of traveler.

And for a place to stay when you get there, take our recommendations for how to discover all the best Riviera Maya resorts.

There’s just something eternally lovely about Belmond’s Riviera Maya retreat, a boutique oasis with 63 rooms and suites and a world-class spa. It’s got the brand’s unique expression of effortless luxury, with an authentic Mexican identity.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba We can’t think of a better place to find our Zen than at this Eastern-inspired cloister within the private Mayakoba development, where more than 100 sleek villas have their own pools and outdoor bathtubs, and the white-sand beach is a standout.

Grand Velas Riviera Maya There are so many reasons why we love this 539-suite adults-only resort. Spot-on service; ocean-view private plunge pools; and an impressive spa (the Caribbean’s largest) are just three.

Fairmont Mayakoba Privacy is guaranteed at this plush 400-room resort near Playa Del Carmen, which achieves the rare feat of being simultaneously family friendly and luxurious. Golfers will appreciate the Greg Norman-designed El Camaleón course, right next door.

Thompson Playa Del Carmen Whether you book a suite in this chic resort’s beachfront building or Fifth Avenue location, you’re guaranteed to be smack in the center of all the Playa action (and surrounded by equally stylish sun-seekers).

Zoetry Paraiso De La Bonita A vacation at this 90-room everything-included boutique feels like staying at a friend’s beachfront hacienda, complete with individually and eclectically decorated rooms; maid service three times a day; and a palpably romantic vibe.

Mi Amor Boutique Hotel & Spa With just 17 boho-chic rooms in a quiet location just south of Tulum’s Zona Hotelera, this retreat is a winner with couples in search of a hip hideaway minus the pomp and pretense of similarly stylish hotels.

Grand Residences Riviera Cancun

This Leading Hotels of the World property just outside of the charming fishing village of Puerto Morelos has some of the best service you’ll find not just in Mexico but in all of the Caribbean. With massive suites, terrific food and a great stretch of beach, this is a simlpy terrific luxury resort.

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

This adults-only, eco-friendly retreat has 412 gorgeous suites with either terraces or balconies, en-suite whirlpools, four-poster beds and seven a la carte eateries as part of the company’s signature Unlimited Luxury experience.

Rosewood Mayakoba You can’t pick the wrong room at this resort, set on the mile-long beach of a sprawling private estate. But we particularly love the overwater lagoon suites, which feature private pools and swim-up access from the serpentine waterway.

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