By Bob Curley
CJ Contributor

St Vincent and the Grenadines isn’t your typical Caribbean vacation destination. The lush, volcanic island of St Vincent is by far the largest land mass in this archipelago nation, yet may be the least visited despite its innumerable waterfalls and hidden coves that provided the backdrop for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies more than a decade ago.

Of course it’s also become truly accessible thanks to the opening of its new Argyle International Airport, which now, for the first time ever, has facilitated nonstop flights from the United States and Canada to St Vincent.

St Vincent has just a handful of small resorts, but the island’s vibrant culture (it has one of the top Carnival celebrations, VincyMas, in the Caribbean) make it a great destination for those who value authenticity in their travels. If it’s luxury you’re looking for, set your sights (and sails) on the Grenadines, a string of destinations that includes Bequia with its rich history of boatbuilding, the playboy hideaway of Mustique, and private islands like Palm Island and Petit St. Vincent.

Palm Island, one of the top resorts in the Grenadines.

Palm Island We had a hard time taking a bad photo on Palm Island, especially on the private island’s broad sandy beach jutting into some of the most picture-perfect tropical waters you can imagine. Guests have five beaches to choose from in all, so it’s not hard to disappear for a few hours by paddling to a secluded spot and making it all your own for the day. A private launch puts nearby Union Island within easy reach, and there’s tennis, diving, spa services, and all-inclusive drinking and dining at Palm Island’s two restaurants, in your room, or on the beach.

The post Where to Stay in St Vincent and the Grenadines appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Regional Caribbean airline Cape Air is relaunching its service from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Nevis, the carrier said this week.

The airline will be reinstating its daily year-round flights from San Juan to Nevis beginning Nov. 22.

“Cape Air has been invested in the Caribbean region for three decades,” said Linda Markham, President of Cape Air. “A significant portion of our business is focused on connecting communities to hub cities, and providing convenient access to flights on our partner carriers, including JetBlue and United. We are grateful to be able to play a part in driving Nevis’ tourism economy,” she added.

Cape Air will be operating two round trip flights every day.

Enthusiasm for the relaunch of the San Juan to Nevis service is shared by representatives from the island’s government, tourism and hospitality sectors. “We are delighted to welcome Cape Air back to Nevis and intend to partner with them to ensure that their service to Nevis is as excellent as it has always been,” said Honorable Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis and Minister of Foreign Affairs for St Kitts and Nevis.

Cape Air, which is based in Massachusetts, operates flights around the Caribbean out of a hub in San Juan.

— CJ

The post Cape Air Is Relaunching Its Nevis Flights appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Fast-expanding MSC Cruises is adding Tampa as its newest homeport, the company said in a statement.

Beginning in Nov. 2020, MSC will be sailing from Tampa to the Caribbean, Mexico and The Bahamas year-round.

That will include a full winter season through April and a summer season from May through November 2021.

“As MSC Cruises expands its presence in the U.S., the introduction of Tampa as a homeport plays an important role in our long-term deployment strategy for this region,” said Ken Muskat, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of MSC Cruises USA. “We’ve seen increased demand for cruise options from Tampa as vacationers from around the world look to explore the city and surrounding areas pre- and post-cruise.”

MSC will be sailing its Tampa-Caribbean cruises on its MSC Armonia cruise ship.

“With a range of itineraries, including short cruise options, MSC Armonia’s itineraries from Tampa are ideal for groups, including family reunions, meetings, incentives and corporate events, as well as charters,” Muskat said. “In addition, the four- and five-night options are a great opportunity for someone who has never cruised before to try cruising as a vacation option or if they are new to MSC Cruises to check out one of our ships for the first time.”

The winter 2020-21 season will include stops in Caribbean ports like Cozumel and the Costa Maya, along with calls in The Bahamas, Key West and Mexico’s Progreso port.

“We are thrilled that MSC Cruises will be offering year-round cruises from Port Tampa Bay next year,” said Paul Anderson, President and CEO of Port Tampa Bay. “MSC Cruises offers an enriching and immersive cruise experience, bringing together people from around the world. Tampa is also known for the unique experiences the city offers its residents and visitors, appealing to a diverse mix of nationalities and cultures. We couldn’t be more excited for MSC Armonia’s new home to be Port Tampa Bay.” 

The post MSC Is Adding Caribbean Cruises From Tampa appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

… Puerto Rico made headlines around the world as hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans … Control Board undemocratically imposed on Puerto Rico by the Obama administration. The … the ongoing anticolonial movement in Puerto Rico in all its complexities.
Marysol …

Powered by WPeMatico