By the Caribbean Journal staff

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Getaway cruise ship has completed a two-week dry dock that included an “extensive” makeover.

The ship’s changes included new venues and artwork; upgraded social spaces and what the company called “refreshed” accommodations and decor.

The additions include a full-service Starbucks, the rock ’n roll themed Syd Norman’s Pour House; and the inclusion of more than 800 new pieces of artwork.

After a summer season in Europe, Norwegian Getaway will be heading to the Caribbean in November, with a season including calls to Norwegian’s Harvest Cay private-island destination in Belize.

— CJ

The post Norwegian Getaway Completes “Extensive” Makeover appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

… Grand Marshal of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, acknowledges spectators, Sunday … puts spotlight on Puerto Rican trailblazers
New York
With Puerto Rican pride on full … it’s highlighting Discover Puerto Rico, an organization encouraging business and …

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Kingston’s quietly robust hotel pipeline has unveiled another new property: the R Hotel.

Jamaica’s newest business hotel has debuted in the heart of New Kingston.

“Kingston has a major appeal as an urban tourist destination,” said Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness. “Kingston is a brand, and people the world over want to visit Jamaica to see what the city has to offer. Hotels such as the R offer them an ultra-modern stay.”

The property, which is focused on business travelers but could appeal to the growing number of leisure travelers to Kingston, has a mix of rooms ranging from standard deluxe units to two-bedroom penthouse loft suites.

Amenities include an on-site eatery and bar called the Redbones Blues Cafe, a rooftop pool, a fully-equipped business center, a gym and even its own art gallery.

The property joins a growing portfolio of hotels in Kingston that will include the soon-to-launch AC by Marriott and the recently-announced ROK hotel that will make its debut under Hilton’s Curio by Hilton brand.

For more, visit the R Hotel.

— CJ

The post A New Hotel Opens in Kingston appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

One of the Caribbean’s leading resort brands has launched a major new push aimed at travel agents.

Elite Island Resorts, which operates resorts around the Caribbean from Antigua to Barbados, has unveiled a new initiative focused on rewards and incentives for travel advisors.

“Elite’s travel agent business is up over 100% since we launched our ‘We Love Travel Agents’ campaign in early 2018,” said Sherrie Ault, Director of Sales at Elite Island Resorts. “Travel agents are an integral part of the Caribbean hospitality business, and we wanted to thank them for their support by rolling out one of the best incentive and reward programs in the industry,” she explained.

The program’s tenets range from a 20 percent commission on summer bookings to free nights for agents for every seven nights booked.

“Elite Island Resorts is committed to supporting travel agents who provide us with direct bookings,” Ault said. “We sincerely appreciate all the agents do—not just for the resorts—but also for the island destinations where the resorts are located.”

The news comes as Elite is expanding again in the Caribbean, with the highly anticipated launch of the new Hammock Cove Resort and Spa slated to debut in Antigua later this year.

— CJ

The post For Elite Island Resorts, a Focus on Travel Agents appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

(Tribune News Service) — While Puerto Rico is slated to receive well … for its hefty funding toward Puerto Rico, finally passed Congress this week … U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico,” she added.
President Donald …

Powered by WPeMatico