By the Caribbean Journal staff

Holland America Line has officially taken delivery of its newest cruise ship, the Nieuw Statendam.

The ship, the 15th in Holland America’s fleet, will make its first voyage Dec. 5 before launching its first full season sailing round-trip itineraries to the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale.

Nieuw Statendam’s naming ceremony will be held in Fort Lauderdale in February.

“Today the Holland America Line family celebrates the addition of Nieuw Statendam to our fleet, and it’s a proud moment for everyone involved,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Thank you to our partners at Fincantieri and our own team members who worked diligently to deliver the ship looking more stunning than we imagined. Nieuw Statendam represents our continued evolution of adding exciting new experiences while maintaining the hallmarks that have made Holland America Line a leader in premium cruising.”

The ship has a capacity for 2,666 guests, with purpose-built rooms for both families and solo travelers across its 1,377 units.

The ship will include eateries like Rudi’s Sel de Mer, the pan-Asian Tamarind, a sushi bar called Nami Sushi and a the new Club Orange for guests in the line’s premium club, among others.

The ship’s design will largely mirror that of Holland America’s Koningsdam ship, its first “Pinnacle” class ship.

— CJ

The post Holland America Takes Delivery of Newest Ship appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico

… Maria ravaged the island of Puerto Rico. By some estimates nearly 3 … the island can do for Puerto Rico?”
“Our goal … recover, as other sectors of Puerto Rican life recover,” Miranda … CBS News
“Our first Puerto Rican king! What a better place …

Powered by WPeMatico

By Caribbean News Now contributor BASSETERRE, St Kitts — Copies of letters, emails and other documents in the possession of Caribbean News Now reveal that Savory & Partners, a Dubai-based citizenship by investment (CBI) agent with a claimed 200-year British pedigree, has seemingly been diverting investors from the St Kitts and Nevis government’s Hurricane Relief/Sustainable […]

The post Dubai firm named in St Kitts-Nevis citizenship-by-investment scandal appeared first on Caribbean News Now.

Powered by WPeMatico

GRAND-SACONNEX, Switzerland — Hundreds of people from Central American states who joined the human caravans travelling towards the United States have been helped home after asking for assistance, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Friday. Protection officer Martiza Matarrita said that many migrants had learned about the caravans via social media and television […]

The post Migrant caravan: UN agency helping ‘exhausted’ people home appeared first on Caribbean News Now.

Powered by WPeMatico

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Hilton has opened three new all-inclusive hotels in the wider Caribbean region.

The newly-rebranded — hotels are the result of a strategic alliance between Hilton and all-inclusive leader Playa Hotels and Resorts, a relationship that will eventually produce 10 all-inclusive properties around the region.

The first batch of Hilton-branded all-inclusives features the Hilton Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean coast of Mexico, along with two resorts in La Romana, Dominican Republic: a family-friendly Hilton La Romana and an adults-only Hilton La Romana.

The new Hilton La Romana.

The latter represents a division of the former Dreams La Romana into two properties.

The Hilton Playa del Carmen is a rebrand of the former The Royal Playa del Carmen, with 500 suites just steps from the city’s famous Quinta Avenida.

The family-friendly Hilton La Romana has 412 rooms, with a special kids; club, five restaurants and a focus on activities like tennis, volleyball and snorkeling and diving.

The Hilton Playa del Carmen is just steps from the city’s Fifth Avenue or Quinta Avenida.

The adults-only iteration of Hilton La Romana has 344 rooms, with a 21,000-square-foot spa, 11 restaurants, eight bars, a casino and easy access to four nearby golf courses.

“We could not be more excited about these resorts that add to the Hilton Hotels & Resorts portfolio,” said Alex Stadlin, director of operations at Playa Hotels & Resorts. “When completed, these modern remodeled resorts will combine the strength and support of one of the most recognized and trusted brands in the world, with privileged beachfront locations, the award-winning Beach Service from the Heart, that will excite and delight the members of Hilton Honors worldwide. “

The beach at Hilton La Romana.

The properties will also be a part of the company’s Hilton Honors loyalty program for its 15 brands.

“Resorts are a key component of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand, and we are committed to growing our portfolio in those places that most interest our guests,” said Vera Manoukian, senior vice president and global director, Hilton Hotels & Resorts. “These resorts offer our more than 82 million Hilton Honors members more ways to earn and redeem Points than before, and allow us to expand our classic Hilton hospitality to guests looking for a sumptuous all-inclusive vacation experience.”

— CJ

The post Hilton Opens All-Inclusive Hotels in Dominican Republic, Playa del Carmen appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

Powered by WPeMatico