By the Caribbean Journal staff

JetBlue is making a major expansion in service to Cuba, the carrier announced on Tuesday.

JetBlue will be launching the first-ever nonstop flights between Boston and Havana beginning this November, with weekly flights on Saturdays.

JetBlue has also announced plans to expand with up to three daily flights between Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Havana’s Jose Marti Airport on Sundays through Fridays beginning on Nov. 11.

The legendary Hotel Nacional in Cuba.

“As the first airline to operate commercial service between the U.S. and Cuba in more than 50 years, we are proud to announce another JetBlue first by offering the only nonstop service between New England and Havana,” said Marty St. George, executive vice president commercial and planning, JetBlue. “Between the Boston service and the additional frequency between south Florida and Havana, we are cementing our position as a top choice for travel to Cuba.”

The new service is the result of frequencies granted to JetBlue by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to the company.

Old Havana at night.

“JetBlue’s new nonstop service between Boston and Havana will provide better connections for our leading healthcare, biotechnology, financial, cultural and educational institutions to link those vital sectors with new opportunities in Cuba,” said Massport CEO Thomas P. Glynn. “There has been a strong demand for this service and we look forward to the exciting new travel opportunities it will generate for the entire New England region.”

Ernest Hemingway’s home at Finca Vigia outside of Havana.

The news comes after another major carrier, United Airlines, announced plans to begin operating new flights to Havana out of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, a sign that U.S. airlines see growth potential ahead in the Cuba travel market.

The carrier also announced two new daily nonstop flights to Mexico City, with service from Boston and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport beginning Oct. 25.

That will raise JetBlue’s daily service to Mexico City to six frequencies from the U.S., including Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.

“This new service from our two largest focus cities will make it easier for our customers in New York and Boston to discover Mexico City with their favorite airline,” said St. George.

The post JetBlue’s Big Cuba Expansion appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

There’s a new standard bearer for VIP airport lounges in the Caribbean.

Punta Cana International Airport has unveiled its brand-new VIP lounge, a modern, avant-garde project with a party piece: its own outdoor infinity pool.

The pool, which overlooks the tarmac, is the first of its kind in the region.

“We strive every day to offer an exceptional experience to travelers who rely on Punta Cana International Airport,” said Frank Rainieri, Director of Punta Cana International Airport. “We are thrilled to offer our visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy themselves as they wait for their flight.”

First and business class passengers, along with passengers that purchase the VIP service (it starts at $125) and priority pass holders are eligible for entry.

All the amenities necessary to enjoy the pool are there, from fresh towels to toiletries.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Sandals Resorts International has officially broken ground on its newest resort project in the Caribbean.

Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet turned the sod on the Sandals LaSource Saint Lucia project, which will be the company’s fifth fourth on the island.

Chastanet was joined by a delegation including Minister with Responsibility for Tourism Dominic Fedee, Minister of Economic Development and Urban Renewal Guy Joseph, Sandals Director of Corporate Services Jeremy Jones and Sandals Saint Lucia Managing Director Winston Anderson.

Chastanet said the project would bring “significant” benefits to the island. citing a close to $65 million in additional expenditures expected to be generated by the property.

The 330-suite resort gets its name from its sister property in Grenada.

It will include features from over-the-water bungalows to swim-up suites, with a setting on Pigeon Island Beach, adjacent to the company’s Sandals Grande resort.

The post Sandals Breaks Ground on New Saint Lucia Hotel Project appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Cancun International Airport has continued to post positive growth, according to the latest numbers from Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste, or ASUR, which manages the airport.

Cancun’s airport reported 2.21 million passengers in April, a 3.8 percent increase compared to the same month in 2017.

For the year, Cancun Airport traffic is up 8.1 percent to just under 8.76 million passengers in the first four months of this year.

Heading to Cancun? Check out our list of the top places to stay in Cancun right now.

— CJ

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Fresh off the news of rival American Airlines’ huge Caribbean expansion, JetBlue has added another new nonstop route to the region.

JetBlue has officially launched its newest daily nonstop flights, connecting Newark, New Jersey and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.

The move strengthens JetBlue’s position as the leading carrier to the Dominican Republic —indeed, the carrier operates more daily flights to the country than any other airline.

Santo Domingo.

It’s also another boost for what has become an important new destination for the Dominican Republic as it looks to expand tourism hubs beyond Punta Cana, part of a wider push to reach 10 million annual tourists by the year 2023.

El Embajador.

Santo Domingo has become a hot urban destination, with existing hotels like the JW Marriott and the recently transformed El Embajador, and a fascinating Colonial Zone that has become a full-fledged destination in its own right.

The Colonial Zone.

JetBlue now operates four routes to the Caribbean out of Newark, including to Santiago, San Juan and Barbados.

JetBlue serves Dominican airports including La Romana, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, Santiago and Santo Domingo.

The carrier is operating the new Santo Domingo flights on Airbus A320 aircraft with 150 seats.

The post JetBlue Launches New Daily Flights to Santo Domingo appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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