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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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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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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It may begin with the famous Arch of Cabo San Lucas, but Mexico’s destination of Los Cabos is so much more. It’s a place to find authenticity, to find a different side of Mexico you may not have discovered.

So if you’re here looking for Cabo San Lucas, what you’ll find is that you’re getting two destinations for the price of one.

That’s because this is actually a pair of getaways: first, you have authentic, charming San Jose del Cabo; then you have Cabo San Lucas, the party capital of the peninsula, always energetic and bustling.

For us, the way to experience Los Cabos is to stay at one of the top Cabo San Lucas resorts, and then use your hotel as a jumping point to experience both destinations.

So whether you’re in search of a party atmosphere or simply a relaxing seaside retreat, “Los Cabos” likely has what you’re looking for on its perch at the far corner of Baja California Sur.

Here are the Cabo San Lucas resorts you’re looking for.

One & Only Palmilla

Few global brands do luxury quite as well as One & Only, thanks to a hospitality philosophy that’s all about breezy, tranquil, effortless luxury. And that’s exactly what you find at One & Only Palmilla, set on a prime perch on one of the area’s few truly swimmable beaches and boasting spectacular views of the Sea of Cortez. And then there’s the spectacular food, led by Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Seared. 

Esperanza an Auberge Resort

Auberge is a name that immediately brings to mind gourmet cuisine, high-level wine and cool, gracious service. The company’s Esperanza outpost in Cabo San Lucas does just that, with a stunning location in between a pair of bluffs that also features the only private beach in the area.

The Resort at Pedregal

There isn’t really anything like this place in Mexico, at least not in Cabo San Lucas. From the country’s only privately-owned tunnel, which whisks you to your luxurious check-in to the best spa in the area, this resort, a mix of rooms and suites, does everything exceptionally well.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort

The design is the party piece at this Rosewood signature in Cabo San Lucas, with a charming, truly beautiful decor that oozes Mexican authenticity. The location is also terrific, smack in the middle of San Jose del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

JW Marriott Los Cabos

JW Marriott tends to execute its Mexico hotels rather well, and this is no exception. Set on the beach in San Jose del Cabo (and recently renovated), it’s great for both leisure travel and meetings. Our suggestion? Go for the Griffin Club rooms, which mean extra amenities like a movie theater and a special club-only pool.

As you can see, there are a host of great Cabo San Lucas resorts, all geared toward the discerning traveler.

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