By the Caribbean Journal staff

Following the industry-shaking ban of cruises and other travel to Cuba, major cruise lines are scrambling to adapt — and one Caribbean cruise destination is out in front.

The US Virgin Islands said it was working closely with the major lines as they race to rework their itineraries that had included stops in Cuba.

US Virgin Islands Tourism Commissioner Designee Joseph Boschulte said the Ports of the Virgin Islands have reached out to cruise lines to offer the opportunity for passengers to visit the territory, particularly the less-trafficked port in St Croix.

“We have been in contact with the lines about making calls to both St. Croix and St. Thomas,” said Boschulte, who said he told executives that the Territory’s ports can accommodate diverted vessels on short notice.

“We have the capacity and are encouraging the lines to experience St. Croix especially – an emerging tourism destination steeped in rich culture and heritage and whose stakeholders are prepared to provide a welcoming experience for cruise ship passengers,” he said.

Boschulte said the USVI’s ports would continue to monitor the impact of the new Cuba travel policy on the regional industry.

— CJ

The post USVI Out in Front in Wake of Cuba Cruise Ban appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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Investigators said Polanco was … illegal migration trips to Puerto Rico after a pregnant woman … person looking to illegally reach Puerto Rico, a United States territory, …

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Past winners and favorites of the NBC hit “The Voice” are coming to The Bahamas this summer.

The singers will be part of the new The Voice Summer Series at the Baha Mar resort in New Providence.

The concert series, which will run from July 4 to Aug. 3, will be a schedule of outdoor acoustic performances by the stars of the series.

“The Voice’ is an international phenomenon, with 68 versions of the show broadcast across 180 countries around the world. We’re thrilled to welcome the contestants to Baha Mar,” says Karin Salinas, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Baha Mar. “Summer in The Bahamas is a special time of year, and we look forward to introducing original programming and inventive live entertainment for our guests to cherish as summer memories for years to come.”

The lineup will include Jordan Smith, Blaze Johnson, Mary Sarah and Chris Blue, among others.

The concerts will be complimentary for guests of the property.

— CJ

The post Stars of The Voice Are Coming to The Bahamas appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is adding a new hotel in the Caribbean.

The luxury hotel brand is partnering with San Francisco Investments, a subsidiary of Valorem, to open a new luxury hotel and private residences project in Cartagena on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The hotel will be set across a series of historic buildings in the centuries-old heart of Cartagena, including Cloister of Saint Francis that includes the 16th-century Saint Francis Church; the Club Cartagena, a 1920s Beaux Arts building; and four renowned theaters, Teatro Cartagena, Teatro Calamarí, Teatro Bucanero and Teatro Rialto.

Set in the city’s Getsemani neighborhood, the property will be a new kind of luxury hotel in the old town.

“This new Hotel and Private Residences is the perfect project for us to expand our presence in South America, providing us with the rare opportunity to convert such an exceptional collection of historic buildings within a marquee location in one of the region’s most alluring cities,” says Bart Carnahan, Executive Vice President, Global Business Development and Portfolio Management, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Together with our partners at Valorem, we look forward to bringing the very best in luxury hospitality to Cartagena.”

The 131-room hotel will include six food and beverage concepts, an atrium lounge, a rooftop pool and a Four Seasons spa, among other amenities.

The residential component will be comprised of 16 private residences, the first branded residential units in the historic town.

“We are proud to partner with the iconic Four Seasons brand to build a new luxury Hotel and Private Residences in the vibrant city of Cartagena,” said Carlos Arturo Londoño, President of Valorem. “Paired with Four Seasons exceptional service, the newly restored Hotel and Private Residences will be the most sought-after destination to live and visit and will transform the hospitality landscape in Cartagena.”

The Four Seasons Hotel and Residences Cartagena will also have 16,000 square feet of meeting and event space.

The project is yet another infusion of energy into what is one of the hottest centers of hospitality investment in the wider Caribbean region.

Interiors will be designed by Francois Catroux and Wimberly Interiors.

The two companies have not announced a planned opening date.

Four Seasons’ Caribbean portfolio currently includes properties in Anguilla, Nevis and The Bahamas, with another planned project in Belize.

— CJ

The post Four Seasons Is Opening a New Caribbean Hotel in Cartagena appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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… president’s administration knew Puerto Ricans are all citizens.”
Story … and nutrition assistance to Puerto Rico and other islands … the extra aid for Puerto Rico, called officials there “ … the hurricane, which devastated Puerto Rico. Trump has challenged that …

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