via CaribJournal. (June 27th 2016). European carrier Norwegian is expanding its service to the French Caribbean.

Guadeloupe, French Caribbean. Photo via esl-languages.com

The carrier, which launched major new flights between the Northeast and Martinique and Guadeloupe last year, has announced plans to launch flights from Fort Lauderdale to Guadeloupe later this year.

Beginning Dec. 17, Norwegian will operate twice-weekly flights between Fort Lauderdale and Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Norwegian will also add a fourth weekly flight from New York to Guadeloupe beginning Dec. 17.

“We are very excited to add our seventh route from the United States to the French Caribbean, this time from Florida. Norwegian will now be able to offer Floridians a much more affordable and comfortable way to reach the French Caribbean, or if they wish to travel onwards to any of the nearby islands,” said Thomas Ramdahl, Chief Commercial Officer, Norwegian.

Recent news about: Travel to Martinique

 

Flights for Guadeloupe are now available for purchase, with fares as low as $79 one-way, according to the company. The new Guadeloupe service is Norwegian’s sixth nonstop route out of Fort Lauderdale.

Cascade aux écrevisses, Basse -Terre, Guadeloupe photo via uk.france.fr

“We are thrilled about the increase of service from New York and the new nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale to Guadeloupe. An airline operating non-stop flights to Pointe-à-Pître from four different cities in the US is just unprecedented,” said Sandra Venite, USA Director for the Guadeloupe Islands Tourist Board.

See also: Other new flights to the Caribbean


The new flights are the latest boon for the French Caribbean, which has been seeing a rapidly-expanding route network after decades without nonstop flights from the continental United States, a drive that began when Martinique was able to bring back American Airlines’ nonstop flights from Miami in 2014.

NEW YORK, NY (June 15, 2016) – Martinique has been cited once again as the “Safest Destination in the Caribbean,” the designation published in the 2016 Caribbean Tourism Quality Index. 

Club Med in Martinique. photo via us.martinique.org

Released during the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) “Caribbean Week” in New York (May 31-June 4, 2016), the Caribbean Tourism Quality Index is an annual study produced by Resonance Consultancy, an international leader in destination development, branding, and marketing headquartered in Vancouver and New York.

More about the islands: Top 5 Caribbean Destinations for Honeymooners

The Resonance study measures tourism’s supply-side performance and competitiveness in 28 destinations across the Caribbean. 

This marks the second time in recent years that Martinique has been recognized as the
“Safest Destination in the Caribbean".

Grand Riviere Beach, Martinique. photo via travel.usnews.com

“As flowers are an international symbol of peace, I suppose it’s fitting in a way that The Isle of Flowers should be recognized like this,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau. “In reality, though, it is the warmth and welcoming spirit of the Martinican people and the steadfast dedication of our local authorities that keeps us at the top for travel safety.”

photo via vacations.aircanada,com

Click here: Best Caribbean Destinations for Adventure

 

 The top safety ranking is the latest in an impressive list of honors for Martinique over the past year.

·       Ranked in the Top 16 Places to go to in 2016, Condé Nast Traveler

·       Ranked #7 (of 24) Top Destinations of 2016, Budget Travel

·       Travel Top 10: Trendiest 2016 Destinations, Ebony

·       Best Culinary, Cruise, Tourism Board Destination – Caribbean (2016), Travvy Awards

·       Top 5 Best Romantic Islands in the Caribbean (2015), USA TODAY

·       Ranked #1 Must-Visit Place in the Caribbean (2015), Caribbean Journal

·       Traveler’s Choice Award, Best Beaches (2015), TripAdvisor

·       Named Best Caribbean Island for Romance (2015), Business Insider

·       Silver Magellan Awards, Overall Destination and Waterfront Development (2015), Travel Weekly

Barbuda is one of the least populated islands in the Caribbean. Save for the exception of a few guests to the island's small number of accommodations, the population largely consists of the graceful Fregata magnificens, or frigate bird. 

Frigate Bird in flight in the Nature Sanctuary. photo via caribbeanbirdingtrail.org

Click the link for more about accommodations in Barbuda.

The birds possess a marked preference for the northwest lagoon, which leaves Barbuda's beautiful white and pink sand beaches to the enjoyment of travellers that appreciated peace, quiet and a taste of the feeling like they have an entire island for themselves.

Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary, located in the northwestern lagoon, is accessible only by boat. The sanctuary is home to over 170 species of bird and boasts a population of over 5,000 frigate birds. 

photo via islandvibestravel.com

Getting to Barbuda's Frigate Bird Sanctuary click here

The Fregata magnificens is the most aerial of waterbirds.The average wingspan for an adult bird is  about four or five feet. Its wingspan in proportion to its body size is largest for any bird in the world.

The Frigate bird is also known as the 'man o' war bird'. The comparison to warships is due to the habit of the bird to harass less agile flyers like pelicans, egrets, and cormorants, using its superior size and flight capabilities against them, until they drop their catch. The male frigate is marked by its red throat pouch, which it can inflates as part of its courtship behaviour and as a defensive display. Courting takes place in the fall, and chicks hatch late in the year.

Male Frigate bird displaying large red pouch to attract a female. photo via caribbeanelections.com

The Nature Sanctuary is just
one more thing to love about
nature in the Caribbean!

Barbuda is the sister island of Antigua, which is one of the major travel hubs in the Caribbean. The V.C. Bird International Airport is the most technologically advanced airport in the region. It was completed in 2015 to improve traveller experience upon entering and exiting the 'Land of 365 Beaches', Antigua & Barbuda. 

News about Antigua & Barbuda's booming cruise arrivals.

 

Dreaming of the beautiful and uninhibited view of the sun setting behind St. Kitts from the cool, calm beaches of Oualie Beach in Nevis.

More information about Getting to Nevis

photo by caribbeantraveller.com

Sitting right on the beach is the cozy and eco-friendly Oualie Beach Resort. A quiet easy-going place where luxury and nature sensitivity co-exist.

More about: Oualie Beach Resort

photo via caribbeantraveller.com

Enjoy this relaxing view as a guest of the 32 room resort, a patron of the Oualie Beach Resort restaurant or while you're kicking back at their open bar. We recommend the house lemongrass drink and you can add just a little 'spike' to it for a good nightcap.

Check this out: More Accommodations in Nevis

 

One of the cottage style houses at Oualie Beach Resort photo via caribbeantraveller.com

 For more about Nevis: Vacationing in The Best Place to live Outside the UK

It's a tradition for newlyweds
to kick-start their marriage with a
special getaway to somewhere exotic. 

photo via weddings.arubamarriott.com

Here are just 5 of the
Most Popular Destinations for
Caribbean Romance

Aruba

This paradise is ideally suited for the active couples and adventure seekers who prefer goosebumps and adrenaline fueled experiences to beachside relaxation. Watersports are especially popular. There is windsurfing along the sandy coast, scuba diving the crystal waters of the reef or you can admire the island together from above on a skydive that will leave your heart thumping. After all of that, the two of you can relax on a private sunset catamaran cruise.

Take the plunge with your loved one. photo credit weddingvacations.com

Barbados

Hailed as one of the crown jewels of the Caribbean, the island has been attracting even the most discerning of visitors to its shores for generations and still remains a travel favourite. Both the south and west coasts can boast of boutique shopping, laidback cocktail bars as well as a wide selection of eateries and sophisticated nightclubs. The east coast is pretty much for the romantics searching for a picturesque view of Bathsheba, the nature buffs interested in the unique rock formations of the Scotland District and the surfing thrill seekers.

take them on a stroll along the breathtaking coast of Bathsheba. photo via bridelifemagazine.com

Jamaica

Home to spectacular nature views, lively beach bars and internationally renowned rum, Jamaica is guaranteed to overwhelm the senses once you’ve relaxed at the beaches of Montego Bay and explored the island’s many sights. Dunn’s River Falls is amongst the island's most impressive sights, where you can bathe in cascading waterfalls and dip yourself in the plunge pools. Other must-do attractions include hiking to the summit of the 700ft Mystic Mountain, swimming in the ‘rejuvenating’ waters of Doctor’s Cave beach and spotting crocodiles on a guided boat tour of the Black River.

face the easy and rough waves of life together photo via honeymoonsinc.com

Cuba

Visit the resort town of Varadero on Cuba’s narrow Hicacos Peninsula for a truly indulgent escape the two of you will never forget. Though not one of the typical travel destinations, the region is known for its luxury resorts and all-inclusive service including extensive spa facilities and fine dining restaurants for that romantic candle-lit meal. Also highly recommended, is the nearby town of Cardenas for authentic tastes of Cuba, breathtaking colonial architecture and an old world charm that is best enjoyed via horse-drawn carriage.

Experience new things and build life experiences together photo via delsolphotography.com

Dominican Republic

The Dominican republic is probably one of the most visited islands in the Caribbean but there are surprisingly a lot of secluded spots that the average traveller is yet explore. Its diverse landscape offers some thrilling attractions for outdoorsy couples. The islands provides good topography and environments perfect for mountain biking, river rafting,  rock climbing and wind-surfing.  Voted as one of the most recommended Caribbean island for adventure, your honeymoon will be an experience to last a lifetime. The evening entertainment is equally impressive where couples can try the intimate national dance, known as Merengue. Check in to the resort town of Punta Cana. Home to a selection of romantic boutiques offering honeymoon suites complete with your own private plunge pool.

be there for support even when things get a little strange photo via passionparadise.co

Though these are the most popular destinations currently, do not limit yourself! There are many emerging destinations taking part in the Caribbean Year of Romance!

Explore your options and make sure
your honeymoon special, unique and memorable.

Dominica’s Jazz ‘n Creole, first presented in 2010, is a fusion of jazz music with creole music, food and culture.  

 

Andy Narell in the groove of things playing the steel pan photo via allaboutjazz.com

The family event is held annually at Fort Shirley in the Cabrits National Park. A number of fringe events organized by private stakeholders precede the main stage event.  Past performers at the festival include Arturo Tappin, Michele Henderson, Marlow Rosado y la Riquena, Ronald Tulle, Alfredo de la Fe, Monty Alexander, Beethova Obas, Eric Ildefonse Quartet, Angelique Kidjo, Cameron Pierre, Heston Francis, Jacques Schwarz-Bart Trio. 

Artiste Breve is on the card to perform at Jazz 'n Creole 2016 photo via embracedominica.com

Other artistes set to perform at the festival this year are the Andy Narell Quartet, Cameron Pierre and Breve, Soft and Elan Parlé.  

Join us for Jazz ‘n Creole 2016 in Dominica May 8 – 15, 2016. 

Travelers have voted Jamaica as the fourth best island in the Caribbean, according to TripAdvisor's recently-released Traveler's Choice Awards 2015.

The island was recognised for its forests which, according to TripAdvisor, feature prime hiking and bird watching opportunities. 

photo via jamaicainn.com

"History buffs can (visit) the heritage sites of Trelawny, while reggae and dancehall fans will love the authentic music clubs of Kingston," the American travel website added, noting as well that "Montego Bay is perfect for snorkeling and shopping, while the spas of Ocho Rios can make any stresses melt away."

Jamaica placed behind Provindenciales, Turks and Caicos; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; and Barbados on the "Top 10 Islands – Caribbean 2015" list. 

photo via funtoursjamaica.com

See the complete list below: 
Top 10 Islands – Caribbean

1. Provindenciales, Turks and Caicos
2. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
3. Barbados
4. Jamaica
5. St. Maarten-St. Martin
6. St. Lucia
7. St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
8. Aruba
9. Puerto Rico
10. Antigua, Antigua and Barbuda.

TripAdvisor, which is rated as the world's largest travel website, says its Traveler's Choice Awards is "based on millions of reviews and opinions from travelers around the world". The awards reflect "the best of the best" for service, quality, and customer satisfaction, from hotels and accommodations to destinations, attractions, and even brands and products, according to the website.

With the sudden resignation of Chief Executive Officer David Evans, Pitcher suggested that Lynch should be approached to take over the leadership.

Noel Lynch, suggested candidate to replace outgoing LIAT CEO photo via caribbeanelections.com

“It would be a great move by Prime Minister Freundel Stuart to reach across the political divide and recommend his former political opponent Lynch for the position of CEO. Lynch was a good tourism person and he understands aviation.”

Robert Pitcher outlining his advice to fix some of the problems plaguing regional air carrier LIAT photo via BarbadosToday.bb

“We have a private airline which is owned by a European called Fly Montserrat. He is Captain Nigel Harris and he should be asked to assume the office of CEO with the absorption of Fly Montserrat into LIAT. The same way that he is making a small profit for Fly Montserrat he may be able to do the same for LIAT,” Pitcher told reporters at the offices of Fun ‘N’ Sun Publishing Inc. at Rendezvous, Christ Church.

Pitcher also called for the dismissal of the entire board of directors of LIAT, insisting they should be replaced with regional business leaders with good track records.

David Evans photo via liat.com

At his news conference today, Pitcher suggested that LIAT had moved away from its initial function as an island-hopping airline.

“I recently returned to Barbados on a direct flight from Trinidad and Tobago with only twelve passengers on board. This flight is only fully used at carnival time in Trinidad and Tobago."

“Similarly, it does not make sense to have a direct flight to St Kitts or Tortola. Flights going north or south along the chain of islands should be picking up and setting passengers as it serves the chain of islands,” the tourism marketing consultant and frequent flyer argued. 

 

Barbados is one of the many popular docks for
Caribbean cruise passengers.

Every year, thousands of passengers visit the island for the day and a few ships berth in the harbor overnight but many have no idea what the island has to offer for nighttime activities.

Here are FOUR great things to do during your stay in Barbados:

1. Grab a Bite 

We love to eat. So there are a great variety of dining options in Barbados that includes traditional local cuisine, Italian, Caribbean delicacies, contemporary dining, fast food even Thai options in the categories of fast food, casual and fine dining.


So, don't be afraid to venture out and get a taste of the island!

2. Party the Night Away

Fight the cabin fever!

Grab a few buddies or adopt some fellow travellers and head down on the south coast to one of the nightclubs in the Gap or up on the West coast to 2nd Street. 


There's nothing like a Caribbean-style club mix of rap, dancehall, soca or jazz to get you shaking your groove thing.


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