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.