Cuba To Begin Full Internet Access For Mobile Phones

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba announced Tuesday night that its citizens will be offered full internet access for mobile phones beginning this week, becoming one of the last nations to offer such service.

Mayra Arevich, president of the Cuban state telecom monopoly ETECSA, went on national television to say Cubans can begin contracting 3G service for the first time Thursday.

Until now, Cubans have had access only to state-run email accounts on their phones.

FILE - In this July 1, 2015 file photo, youths use a password protected wifi network coming from a five star hotel to surf the Internet on their smart phones in downtown Havana, Cuba. Cuba's government announced on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2018 that its citizens will be offered full internet access on mobile phones starting Thursday, Dec. 6, becoming one of the last nations to do so. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan, File)

The Cuban government has been building a 3G network in cities across the island and some tourists, Cuban government officials and foreign businesspeople have had access to it for several years.

The communist-governed island has one of the world’s lowest rates of internet use but that has been expanding rapidly since Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro declared detente in 2014. Expansion has not slowed with President Donald Trump’s partial rollback of relations.

Cuba authorized home internet in 2017 and hundreds of public Wi-Fi connection points have opened in parks and plazas around the country.

The new service will cost about 10 cents per megabyte, with packages ranging from 600 megabytes for about $7 to four gigabytes for about $30.

Those prices are roughly in line with global standards but still out of reach for many Cubans who subsist on state salaries of about $30 a month.

Cuba ran a fiber-optic connection to Venezuela in 2012, allowing the island to shift from slow and costly satellite links. It then began the slow process of allowing citizens to get online.

The government opened state-run internet cafes in 2013, joined by Wi-Fi sites two years later. The number of sites has grown to more than 800.

The Cuban internet is mostly uncensored but the government blocks a small number of sites like the U.S.-funded Radio and Television Marti networks and others that advocate for systematic change on the island.

ETECSA vice president Tania Velázquez said the new service would come online in stages from Thursday through Saturday to avoid the congestion that struck the mobile network during a series of heavily criticized tests this year.

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Andrea Rodriguez on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ARodriguezAP

US Virgin Islands: Plans To Welcome Larger Cruise Ships #Cruise

US Virgin Islands cruises

Trend for larger cruise ships a reality

               Following a recent meeting of a subcommittee of the St.Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce, US Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth E. Mapp observed plans for infrastructure upgrades and additional berthing capacity to accommodate larger cruise vessels at Crown Bay and The West Indian Company (WICO) docks.

“The trend for larger cruise ships is a reality and working together we can find solutions which allow St. Thomas to remain competitive and provide growth opportunities,” said Governor Mapp.

The St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce reacted positively to the Governor’s plans to stimulate economic activity across the district.

Govern Mapp and members of the Ports of the Virgin Islands team outlined ongoing dredging projects, funded through the first phase of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) after last year’s storms. The dredging will permit Quantum Class vessels to dock on the north side at Crown Bay and Oasis Class vessels to berth at the West Indian Company facility.

Enhancing the visitor experience was also a topic of discussion at the meeting. Governor Mapp shared that the Department of Tourism is in the process of securing additional entertainment and greeters to showcase the creativity of Virgin Islanders throughout the ports and downtown areas. Also discussed was the desire to increase collaboration with merchants on the Main Street Revitalization project to help minimize the impact on commerce without further delaying the project.

The Territory’s chief executive also shared ongoing efforts to improve transportation and increase the number of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in the Territory as a means to expedite the inspection process and provide a smoother transit experience as the Virgin Islands prepares for more flights and visitors during the upcoming winter season.

The group heard a presentation from the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) on a potential development at Crown Bay that features activities such as a biking/hiking trail from the port to Lindbergh Bay. The West Indian Company presented concepts to expand berthing capacity, while Public Works Commissioner Nelson Petty updated the group on the Veteran’s Drive improvement project, which is on schedule.

Governor Mapp also noted the tourism product and experience in the district was improving thanks to strong public-private sector collaboration. He praised the contributions of the Carnival Corporation brands – Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line – which have committed $800,000 towards the funding of various projects, including the Children’s Museum, the Little Libraries program, the building of a Children’s Playground (Carnival Fun Park) at Emile Griffith Park as well as $20,000 in supplies and equipment for the Charlotte Amalie High School Gymnasium. Funding for these projects is being administered by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.

In addition, Carnival Corporation has committed to a music program that provides instruments to the Department of Education and a program which will engage students on board its ships. Plans are also in the works to have officials from the cruise lines lecture in schools.

Governor Mapp said these types of partnerships are crucial to bridging the gaps where funding is either limited or not available under federal programs: “We look forward to continuing to strengthen our partnership with the cruise industry.”

Meanwhile, the Ports of the Virgin Islands – an alliance which includes the Department of Tourism, VIPA and WICO – remains committed to solidifying its partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and the recently formed Eastern Caribbean cruise group.

Attending the meeting were Chamber of Commerce representatives Richard Berry, Vivek Daswani, Michael Creque, Filippo Cassinelli and John Woods; VIPA’s Executive Director David Mapp and Property Manager Deborah Washington; WICO’s CEO Clifford Graham; Commissioner Petty; and Commissioner of Tourism Beverly Nicholson-Doty along with Department of Tourism team members Angela Payne, Director of Visitor’s Experience, and Tanya Duran, who serves as Director of Office Operations.

Le Sereno - St Barths To Reopen November 2018

• September 13, 2018

Le Sereno St. Barth will reopen and welcome back guests in late November 2018. Following damage from the passing of Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the Contreras family decided to take the opportunity to completely rebuild the property, including more than half the rooms and all of the public spaces, while maintaining the iconic style of Le Sereno which has a devoted following amongst guests. The original team that created Le Sereno has been reassembled to undertake a complete rebuild, while keeping the essence of the hotel intact. An intimate beachfront property located on the ultra-private Grand Cul de Sac, a protected coral reef that is popular for kitesurfing, paddle boarding and snorkeling, Le Sereno has long beckoned travelers for its contemporary design and understated luxury service.

With the high level of attention to detail and design-driven ethos that Sereno Hotels is known for, the new Le Sereno will feature the following:

• The entire Bungalow Piscine room category has been built from the ground up, featuring larger rooms and new interior design
• Three new rooms have been added to the Bungalow Piscine category, two of which are part of a brand-new Family Suite offering that includes private pools for each suite
• All-new waterfront Grand Suite Plage Sud rooms built from the ground up, featuring a larger bedroom and private garden with outdoor bathtubs
• Completely redesigned restaurant with new bar, lounge and an all-new beach restaurant extension, where guests can dine with their feet in the sand. The dramatic restaurant roof was rebuilt, and amazing views of the lagoon remain intact
• Brand new spa and fitness facility with new treatment rooms and new fitness equipment
• New garden space leading up to the Grand Suite Plage rooms, which will retain their classic look with new interiors
• New on-site retail boutique featuring curated finds from French brands
• The total room count will increase from 36 to 39 rooms

The iconic and much-Instagrammed pool at Le Sereno overlooking the Grand Cul de Sac retains the same look. The lobby building with its picturesque red doors will also continue to greet guests and each of the three, 7,000 square foot, four-bedroom Villas retain their much-lauded design, while the interiors have been refurbished and the private pools will now be heated.

A New Era for Le Sereno

In keeping with the Sereno Hotels philosophy of building, owning and operating intimate, design-driven hotels in highly desired destinations, the next phase of Le Sereno St. Barth will truly up the ante in the Caribbean with every room being touched with a fresh design. For the entirely brand-new Bungalow Piscine rooms the designer “flipped” the previous parquet floors and white ceiling and now the ceiling is made of intricate oak carpentry while the floors feature warm white stone. New corner couches have been designed to fit seamlessly into the room and the ceilings are open and airy with an extended height of 11 feet at their peak. The open-concept bathrooms will be air-conditioned, and feature custom made Iroko wood, oak and stone vanities. The Grand Suite Plage Sud rooms were demolished and rebuilt with entirely new finishings, a private garden with outdoor bathtubs and the floorplans have been reworked to allow for more living space. Each of the Grand Suite Plage rooms will feature new interiors, fantastic new furnished waterfront terraces, and a walkable garden will be unveiled in front of the suite entrances, to enhance the guest experience.

Amongst the amenities that won’t change, guest rooms will again include robes and towels made by D. Porthault exclusively for Le Sereno and bath toiletries by Ex Voto Paris, a private bar, 24-hour room service, in-room technology including complimentary Wi-Fi, cordless telephones, electrical outlets easily accessible next to the bed, flat screen TV’s and blue-tooth music systems. Guests will continue to be welcomed with complimentary beach bags and custom Le Sereno Havaiana flip flops; and also returning will be Anya Hindmarch’s custom-designed Le Sereno bags and accessories.

The Spa at Le Sereno has been expanded and now includes three full treatment rooms, inclusive of the waterfront pavilion, the island’s only beachfront treatment room, a true guest favorite and coveted space for relaxation. In-room spa services are also available. The new fitness room will boast the latest fitness technology and equipment. In between the spa and fitness facilities is a new garden that provides a serene space for guests to practice yoga or meditation.

New Restaurant Le Sereno and Beach Restaurant

The central heartbeat of the hotel is Restaurant Le Sereno, which will unveil a new look, while still maintaining 180-degree views of Grand Cul de Sac. A fully open-air concept, the space takes maximum advantage of the dramatic surroundings giving guests a water view from almost every angle. A new bar centrally located in the restaurant will serve up craft cocktails made with the freshest ingredients and an extensive list of wines and spirits. The bar will also feature a newly added juice station, where guests can order up freshly squeezed wellness and detox elixirs.

Executive Chef Alex Simone returns to Le Sereno and will unveil a new menu for the restaurant that features signature dishes seamlessly integrated with updated offerings. With a focus on Mediterranean dishes made with the freshest ingredients and fit perfectly with the restaurant’s beachfront setting, guests will find French and Italian infusions throughout.

An all new beach restaurant experience will also debut just steps from the crystal-clear waters of the Grand Cul de Sac. Located adjacent to the main restaurant, the entirely new space offers casual dining under the shade of coconut trees, where guests can have their feet in the sand and a million-dollar view of the Grand Cul de Sac’s protected reef. The restaurant is the perfect spot to sip on cocktails and enjoy a laid-back meal without having to leave the serenity of the beachfront location.

Environmental Considerations

Building the new Le Sereno provided an opportunity to take environmental impact into account in every aspect of the hotel. New solar panels, air conditioners with heat exchangers and LED lighting allow the hotel to offer new amenities to guests while significantly lowering energy consumption throughout the property.  All of the new construction is made with sustainably sourced woods and stone. The entire property is outfitted with new windows and insulation designed to reduce energy consumption. Le Sereno also features on-site water desalinization capability and used water is treated and reused for irrigation; which allows the property to be completely “off the grid” from scarce city water resources.

Le Sereno St. Barth’s will welcome guests in late November 2018 with starting rates beginning at 760 Euros/night.

For more information or to book a stay at Le Sereno St. Barth, please visit www.serenohotels.com or call +590 590 298300.

Source: www.luxurytravelmagazine.com

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts Announces Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic As An Adults-Only, Entertainment-Focused Property

Currently Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Green and being renamed Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine as of November 1^st, hotel guests will enjoy revamped amenities and a revitalized entertainment offering

 – Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts – the leading all-inclusive resort chain with properties in the Caribbean, Mexico and Spain – has announced the opening of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine, the first adults-only hotel under the Grand Bahia Principe brand. Set to welcome guests starting November 1^st, 2018, the 498-suite property will combine tranquility and tropical fun at Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

“At Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, we pride ourselves on providing upscale yet approachable hospitality in the Caribbean and we’ve recently taken the initiative to clearly segment and develop each one of our property’s personalities,” said Lluisa Salord, senior vice president of global sales, contracting and distribution, Grupo Piñero. “With the opening of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine, we hope to strengthen our adults-only business while ensuring consistent quality across our accommodations, amenities and distinct entertainment program. We experienced a demand for an adults-only Grand property in Punta Cana, and we are confident that Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will exceed our guests’ expectations.”

Featuring rejuvenated day and nighttime entertainment for guests 18 years and older, Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will be the ideal property for travelers to unplug and enjoy themselves while soaking up the Caribbean sun. From wine tasting classes to rum mixology lessons, from card and board game tournaments to themed parties with live music and shows, the all-inclusive resort will be a well-rounded entertainment destination within the Bahia Principe Bavaro complex. Other events to be hosted at the property include burlesque performances, foam parties and DJ socials at the hotel lobby. For fitness aficionados, new wellness and sports activities will be held throughout Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine, including TRX workouts, CrossFit, Zumba, HIIT training and merengue and salsa dance lessons. 

As part of Bahia Principe’s commitment to elevating the all-inclusive experience, guests of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will be allowed unlimited a la carte dinners and access to the three other Grand Bahia Principe hotels of the complex. The complex holds a la carte dining establishments that serve mouthwatering dishes from across the globe, including traditional Dominican fare, Italian specialties, Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, and juicy meat cuts mimicking an American steakhouse.

For use by guests of Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine and all Luxury brand properties, Bahia Principe’s Bavaro complex will also receive some upgrades of its own, including a brand-new sports bar and fitness center exclusively for adults. Catering to sports enthusiasts, the new sports bar will have ample indoor and outdoor seating, multiple LED flat screens as well as an extended beverage menu. At the complex’s new fitness center, guests can expect a revitalized look with floor to ceiling windows and modern workout machines.

Guests who reserve a stay at the new Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine will be privy to a multitude of benefits including 24-hour complimentary Wi-Fi. For adults seeking to unwind in style, the serene Bahia Spa, features treatments that are centered on finding balance between mind and body. For those looking to let loose, the brand’s signature shopping and nightlife center, Bahia Principe Village, combines local culture and opportunities for fun and excitement such as live music and karaoke.

Anguilla Retains Best Caribbean Island ranking In Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2018

The Anguilla Tourist Board (ATB) is pleased to announce that for an unprecedented second year in a row, Anguilla has been ranked #1 island in the Caribbean, Bermuda and Bahamas in the 2018 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, honoring the top travel destinations and companies around the globe as rated by its readers.

“This Award represents a tremendous vote of confidence in our destination, it is a wonderful endorsement of our tourism product that reinforces the credibility of our message that Anguilla is back, better than ever, in the aftermath of the challenges we have faced,” said the Hon. Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary in Anguilla’s Ministry of Tourism. “We extend hearty congratulations to our stakeholders, in particular the Frangipani Beach Resort, on their excellent showing in the Resort Hotels categories,” he continued.“We are delighted that Anguilla has been voted the #1 Island in the Caribbean for two years in a row by this discerning group of experienced, global travelers,” said ATB Chairperson, Mrs. Donna Banks. “Buoyed by this prestigious Award, we are working diligently to ensure that our winter 2018/2019 season may be the best one yet for Anguilla.”

Frangipani Beach Resort has been ranked #1 in the Top 25 Caribbean Resort Hotels category and #3 in the Top Hotels Overall category. The Four Seasons Resort & Private Residences Anguilla has been ranked #12 in the Top Caribbean Resort Hotels category; Zemi Beach House was ranked #15; and Malliouhana, An Auberge Resort was ranked #18 in the Top Caribbean Resort Hotels category.

The World’s Best Awards appear in the August 2018 issue of Travel + Leisure, on sale July 27, and online at this link: https://www.travelandleisure.com/worlds-best . A special reception to celebrate the winners will be held in New York City on July 24, 2018.

For more information on Anguilla please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla. 

About Anguilla

Tucked away in the northern Caribbean, Anguilla is a shy beauty with a warm smile. A slender length of coral and limestone fringed with green, the island is ringed with 33 beaches, considered by savvy travelers and top travel magazines, to be the most beautiful in the world.

Anguilla lies just off the beaten path, so it has retained a charming character and exclusivity. Yet because it can be conveniently reached from two major gateways: Puerto Rico and St Martin, and by private air, it’s a hop and a skip away.

Romance? Barefoot elegance? Unfussy chic? And untrammeled bliss?

Anguilla is Beyond Extraordinary.

About Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure is the preeminent voice for the sophisticated traveler, serving up expert intelligence and the most immersive, inspiring travel lifestyle content anywhere. Travel + Leisure captures the joy of discovering the pleasures the world has to offer—from art and design to shopping and style to food and drink—and offers compelling reasons to get up and go. With a total global audience of more than 15 million, the Travel + Leisure portfolio includes the U.S. flagship and four international editions in China, India, Mexico, and Southeast Asia.

The U.S. edition of T+L, which launched in 1971, is the only monthly consumer travel magazine in print in the U.S., has an authoritative website, TravelandLeisure.com, and an extensive social media following of more than 13 million. Travel + Leisure also encompasses newsletters and media collaborations.

Back in Business: Divi Little Bay Proves Successful Since Reopening in May On St. Maarten

Divi Little Bay one of several Divi Resorts receiving multi-million dollar renovations and upgrades.

ST. MAARTEN -- Things are looking up at Divi Little Bay Beach Resort on St. Maarten and at other resorts in the Divi family. It's been two months since the Divi Little Bay reopened and just ten months since Hurricane Irma blew through the island, causing widespread damage. Now the resort is open once again and welcoming back loyal guests, owners and members to a completely new St. Maarten experience.

"Refreshed rooms, updated restaurants and exciting new features are around every corner at the new Divi Little Bay," said Marco Galaverna, Divi Resorts President & COO. "We've gotten lots of positive feedback on the changes we've made so far and we're looking forward to finishing up even more later this year."

New amenities and features open now include: 

• - Units refreshed from top to bottom with all new lighting, furniture, window treatments, water-saving toilets, interior paint, shower doors, faucets, crown molding, baseboards, 49" LED TVs, laptop safes, bluetooth alarm/clock/radio, interior doors and hardware, patio doors, appliances, HVAC, in-room Wi-Fi, electrical devices and panels, solar water heaters, exterior lighting and repaired roofs
• - Updated Seabreeze Pool and new menus at Seabreeze Restaurant
• - Fort Amsterdam Cafe (formerly Bayview Cafe) has been transformed with gourmet coffee and a new menu
• - Updated Gizmo's Bar & Grill with an extended deck and new menu, including beach service
• - Newly reopened Aqua Mania water sports center
• - Indulgence by the Sea Spa
• - All on-site shops
• - Aqua Mania water sports center
• - Completely updated landscape throughout the entrance and resort
• - New Adirondack chairs and cabana beds added to the beach

Other features scheduled to reopen in the fall include: 

• - New eatery called The Shack featuring Caribbean BBQ, Jerk, Roti and more
• - Stunning new main pool, pureocean pool (formerly the Casitas Pool), which will be enlarged with a new pureocean pool bar, waterfalls and expansive pool seating area
• - Expanded pureocean Restaurant and pureocean terrace
• - Updated Infinity pool
• - New kid's space and game room

"The resort transformation from September until now is unbelievable and our guests have definitely taken notice," said Divi Little Bay's General Manager Anne-Marie Brooks. "We've been humbled by how many positive reviews and comments we've received about the changes. We truly can't wait until the entire resort is completed in the fall so guests can enjoy everything Divi Little Bay has to offer!"

Photos of the resort can be found on Divi Little Bay's Facebook Page or by visiting https://bit.ly/2KLbU11.

Divi Little Bay isn't the only resort with a new look. Divi Dutch Village Beach Resort on Aruba recently underwent a massive, multi-million dollar renovation, which included modernized suites, three beautifully redesigned pools, a stunning swim-up bar, a brand new check-in building and more. In addition, Divi Resorts in the progress of revamping Divi Southwinds Beach Resort on Barbados and Divi Aruba Phoenix Beach Resort on Aruba with plans to finish up those projects soon.

Travelers wishing to visit one of Divi's stunning resort destinations can receive 30% off with Divi's High Tides & Good Vibes offer when booking between now and September 30, 2018 for all 2018 and 2019 travel dates. With rates as low as $155 per night room only and $178 per person, per night all-inclusive, and travel dates through the end of 2019, it's the perfect time to book. Plus, with Divi's Kids Stay & Eat Free Program* and exciting kid's activities, even the youngest travelers will have plenty to do, without the added cost.

Divi's High Tides & Good Vibes offer runs from now until September 30, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. ET, for all 2018 and 2019 travel dates. For reservations, book online at http://www.diviresorts.com/caribbean-promotion.htm or call 1-800-367-3484 (Toll-free US) or 1-919-419-3484 (International). For group reservations, please call 1-800-801-5550 or email groupsales@diviresorts.com.

*For more information on Divi's Stay & Eat Free Program or activities for kids please visit http://www.diviresorts.com/kids.htm. Parent or guardian must accompany children at all activities.

About Divi Resorts 
Divi Resorts is the vacation expert of the Caribbean, with a collection of eight premium resorts spanning the five stunning Caribbean islands of Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix, and St. Maarten. For more information on Divi Resorts, call 1-800-367-3484 or visit http://www.diviresorts.com.

St. Maarten-St. Martin Tourism Continues Steady Recovery With New Flights And Hotel Reopenings After Hurricanes Irma And Maria

St. Maarten-St. Martin

The tourism industry in St. Maarten-St. Martin continues to recover at a rapid pace as airlines add new service to The Friendly Island and hotels reopen following the passage of Hurricanes Irma and Maria last September.

New Flights

American Airlines recently announced that it has increased seat capacity on their daily flight from Miami upgrading their Miami International Airport (MIA) – Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) route to a Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 160 passengers. In addition, American Airlines will be adding a daily nonstop flight to St. Maarten from its hub at Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) starting November 4th, 2018, as well as a second daily nonstop from Miami effective December 19th, 2018. Both new flights are currently bookable and will be operated by Airbus A319 aircraft with a capacity of 128 passengers.

Flights Already Resumed

American Airlines is the latest to announce new service to St. Maarten. St. Maarten’s Princess Juliana Airport (SXM) continues to report great progress in terms of improved connectivity as the year progresses. As of May 2018, two-thirds of all carriers that provided flights to and from the award-winning airport have resumed regular service. From the United States, travelers can fly to St. Maarten with United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and Seaborne Airlines. Service from Toronto is available on WestJet, and Dominican carrier Air Century, and Panama-based Copa Airlines have returned as well.

“Due to the collaborative efforts by all stakeholders and the community at large, St. Maarten has been able to make a quick turnaround,” said St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Cornelius De Weever. “We are grateful to the return of all airlines and the reopening of our properties.”

“This shows the confidence American Airlines has in the comeback of St. Maarten/St. Martin, the public and private sector have been working continuously with American Airlines to ensure that the flights return in a balanced way complementing the re-opening of various accommodations,” added St. Maarten’s Interim Head of Tourism, May-Ling Chun.

Hotels & Activities

As of May 2018, there are just under 2,000 bookable rooms available across the entire island. 122 villas and condos are open for business island-wide, boutique hotels and guest houses are ready to accommodate travelers, and several larger properties have conducted soft openings in order to welcome back guests. Amongst the larger properties, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Simpson Bay Resorts & Marina and Oyster Bay Beach Resort opened their doors. Many of these properties are currently offering promotional discounts for travel through the end of 2018. Additionally, Sonesta also announced projected openings for the Sonesta Ocean Point Resort and the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Spa scheduled for November 15, 2018 and February 1, 2019, respectively.

87% of all on-island activities are also available for guests to enjoy. Popular offerings at Aqua Mania Adventures, Flavors of St. Maarten, Rainforest Adventures, Lee’s Deep Sea Fishing, the Topper’s Rhum Distillery and more are open to visitors looking to experience fun and unforgettable times and do more than just relax on one of St. Maarten’s 37 stunning beaches. For those looking to get a taste of St. Maarten’s famous cuisine, the vast majority of restaurants on the Dutch side are open, especially along the Front Street, Boardwalk, Simpson Bay and Maho Stripes, providing travelers with a wide range of gastronomic options.

Why You Should Consider The Dominican Republic For Your Summer Travels #GoDomRep

No one can claim to be surprised that the Dominican Republic now ranks as the most visited country in the Caribbean. With the United States' high season for travel being the Dominican Republic's low season, the Dominican Republic should definitely be a destination on your list.

With the United States' high season for travel being the Dominican Republic's low season, the Dominican Republic should definitely be a destination on your list.

No one can claim to be surprised that the Dominican Republic now ranks as the most visited country in the Caribbean. The diamond white beaches and exotic resorts from Punta Cana to La Romana attract millions of sun lovers every year. The amazing landscape and vegetation are uniquely preserved and pleasing to the eye. But with all the fanfare and multitude of tourists that flock into the country each year, it would be nice to note the importance of timing. Honestly, it is a wonderful country all year long. But several factors make certain times more enjoyable than others. If you're wondering when the most enjoyable time is, read on. When deciding the best time to visit the Dominican Republic, you must understand that there are two distinct tourist high seasons:

1)      High tourist season runs from mid-December through mid-March-expect higher rates during this time. This is a natural economic principle, 'the higher the demand, the higher the price. Loads of tourists visit The Dominican Republic at this time of year to bask in the warm weather, so expect your accommodations to be hard to come by and even expensive. Everywhere you turn during this period just seems to be stacked with tourists. Around Christmas and New Year's Eve in December and Carnival in February, the crowds are even larger. It is advisable to make your reservations at least 5 months in advance.

2)      The low tourist season April- August brings with it attractive airfare and slashed hotel rates. Apparently, due to peak season rush decline, this is when the tourists trickle out of the city. It's usually around now that the temperatures are at their highest (with average highs around 80⁰ F). You'll, therefore, save a considerable amount of money and have an easier time booking a hotel room on the spot. The bars and beaches are not as crowded during these times, making for a more relaxing and enjoyable time. Add this to the fact that rates are cheaper- I'm sure you're starting to see why this makes for a more enjoyable time in the Dominican Republic.

Companies like Transekur will be ready to navigate you at whatever time you choose to visit The Dominican Republic. They provide Secure Premium Private Transportation for you to and from any part of the country, and Private Luxury Excursions & Experiences. Transekur is the #1 Premium Transportation provider in the Dominican Republic, offering airport transfers, luxury taxi and chauffeur service, nationwide since 2012. This includes Punta Cana airport transfers and Santo Domingo transfers.

When you book your Dominican transportation, you do not receive a third service. They are the only online retailer in the entire Dominican Republic that owns all of its vehicles and employs all of its drivers. This allows them to guarantee a higher level of service, while maintaining very competitive prices.

Thomas Dolby To Join 2019 Star Trek™: The Cruise III, Along With Other Fan-Favorite Stars #StarTrekTheCruise

Weeklong Immersive Star Trek Experience Also Brings Aboard

Wil Wheaton, Jason Isaacs,

Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden,

John de Lancie, Nana Visitor, Robert Picardo, Rene Auberjonois, Connor Trinneer,

Denise Crosby, Ethan Phillips, Chase Masterson, Casey Biggs,

Mary Chieffo and Wilson Cruz

 Thomas Dolby, a pioneer in music and technology integration, has just been added to the 2019 Star Trek: The Cruise III as musical guest and innovation speaker. He joins a crew of fan-favorite stars from both the film and television series, including Wil Wheaton, Jason Isaacs, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, Marina Sirtis, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, John de Lancie, Nana Visitor, Robert Picardo, Rene Auberjonois, Connor Trinneer, Denise Crosby, Ethan Phillips, Chase Masterson, Casey Biggs, Mary Chieffo and Wilson Cruz.  The voyage marks the third annual journey for the only officially licensed Star Trek cruise in the universe, which immerses fans in the ultimate Star Trek experience.  Star Trek: The Cruise III will depart from Miami, FL on January 4, 2019, with stops on Great Stirrup Cay, Grand Cayman and Jamaica before returning on January 10, 2019.

“Star Trek is the perfect fusion of technology, science and culture,” says Dolby.  “What the franchise has done for science and curiosity is immeasurable and I’m genuinely excited to be a part of this voyage that celebrates all things Star Trek.”

Called a “music-tech icon” by Forbes magazine, Dolby has merged technology with music for over 35 years, epitomized in his hit song, “She Blinded Me with Science.”  He went on to revolutionize ringtone   technology and was Musical Director of the annual TED Conference for a decade. In 2016, Dolby published his biography, Speed of Sound: Breaking the Barriers Between Music and Technology.  He is currently a professor at Johns Hopkins University, where he is launching their first Music for New Media program this fall. 

Star Trek: The Cruise III brings fans together with their favorite actors to personally interact during innovative, original events and impromptu encounters.  Produced by Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC, under license by CBS Consumer Products, the voyage will include dramatic performances, comedy shows and concerts by Star Trek actors.  The ship will be transformed into quintessential Star Trek locations, with back-to-back events and activities for guests that are inspired by key moments in Star Trek history. Additional crew members expected to join Star Trek: The Cruise III will be announced in the coming weeks.

To reserve a stateroom for Star Trek: The Cruise III, January 4 – 10, 2019, fans can go to the cruise website or call 844-335-6515.

The six-day voyage on the stunning Norwegian Jade will boldly go where no one has gone before, packed with special Star Trek-themed shows, events and programs including:

• A stellar crew of iconic Star Trek actors and personalities
• Incredible theme nights
• Interactive celebrity hosted events
• Actor led excursions at each port
• Vow renewals led by a Star Trek star
• Nightly shows performed by celebrity guests, including concerts and live game shows
• Autograph and photograph sessions with your favorite Star Trek crew members
• A Star Trek: The Cruise Museum exhibiting genuine pieces and classic memorabilia from the archive

Cabin prices start at $1,850 per person, and include all meals, events, parties as well as port charges, taxes and onboard gratuities.

Visit www.StarTrekTheCruise.com, follow hashtag #StarTrekTheCruise or view the video of the 2017 cruise for more information.

Cuba Travel Services (CTS) First U.S. Travel Company To Open Offices In Cuba

CTS will be the first U.S. based travel company to open its doors in Havana, Cuba

Cuba Travel Services, the leading charter and tour operator serving the destination with offices in California, Florida, New Jersey, and Texas, announced today the upcoming opening of their Havana location on March 31^st.

It is considered a significant event as this is the first time a U.S. based travel company is awarded permission to operate in Cuba in over 60 years. Services provided by the California based company in Havana will include:

• Flight ticket sales
• Customer support
• Hotel reservations
• Tour operation support
• Car rentals
• Excursions
• Transfers
• Programmed packages
• Cruise Support Services
• Advisory Services

Opening a new office in Havana will allow Cuba Travel Services to monitor its operations more closely and better assist their clients while in the country.  Additionally, CTS will be better positioned to ensure their cruise and tour operator clients continue to offer OFAC compliant programs.

Cuba Travel Services will open its first office in the historic Lonja Del Comercio building located in Plaza de San Francisco just across from the Sierra Maestra cruise terminal and has plans to open additional locations in Havana, Camaguey, Cienfuegos, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba.

"Having the Ministry of Tourism grant this request to have a location in Cuba has been a big win for our organization. Our physical presence means our licensed clients will get faster service and more personalized attention directly from our staff," said Michael Zuccato, General Manager at Cuba Travel Services. "This is a very exciting time for us, to be the first U.S. based Travel Company to open its doors in Havana. We are confident our existing market expertise and knowledge combined with local representation, will result in an improved customer experience."   

For questions about the travel to Cuba or to book your next flight, hotel, activity or transfer visit us online at www.CubaTravelServices.com or call 800-963-CUBA (2822).

About Cuba Travel Services

With nearly 20 years of experience providing services to authorized companies, groups and individuals, Cuba Travel Services is the leading travel company serving the destination from the United States. They offer real-time hotel, flight and excursion bookings, transportation, OFAC compliant tour programming and a variety of other turnkey travel solutions. They also serve as key advisors to airlines, cruise companies, tour operators and other businesses entering the Cuba market. 

Headquartered in California, Cuba Travel Services currently maintains offices in Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. The company provides specialty travel services including charter flights, private aviation services, visa processing, OFAC call center support services, cruise and yachting programs, shipments of authorized cargo and other logistical and travel support services. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube

Travelore Tips: When To Book A Cruise by Destination To Save Up To 71%

 A study by Cruisewatch.com, a leading metasearcher for cruises which uses artificial intelligence, has found that booking the respective cruise destination at the right time can realistically save you up to 71% off your cruise.

The site's massive study examined 18,983 sailings by region with departures in 2017, and found a surprising trend: as the date of departure approaches, cruise prices fluctuate to a greater extent. Some regions even show up to a 71% price reduction on fares. However, there are huge differences between destinations to keep in mind.

Short-Term Planning Can Really Pay OffAccording to Cruisewatch.com's intensive data analysis of over 1.8 million data points, many of the world's 15 cruise regions show the highest maximum price reduction between 75 and 55 days before departure. These include North America (71%), the Middle East (64%), South America (56%), and Southern Europe (59%).

"When booking a cruise, if cruisers are flexible with their cabin choices, they could save significant amounts of money simply by booking their cruise last minute," explains Cruisewatch CEO and co-founder Markus Stumpe. "In fact, spontaneous travelers could save up to 61% on Hawaiian cruises by booking within 3 weeks of the departure date!"

If you're wondering when to book a cruise to get the best price, you could soak up both the sun and the savings with short-term booking. Hawaii and Mexico are the best regions for this option. The best time to book Hawaiian cruises is 21 days before departure, and Mexican cruises can offer up to 46% off within 32 days prior to departure.

When to Book Caribbean Cruises for the Best PriceThe Caribbean is America's favorite cruise region, and this popular playground boasts maximum price reductions of 51% off when you book around 59 days before departure. Furthermore, the trend extends to the nearby region of Bermuda, where maximum price reductions of 46% off happen exactly 51 days before cruises set sail. This means that cruise enthusiasts looking for a dose of Vitamin D can save around half off their trip by booking at the right time.

Choose the Right Regions for Long-Term PlanningAccording to Cruisewatch, some regions maintain fairly consistent pricing.

"For those who like to plan ahead," says Markus, "regions like Australia (35%), the South Sea (27%), and Alaska (19%) are good choices. These regions see relatively small price fluctuations, and they tend to happen 85 days before departure."

However, some regions still offer fair price reductions and more planning time. These include:

• Northern Europe (45% off 70 days pre-departure),
• Galapagos cruises (39% off 79 days pre-departure),
• Asia (38% off 84 days pre-departure), and
• Transatlantic or Transpacific cruises (41% off 73 days pre-departure).

While these regions may not offer as extreme price drops as Hawaii or the Caribbean, knowing when to take a cruise to these locations can still save consumers a significant amount of money.

Big Data Leads to Big ResultsUnlike other cruise or booking sites, Cruisewatch.com focuses on keeping things clear, simple, and personalized for consumers. They offer 100% free, automatic updates on when to book a cruise for the best price on their website. They also regularly conduct research to find new insights for cruisers, who love their accurate, industry-leading price prediction analytics.

"We are levelling the playing field and offering consumers up-to-date technology to make the right decisions," says the Cruisewatch.com CEO.

HANOVER, Germany, Jan. 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- A study by Cruisewatch.com, a leading metasearcher for cruises which uses artificial intelligence, has found that booking the respective cruise destination at the right time can realistically save you up to 71% off your cruise.

The site's massive study examined 18,983 sailings by region with departures in 2017, and found a surprising trend: as the date of departure approaches, cruise prices fluctuate to a greater extent. Some regions even show up to a 71% price reduction on fares. However, there are huge differences between destinations to keep in mind.

Short-Term Planning Can Really Pay OffAccording to Cruisewatch.com's intensive data analysis of over 1.8 million data points, many of the world's 15 cruise regions show the highest maximum price reduction between 75 and 55 days before departure. These include North America (71%), the Middle East (64%), South America (56%), and Southern Europe (59%).

"When booking a cruise, if cruisers are flexible with their cabin choices, they could save significant amounts of money simply by booking their cruise last minute," explains Cruisewatch CEO and co-founder Markus Stumpe. "In fact, spontaneous travelers could save up to 61% on Hawaiian cruises by booking within 3 weeks of the departure date!"

If you're wondering when to book a cruise to get the best price, you could soak up both the sun and the savings with short-term booking. Hawaii and Mexico are the best regions for this option. The best time to book Hawaiian cruises is 21 days before departure, and Mexican cruises can offer up to 46% off within 32 days prior to departure.

When to Book Caribbean Cruises for the Best PriceThe Caribbean is America's favorite cruise region, and this popular playground boasts maximum price reductions of 51% off when you book around 59 days before departure. Furthermore, the trend extends to the nearby region of Bermuda, where maximum price reductions of 46% off happen exactly 51 days before cruises set sail. This means that cruise enthusiasts looking for a dose of Vitamin D can save around half off their trip by booking at the right time.

Choose the Right Regions for Long-Term PlanningAccording to Cruisewatch, some regions maintain fairly consistent pricing.

"For those who like to plan ahead," says Markus, "regions like Australia (35%), the South Sea (27%), and Alaska (19%) are good choices. These regions see relatively small price fluctuations, and they tend to happen 85 days before departure."

However, some regions still offer fair price reductions and more planning time. These include:

• Northern Europe (45% off 70 days pre-departure),
• Galapagos cruises (39% off 79 days pre-departure),
• Asia (38% off 84 days pre-departure), and
• Transatlantic or Transpacific cruises (41% off 73 days pre-departure).

While these regions may not offer as extreme price drops as Hawaii or the Caribbean, knowing when to take a cruise to these locations can still save consumers a significant amount of money.

Big Data Leads to Big ResultsUnlike other cruise or booking sites, Cruisewatch.com focuses on keeping things clear, simple, and personalized for consumers. They offer 100% free, automatic updates on when to book a cruise for the best price on their website. They also regularly conduct research to find new insights for cruisers, who love their accurate, industry-leading price prediction analytics.

"We are levelling the playing field and offering consumers up-to-date technology to make the right decisions," says the Cruisewatch.com CEO.