2021 News

Virgin Voyages Marks Inaugural Sailing to Nassau and Bimini

NASSAU, Bahamas – With vaccinations increasing and travel restrictions lifting across the world, cruise lines are coming back in full swing to Caribbean shores. Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, a new luxury cruise, began its “inaugural” sailing season to the Caribbean, making its debut in The Bahamas with a four- night “Fire and Sunset Soireìes,” including a stop at The Beach Club at Bimini. This past week inaugural ceremonies were held in the capital and Bimini, where Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation the Honourable I. Chester Cooper and Director General Joy Jibrilu welcomed the cruise line to the shores of The Islands of The Bahamas.

During the inaugural ceremony in Bimini, Deputy Prime Minister Cooper expressed his optimism for economic growth considering this new partnership. “The weekly cruises will positively impact the local economy, and cruise guests will get to experience all the joys of a day on a small tropical island, from luxuriating on a gorgeous stretch of powder-soft, white sand beach, to expeditions that take them big game fishing, deep-sea diving, kayaking, and interacting with dolphins,” said Deputy Prime Minister Cooper.

Director General Joy Jibrilu echoed the sentiments of Deputy Prime Minister Cooper at the inaugural ceremony held in Nassau, “Virgin Voyages itineraries featuring a day in Nassau and a day in Bimini will allow for your over 2,700 guests to experience a taste of The Bahamas as they explore some of The Bahamas’ premier historical sites and attractions and interact with our warm, hospitable people.”

The adults-only cruise ship accommodates 2,770 passengers (inclusive of crew) and 24 food and beverage venues. The vessel also features numerous event venues, a smoke-free casino, an arcade, a dual-space fitness center and more.

The Lady Scarlet will make weekly voyages to Bimini and Nassau over the next seven months, beginning October 2021 through May 2022. In observance of Covid-19 protocols and to ensure safety, the cruise line requires full vaccinations for both guests and staff. Passengers will also be tested for Covid-19 prior to boarding, a cost covered by the cruise line. Health protocols onboard include sanitization, physical distancing, limited occupancy and enforcement of local government guidelines in each destination.

For more information on Virgin Voyages cruises, visit www.virginvoyages.com.

New Tourism Experiences Open Up As Vaccination Rates Increase In Antigua And Barbuda

(ST. JOHN’S, ANTIGUA) October 19, 2021 – The twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda continues to be the perfect place for visitors seeking a well-needed vacation. With increased vaccination rates for Covid-19 in the country, on-island restrictions have been eased. This means visitors can look forward to enjoying some newly re-opened tourism experiences.

Plan your perfect day, on one of Antigua and Barbuda’s gorgeous beaches. The warm and crystal-clear waters are therapeutic, and there is lots of room for social distancing. New opening hours for all 365 beaches are from 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily, providing lots of time to unwind under flowing palm trees.

Water excursions are also now officially open, for those eager to leave the sun-kissed shores behind and jet-off on the water for an exhilarating adventure. Sail to Antigua’s sister-island Barbuda, for a visit to the Magnificent Frigatebird Sanctuary or drop anchor within reach of a deserted beach.  Back in Antigua, enjoy relaxed kayaking, a circumnavigation cruise, snorkelling in clear, turquoise waters and the abundance of available water-based activities that stretch across the coastline. Land-based excursions continue to operate.

Following a short break, restaurant tables are now set for re-opened dine-in service.  Fully vaccinated food aficionados can completely immerse themselves in Antigua and Barbuda’s rich, culinary experience in picturesque settings with extraordinary service.

Keen to take in the beauty of Antigua and Barbuda at night? With shortened curfew hours, visitors are welcomed to spend more time under the stars as businesses open late into the night. Present curfew hours are from 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.

Visitors should observe all covid-19 protocols during their stay and are encouraged to book only Covid-19 certified businesses such as restaurants and excursions during their trip.

Before travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, visitors should ensure that they have reviewed the Government of Antigua and Barbuda’s latest travel advisory.

All travellers, 18 years and older are now required to have received at least one dose of a World Health Organization (WHO) or Antigua and Barbuda Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment (MOHWE) approved 2-dose Covid-19 vaccine or a single dose vaccine to be permitted entry into Antigua and Barbuda.  All arriving passengers by air, ages 5 years and older, are also required to present a negative Covid- I9 RT-PCR taken within four (4) days of their flight.

For the full travel advisory, destination updates and details on covid-19 certified businesses, go to: www.visitantiguabarbuda.com

Antigua and Barbuda Pavilion Doors Open at Expo Dubai 2020

Monday, October 18, 2021 — The twin-island paradise of Antigua and Barbuda is on show at the world expo ‘Expo Dubai 2020’ being held in Dubai under the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

Antigua and Barbuda’s pavilion located in the ‘Mobility’ section of the expo; displays the remarkable strides the Caribbean nation has made in its socio-economic development over the years.

Read more: Antigua and Barbuda Pavilion Doors Open at Expo Dubai 2020 (oecs.org)

American Airlines Resumes Service To Martinique

New York, NY (October 18, 2021) – Flights to Martinique from the United States will resume thanks to American Airlines.  Beginning November 6^th, the carrier will start its nonstop service between Miami International Airport and Fort-de-France’s Aimé Césaire International Airport.  The flights will operate once a week on Saturdays before increasing to three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays for Christmas and the second half of February through March.

“American Airlines, the largest U.S. airline company is a crucial long-time partner of the Island of Flowers”,” states Martinique Tourism Commissioner Bénédicte di Geronimo. “That is why we’re thrilled to welcome back our main U.S. carrier and all its passengers with open arms. Experiencing Martinique will for sure convince our US visitors of the reason why Martinique has received very recently Gold honors in Travel Weekly’s 2021 Magellan Awards as an Eco-Friendly “Green” Destination, has been named #1 Emerging Destination in the world in 2021 by Tripadvisor, not counting the two distinctions granted recently by UNESCO for our unique traditional Yole Boat as well as for the richness of our biodiversity”.

 “With over 35 destinations to the islands, American is your airline to the French Caribbean Island of Martinique, said Evette Negron, Channel Sales Manager at American Airlines. “It is a real pleasure to offer to American travellers the opportunity to discover the beauty and rich history of Martinique in all safety, from the very moment of fastening their seatbelt.”

The Embraer 175 aircraft with 76 seats will be used for the three-and-a-half-hour flights.  To purchase tickets, click here.  To learn more about Martinique, read more.