"You're going to Bequia?" friends had asked, "to write about it?" The implication being they'd hoped to keep their vacation paradise in the Caribbean a secret. I, with a slight sense of guilt, was flying there to, well, "out" their idyll.

Bequia, from the air, gleams like an emerald drop in the variegated blue and green necklace of the remote archipelago Saint Vincent and Grenadines. All seven square miles of it is home to 5,000 people of African, Scottish and Island Carib descent. It's off the beaten track just enough to stave off hordes of tourists, but idyllic enough to beckon adventurous spirits.

Enter Bengt Mortstedt, the jovial Swedish-born former lawyer, and self-proclaimed "accidental hotelier." In the early 1990s he and his family were beguiled by Bequia while on a sailing vacation through the Grenadines. "It was unspoiled, a rugged beauty," he said. While walking the milelong Friendship Beach, a few years later, he spotted a For Sale sign in front of an old, closed B&B. The rest is history. On New Year's Eve 2009 his creation, the Bequia Beach Hotel, was born on nine acres fronting the sea.

The luxury hotel is refreshingly unpretentious: a modern take on colonial Caribbean architecture, known for its playful colors and relaxed charm. Mortstedt's model for the hotel riffs on the '50s, imbuing the property with the nostalgia of seaside resorts of yesteryear. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the collection of retro-style travel posters created by California's Kerne Erickson, placed throughout the property, speaks volumes on the realization of Mortstedt's vision.

Each of the 58 guest rooms, suites and private villas displays its own personality while they're united in designs that include four-poster beds cocooned in white voile canopies, vintage rattan furniture, contemporary bathrooms and spacious terraces. The panoramic view from my 700-square-foot Beachfront Suite embraced the beach: palms and thatched umbrellas anchored in the sand, while the island of Mustique rested on the horizon.

Interconnecting paths meander around gardens flush with flowers, shrubs and old growth trees tended by Matthew, master gardener. On Wednesdays, guests can follow him and his green thumbs on a horticulture tour. A section of the garden slopes up a hillside where one of the property's three restaurants, Blue Tropic, serves Italian food. Further up the hill is perched a selection of varied accommodations whose views are spectacular. The largest of these is the 4,860-square-foot Estate Villa replete with its own kitchen, infinity pool, two master bedrooms and two twin bedrooms. A butler and a chef at your service, if you please.

A second infinity pool, hillside, is available for all hotel guests, but each morning at 7, I chose to swim in the spacious pool a stone's throw from the beach. The first morning it rained cats and dogs but the pool water was warm and I was willing. Within minutes the sun emerged revealing a rainbow arching over the hills. Perfection.

Mortstedt and his son, Philip, have extended their reach to another area of Bequia, Princess Margaret Beach, where Jack's Beach Bar draws customers to curated cocktails and seafood well suited to any princess and her prince. While I lunched on fresh fish and Grenadine greens, kids and adults alike frolicked in the sea below.

The nine-seater Bequia Air VIP Transfer that flew me from Barbados to Bequia is owned by the hotel, so too the Star of the Sea, a luxury 114-foot yacht that guests can rent for private charters along the Grenadines highway of islands. One sunny morning, I joined a group on board and cruised serenely along the Tobago Cays. Near our yacht, a pod of orcas breached in unison until out of view. We snorkeled and swam with the turtles on a tiny Robinson Caruso-like island The yacht staff produced a sumptuous lunch and plied us with unlimited drinks as we wended our way back home into the sunset.

In no small measure, part of the comfort and charm of Bequia Beach Hotel is due to the 240-member staff. Their genuine caring is a gift to each guest. Most come from the island, some from neighboring shores and others from farther away, including five chefs who trained in Europe. After spending a couple of days exploring Bequia, I discovered that almost every member of the staff is a friend or a relative of almost everyone else on the entire island.

That observation came by way of a friend who has lived on the island for many years. Walking through the bustling town of Port Elizabeth, with its fruit vendors, souvenir shops and arts and crafts kiosks was remarkable. Not a minute would go by when she wasn't hugging someone, or another was offering her a new recipe or inviting her to a party. She'd introduce me and mention the Bequia Beach Hotel and immediately the response would be, "Oh, my cousin" so and so or "My brother" so and so works there. Driving up and down the hills of the narrow roads we'd encounter sheep, goats, chickens and tortoises, malnourished dogs, and again, her pals. This time the cars would casually stop in the middle of the road for a chat session. Relaxed has taken on a new meaning here.

We walked the Boardwalk in Admiralty Harbour, where the ice-cream parlor was at full scoop, and white sail boats bobbed in the bay. Climbed high in the hills to the more residential area of Mount Pleasant where the views are nothing short of spectacular. Coming back down to sea level, Lower Bay offers a popular beach where grabbing a fresh tuna sandwich, a cold beer and a plunge in the waves at Da Reef Restaurant and Bar is a Bequia ritual. Nearby is Dawn's, where at sundown we ate at the tiny restaurant owned by a petite woman named, not surprisingly, Dawn. Her smile and home-cooked food were equally enticing.

Despite expensive expat villas dotting the landscape, Bequia is by no means a wealthy island: hand-to-mouth existence for many. Whaling was an industry for years, with the Whaling Museum being a testament to that practice. It is still allowed, but is carefully controlled.

New enterprises are offering means of employment for the Vincentians, as citizens of Bequia are called. I met two young people in Port Elizabeth who are determined to help individuals learn new skills and nurture latent talents. Jessica Jaja is the manager of Bequia Threadworks, which offers free training in sewing, textiles and fashion design. Its aim is to create a stable economy sourcing sustainable materials. The store on Back Street sells clothes that are made onsite. Off the main drag of Port Elizabeth and behind the local bookstore is The Hub Collective run by Colin Peters. With similar purpose as Threadworks, the Hub, also a nonprofit organization, provides creative, entrepreneurial and self-development opportunities for all ages. Their gallery sells original, handmade crafts and art.

Back at the Bequia Beach Hotel, for my last evening, I sipped a cocktail at the open-air bar, dined on lobster with a family from Surrey, England, and listened to a band of local musicians perform late into the night. There's magic on the island, strangers become friends, Bequia's breezes burn into your memory and tourists will continue to come. Sorry, friends at home, I can't keep Bequia your secret anymore.

http://www.bequiabeachhotel.com

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Finding Bequia secret is out on vacation paradise in the Caribbean - Worcester Telegram

In September2017, the Caribbean Basin was ravaged by two massive Category 5 hurricanes, first Irma, and then, only two weeks later, the even larger Maria.

Two and a half years later, all but the most damaged areas on the most devastated of islands are back in full tourist mode. But that doesnt meanall is as it was before the summer of 17, or in the case of the central Bahamas, before Hurricane Dorian struck lastSeptember. Large swaths still bear ugly scars, many villages are still struggling to rebuild, and many non-government-run attractions are still closed or only open on a reduced basis.

To help those thinking about coming on down, here are updates on the five most popular (in terms of numbers) destinations amongAmericans. For the most recent updates, check your potential island destinations government tourism website, and http://www.caribbeantravel.com. One caveat:They may be more interested in highlighting progress than pointing out recovery work that still needs to be done.

The Dominican Republic

Irma passed far enough to the north of the Dominican Republic to not have had any devastating effects. Maria, on the other hand, made landfall along the northeastern coast, but only as a Category 3 hurricane after having dissipated much of her strength in passing over Puerto Rico. Torrential rains led to widespread flooding there, but the storm passed far enough away from the Punta Cana mega-destination, where gusts only reached 60 mph, to only cause minor damage.

Jamaica

Located even farther south and west than Hispaniola (home island to both the Dominican Republic and Haiti), Jamaica was even further protected from the ravages of Irma and Maria by Hispaniola and Cubas high mountains. If anything, the two hurricanes were a relative benefit to Jamaica whose non-cruise tourist arrivals grew 4.6% in 2018 as determined sun seekers steered clear of demonstrably damaged goods.

Puerto Rico

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During her traverse of the island, Maria, which assaulted Puerto Rico as a Category 4 storm, caused an estimated $92 billion in damage and claimed nearly 3,000 lives. In several senses, it is accurate to say that Puerto Rico will never fully recover, and as if to prove it, nearly a quarter-million of its inhabitants have abandoned their homeland for the mainland, presumably forever. Two and a half years on, Marias effects are still omnipresent: 15% to 25% of the islands large trees were toppled (particularly devastated was El Yunque National Forest), with local-level rebuilding progressing slowly, especially in the rural interior. (Ongoing recovery efforts along the southwestern coast have been undermined by the recent spate of devastating earthquakes.)

But only a few luxury hotels remain closed, old San Juan has been scrubbed clean, and all the islands beaches are open, though access to offshore Vieques and Culebra remains spotty. As a result, tourism numbers are back up to pre-Maria levels, though some of that is attributable to the travel restrictions reimposed on rival destination Cuba by the Trump Administration. But theres another compelling reason for visiting Puerto Rico now: putting your vacation money to work in the slow, but ongoing recovery of this American territory.

Aruba

Arubas location below the Hurricane Belt in the southern Caribbean keeps it from being directly hit by anything other than errant, rogue storms. Irma and Maria were anything but that, and so Aruba, along with all the other islands off the coast of South America (Trinidad and Tobago, Curacao, and Bonaire) were completely unaffected.

The Bahamas

Despite ominous predictions, both Irma and Maria skirted the Bahamas, inflicting only minor damage on some Out Islands. But in September of last year, another Category 5 storm, Dorian, scored a direct hit on the northern Bahamas, first on Abaco, and then Grand Bahama, where it stalled out for a full day. Devastation there was nearly complete, with 60% of the island being submerged. Other than a brief power outage, the main resort island of New Providence (home to the capital Nassau) and other popular islands farther south such as Eleuthera, Cat, and Long Islands, were unaffected. Recovery on Grand Bahama is moving along, but Abaco will remain closed to tourists for the foreseeable future.

The Virgin Islands

Irma scored a direct hit on all three of the main British Virgin Islands (Virgin Gorda, Tortola, and Jost Van Dyke) and St. John and St. Thomas in the U.S.Virgin Islands. Her evil twin then came along and picked off St. Croix. While destruction there was among the worst in the Caribbean, money and material began arriving in abundance shortly afterwardfrom the two parent countries, the result of which is arguably the most thorough (in terms of quality) recovery effort in the Caribbean. Two-thirds of hotels have reopened, but it will be years before the sparse natural vegetation recovers.

Other islands sustaining serious damage where recovery is still ongoing and would-be travelers are advised to check before they book: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Martin, and St. Barthelemy.

By Marshall S. Berdan Special to Newsday

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Caribbean islands: Things to know before you go - Newsday

In 1995, on a nameless Caribbean island, an American family is on holiday. The Thomases are no better or worse than any of the other upper-middle-class white tourists who are also vacationing in sultry Indigo Bay, with its everywhere weeping pink blooms and brazen teal water. But the night before they are supposed to go home, the older of the couples two daughters, 18-year-old Alison, is nowhere to be found. Within a couple of days, her body is found dead in a nearby cay.

I started reading Saint X, the debut novel by Alexis Schaitkin, believing I was about to get yet another tale of a beautiful young woman and her mysterious death. And I was in no way averse to that; theres something mesmerizing about taking apart a persons last days, about being presented with an ideal, and then figuring out the truth of who the victim really was. And the book begins by offering what most novels of this kind offer a fetching, charismatic, somewhat volatile heroine. One who is pure enough that you feel the enormity of her loss, but slick enough to be interesting. We witness everything through the eyes of Claire, Alisons younger sister and our protagonist, who, looking back on the episode in adulthood, recognizes this duality: My sister was an innocent, blameless in her horrific fate. And it was all her fault.

Claire, who was 7 when the tragedy occurred, becomes obsessed with understanding not just what happened to Alison, but who she was. But around 70 pages in, the details of this family drama start to take a back seat to the larger story Schaitkin is really trying to tell (and this is where Saint X flowers): about a single death that affects an entire community.

Any death of course creates aftershocks among those closest to the deceased, but we rarely spare a thought for those on the fringes. Schaitkin does, demonstrating in no more than a few pages each how Alisons passing affects her various satellites: her teacher, roommate, a random man on holiday, an actor, the girlfriend of the suspect and so on. The connections are faint, the domino effect crystal clear.

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Murder and White Privilege on a Family Holiday in the Caribbean - The New York Times

If a pirate's life is the life for you, please take a whiff of Etsy's "Waters of the Caribbean" candle. Thanks to shop owners Mort and Co, you can get a candle inspired by Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean ride. There's no denying the signature smells that come with the park's rides, and although this specific candle makes no promise of a chlorine aroma, you should be able to detect salty sea air, ozone, citrus, plum, cardamom, amber, and dark musk during its 50-hour burn.

One customer described the candle as "wonderful" while another confirmed it "brings back the wonderful feel of the happiest place on Earth." Yo ho, yo ho, sounds like a relaxing life to me! If you're in the market for another candle to add to your collection, you can shop "Waters of the Caribbean" ($20) on Etsy.

Image Source: Etsy

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Yo Ho, Yo Ho! This "Waters of the Caribbean" Candle Will Bring Back Disneyland Memories - POPSUGAR

Marriott International in 2019signed a record 10,000 rooms, across 15 brands and 17 countries and territoriesin the Caribbean and Latin America, marking the companys fourth consecutive year of record expansion in the region.

Last year, the company increased its portfolio in the region to 268 open properties and 55,195 rooms in 34 countries and territories.

In 2019, the company signed 2100 conversion rooms in the region, leveraging its four conversion-focused brands Tribute Portfolio Hotels, Luxury Collection, Autograph Collection and Delta Hotels by Marriott as more owners sought out the power of Marriotts brands and programs. In addition, Delta Hotels by Marriott signed its first deal in the region.

Last August, Marriott launched its all-inclusive program to bring several of its brands, scale and trusted service to this growing, global vacation segment. Less than six months after its launch, the company has signed seven management and franchise agreements for all-inclusive properties representing nearly 3,200 rooms. Among the all-inclusive projects in development are an 800-room Marriott Hotels resort in Jamaica and a 240-room Ritz-Carlton resort in Mexico. The company last year also completed its acquisition of Elegant Hotels Group, which consists of seven hotels and 588 rooms located on the Platinum Coast of the picturesque island of Barbados.

Catering to the next generation of travelers, the companys AC Hotels by Marriott, Aloft and Moxy brands continue to expand rapidly in the Caribbean and Latin America, signing a combined 1,284 rooms in 2019. These affordable lifestyle hotel brands deliver a fresh approach to the traditional hotel landscape and are built around the pillars of design, approachable service and vibrant experiences.

We had a landmark year for hotel transactions in the Caribbean and Latin America in 2019, fueled by the hotel development communitys demand for our leading business support and loyalty program, our attractive brands and strong owner interest in our new all-inclusive brand extensions, said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Marriott International. With a growing pipeline of 146 hotels and resorts totaling over 24,000 rooms, we are poised for solid growth in this region, providing more opportunity to drive engagement with our loyalty members.

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Marriott Adds 10,000 Rooms to its Pipeline in the Caribbean and Latin America - FTNnews.com

ANAHEIM, Calif. Disneyland has so many rides. The rides span from one end of the park to other. Theres some in ToonTown, others in Adventureland and then some in Fantasyland. Theres just so many rides to enjoy.

I decided to experience plenty of rides for my first visit to Disneyland. I wanted to maximize my experience as much as I could so I sampled a slew of rides to see which ones stood out.

Its hard to defeat Indiana Jones Adventure in terms of quality. Its a thrill ride from beginning to end. The music swells around you. Guests are given a top experience that is really unmatched. Theres a reason why the wait time for this ride is always so long. Lots of people want to experience the breathtaking ride. Its definitely a must-ride for first-timers and anyone who visits Disneyland thereafter.

I have to be honest. Space Mountain ranks so high on my list because I rode in the front seat of the ride. You see nothing but black skies and bright stars. The ride jerks you around, cutting one way and then dipping another. Its a wild ride through space. I wish the Star Wars Galaxys Edge rides would have done something similar. But Space Mountain is its own unique experience that is truly hard to beat.

The dips, the dives, the cuts and the turns of Big Thunder Mountain create a thrilling experience. Add in the outdoor element of the sun and light breeze and it is a perfect ride to get you through the day, especially when you need something fun to lift your spirits.

This is the OG. Spinning a tea cup, whipping the center plate around. It just doesnt get better than the Mad Tea Party. You leave in a daze youre definitely dizzy and losing balance. Its such a fun experience thatll have you and your friends laughing.

Look, I get it. Were sick of Johnny Depp and Captain Jack Sparrow. But as we await Pirates of the Caribbean 6, checking out the original pirates ride is well worth it as Disneyland. The muggy rooms, the small waves and the swashbuckling pirates provide a creepy, dark and fun experience that makes you remember what made the original POTC film so exciting.

I had no idea what to expect with Soarin but it was definitely one of the most entertaining rides at Disneyland. Lifting high into the air, moving slightly backward you definitely feel like youre flying in the air. There were several times where we dipped toward the pyramids or the ocean when I thought I was legit going to hit water. Such a fun time and well worth the wait.

Its nice to take a gentle ride through the water and the jungle, especially when youve been walking around all day and need a break. But a lot of this depends on your captain. Some captains are funnier than others. My captain was sort of funny but she was throwing too much shade at us on the boat, which made us feel a little uneasy about whether we should laugh at our experience.

The wait was five minutes so I decided to check out this ride. It was zany, crazy and ridiculous. But in a way, it was the perfect Disneyland ride. It was so silly that it brought me back to what it felt like to be a child. I love how it made me feel young again. Being an adult is hard. Just laugh while youre on a ride. Its just a ride, after all.

This was my second ride of the day. I got soaked. It wasnt even the final descent that got me. It was a random sputter of water from one of the holes in the side. I got super wet from this ride and had to dry off the rest of the day. But its a Disneyland classic one you cant ignore.

Look, its a short ride. Waiting 50 minutes for maybe five minutes of ride doesnt seem like great return on investment. But theres magic with Peter Pans Flight. Soaring over London is an amazing experience. Seeing Peter Pan and Captain Hook battle is cute, too. Its a nice and simple ride to pass the time as you wait for something more. Definitely worth a look.

Similar to Jungle Cruise, this depends a lot on your host. The ride is cute and romantic. But my boat was in danger of tipping since one side of it had four people and the other had close to seven (including yours truly who is, for lack of a better phrase, a little bigger). But the messages and references to Disney movies are cute and entertaining. Definitely a good late-night ride to cap off the evening.

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Pirates of the Caribbean, Indiana Jones rank among best Disneyland rides - Deseret News

The Relationship Between African Americans, Afro-Caribbean Americans, and Addiction

A study conducted by the American Journal of Health found that African Americans have a lower rate of addiction (11.5%) compared to whites (12%), but a higher rate of addiction when compared to Afro-Caribbean Americans (9.6%). This difference is most pronounced among women. African American women have an addiction rate of 6.3%, while Afro-Caribbean women had a 2.8% rate of addiction. Historically, first generation Afro-Caribbean Americans have lower rates of addiction, possibly due to social and spiritual beliefs that differ than other cultures. However, second and third generation Afro-Caribbean had high er rates of addiction compared to first-generation Afro-Carbbeans.

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Contact a treatment expert at (855) 826-4464

The opioid crisis affects thousands of American each day, not excluding black Americans. While most of its victims are white Americans, many minorities are affected as well. Race and class have factored into how black people have been diagnosed and treated. According to a New York Times article, until disturbingly recently, doctors were leery of prescribing black patients with opioids. The reasons being the beliefs that black patients would sell prescription drugs, didnt need them, or theyd become addicted.

This may have prevented opioid overdoses in the black community. However, the lack of proper medical care that black patients received may have caused them to look elsewhere for medications or suffer more than white counterparts. Research has disproved stereotypes doctors have made about black patients selling drugs and have disproven beliefs black patients will get addicted.

Despite this, the number of fatal fentanyl overdoses in the black community continues to rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Non-Hispanic black persons had the largest annual percentage increase in rates from 2011 through 2016 (140.6% per year). Sadly, black patients are less likely to have access to buprenorphine, which reduces opioid cravings, making them more likely to suffer overdoses, and are also the least likely to have financial access to care.

Crack cocaine has been one of the most reportedly substances abused in the black community. From the 1970s and 1980s, an influx of crack cocaine made its way into the African American community, particularly in inner cities, sparking what President Ronald Regan called, the War on Drugs. This sparked numerous anti-drug campaigns in America, which often showcased African Americans using crack cocaine in the inner-city communities. Many in America could not understand or empathize with African Americans abusing crack cocaine, and racial stereotypes became more crystalized, which led to significant disparities in treatment and incarceration.

Contact a treatment expert at (855) 826-4464

Similar to members of the LGBTQ community, African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans have endured minority stress. Racial profiling, police brutality, and violence within some communities within the black community, unequal professional and educational opportunities, and many other challenges and frustrations disproportionately affect the black community. This can cause minority stress, which can manifest as anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and other mental and emotional consequences that can lead to substance abuse disorders.

Although 20.4% of the African Americans and Afro-Caribbean Americans report drinking alcohol in the last month, alcoholism is one of the 3 leading causes of death in these communities recent years. African Americans who consume alcohol suffer more health-related problemsthan other groups; death from cirrhosis was 1.27 times more common in African American and Afro-Caribbean communities than whites. Furthermore, alcoholism in the black community resulted in a 10% higher death rate, and black people received fewer health care benefits when compared to other races.

Additionally, African Americans drank less than whites, but drank in larger amounts when they did drink. Essentially, on average, African Americans drink less frequently than their white counterparts but struggle more with binge drinking.

Treatment options are available for a host of ethnicities and faiths. Furthermore, some facilities offer gender-specific treatment. Getting treated for alcoholism or drug addiction should be done in the care of a professional facility with 24-hour monitoring, providing patients more support for their recovery. Individuals have access to innovative holistic treatments they would not have access to if detoxing at home. Support groups and counseling are also available. All-inclusive treatment facilities are available to assist you or a loved one heal. Contact a compassionate treatment professional today, and get your life back on track.

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African Americans, Afro-Caribbean Americans, And Addiction - Addiction Center

The Caribbean is home to over 7,000 islands, 26 countries,and has some of the most exquisite views in the world. With white-sand beaches, coral reef formations, and crystal clear water, theCaribbean has become a haven for travelers looking to immerse themselves in island living.

With pristine water conditions, water sports are extremely popularthroughout theCaribbean. Boating, jet-skiing, and diving are all favorites among travelers but snorkeling has got to be one of the most popular activities among tourists visiting theCaribbean. It's an up-close-and-personal way to see tropical fish, hover above the coral, and see the world from a fish's eyes. And while there are oodles of places to visit in theCaribbean, check out these five spots if snorkeling is at the top of the list!

The small island of Aruba shouldn't be defined by its size. It's home to some of the most glorious terrain and has more to offer than its beaches. There's a natural pool, cactus plantations, and even a National Park! However, if snorkeling is the end-game for a trip to theCaribbean, then be sure to check outThe Arusun: Aruba Catamaran Sail With Snorkeling in Aruba.

RELATED: Aruba Has More To Offer Than Just Beaches And All-Inclusive Resorts

With a five-star-rating fromTrip Advisorand over 600 reviews, this snorkeling trip was rated Travelers' Choice in 2019. Snorkeling aficionados will hop on a65-foot catamaran and explore theCaribbean Sea for two and a half hours. Two destinations worth traveling to in Aruba are the Antilla shipwreck and Boca Catalina Bay, which snorkelers will be able to see for themselves on this tour!

At the tip of the Dominican Republic, we can find the gorgeous region of Punta Cana. The country may be popular for its zip-lining through its lush jungle but snorkeling is also a top contender when visiting Punta Cana.

The Punta Cana Small-Group Sailing and Snorkeling Catamaran Tour is highly praised onTrip Advisorwith five stars and 700 reviews. For three hours, small groups make this snorkeling experience personal and informational, getting loads of attention from the instructors. Travelers will explore the depths of Cabo Engao, Bavaro Beach, and other spots while snorkeling. There's even a small break at a sand bar where they'll whip out a floatable bar!

The Cayman Islands consist of three islands: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman, and Cayman Brac. Grand Cayman is the largest of the three and will be a traveler's meeting point when looking to join the Cobalt Custom Charters cruise to snorkel. This snorkel adventure was rated number two out of 94 tours in George Town on Grand Cayman and has a five-star rating onTrip Advisor.

This charter can last for up to four hours and will take snorkelers to the barrier reef, Starfish Point, andStingray City! You'll be able to swim with fish, see the starfish for yourself, and even swim around stingrays. It's a gorgeous area with almost 300 stellar reviews and ends with a drink at a local beach bar! Cheers!

St. Thomas is one of the many islands apart of the US Virgin Islands. St. Thomas is one of the bigger and more popular islands of the Virgin Islands and that's largely in part due to its stunning snorkel spots.

OnTrip Advisor,Turtle Cove Catamaran Snorkel and Sail Adventure at Buck Island is highly rated (five stars) and lasts for three hours. If there are any turtle lovers or admirers out there, this is the snorkeling trip for you. TheBuck Island National Wildlife Refuge is known for itsgreen sea turtles at Turtle Cove and snorkelers will be able to see them in their natural habitat (along with tropical fish, of course!).

On the island of St. John in the town of Cruz Bay,Palm Tree Charters takes snorkelers on the time of their lives. Out of 49 tours in Cruz Bay, Palm Tree Charters was ranked number one and has over 1,200 marvelous reviews!

Depending on the experience swimmers are looking for, there are hundreds of areas to pick from that this charter can make happen because it's a private charter. This means that snorkelers can have their freedom with amazing attention while exploring the Carribean Sea.

NEXT: The Safest Caribbean Destinations (And Dangerous Places To Avoid)

These Mexico Resorts Are Safe (And Totally Worth The Price)

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These Are The Highest-Rated Snorkeling Spots In The Caribbean (On Trip Advisor) - TheTravel

The main lesson: dead men tell no tales but Disney surely does. And Disney needs to bring back the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise with a new story one thats actually being told right now in the Disneyland ride.

On a recent visit to Disneyland, I rode the Pirates of the Caribbean ride for the first time. The ride is a thrilling one, to say the least, and its no surprise it launched a film series that raked in billions of dollars.

The ride has something of a story. We see dead pirates laid out on beaches, covered with coins. We see pirates fighting and then invading a village. The back-and-forth battle between the royals and the pirates exists in plentiful numbers in the ride. And weve seen that plenty of times throughout the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

But theres a hidden story going on inside the ride that we should take note of. It might be the storyline for Pirates of the Caribbean 6 a long-rumored film that has yet to be released.

During the ride, theres a brief moment where the pirates hunt for Captain Jack Sparrow. He hides in a barrel right next to them, fooling the pirates as Jack Sparrow normally does. The hunt for Jack Sparrow is something weve heard about the Pirates films often include Jack on the run from someone who wants to capture or kill him.

But maybe the secret to finding a storyline to Pirates 6 would be to focus on someone who is on the hunt for Jack Sparrow. Not to defeat him, not to capture him, not to send him to the depths of the ocean. Maybe Pirates 6 can be about people searching for Jack Sparrow because he holds the truth to something important.

Early rumors for Pirates 6 suggest it will include a female lead. Karen Gillan and Emma Watson are rumored to star. There are some rumors that the franchise wants to move on from Jack Sparrow and focus more on a new star, rebooting the franchise to build a new audience. Theres also another rumor of a Disney Plus version of Pirates with a younger Jack Sparrow.

These rumors suggest that theres some hemming and hawing about the future of the franchise. Does Disney bring back Jack Sparrow? And if so, in what form? Do they bring back Johnny Depp who has been making headlines for assault charges with his ex-wife Amber Heard and risk people not finding his character entertaining? Do they start with a younger Sparrow on the streaming platform? Do they totally reboot the franchise?

Look, Disney has invested a lot in Jack Sparrow. He became the face of the franchise. He became the lead character of the entire film saga. You think of POTC and you think of Sparrow. Theres no question. Hes a big part of the ride. Hes a huge part of merchandise. There will never be a day when he is not associated with the franchise.

The Hunt for Jack Sparrow idea can work on two fronts.

It would allow the franchise to keep Sparrow in the story without actually having him in the story. Think of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He doesnt appear until the final few minutes. But hes a central character because the entire story is centered on characters trying to find him so he can save the Resistance and stop the First Order.

Allowing a character like Watson or Gillan to search for Jack Sparrow would certainly be that opening. It would allow Disney to keep Jack Sparrow in the story without actually having him in it, solving the issue about the film becoming too formulaic.

And then theres the ultimate twist: The film is a prequel.

Lets say Watson finds Sparrow toward the end of the film. But its a younger sparrow, one from way before Depps age, who is just getting started. Disney could recast the character, avoiding any of the potential controversy with Depp (and allowing Depp to step away from the franchise, too).

Somehow, Watsons character would give something to Sparrow that would influence his life. She would put him on the right course. Then, Disney could launch a Disney Plus show centered around young Sparrow. And the film franchise could continue with Watson at the helm, leading a new band of pirates.

Watson (or Gillan) could lead a new set of films that happen before Sparrow becomes a big name. But knowing these characters helped inspire young Sparrow adds value and importance while allowing Disney to move on from a Sparrow-filled franchise.

Its just a theory. But the thought popped into my head while riding the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. The ride is too fun and popular to not keep the franchise going. But its important for Disney to find a plausible next step to keep the film centered in the POTC universe while also providing something fresh and new.

Well see where it goes. But if Disney is looking for the opportune moment, this is it.

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Pirates of the Caribbean 6 theory: How Disney can fix the POTC franchise - Deseret News

According to the Disneyland Paris website, the beloved Pirates of the Caribbean ride will be closed starting May 11 and should be expected to remain closed through almost the rest of the month. While the Disneyland Paris Resorts website does not currently show ride openings or closures past May 22, Disneyland Paris site, ED92 reports that Pirates will remain closed until May 30, 2020.

[RHABILITATION] L'attraction Pirates of the Caribbean sera ferme pour sa rhabilitation annuelle du lundi 11 mai au vendredi 29 mai 2020 inclus. Rouverture le samedi 30 mai 2020.

Posted by ED92 onThursday, February 20, 2020

Pirates of the Caribbean is an iconic Disney IP. Originally opening at the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, each Disney theme park around the world hosts its own version of one of the last attractions directly supervised by Walt Disney, allowing all guests a chance to enter the world of Captain Jack Sparrow. This closure, while routine in nature, will no doubt bring disappointment to those Disniacs planning a late Spring getaway to Disneyland Paris.

Related: HUGE SAVINGS: Special Discount Offer on Disneyland Paris Tickets Going on Now!

Pirates of the Caribbean is not the only ride or attraction closed at Disneyland Paris Resort during the month of May. Here is the Closure Schedule for other attractions at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park:

All rides closed in May are scheduled to remain closed through May 22, 2020. Inside the Magic will monitor and update this article as Disneyland Paris Resorts full schedule continues to be revealed.

Planning a trip to Disneyland Paris? Our friends at Academy Travel are here to help. Backed with years of experience and award-winning customer service, Academys travel agents know what it takes to work with you and help you create the best possible Disney vacation for your budget. Click here to learn more and receive your free, no-obligation quote today!

Related: Disney in Plain English: Disneyland Paris Has Until 2036 to Build a Third Park

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Pirates of the Caribbean to Close for Refurbishment at Disneyland Paris - Inside the Magic

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It has been announced that Pirates of the Caribbean will be closed for most of May in Disneyland Paris.

The attractions annual refurbishment calls for an all-hands-on-deck approach, meaning the ships will be anchored from Monday, May 11th, and will be reopening for pillaging and pirating on Saturday, May 30th. As we know, all rides need down time to keep them in tip-top condition, but its always hard to see them closed off.

Have no fear, as there will still be plenty going on in the Disneyland Paris resort during the Pirates temporary parley. This includes the incredible Marvel Season of Super Heroes, which will run from March through until June!

In the meantime, have you seen the newest television commercialfor the Disneyland Paris resort? It features all our favourite attractions, and the new slogan: Where Magic Gets Real.

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Pirates of the Caribbean to Close for Annual Refurbishment on May 11th in Disneyland Paris - wdwnt.com

One of the Caribbeans greatest regattas is back again in the British Virgin Islands for 2020.

Next month, some 800 sailors and crew from around the world will descend on Tortola for the BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival.

This year, the festival will be held from March 30 April 5.

The BVI is the mecca for sailing for three very important reasons, said Bob Phillips, chairman of the regatta. With its 64 islands and rocks, you never run out of interesting and challenging places to sail. We have protected water in the Sir Francis Drake Channel where most of the racing is done, so even when trade winds are blowing their normal 15, 18, and 20 knots, you still have comfortable conditions for most sailors with the opportunity for ocean-like conditions if desired.

With all the choices that the BVI has with natural lay marks and islands, the Race Committee has multiple course possibilities to tap into, to mix up the racing each race day.

Race officers initiate the design of courses on the water to match the tactical conditions, especially in shifting weather so that racing is always challenging.

Not only is the racing superb, but for those who want to combine a race holiday with cruising before or after, our islands are unbelievably lush with anchorages every 20 minutes its just a comfortable, beautiful place to sail, Phillips said.

About 60 percent of the BVI Spring Regatta fleet comprises sailors who return year after year, excited for the racing conditions and the opportunity to meet new people as well as reunite with sailing friends.

Jeremy Jablonksi, owner/skipper of the Hanse Avanti, has participated in Spring Regatta annually for many years.

He won his class last year by just one point over longtime racing friends on the GS52 Cachondo, owned/skippered by Jose Teixidor.

Racing against Cachondo last year was an amazing play of minds and sail trim, which was fantastic the Regatta is always challenging and fun for us, Jablonski said.

Most of Pamala Baldwins young career racing crew have returned to sail with her this season on her boat Liquid, a J122.

Baldwin is a long-time regular on the Caribbean race circuit and prides herself on providing a steppingstone for young sailors to professional racing.

Team Liquid are looking forward to the challenging conditions that BVI Spring Regatta delivers every year, said Liquids skipper, Jules White. It always attracts a competitive fleet for us and the variety of courses throughout the week gives every boat a chance to play their hand. Its always a favorite for us and a pleasure to race in such beautiful waters.

Local BVI sailors will be engaging in their own backyard racing as well.

Mark Sanders from Tortola will be racing his Corsair 31 Island Hops in which he handily won the Sport Multihull class last year with an 8-point lead.

I have always enjoyed the BVI Spring Regatta from both a social perspective but more so the actual racing element itself, Sanders said. The competition is fierce, with many talented racers from all over participating. Last years Round the Island race gave us record breaking conditions of SE 18-24kts, it was a day to remember.

We took Island Hops in over 20 knots for the first time, under jib and main alone, then rounded the eastern point of Scrub, launched our rather large Code, and took off like a robbers dog, he said. Island Hops was one of only five boats out of 55 to complete the rounding, which we did in under 3 hours about the same as the Volvo 70, but on a slightly smaller budget!

Racing in the competitive sports multihull fleet and knowing local conditions intimately, Joe San Martin, from St. Croix says the BVI Spring Regatta offers the perfect racing environment.

He has raced the event 17 times on Piglet, his 23 Newick trimaran, the first of the small trimarans to enter the Regatta almost 20 years ago.

Since then, local BVI sailors have embraced sports trimarans with some 8 boats expected to compete this year.

We absolutely love the venue and everything in Nanny Cay, San Martin said. The Nanny Cay staff are committed and involved in the event there is no better in the Caribbean.

For more, visit the BVI Spring Regatta.

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A Must-Visit Caribbean Regatta in the BVI - Caribbean Journal

The Caribbean is an island of adventure and blissful paradise complete with multiple white sandy beaches, and even beaches with dazzling pink sand as well.Their various islands are also home to viral pigs that swim through low-tide of the ocean, ancient underwater coves and an entire ecosystem of reefs with a plethora of corals and marine life.

Unfortunately, the prices in the Caribbean are unbeatable, the weather is perfect and the popularity of each island has since attracted thousands of people to visit through each week. If the crowded local streets of tourists arent enough, there are also hundreds of thousands of passengers that dock at each Caribbean port through gigantic cruise ships, some of which tend to have a similar itinerary.

Luckily, weve been able to compile a list of some of the busiest Caribbean destinations with an overwhelming number of cruise ports and docks. Most importantly, weve also tackled how to avoid getting dragged into a wave of crowds so you can enjoy the vacation of your dreams that you paid for.

Nassau may just be the heart and soul of cruise lines. Many of the Caribbean destined ships will dock themselves in Nassau, Bahamas. Most likely, if youve always dreamed of the Bahamas and have visited either their website or a brochure, youve also looked at Nassau. The iconic and favored travel destination is the Atlantis resort, that comes complete with a large aquarium, casino, and resort, but above all, the most epic water park in the Caribbean. For some, Atlantis is the only reason for their visit to the Bahamas - similar to Disney World in Florida.

Roughly two to three times a week, there are up to five ships that are docked along the waters of Nassau. However, Cruisett released a study a few years back that only an average of 20% of passengers actually come off their ship once they dock in Nassau, though those numbers have most likely changed in the last five years.

As in every city, there are peak hours that can be avoided. Cruise ships tend to dock between six and eight in the morning and leave between there and five in the afternoon, unless its an overnight stop.

Related:The Best Kept Secrets In The Bahamas

Bermuda - the incredible island where rum and perfumes have become famous for. Though most arent aware that Bermuda is also proud of their variety of water sports. For locals and tourists alike, enjoy a variety of deep-sea snorkeling tours, scuba diving lessons, catamaran visits around the island and kayaking.

There are a total of three ports on the island of Bermuda, with Royal Naval Dockyard is the most famously known and where a majority of the cruise ships will dock. Initially, the first Kings Wharf port was inaugurated by Princess Margaret, back in 1990. However, with the influx in tourism, the Heritage Wharf was later opened to accommodate a larger amount of ships and tourists arriving and departing Bermuda. Unfortunately, by creating a second dock, the islands budget was overspent by seventy percent. The island then declared that the protection for pregnant dolphins would be one of the contributing factors to cover the over cost of the project.

For those visiting Bermuda for adventure and luxury, there are a number of yachts that can be rented from the local marina. However, St. Georges Port would be the only option in order to do so. Luckily, this is just moments away from the busier ports in Bermuda that are connected by a bridge and can even be reached by a small ferry.

Tortola is home to a single port named Cruise Pier located in the heart of Road Town. Road Town is known as The Small Town with a Big Heart and is the capital of Tortola and is the most vibrant part of the Caribbean and is financially capable of holding its own. Though there is only one dock, this pier is large enough to accommodate two cruise ships at a time. Tortola is the Spanish name for Turtle Dove and is one of the most populated of the four Caribbean islands that were created by volcanic activity.

Tortola has also been praised for its low crime rate and safe environment. Travelers have also expressed their gratitude to the island for also providing a safe nightlife. This is great news as the tourist attractions and shopping for authentic and handmade souvenirs and crafts. Along the port, British colonial mansions fill the streets and are often visited and photographed by tourists.

Tourists also enjoy island hopping when they visit Tortola. On any beach in Tortola, guests are welcome to a number of activities like sailing, canopy tours, jeep safaris through the rugged terrain and reef diving. However, Tortola is also home to some exclusive activities like the Virgin Gorda Baths, giant waves perfect for surfing, dolphin discoveries and food tasting at some of the most delicious restaurants.

Related:The Best Caribbean Resorts For Families No One Ever Talks About

Jamaica is a very large and popular island that tourists love to visit throughout the year, regardless of weather warnings. When visiting Montego Bay, there are two ports, one on the east side and one on the west side. In between each port are a long line of plantations, rum distilleries and mansions. Other than historic sites, there are also a ton of adrenaline and exciting activities like zip lining, biking and horseback riding. Once you start exploring, you may also end up at one of the many waterfalls and lazy rivers that can be toured on long bamboo rafts.

Once guests disembark their cruise and arrive on the dock, they will be greeted with a duty-free shopping area. However, most cruise lines will not allow any alcoholic beverages in the cabins and will keep them in a secure location below deck.

Next: 20 Of The Most Off-The-Grid Vacation Spots In The World (Reserved For The Explorer Among You)

These Mexico Resorts Are Safe (And Totally Worth The Price)

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These Caribbean Islands Are Often Crowded... Because They're Cruise Ports - TheTravel

Sunday, February 23, 2020

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WASHINGTON, United States (CMC) The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says starting Monday, it will be implementing the Inadmissibility on Public Charge Grounds final rule denying green cards to Caribbean and other immigrants who may need US government assistance.

In light of the US Supreme Court's February 21, 2020 decision to stay the statewide injunction preventing implementation of the final rule issued by US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, USCIS will now apply the final rule to all applications and petitions postmarked (or submitted electronically) on or after February 24, 2020, said USCIS in a statement on Friday.

The final rule, published on August 14, 2019 and originally scheduled to go into effect on October 15, 2019, prescribes how the Department of Homeland Security will determine whether an alien (immigrant) is inadmissible and ineligible to adjust status to that of a lawful permanent resident in the United States because the alien is likely at any time in the future to become a public charge pursuant to section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, USCIS continued.

It said the final rule also addresses USCIS' authority to issue public charge bonds in the context of applications for adjustment of status.

USCIS said the final rule includes a requirement that Caribbean and other immigrants seeking an extension of nonimmigrant stay or change of nonimmigrant status demonstrate that they have not received public benefits over the designated threshold.

In response, Caribbean American Democratic Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke has expressed outrage over a United States Supreme Court ruling that allowed the Trump administration to deny green cards to Caribbean and other immigrants who may need government aid.

As a product of the hopes and dreams of an immigrant family, I am outraged by the Supreme Court's decision to implement the public charge rule a cruel policy Donald Trump has crafted to jeopardise the lives of our nation's most vulnerable, Clarke, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, told the Caribbean Media Corporation.

Historically, the United States has served as a place of refuge for individuals around the world seeking to fulfill the American dream, added the representative for the 9th Congressional District in Brooklyn, New York.

Immigrants are our neighbours, our friends, leaders in our communities and even our members of Congress.

It is disturbing to witness a global leader toying with people's lives, and we must not stop fighting until Donald Trump is removed from office, continued Clarke, a very ardent critic of Trump's immigration policies.

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at http://bit.ly/epaperlive

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US to implement rule denying green cards to Caribbean immigrants who may need gov't aid - Jamaica Observer

Four men have been convicted of killing a British businessman after boarding his yacht and beating him unconscious before pushing him overboard off the Caribbean island of St Lucia.

Roger Pratt, 62, was murdered in 2014 while on a round the world voyage with his wife, Margaret, on their boat Magnetic Attraction.

The retired business consultant was beaten so badly he suffered brain damage before being left to drown off the southern port of Vieux Fort. He had been trying to protect his wife after the men clambered aboard with the aim of stealing laptops in their violent robbery.

A jury at St Lucia High Court Jury found Jeromine Jones, Richie Kern, and Kervin Devaux guilty of murder, and Fanis Joseph guilty of manslaughter, a lesser conviction because he had sent a lifebuoy to Mr Pratt after he was pushed in the water.

Mrs Pratt, who was also injured in the attack and started a campaign called Justice for Roger, yesterday welcomed the verdicts.

In a statement she said: I am relieved that after more than six years of waiting, we finally have justice for Roger, who was a wonderful man with a big smile and a great love of life. Nothing can bring him back, but with todays verdict I can now start moving on with my life, knowing that justice has been done.

She thanked the jury for its careful consideration of the evidence, as well as police who had worked tirelessly to bring the case to trial and the people of St Lucia who have shown me great kindness since Roger's murder.

The trial had lasted six weeks and heard from Mrs Pratt, a pathologist, police and a psychologist, among others.

The men will be sentenced in April after pre-sentence reports have been submitted to the court.

St Lucia promised to tackle its high murder rate after Bob Hathaway, 66, became the third British expat killed on the island in just five years. Mr Hathaway, a yacht designer originally from Wiltshire but who had lived on the island since 2001, was found dead in January last year.

In 2014, Oliver Gobat, 38, a millionaire hotelier originally from Surrey, was found dead after being shot twice in the head in his car.

The St Lucian population of 179,000, which includes several thousand expatriates, suffers one of the worst murder rates in the world. Around 19 out of every 100,000 are murdered each year, a rate nearly 20 times that of the UK. Police recorded 43 homicides in 2018.

The overwhelming majority of the fatalities are locals, many being the victims of a violent drug trade in which St Lucia and its Caribbean neighbours are transit points for cocaine heading from Latin America to Europe or the US. Yet nearly every year, a tourist or expatriate is also caught up in the violence.

More:

Four men guilty of killing Briton in the Caribbean on round the world dream yachting holiday - Telegraph.co.uk