Published 11 April 2017

HAVANA, Cuba, Tuesday April 11, 2017 – Cuba and Portugal have signed a protocol of cooperation that stands to benefit tourism development in both countries.

Cuba’s head of tourism Manuel Marrero and Portugal’s Secretary of State for Tourism, Ana Mendes Godinho, inked the agreement on Friday.

Mendes Godinho said that the agreement was historic, as Portuguese businessmen were interested in investing in Cuba and participating in its development. She noted that political relations between the two countries, “were increasingly strengthened in the last year.”

Cuba’s tourism chief said the agreement created a new stage for joint cooperation on issues such as the use of Portuguese experience in the sector at a time when Cuba was experiencing a remarkable growth in the industry.

Last year, 4,035,577 tourists visited the Spanish-speaking communist country.

Mendes Godinho, who was in Cuba on a two-day visit, noted that the cooperation agreement would also enable student exchanges and shared experiences between the two nations.

Her Cuban counterpart said that Portugal has 12 public tourism schools, which are considered among Europe’s best, and which could contribute to the training of Cuban personnel.

He added that tourism could be an important element to further strengthen the ties between the two countries.

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/travel/cuba-signs-tourism-cooperation-agreement-portugal#ixzz4dyALphpc

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Published 11 April 2017

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada, Tuesday April 11, 2017 – Grenada welcomed its fifth inaugural cruise call last week.

The luxurious Serenity of Crystal Cruises docked in the beautiful St George’s Harbour last Tuesday, bringing just over 1,000 passengers and 655 crew members.

Crystal Cruises is the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line with its fleet covering the globe. Awards include Travel Weekly’s Best Luxury Cruise Line 2016 and Travel + Leisure Magazine’s World’s Best Cruise Line 2015.

 

Captain Egil Giske was enthusiastic about Grenada as a tourist destination, since he has visited the island before.

Speaking of his experience he said: “I love the beaches, warm Grenadian people, delicious food and spices.”

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/travel/serenity-cruise-ship-makes-first-call-on-grenada#ixzz4dy9WgHhe

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Published 11 April 2017

FLORIDA, United States, Tuesday April 11, 2017 – Norwegian Cruise Line will further extend its offering of weekly roundtrip cruises from Miami to Cuba through 2018, with 33 new voyages.

The all-inclusive Norwegian Sky will begin her 2018 Cuba cruise season in March, sailing four-day roundtrip cruises from Miami, with  32 of the cruises to include an overnight stay in Cuba’s historical and culturally-rich capital of Havana, as well as a call on Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas.

These new cruises will begin on March 26, 2018 and are in addition to the previously announced 30 calls that Norwegian will offer through December 2017.

“Cuba is a spectacular destination and we are seeing incredible demand from our guests to experience the beautiful and cultural-rich city of Havana and her warm and friendly people,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer for Norwegian Cruise Line.

“We are excited to provide even more opportunities for our guests to experience this incredible destination into 2018.”

Norwegian Sky will transport guests to the very heart of Havana, offering guests the opportunity to visit historical sites such as Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; view incredible art and listen to the vibrant local music scene; and visit with Cuba’s warm and friendly residents through people-to-people exchanges. Norwegian will offer a selection of 15 half and full-day shore excursions.

Norwegian Sky’s sailings to Cuba will also feature a call to Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island destination in the Bahamas. Great Stirrup Cay was recently enhanced to offer guests new ways to enjoy the island with additional pathways, seating and shaded lounge areas, with additional features still to come, including a private luxury lagoon enclave for suite guests and guests of The Haven.

Norwegian Sky’s four-day cruises to Cuba will open for sale on April 20.

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/travel/norwegian-cruise-line-extends-cruises-cuba-2018#ixzz4dy94NDI1

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Published 11 April 2017

NEW YORK, United States, Tuesday April 11, 2017 – After 46 years of flying non-stop between New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico, American Airlines (AA) is bringing that service to an end.

On August 21, 2017, AA’s last flight from John F King International Airport (JFK) to San Juan will leave at 7:45 p.m. The following day, the last flight from San Juan to JFK will leave at 9 a.m., discontinuing a route it has flown since the early 1970s.

AA spokeswoman LaKesha Beown told USA Today in a statement that the decision to cancel the service was a “difficult” one.

“We continually evaluate our network, looking at supply and demand for each route we serve. We want to ensure our fleet and crews are serving routes that are profitable, better positioning us for long term success against global competition,” she said.

The airline will continue to fly 21 daily flights between San Juan and five of its other hubs: Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth, Miami and Philadelphia.

Read more: http://www.caribbean360.com/travel/no-new-york-san-juan-flights-american-airlines-soon#ixzz4dy8fYdSO

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