DOMINICAN REP: Seaborne Airlines Commences Flights Between San Juan And Dominican Republic

Seaborne Airlines, which is owned and cooperatively operated by Silver Airways, launched flights between Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic on 15 February, with it launching a three times weekly service between San Juan (SJU) and Santiago de los Caballero (STI).

We are thrilled that Seaborne Airlines has returned to the Dominican market, said Jesus Medina, COO, Seaborne Airlines. Santiago shares important historical, cultural and economic ties with Puerto Rico and we are delighted to be providing safe, reliable and customer-friendly service for travellers in the region.

The carrier will operate the 494-kilometre sector three times weekly using its fleet of Saab 340s, with departures on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

No other carrier currently operates between the two airports.

Seaborne Airlines is a FAR Part 121 airline headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was established in 1992 and operates domestic seaplane and land plane services.

In late 2008, Seaborne Airlines began land based flight service between St. Thomas, St. Croix, and San Juan TJIG Isla Grande Airport under the brand name Seaborne Airshuttle.

In January 2011, Seaborne Airlines began service to San Juan TJSJ Luis Munoz Marin International Airport. On December 18, 2013, Seaborne announced a headquarters change from Christiansted, St. Croix to San Juan, Puerto Rico, completed by March 2014.

Seaborne Airlines is owned and cooperatively operated by Silver Airways.

Seaborne has started codesharing flights with American Airlines, on routes which correspond in both timetables. This includes service from San Juan to all of Seaborne's destinations, excluding St. Croix and St. Thomas.

Miles from Seaborne (SeaMiles) are not currently convertible to AAdvantage miles, and cannot be used for travel on American. All passenger services, including baggage and assistance, are provided by American on codeshared flights.

Seaborne previously started codesharing flights with Air Europa between Las Americas International Airport at Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Luis Munoz Marin International Airport at San Juan, Puerto Rico for passengers from their route Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport - Las Americas International Airport. This codeshare has ended.

As of September 30, 2014, Seaborne has an interline agreement with United Airlines.

As of March 30, 2015, Seaborne Airlines expanded American Airlines' codeshare agreement to include St. Thomas and St. Croix, and adding Anguilla Services April 30, 2015. Starting December 15, 2015, Seaborne will be flying to Antigua.

As of October 21, 2015, Seaborne Airlines begins codesharing with Jetblue Airways.

As of July 18, 2016, Seaborne Airlines launches codesharing with Delta Air Lines.

As of March 8, 2017, Seaborne Airlines launches codesharing with Vieques Air Link

On January 8, 2018, Seaborne Airlines announced its restructuring plan under the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Code following the 2017 Atlantic hurricane season, specifically Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria.

The airline announced the acquirement of a $4.2 Million credit facility and has entered a purchase agreement with Silver Airways, which is subject to the Court's approval and potential overbids.

On March 28th, 2018 it was announced that Seaborne was bought by Silver Airways. As of April 24, 2018, Silver Airways completed the acquisition of Seaborne Airlines.

As of February 2019, the Seaborne Airlines fleet includes the following aircraft:

- De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter 2

- Saab 340B 8

- Total 10


Tourism Observer

CARIBBEAN: interCaribbean Airways Now Flying To Dominica, Tortola And St. Lucia

interCaribbean Airways celebrating 26 years of continuous services, has announced new nonstop schedule services from Dominica to St Lucia and Tortola, with 1 stop easy connections via Tortola to St Thomas, St Croix, Sint Maarten, San Juan, Providenciales and Santo Domingo.

Travelers can make two-stop connections via interCaribbean flights to Kingston and Nassau.

Even allowing for two stops this is still one of the fastest travel times in the Caribbean.

interCaribbean has expanded its schedule to new points throughout the Caribbean connecting more of the Caribbean than any other Caribbean Airline.

CEO Trevor Sadler, said:

We are pleased to begin connecting Dominica with our Caribbean, bringing affordable airfares to this latest interCaribbean destination.

We look forward to welcoming Citizens and Residents aboard and adding new connections and cities that Dominica can enjoy.

Mr. Colin Piper. Director of Tourism, Dominica welcomes the new service, stating:

interCaribbean is giving Dominicans new choices to fly to and from Dominica and more connections to more places, the service is very timely and very welcome.

We look forward to the launch and anticipation of service to further islands.


Tourism Observer

Best Caribbean Highlife Destinations To Visit

Cancun, Mexico

Cancun has a well-deserved reputation as a spring break destination, and that’s because it has some of the Caribbean’s most bustling nightlife spots.

San Juan, Puerto Rico

The closest place the Caribbean has to New York City. From Old San Juan to Condado, there are terrific bars and clubs to enjoy.

Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

It’s not just the Dominican Republic’s capital — it’s the country’s nightlife capital, too. Bars, clubs, casinos, dancing and what might be the Caribbean’s most diverse live music scene.

Port of Spain, Trinidad

Port of Spain is the most developed city in the English-speaking Caribbean, and it shows. And there aren’t just a host of night spots to check out (especially in St James, the so-called “City That Never Sleeps”). There’s also Port of Spain’s famous, all-night street food.

Willemstad, Curacao

We’re big fans of many of the bars and clubs in historic Willemstad and the surrounding areas. And Willemstad is perhaps the most walkable city in the entire Caribbean.

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Much of the action here after dark is on Gloucester Avenue on what’s known as the “hip strip.” From live theatre to sports bars to jazz, you’ll find it all here.

Philipsburg, St Maarten

St Maarten has a number of seriously good bars, and, of course, a number of casinos, where you can always have a great time, no matter the hour.

Cabarete, Dominican Republic

The Caribbean’s bohemian destination never shuts off — and the best thing is, you can walk to everything, most of which is set right on the beach.

Oranjestad, Aruba

You’ll find much of the island’s nightlife in its many casinos, but bar hopping is very much alive and well here, from intimate dives to large clubs.

St Lawrence Gap, Barbados

Yes, Barbados. It’s not the first thing you think of about the island, but the St Lawrence Gap area in Christ Church has some of the best nightlife in the Caribbean — and bars that are open as much as 24 hours.

PUERTO RICO: Visit San Juan In Puerto Rico

When you visit Puerto Rico, you only need to follow one rule. Gadiel Amilec, a cook who has a pop-up series called El Taller, explains: “Don’t act surprised when the server responds to you in English, and never ask where they learned to do so.”

It’s good advice, since—maybe because of the whole beautiful island beaches thing—a surprising number of people apparently don’t know that the country is a U.S. Territory. Time for a geography lesson, boys.

If you’re American, your money and your phone will work just like they do back home. When you take a perfect shot of an icy cold can of Medalla in the sand, you don’t have to return to your hotel’s wifi to post it to Instagram.

Where you should spend that money is a whole other matter. There’s no shortage of lists telling you about the best restaurants in the capital city of San Juan, so if you’re paying even the slightest bit of attention, you won’t miss José Enrique.

Looking for cocktails? The go-to is Old San Juan’s La Factoria, listed among the World’s 50 Best. But if you want to try something off the well-beaten, James Beard–nominated path, Puerto Ricans will provide you the best direction.

The first bit of advice, from the co-owner of La Factoria Leslie Cofresi: “Rent a car and leave San Juan,” he says. “It's cheap and there's so much to see outside of the metropolitan area.”

Driving is the best way to see the small island, where the longest trip you can take will be about two hours to the west coast.

Once you get your loaner and cue up local acts Los Wálters or Buscabulla on Spotify, heed this advice from some locals on ways to avoid the piña colada-slurping, tchotchke-buying crowd:

Casa Vieja
26 PR-149, Ciales, 00638
Take that car to the center of the island for a taste of what everyone will tell you is the essence of Puerto Rican cuisine. “Casa Vieja is the classic chinchorro small bar,” says Rafael N. Ruiz of La Mafia, the island’s popular Spanish-language food blog and podcast. “It’s about going out there, escaping your reality, eating frituritas (fritters) and asopao’ (traditional soup) all day, enjoying cold national beers or drinks while listening classic salsa. No heat. No sand. No piña colada. No traditional tourist experience. It’s simple. It’s the heart of Puerto Rico.”

CLMDO and La Central
If you have the time, drive out to the west coast where New Jersey–bred, ex-photographer Wilson Davalos has opened CLMDO—a take on colmado, the island’s word for bodegas—as a small-plates destination offering things like lamb with pea purée and feta-sprinkled pumpkin.

La Central serves up that side of the island’s best cocktails, like the Mal Caribe featuring rum, amaro, orangelo juice, and ginger-turmeric beer.

Cafeteria El Cerezal
1590 Cll Guadiana, San Juan, 00926
For a taste of tradition without leaving the capital city, chef Sebastian Ramírez of Condado gastropub Parcela recommends Cafeteria El Cerezal. “They do the best empanada and chicken or beef schnitzel kind of deal,” he says, “served with the classic staples: rice, plantain, mofongo.”

Pernilería Los Proceres
If you want pork—the island’s specialty—but would prefer a more modern expression, visit Mario Juan, who made his name throwing pop-up dinners by the name of ARETE. “His dinners were a dream,” says Spoon Food Tours owner Paulina Salach. “A few months ago, he opened PLP in Lote 23.

His pork sandwiches are killer, but he also does specials like tartare—almost as good as the one from Estela in New York—cured local fish, and more.”

Bodegas Compostela
If you want one of the best wine lists in town and to eat where chefs are most excited to splurge on octopus carpaccio and jamón ibérico, head to this Spanish restaurant that’s been open since 1982.

The opening year is present in the design, which feels a bit retro (or tropical American Psycho)—but that’s not to the detriment of the food. This is the spot to hit when you’ve had enough rum.

El Local
When you’ve finished up dinner at José Enrique or Santaella, head over to this dive, located a ten-minute walk away from La Placita de Santurce. You just might wander into punk rock karaoke. “The drinks are mad cheap,” says Gallo Negro chef María Mercedes Grubb. “They have a karaoke night where you can belt it out to Queen, New Order, The Smiths, or Bowie. Or you can hang outside smoking cigarettes.”

LUCA
When you’re wandering Old San Juan, stop into this sleek, minimalist little shop for souvenirs actually made on the island. “They have a very well-curated selection of beautiful local jewelry, objects, and clothing,” says Kali Jean Solack, owner of Lote 23’s excellent coffee kiosk Café Regina.

Here you can pick up a tostone-masher made with locally sourced wood—the perfect gift to bring back home for yourself so you can have the crispy, salty, twice-fried plantain dish whenever you like.

Santurce Es Ley
This (almost) yearly art and music event leaves much of the Santurce neighborhood covered in giant murals, but for the majority of it, walk up and down Calle Cerra for art both political and non—from anything as specific as a building-size flag to a chrome rabbit.

ECUADOR: Hat Making Business Is A Tradition, Discover The Home Of The World-renowned Panama Hat

The hat making business is a tradition in a country like Ecuador, home of the world-renowned "Panama Hat", don’t get confused by its name, it’s 100% Ecuadorian.

And where the sun is extremely strong especially in Quito, the use of a hat is essential.

On the outside, that subtle and humble entrance may go unnoticed, but once you cross it, you enter a ‘looking glass’ world of colors and artifacts.

Hats, of course, dominate. You can find them in all sizes, colors and shapes stacked on top of the other on shelves and some even nailed on the walls.

There are berets, top hats, cowboy hats, Panama Hats, and the traditional ones worn in local festivities. Like the "Aruchico" hat – worn by a character of the San Juan and San Pedro fiesta – made of cloth and adorned with small mirrors and multicolored ribbons that cascade from the sides.

Masks are also the protagonists of the store. There are rows of masks hung on wires on the wall to the left. The peculiar masks depict politicians, devils, animals, clowns.

Your sight sharpens inside Sombrerería Benalcázar: every corner, every shelf, every wall is decorated with hats and masks made by César Anchala, the current owner of the family business passed down from his father.

His wife smiles behind the counter, greets and invites you to try the hats on. With patience, she takes each one out and is excited to see you wearing them.

Next to her, a small lady with black hair, a prominent nose and a shy look is also the one makes these hats and with a gesture of her hand, she beckons you to follow her into the back. You enter a room that shows the passage of time.

The wall is cracked and the shelves hold even more hats and wooden tools. To one side, there’s an ancient radio.

Two framed portraits are hung on the wall and seem to look directly at you. It is the Anchala family: César’s mother and father, the original owners.

Above the portraits an old sign reads SOMBRERERÍA BENALCÁZAR, below it: WE FIX HATS AND BERETS, in red and blue letters (the entrance of the shop already has a more "modern" sign indicating César’s email).

In this peculiar room everything from the shop is created: hats, berets, masks here the César Anchala father made and filled that hat shop with unique artefacts that 60 years later continue to bring in loyal customers, despite their almost secret passageway in Calle Benalcázar.

ANTIGUA: Seaborne Launches Antigua Flights

There’s a new way to get to Antigua.

Regional air carrier Seaborne has officially launched service to its newest destination, Antigua.

The carrier began its San Juan-Antigua service this week on a 34-seat Saab 340 aircraft.

It becomes the fourth airline to begin operating flights into the destination since Antigua opened its state-of-the-art terminal at VC Bird International Airport.

“The entrance of Seaborne, provides passengers with one additional option for travelling to Antigua and Barbuda, quicker and more conveniently,” said Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Minister Asot Michael. “As a regional hub, the more modern V.C. Bird International Airport, was extremely appealing and advantageous to Seaborne as they seek to expand their services throughout the wider Caribbean.”

In a statement, Seaborne CEO Gary Foss said the company was “excited to introduce Antigua as the 17th airport served by Seaborne Airlines; the fastest growing airline in the Caribbean.”

NORWAY:Norwegian Starts Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) and Stockholm Arlanda (ARN)

Crew and passengers enjoyed the route launch cake at Oslo Gardermoen used to mark the start of flights to San Juan in Puerto Rico on 1 November. Weekly flights are operated by the LCC’s 787-8s.

Norwegian used the second week of the W15/16 season to start six new routes from five of its bases – including long-haul services from Oslo Gardermoen (OSL) and Stockholm Arlanda (ARN).

The average sector length of these routes is 4,290 kilometres (up from 2,251 last week) – with the longest route being the 8,530-kilometre Stockholm Arlanda to Las Vegas (LAS) airport pair (last week it was the 4,126-kilometre Gran Canaria to Karlstad route), while the shortest was again a Spanish domestic rotation, this time with the 1,410-kilometre link from Malaga (AGP) to Gran Canaria (LPA).

The average weekly frequency of the new routes was 1.8, down significantly from last week’s result of four. This was due in no small part to the two new weekly long-haul operations.

PUERTO RICO: Seaborne Airlines Announces Restart Of Service to Dominica

This will include resumption of the American Airlines code-shared connecting service from San Juan's Luis Munoz Marin International Airport to Douglas Charles International Airport (DOM) in Dominica, on a daily basis, as well as interline connecting service to JetBlue Airways, Delta and United Airlines, also through San Juan.

In the wake of Tropical Storm Erika, all passenger flights to Dominica were cancelled due to weather-related damage at Douglas Charles International Airport. Seaborne operated 92 relief flights from August 23 to September 22 into and out of the region, to include 76 flights into and out of Guadeloupe (PTP) and 18 non-passenger flights into and out of Dominica's Canefield Airport (DCF) and Douglas Charles International Airport in conjunction with Ross University.

Many hundreds of medical students, faculty and relief workers were transported during this time, allowing students to start their studies and aiding recovery efforts. During this period, Seaborne Airlines also transported water and other needed relief items to assist with the recovery effort.

Seaborne Airlines will continue to support the island's recovery efforts. As previously announced, Seaborne will be accepting items such as over-the-counter medical supplies, non-perishable goods, men's and/or women's underwear, bedding supplies, towels, and toiletries.

These items can be delivered to Seaborne Airlines San Juan counter at Luis Munoz Marin International Airport or at Seaborne Headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

DOMINICA: Commercial Airlines Back To Dominica After Tropical Storm

Commercial airlines serving the Caribbean island of Dominica are resuming flights to Douglas-Charles Airport following Tropical Storm Erika in late August, according to the Dominica director of tourism. Earlier, the Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Authority gave the go-ahead to resume commercial flights.

Since then, airport authorities have been working to restore essential services to the badly damaged terminal building in order for airline partners, LIAT, Seaborne Airlines and Winair, to re-establish schedules to the airport. Partner airlines have made several test landings since receiving the go-ahead.

“We continue to see daily progress in the tourism sector,” said Colin Piper, Dominica´s director of tourism. “Fans of the Nature Island will be pleased to know that most of their favorite locations and activities are operational and ready for their next visit.” As of Sept. 18, 2015, LIAT has resumed flights to Douglas-Charles Airport from three origination points: Antigua (ANU), Barbados (BGI) and Guadeloupe (PTP).

Seaborne Airlines will resume flights between Dominica´s Douglas-Charles Airport (DOM) and San Juan (SJU) on Sept. 23, 2015. Winair, which established Twin Otter service after Tropical Storm Erika, will continue that service into Canefield Airport until Oct. 25, 2015.

Beginning on Oct. 3, Winair will resume two flights per week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, from Guadeloupe and St. Maarten (SXM) to Dominica´s Douglas-Charles Airport. The airline is expected to resume its normal schedule of up to four flights weekly to Douglas-Charles Airport in November 2015.