CARIBBEAN: Tourists Exposed To Toxic Sargassum Weed

Tourists to the Caribbean may not realize that a brown drifting seaweed that's been piling up on beaches in recent years is dangerous, researchers say.

Travelers and doctors alike should be aware that prolonged contact with the Sargassum weed, or inhaling the hydrogen sulfide gas it gives off as it decomposes on the beach, can cause heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, vertigo, headache and skin rashes.

I've observed patients returning from affected areas with unusual symptoms that were reminiscent of an intoxication syndrome in the absence of alternate explanations, said Dr. Andrea Boggild, clinical director of the Tropical Disease Unit at Toronto General Hospital.

The more research I did on the topic, the more I realized that this really is an issue that continues to fly under the radar of most medical professionals, she underlined.

Boggild and co-author Dr. Mary Elizabeth Wilson of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston report that beginning in 2011, larger-than-normal rafts of the brown seaweed began washing up on shores around the Caribbean, originating from the northeast coast of Brazil, and by 2018, record amounts were reported.

The seaweed also occurs in China's Yellow Sea, where it's known as golden tide.

Decomposing Sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide gas and ammonia, which can cause respiratory, skin and neurocognitive symptoms in both local residents and tourists.

Toxic exposure typically happens during decomposition, which is about 48 hours after it washes ashore.

On the islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique alone, more than 11,000 cases of acute Sargassum toxicity were reported during an eight-month period in 2018.

If the rafts of Sargassum continue, and there is no expectation that they will not, it is likely that medical practitioners will increasingly encounter returning travelers with a range of associated symptoms, Wilson said.

No specific treatment for Sargassum toxicity exists, although supportive medical care can help. Doctors typically have to diagnose the source of symptoms by ruling out other possibilities.

It would be better for travelers to avoid exposure to the seaweed in the first place and to be careful about tour operators or hotels that may not be transparent about the severity of the rafts in the area, the authors write.

Travelers should consult local news media and search for information about Sargassum in their intended destination, Boggild said.

With Sargassum accumulating along the coasts of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico and the lesser Antilles during the past year.

Collaborations have begun among oceanographers, ecologists, marine biologists and public health agencies to understand the causes, health effects and prevention strategies.


Tourism Observer

NORWAY: Norwegian Goes To Canada To Three New Routes

Norwegian has announced its entry into the Canadian market with three new routes.

The airline will launch seasonal service from Montréal to the French Caribbean islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in late October.

Additionally, Norwegian will launch the only transatlantic flight out of Hamilton International Airport near Toronto, in March 2019, with daily service to Dublin, Ireland.

The airline also announced a new four-weekly service from both Guadeloupe and Martinique to Cayenne in French Guiana.

We are very excited about entering the Canadian market, and provide Canadians with Norwegian’s combination of affordable low fares and award-winning service, whether they are heading to the Caribbean or Europe.

This is only our first step into Canada and as the world’s fastest-growing airline, we look forward to expanding our presence here in the next few years, said Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian’s Chief Commercial Officer in a press release.

Norwegian was the first airline in more than 20 years to link both French Caribbean islands to New York City and in these three years, we have seen our operation continue to grow and expand.

We will now be the only airline to connect the French Caribbean with both Canada and the United States, as well as French Guiana, said Thomas Ramdahl.

Winter seasonal service from Montreal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport to Guadeloupe’s Pointe-à-Pitre International Airport will launch on October 29, 2018, and operate three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Flights to Martinique Aimé Césaire International Airport will launch on November 1, 2018, and operate three times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Launch fares to both cities start as low as $219 CAD one-way, including taxes. Both routes will operate during the winter season until end of March, 2019.

Year-round daily service from John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport to Dublin Airport will launch March 31, 2019. Launch fares start as low as $279 CAD, one-way, including taxes.

Winter seasonal service from Martinique to Cayenne – Félix Eboué Airport Cayenne will launch on October 31, 2018, and operate four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Flights from Guadeloupe to Cayenne will launch on November 1, 2018, and operate four times per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Launch fares from both islands start as low as EUR139, one-way, including taxes.

Norwegian operates one of the world’s youngest fleets. The French Caribbean routes are operated by Boeing 737-800s, while the new transatlantic route will be operated by a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX, which Norwegian was the first airline to operate to/from North America last summer.

Returning existing U.S. winter seasonal routes:

- The Fort Lauderdale to Guadeloupe service will resume on October 28, 2018, with three flights per week.

- The Fort Lauderdale to Martinique service will resume on October 31, 2018, with four flights per week. An increase from three flights per week during winter 2017/18.

- The New York-JFK to Guadeloupe service will resume on October 28, 2018, with six flights per week.

- The New York-JFK to Martinique service will resume on October 28, 2018, with six flights per week. An increase from four flights per week during winter 2017/18.

All fares are now available for sale on Norwegian’s Canadian and American websites. Additionally, the website’s Low fare calendar displays the lowest available fares to all of Norwegian’s destinations.

Passengers on all of Norwegian’s routes are eligible to join Norwegian Reward, the airline’s loyalty program and can earn CashPoints every time they fly, stay at a hotel or rent a car.

Earlier this year, Norwegian Reward was named Program of the Year Europe and Africa for the second consecutive year.


Tourism Observer

Zika News: Pregnant Passengers Get Refunds From Airlines

Travellers worried about the implications of flying to Latin America amid growing concerns about the Zika virus should be able to amend their travel plans without expense – as airlines and holiday firms acknowledge the threat from the mosquito-borne infection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) this week declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” regarding the virus, and warned that it could affect up to four million people in the Americas. Its epicentres are Brazil and Ecuador, but cases have also been reported in Mexico, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cape Verde.

While the WHO has also stated that there “should be no restrictions on travel or trade with countries, areas and/or territories with Zika virus transmission”, tourists who are pregnant and who wish to alter their travel arrangements should be able to do so for free if they act quickly.

The Zika virus is mainly an issue for pregnant travellers, as, while it causes flu-like symptoms of fever and headaches in adults and children, it can be devastating for the human foetus – leading to babies born with defects that include abnormally small heads.

The majority of the big airlines have been united in their response to this threat – with British Airways allowing passengers a month-long window to reorder their travel plans.

A spokesperson for British Airways says: “If a pregnant customer is due to travel up to and including February 29, but they no longer wish to travel, they can change their booking free of charge, and delay their journey or amend to an alternative destination.”

“This applies to flights to Brazil, Mexico, Barbados and the Dominican Republic.”

This advice includes flights booked with affiliate airline Iberia.

Virgin Atlantic is taking a similar line, stating that “we are closely monitoring reports of cases of Zika virus in Barbados, Mexico and other destinations in the Caribbean and South America.” The airline is offering refunds to pregnant passengers due to fly to all affected destinations – including countries which it does not fly to directly, but offers connections to, such as Colombia, Panama and the United States territory of Puerto Rico.

Lufthansa has said that pregnant passengers and - unusually - their travelling companion, can alter an existing booking to any of the affected countries for free, stating that “this policy applies to all flights from or to Latin and Central America, and Caribbean countries, from January 28 until March 21 2016. Tickets must be issued on or before January 28 2016.”

This concession also applies to affiliated carriers Austrian Airlines and Swiss.

Airlines on the other side of the Atlantic have also reacted to the threat from the virus.

United Airlines has stated that “we are offering customers who are travelling to the affected regions the opportunity to rebook at a later date or receive a full refund.”

American Airlines is offering a full refund to pregnant passengers if they are flying to El Salvador, Honduras, Panama or Guatemala.

Delta says that pregnant customers can alter their flights to alternative destinations, change their dates or receive a refund – but “changes need to be made by February 29.”

Holiday companies are also responding to customers’ fears about the health scare – with Thomas Cook saying it will accept changes to existing bookings until the start of May.

“Thomas Cook is currently allowing amendments to an alternative destination for anyone who is pregnant and due to travel on a Thomas Cook charter holiday to the affected areas, up to and including April 30 2016,” a spokesperson says.

“We are contacting all customers due to travel to Mexico, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Cape Verde, up to and including April 30, to advise them of the situation, and offer assistance – prioritising those departing over the next few days.”

Thomson has outlined a similar strategy, stating that “customers due to travel with us to Mexico, Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Panama, Colombia and Martinique, who would like to amend to an alternative destination, and have a doctor’s note confirming their pregnancy, can do so without incurring an amendment fee.”

Travel insurance policies should also shield holidaymakers from any costs of having to alter their plans due to the Zika situation – with policies purchased prior to the outbreak likely to offer cover. However, tourists also should check the small print on their policies.

“If one of our customers is currently pregnant and has booked a holiday to Barbados, Bolivia, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, St Martin, Suriname or Venezuela, they would be eligible to make a cancellation claim – as long as they purchased the policy before January 20,” advises Rob Clarkson of Post Office Money Insurance.

However, non-pregnant travellers may find that they are less protected in this scenario.

“If one of our customers is not pregnant then, as the Foreign Office has not advised against travel to this area, there would be no cover for cancellation,” Mr Clarkson adds.

“It is important that any customers planning on holidaying in countries with ongoing Zika virus outbreaks do their research before they travel, and take all necessary precautions.”

Byron Shirto, chairman of the Latin America Travel Association, says: “In line with the current recommendations of the Foreign Office and National Health Network and Centre (NHNC), we would advise pregnant travellers to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are currently reported available via the Pan European Health Organisation to consult a health professional prior to travel."

MARTINIQUE: Norwegian Resumes Nonstop Flights To Martinique

The French Caribbean island of Martinique is back on the tourist map in a big way, in large part due to ramped up airlift from destinations like New York and Miami.

Now, the airlift renaissance is continuing.

After a successful first winter season, Norwegian will be resuming its nonstop flights to Martinique later this year.

The low-cost European carrier will be relaunching its nonstop flights from Baltimore-Washington, Boston and New York’s John F Kennedy airport on Nov. 10.

Norwegian first began its nonstop service between the US and Martinique last December.

The flights will operate three times per week from New York and twice per week from Baltimore and Boston, respectively.

“This winter’s air service to Martinique with Norwegian is a great success, and US visitors are enthusiastically discovering this gem in the heart of the Caribbean that is Martinique,” said Muriel Wiltord, Director Americas for the Martinique Promotion Bureau. “Having Norwegian announce its service to Fort-de-France for 2016/17 is truly exciting. Our US visitors will be able to book early for the next winter season at an excellent rate, while benefiting from modern and comfortable air service.”

Flights to both Martinique and Guadeloupe begin as low as $49 one-way, including taxes.

“We are pleased to see the positive response from American travelers who are now enjoying easier access and affordable fares to the Caribbean, and if demand continues to grow, we hope to make this a year-round service,” said Thomas Ramdahl, Norwegian’s Chief Commercial Officer.

Norwegian operates the service on Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

CHILE: LATAM Airlines RefundsTo Pregnant Travelers To Zika-hit Region

LATAM Airlines became the latest carrier to offer refunds or the option of itinerary changes to pregnant women planning to travel to Latin American and Caribbean countries impacted by the Zika virus.

Flight reservations have not been affected so far by worries about Zika, a spokeswoman for the airline said. But hotels and cruise operators who serve the region have said they are seeing growing concerns from travelers.

An outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus, linked to brain damage in thousands of babies in Brazil, is likely to spread to all countries in the Americas except for Canada and Chile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said this week.

American Airlines Group Inc more than doubled its previous list of destinations for which it was offering refunds to pregnant travelers, adding Puerto Rico, Martinique and four countries to an initial list of five Central American airports.

Chile-based LATAM Airlines, Latin America's largest carrier, said it would offer refunds or the opportunity to change destination to medically certified pregnant women and their traveling companions booked on international flights to Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and other affected Latin American and Caribbean countries.

"For pregnant passengers that have already initiated their trips to the aforementioned destinations, they can return early, subject to seat availability, at no extra charge," the airline said in a statement.

U.S. airline United Airlines also said this week it was allowing customers with reserved tickets for travel to impacted regions to postpone their trips or obtain refunds with no penalty.

In a similar move, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd and rival Carnival Corp have said they would allow expectant mothers covered by the CDC advisories to reschedule cruises to a later date or switch to an itinerary outside the affected countries.

LATAM Airlines, a group formed by Chile's LAN and Brazil's TAM, had not yet seen an impact on reservations due to concerns about the outbreak, a spokeswoman for the company said on Wednesday.

Avianca, the region's second biggest airline, and smaller Brazilian carrier Gol made similar comments on Tuesday.

However, the outbreak presents another potential headache for LATAM, which is already struggling with currency fluctuations, labor disputes and a fast declining Brazilian economy. The company is expected to post a net annual loss for the third year in a row when it reports 2015 results in March, according to Thomson Reuters estimates.

GUADELOUPE: Sophisticated Grande-Terre Boasts White Sand Beaches And Rolling Hills.

Part of the French West Indies, Guadeloupe has it all: rainforests, waterfalls, sandy beaches and charming villages. Guadeloupe is really two butterfly-shaped islands connected by a narrow channel. The left “wing” is Grande-Terre, and the right “wing” is Basse-Terre. Offshore, on smaller surrounding islands, you can step into societies that have changed little over the centuries. On Terre-de-Haut, part of the Iles des Saintes, you’ll find pristine beaches and families descended from Breton sailors. Marie-Galante in the southeast, has spectacular beaches and produces some of the Caribbean’s best rum – remnants of colonial sugar mills are quaint reminders of the island’s past as a sugar producer. To the northeast, La Désirade is a recommended day trip for its untouched landscape and beaches.

Guadeloupe

The more sophisticated Grande-Terre boasts white sand beaches and rolling hills. The island’s biggest town, Pointe-à-Pitre, is a European-style shopping village offering goods with ‘made in France’ labels – and at savings of an estimated 20 to 30 percent. Museums abound here. Saint-John Perse and the Schoelcher Museum are housed in colonial manors. The Edgar Clerc archaeological museum enlightens visitors about Guadeloupe’s Amerindian ancestors. Culture buffs might seek out the zoological garden, the orchid garden, or coffee and cocoa plantations.

Basse-Terre is a draw for nature lovers. An astounding volcano, La Soufrière, which lies sleeping at its center, is the Eastern Caribbean’s highest point at 4,813 feet. Drive or hike through the nearby rain forests in the 74,100 acre Parc National de Guadeloupe, or spend a day on Grand Anse, one of the island’s best beaches, known for especially soft sand. The wildlife is awe-inspiring. In the air, you might spot sugar birds, cow herons, black woodpeckers, moor hens and brown gannets.

French imports make dining on Guadeloupe a pleasure; the destination boasts more than 200 restaurants, some on the front porches of local homes. Lunch, or le déjeuner, is the main meal of the day. Start with a rum drink, then try creole creations such as stuffed land crabs, stewed conch and curry dishes. French wines are commonly served with the meal.

Three offshore islands make super day trips. Friendly residents greet visitors in small fishing villages.
AIRPORTS/GATEWAYS/FLYING TIMES:

Airport:Guadeloupe Pole Caraibes located near Pointe-a-Pitre.

Gateways/Flying Times: There are no direct flights from the UK, however British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fly to Antigua and Barbados where there are connecting flights with LIAT. Direct flights from Paris with Air France, Air Caraibes and Corair. The airport, Pole Caraibe International Airport (PTP), is close to Point a Pitre.

Air Caribe operates up to 33 weekly flights from Paris to the CTO members countries of Guadeloupe (Pointe-à-Pitre), Martinique (Fort-de-France), Haiti (Port-au-Prince) and Saint Martin (Juliana). The company has set up the schedules of its regional network to offer passengers quick connections to all destinations: Saint-Martin (Grand Case), St. Barthelemy (service operated by St Barth Commuter), Saint Lucia and Haiti.
CLIMATE:

Temperature ranges between 72-81 degrees F. on the coast and 66-81 degrees F. inland.
DINING:

Local. Creole. French. Service charge is usually added to bill, otherwise tipping is at your discretion.
LANGUAGE:

French and Creole; official language is French, however English is widely spoken.
NIGHTLIFE:

Casinos. Discos. Nightclubs. Dinner/Dances.
SIGHTSEEING:

Pointe-a-Pitre, the commercial center, and Basse-Terre, the capital city. National Park rainforest and La Soufriere volcano. Pre-Columbian drawings at the Archaeological Park. Hindu Temple of Changy. Fort Delgres. Fort Fleur d’Epee. Pointe des Chateaux and Pointe de la Grande Vigie. Carbet Falls

PUERTO RICO: Seaborne And JetBlue Become Codeshare Partners Across The Caribbean

Seaborne Airlines and JetBlue Airways, the largest carrier in San Juan, have finalized terms to begin a codeshare marketing relationship, expanding upon the carriers’ successful interline agreement in place since 2013. The codeshare will help facilitate improved connectivity between two of the top airlines in the Caribbean, subject to receipt of all regulatory approvals.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with JetBlue. Providing improved connectivity in our common hub of San Juan will add tremendous value to Caribbean residents, visitors, and businesses,” said President and CEO of Seaborne Airlines Gary Foss. “We are honored that JetBlue, known for outstanding customer service, would recognize the same that Seaborne employees are providing throughout the Caribbean”, Foss said.

Seaborne, the largest regional operator, and JetBlue, the number one carrier by flights and seats at San Juan Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, offer a combined 50 daily flights that connect 22 destinations. Seaborne will expand the JetBlue network to multiple new destinations, including Anguilla, Dominica, Guadalupe, Martinique, Nevis, St. Kitts, and Tortola. In addition, the Seaborne Airlines network will also provide JetBlue customers’ access to an expanded presence throughout the United States Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic.

“Our codeshare agreement with Seaborne makes traveling to the Caribbean easier than ever, and that’s the way a beach vacation or family visit should feel,” said Scott Laurence, senior vice president airline planning, JetBlue. “Between JetBlue’s leading position as San Juan’s largest and most customer friendly airline, and Seaborne’s extended local reach, this is a win-win partnership for customers and tourism.”

“The Puerto Rico Tourism Company welcomes this new partnership that supports and strengthens our efforts to increase air access to the Island. This new codeshare marketing relationship between Jet Blue and Seaborne facilitates the entrance of more visitors and positively impacts the economic development in the Island”, said Ingrid I. Rivera Rocafort, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.

Along with JetBlue, Seaborne operates as a codeshare partner of American Airlines and Air Europa of Spain. Seaborne offers interline connecting agreements with Delta Airlines and United Airlines as well. In aggregate, Seaborne and the carrier’s partners offer non-stop service to 32 destinations in the Americas and Europe from San Juan. Seaborne’s expanding network out of San Juan has helped solidify San Juan’s position as the Caribbean’s largest hub.

About Seaborne Airlines

Seaborne Airlines has been operating in the Caribbean for over 23 years, carrying more than 2.5 million customers safely. With over 1,500 monthly departures to 16 airports, Seaborne serves San Juan’s Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, St. Thomas airport and Seaplane base, St. Croix airport and Seaplane base, Anguilla, Tortola, Dominica, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, St. Kitts, Nevis, La Romana, Punta Cana, and Santo Domingo. All flights operate with two pilots and two engines under Federal Air Regulation Part 121, the strictest code of the US Federal Air Regulation governing air travel.

About JetBlue

JetBlue is New York’s Hometown Airline™, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles (Long Beach), Orlando, and San Juan. JetBlue carries more than 32 million customers a year to 88 cities in the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America with an average of 875 daily flights. For more information please visit JetBlue.com.

MARTIINIQUE: A Coconut Rhum You Need to Try Right Now

If you’ve been to the French Caribbean, it’s likely you’ve encountered a very nice after-dinner tradition: the homemade punch.

It’s usually free, a gift of the proprietor for choosing his or her restaurant, and it’s usually delicious — a blend of rhum agricole and some combination of fruits and spices.

We always prefer the coconut kind, typically called Punch Coco, a creamy, rummy delight that takes any dinner of Marlin or magret de canard to a different level.

So we were delighted when we saw that Martinique’s Rhum Clement had launched its own coconut product in the wider US market.

It’s called Mahina Coco, and it’s technically a “Coconut Liqueur,” with an alcohol by volume of around 18 percent. That means something closer to coconut “rums” like Malibu.

The different from those sorts of drinks is that Mahina Coco is, well, superb.

It’s based in rhum blanc agricole, giving it a complexity and authenticity with which larger, industrial flavored rums simply can’t compete.

And it’s simple: white rhum and, as Clement describes, “luscious pieces of young coconut.”

This is a wonderful drink, equally at home neat, on the rocks or in a cocktail with something like pineapple juice.

What Clement has achieved is taken the after-dinner French Caribbean drink and brought it right into your home.

And that’s what’s so terrific about it — it may appear in a slick, beautiful bottle, but it feels like something else: homemade.