CDC Upgrades Jamaica to “Level 4: Very High” Travel Risk
Another popular Caribbean island has found itself on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s list of places to avoid due to rising COVID-19 cases. Jamaica was added to the CDC’s Level 4 Travel Advisory list meaning people should avoid travel to the island. Those who must travel
U.S. Virgin Islands In Talks with Jamaica on Tourism “Coopetition”
One of the most popular vacation destinations in the Caribbean is looking to help bolster their economic recovery by collaborating with other islands in the Caribbean. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism announced that Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte recently underwent successful
Norwegian Cruise Line Announces Return Date
It’s been a long time since Norwegian Cruise Line carried passengers on a cruise vacation, but we finally have a date for the company’s restart. Beginning July 25, 2021, Norwegian Cruise Line will resume cruise operations in Europe followed by the Caribbean on board three ships; Norwegia
Jamaica Travel Restrictions Get Tighter for Visitors
The Caribbean island of Jamaica tightened up their COVID-19 travel restrictions for visitors, reducing the time frame in which travelers need to get tested for the virus. Currently, Jamaica requires tourists to present proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or Antigen test within 10 days of travel to the
Carib Animals
Welcome to the Caribbean, where thick, lush rainforests and turquoise waters play host to more than just your envy-inducing selfies. They are home to the locals — the fur, fin, and feather kind — that really are just as unique as the islands they inhabit. In fact, over a third of Caribbean anima
10 Places You Can Visit Right Now
IMPORTANT: As of January 26, 2021, the CDC requires all air travelers to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of boarding all airlines RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES. Plan accordingly! Travel isn’t easy these days. It’s been a long time since Americans could hop on a
Chukka Caribbean Adventures Gears Up for Tourism
Something is happening in the Caribbean. Across the islands, people are getting ready for tourists to once again flock to the pristine beaches, lush jungles and scenic hiking trails that make the region so famous. It’s been a long break, but the Caribbean is ready and waiting for you to come have
Appreciloving The Harmony at Rastafari Indigenous Village
Rastafari is the second-largest faith in Jamaica and has been practiced since 1930. Across the island, people coexist in Rastafari villages with horizontal societies and equitable exchange. Near Montego Bay, Rastafari Indigenous Village welcomes visitors to its experiential cultural capsule. To reac
Distress Without Cruise Ships, Says Jamaica’s Tourism Minister
Cruising has been through a lot in the past six months, but so too have the many nations who rely on tourism to keep their economies moving. The Caribbean island of Jamaica took a conservative approach to reopening after first opening their doors to tourists on June 15th. Using common sense precauti
Vacationing in Porto Back Yarda
As the return of cruising seems to be within reach, it’s time to mitigate lockdown loneliness. My brother Nick Leland sets it up perfectly in the song he wrote and recorded, Porto Back Yarda, a domesticated ode to travel wanderlust when travel isn’t possible. The song serves as a roadmap t
Caribbean Icon Robert Hamaty Passes Away
The cruise and travel industry lost a familiar face over the weekend as Robert Hamaty, founder of the Tortuga Rum Company, passed away at the age of 72. The company’s famous rum flavored treats and souvenirs have been a staple of the Caribbean since they first began back in 1984. Hamaty was origin
Marella Cruises Reminds Us to Smile
Cruise lines are doing a lot to keep their crews busy while on board ships without passengers, but >Captain Jason Ikiadis and his crew decided to have a little fun during their practicing of routine maneuvers off the coast of Montego Bay, Jamaica. They steered the ship along in a very familiar patte
Cruise Deal of the Week – March 13, 2020
Have you ever heard the expression “once in a blue moon”? It means something that doesn’t come along very often, if at all. Today we’ve got the blue moon deal to end all blue moon deals on board the MSC Armonia. 8 days, 7 nights, one amazing vacation starting at just $249 for
Your Jamaican Vacation Awaits | RCA 2019
Each year at Porthole Cruise Magazine, we ask you, the reader, to vote on your favorite cruise lines, ships, destinations and more in our annual Reader’s Choice Awards. Thousands of loyal cruisers take to the ballot to shout out their favorites and the results are a compilation of the best of crui
MSC Hosts the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Annual Photoshoot Cruise
The Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders have officially wrapped up their 2019 annual photo shoot sailing aboard MSC Cruises’ innovative smart ships, MSC Seaside in the Caribbean and MSC Meraviglia in Northern Europe. More than 13 of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders participated in this year’s photo shoot
Caribbean Destination Weddings: A Walk Down the Isle
Couples have long known that the Caribbean is a destination where love blooms and flourishes. The pulse of life beats strongly here, and stress is artfully soothed away by languid island rhythms, swaying palms, and the sea gently lapping at your toes. This fertile landscape provides the perfect back
Island Style: Handmade Modernism
You can’t help but be enchanted by Jamaican ceramicist Victoria Silvera’s sea urchin collection. Delicate yet eye-catching and seamlessly combining function and form, the handmade tableware and decorative pieces are must-have souvenirs, whether you’re a serious art collector or simply an enthu
Editor-in-Chief Awards 2019
2019 Editor-in-Chief Awards As editor-in-chief of Porthole Cruise Magazine, Bill Panoff travels a lot. So each year, he reports back on his favorite travel experiences around the world. Here are this year’s picks of those who left amazing impressions in terms of service, quality, and memorable mom
TRAVEL TIPS: Choose a Historical Detour and Meet Jamaica’s ‘White Witch’
While on a Caribbean cruise, you’re likely to see an endless number of beaches. But what if you find yourself getting tired of being a beach bum? While Jamaica is known for its beautiful beaches and scenic landscape, it is also packed with history. Jamaica was once a British colony, and slaves wor
This Popular Jamaican Resort is Making Big Changes
You’ve probably seen commercials on TV for Sandals Resorts in Jamaica and across other Caribbean islands. The white sand, the beautiful blue water and the smiling, happy people make it seem like Heaven on Earth. Well, it’s getting even better! The resort recently announced a new initiative t
