Oh JetBlue, how do we love thee? Let me count the ways: we love your affordable fares, DirectTV at every seat, extra legroom, the absence of an annoying drink cart and the all-you-eat snacks. And now the airline has made an amazing decision to provide free Wi-Fi on all domestic flights.

Through Fly-Fi, passengers will have the ability to stream video on multiple devices through Amazon Video, plus browse the internet and use messaging apps.

“It’s 2017 and our customers expect to be connected everywhere, whether that be from the comfort of their sofa or 35,000 feet above it,” says Jamie Perry, vice president of marketing, JetBlue. “That’s why we’re so proud that JetBlue is now the only airline to offer free, high-speed Wi-Fi, live TV and movies for all customers on every plane.”

And there’s no need to wait until cruising altitude to log on: the airline is the first to introduce gate-to-gate connectivity.

Flying to the Caribbean? Unfortunately, Fly-Fi is not available on flights operating outside of the continental United States. But good news for the return trip: If the flight originates outside of the U.S., the service will be available once the plane is within the coverage area.

Here’s to hoping all airlines will soon follow suit.

The post JetBlue is Now Offering Free Wi-Fi on All Domestic Flights appeared first on Islands.

Mahe Island, Seychelles

Proteas Bay, Samos Island, Greece

7 Mile Beach, Grand Cayman

Borocay, Philippines

The post 5 Hammocks We’d Like to be Sitting In Right Now appeared first on Islands.

• Pay to park? Why isn’t this included in the cruise price? That’s not even fair.
• And this is why I sneak booze in…to save money that I have to spend for parking.
• This Listerine bottle better work. I spent 4 hours mixing the perfect color for it last night. If only they taught that in chemistry class.
• Yes, I really do need all that mouthwash, I have halitosis okay?
• Mission accomplished. I AM A NINJA. A VODKA NINJA.
• There are way too many people here. Are they all going to fit on the ship?
• How does this ship even float with all those people on it?
• Welcome aboard! Vacation starts now!
• Can I go to the bow of the ship like Leo in Titanic?
• And will Leo be there? Because it’ll only be worth it if he is.

• Do those 80’s style wrist band things really prevent seasickness?
• Am I queasy? I’m definitely queasy.
• Just waiting on my sea legs to come in. I sound like such a sailor when I say that.
• Or maybe a pirate.
• I should probably talk like a pirate during the entire cruise.
• Ahoy matey! I wonder how many free ice cream cones I can eat today?
• Six. The answer is six. Definitely not wearing a bikini tomorrow.
• Maybe I can exercise or something.
• 47 laps around the deck = one mile? Nope.
• If I’m eating dinner with the captain, who’s driving the ship?
• I’m totally going to get up early tomorrow to snag a chair by the pool.
• How did I already miss breakfast? Pizza it is!
• Of course there are no more pool chairs left. Did everyone wake up at sunrise or did they just stake out their spot late last night?
• Oooh, I should play shuffle board.
• How does one actually play shuffle board?
• Why is the waterslide for kids only?
• I’m basically a kid, right? I’ll just hunch over so they don’t see how tall I am.
• Worst. Wedgie. Ever.

• Drink of the day for $14? What do you think I am, a billionaire?
• Ugh, but the vodka is in my room and this comes in a SOUVENIR GLASS. That’s basically like a free gift.
• I deserve this. And it’s so hot out.
• Holy cow, that is delicious! Another!
• What if I get really drunk and fall overboard?
• Do those round lifesaver things really work?
• I wonder if they sell Lifesavers in the duty-free gift shop.
• And why don’t they make a roll of all red Lifesavers. Because those clearly are the best flavor.

• What the heck is that towel animal supposed to be, a bear?
• A dog. Definitely a dog.
• Better take a picture for Facebook so I can post it next week when I get Wifi again.
• Only four hours at this port. Better make it count.
• Forget the excursions, I want to immerse myself in the local culture.
• Should I get hair braids? I can totally rock hair braids. I’m basically an islander already. Yeah mon!
• I look ridiculous.
• What if I miss the boat?
• I’m pretty sure it leaves at 3:00. Or was it 2:00?
• I better start running.
• I’m going to have to live on this island by myself and start a new life and live off seaweed and crabs and lasso them with my hair braids.
• And there’s the port. Guess I wasn’t that far.

• I wish I had my sunglasses.
• Oh right. The elephant in my room is still wearing them.
• Early bedtime tonight. I’m getting the first chair. And the first ice cream cone.
• I’ll just take the stairs to burn off the calories.
• No way. I’m on vacation. The elevator was made for vacations.
• I can’t believe the week is over already! Why do I have to leave my bag in the hallway tonight?
• What if someone takes all my dirty clothes? I mean, that would be weird.
• I’m not ready to leave.
• I literally can’t walk on land. I have no land legs.
• Don’t mind me, just walking with swag.
• I actually gained 5 pounds from this cruise, and now I’m wobbling it everywhere when I walk.
• Eh, the extra weight is probably just from the beads in my hair braids.
• Looks like all my dirty clothes arrived safely!
• I can’t wait to go on another cruise.

The post 62 Thoughts Everyone Has on a Cruise appeared first on Islands.

1. ADOBE LIGHTROOM

Adobe Photoshop is so synonymous with photography that it has even become its own verb — just Photoshop it! But it’s also a massive (and costly) program that’s far too robust for the basic user. Enter Adobe Lightroom, whose sleek interface and deep image-processing capabilities are ideal for every level of shooter. Within its “develop” module (where the image manipulation occurs), you’ll find slider bars for everything — from basic contrast and saturation adjustments to advanced camera calibration options. The free Lightroom mobile app (with much less functionality) can sync with your Adobe account, allowing for seamless cloud editing on the go.

2. PHOTOGENE

Available for both iPhone and iPad, this photo editing app truly shines on the latter. Photogene has the standard contrast, color balance, saturation and effects you’d expect, but it also gives users metadata editing, export resizing and options to remove noise. It can sync your files directly to Flickr, Dropbox, Facebook, Picasa and more, ensuring you won’t miss a beat between snap and share. Unlike most mobile apps, Photogene supports RAW files as well as JPEGS.

3. PIXLR

This photo editing app for both Apple and Android devices boasts over 2 million combinations of free effects, overlays and filters. Its robust adjustment and effects program also allows users to create collages with multiple images. Text effects and a selection of image borders and frames help polish your photo before posting. Amazingly, this gem of an app is free, but you can pay to expand its database of filters and effects.

The post Photo Editing Apps for Travel Photography appeared first on Islands.

Take a look at some of the renderings of the Floating Seahorse and get more info on these homes here.

The post Sleep Underwater in Dubai’s ‘Floating Seahorse’ Homes appeared first on Islands.

Thatch Caye Resort
In the Caribbean, overwater bungalows are nearly as rare as snow days. But this nine-acre resort set on its own island has five of them (as well as land-based cabanas and an overwater villa). The vibe is vibrant and familial, but exclusive experiences await at Thatch Caye Resort. Spend your days fly-fishing, stalking conch and lobster for a seafood feast or just sipping tropical cocktails with your toes in the translucent water. All-inclusive rates include kayaks, paddleboards, fishing poles and snorkeling gear, making it easy to settle in and explore your surroundings.

For more information, visit www.thatchcayebelize.com

Belize Ocean Club
The quintessential Caribbean luxury property, this Maya Beach resort is ideal for couples or families in search of beach and pool time. With one or two bedrooms, the 60 modern suites all have water views as well as living rooms and full kitchens. But what you’ll really love is what’s just outside. On select dates in spring and summer, you can snorkel alongside the whale sharks that migrate offshore from Placencia. And top dive sites on the world’s second longest barrier reef are easily accessible with the resort’s dive operation. You’re in a prime location here, too, for inland tours to see jaguars in the highlands or Mayan ruins.

Book your next stay at www.belizeoceanclub.com

Hopkins Bay Resort
Family fun is what it’s all about at this beloved beach resort in Hopkins. Instead of standard hotel rooms, many of the accommodations are two and three-bedroom beach houses with private decks and full kitchens. The setting feels more like a friendly neighborhood than a resort, and you’ll feel free to let the kids roam and explore. World-class snorkeling and diving awaits on the colorful reefs nearby. And zip lining, caving and waterfall hikes in the jungle are all within a short ride. There’s a restaurant onsite and meal plans are available, too, if cooking isn’t your thing on vacation.

Learn more at www.hopkinsbaybelize.com

The post Three Seductive Stays in Beautiful Belize appeared first on Islands.

Ballast Key, Florida

Leave it up to the buyer to decide which is the bigger brag: that the 26-acre island is the southernmost inhabited island in the United States, or that the property has hosted the likes of Truman Capote, Leonard Bernstein, Gloria Estefan and the Bee Gees. Reach it in 10 minutes by helicopter from Key West, or in 25 by motoring south by boat. On arrival, you will find what is perhaps the most luxurious conch house in existence, optimally positioned for sunrise and sunset views. As for how many guests can take part in your private-island fantasy, you’ll have the main home’s five bedrooms, plus three more in the guesthouse — the more the merrier. engelvoelkers.com

Asking price: $15.8 million USD

Read more about Private Islands:

10 Private Islands You Can Rent on AirBnb Right Now | Best Islands to Live On | 10 Island Real Estate Tips for Moving to an Island

The post 8 Private Islands for Sale Now appeared first on Islands.

Caneel Bay Resort on St. John, USVI is all about low-key luxury, green living and commitment to the environment. As part of their 60th anniversary celebrations, the resort has implemented a new Tree Planting Program, pledging to plant 60 new trees on property in the year ahead. Guests are also invited to “plant their own history” at Caneel Bay by working with the groundskeeper to plant trees during their visits to the resort. Caneel Bay will kick-off this program with a tree planting ceremony on Earth Day, April 22, celebrating the legacy of founder Laurance Rockefeller and honoring the generations of horticulturists who have remained faithful to its founder’s vision to offer simple splendor in a pristine and natural setting.

This initiative will see 60 hardwoods and indigenous trees take root on Caneel Bay’s 170-acres in Virgin Islands National Park. St. John once had an abundance of such trees, but most were lost when the land was cleared for sugar cane cultivation during the European colonial era of the 17th and 18th centuries. These slow-growing, long-lasting trees will be of great importance to the enjoyment of generations of Caneel Bay guests to come.

Of course, ecological preservation has always been a part of Caneel Bay’s roots. Laurance Rockefeller opened Caneel Bay 60 years ago to treat guests to simple splendor in a pristine and natural setting. Mr. Rockefeller was as personally invested in the landscape design of Caneel Bay’s sprawling property as he was in the architecture of its buildings and interior design of its guest rooms – none of which have ever featured telephones or televisions. He envisioned Caneel Bay as a sanctuary from the stress and distractions of everyday life, where guests could “unplug” and make memories with loved ones, family and friends.

To start making your own memories, go to www.caneelbay.com. Rates from $559.

The post Caneel Bay Celebrates Earth Day With Tree Planting Program appeared first on Islands.

Ever been curious what goes on during a “theme cruise?” It seems every hobby or interest these days has an associated theme cruise. The Country Music Cruise. The NASCAR Cruise. There has even been a Dancing with the Stars Cruise. As a longtime cruiser AND a huge fan of ’80s music and movies, I decided to find out for myself this year by hopping on board the inaugural The ’80s Cruise, a seven-day voyage on the Holland America Eurodam that included 10 bands from the ’80s, three original MTV veejays and 2,000 fellow ’80s fans.

What did I learn? Let me share some tips with you culled from my experience and from tips from fellow ‘80s cruise passengers.

BRING SOME SWAG TO SIGN

And a Sharpie. Celebrities and musicians alike are usually happen to sign album covers, photos, books or whatever else you’ve collected over the years. And while some artists did bring merchandise you could purchase (and then get signed), it’s always more fun to have them sign your original album from 1984, isn’t it?

DECIDE ON PRIORITIES

You can’t do everything on a theme cruise. Each hour of the day might have two or three different event or concerts. On The ‘80s Cruise, guests sometimes had to choose from an wine tasting with an MTV veejay or an ‘80s trivia contest or a session of Giant Twister on the pool deck. Most bands on the cruise played twice, so if you missed their pre-dinner concert in the show lounge, you could catch them another day during a midnight performance. Enjoy the moment you’re in.

PLAN SOME TIME TO RELAX … AFTER THE CRUISE

A theme cruise is an adventure more than a vacation. Seven nights of concerts, late night dance parties, early morning aerobics dressed like Jane Fonda and excursions with your idols can leave a guest weary. Take an extra day off from work and use that time to go through your hundreds of photos, do a ton of laundry and to start planning next year’s theme cruise.

The post 10 Ways to Make the Most of a Theme Cruise appeared first on Islands.

Think taking your family to the Caribbean is a lot of work? You’re not wrong, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pull it off. With a little strategy and planning, jet-setting with the whole fam isn’t only doable, you might just have fun.

1. “If you couldn’t reserve a seat next to your kids when booking a flight, ask at the airport (or the day before) if adjacent seats have opened after elite fliers move up and seats become available.” – George Hobica, founder of airfarewatchdog.com

2. “To eliminate airport hassles, sign up for Clear, a TSA-approved way to skip security lines at 13 airpots, including Miami International and George Bush International, both Caribbean hubs.” – Amy Norman, CEO of Little Passports

3. “Download some parent-friendly apps pronto. GateGuru shows amenities at over 100 airport terminals, and Pack & Go is an app with age-group-specific packing lists.” – Sasha Emmons, editor-in-chief of Today’s Parent

4. “Pack the kids’ swimsuits in your carry-on. If you arrive at the hotel before check-in or if it’s a while before the bellman brings your bags, your kids can jump right in the pool.” – Wendy Perrin, TripAdvisor Travel Advocate

5. “It’s easy to lose track of time by the water, so buy a suntan timer for your kids, like Sunfriend, a waterproof wristband that will alert you when it’s time to reapply that SPF.” – Jason Cochran, editor-in-chief of frommers.com

The post 5 Tips for Traveling with Kids appeared first on Islands.