Debut of Program During Wave Season Maximizes Point-Earning Opportunities for Partners

MIAMI – Carnival Cruise Lines today officially launched its Travel Agent Rewards Program, which allows travel partners to register and redeem points for a variety of actions completed through the line’s travel agent portal, GoCCL.com, or their GDS. The program’s launch during “Wave Season” further supports travel agents’ efforts during this lucrative booking period.

Through the Travel Agent Rewards Program, partners may earn and redeem points for themselves or their clients toward a variety of Carnival-branded logo items, gift cards, or Apple iPads®. Once enrolled in the program, travel partners may register their point-redeeming actions and track their earnings in order to redeem points for gifts.

The program is part of Carnival’s “Working Smarter, Not Harder” tool in the Travel Partner Toolbox, where Carnival provides resources for partners to maximize their business-building opportunities. The Travel Agent Rewards Program is available through GoCCL.com or directly at Carnivalagentrewards.com.

Current actions eligible for point earnings include:

· Creation of new online bookings

· Booking groups online

· Making online payments

· Servicing existing bookings using Carnival’s online tools

· Completing CCLU (Carnival Cruise Lines University) training on GoCCL.com

· Attending various events including ship visits, FAMS and more

Travel partners are encouraged to enroll and accumulate points for these actions now as throughout the year certain point-earning actions will be updated with exciting new choices to make the program continually dynamic.

“We’re launching our travel agent rewards program during ‘Wave Season’ to further support our partners’ efforts by maximizing the points they earn with the program during this lucrative booking period,” said Joni Rein, Carnival’s vice president of worldwide sales. “The program is a true ‘win-win’ for our partnership with agents as it features tools to help us both ‘work smarter, not harder’ and at the same time adds some fun rewards into the mix.”

For additional information regarding the Travel Agent Rewards Program, partners may visit GoCCL.com or Carnivalagentrewards.com. Additional questions regarding the program may be answered by Carnival’s business development managers or the line’s trade engagement team at CCLSales@carnival.com.

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Maybe “American Idol” winners aren’t abandoning their guitars to play conch shell concerts, but fans of the fluted, pink-lined shell are puckering up for the 50th annual test of “conch musicianship” in Key West.

The Conch Shell Blowing Contest begins at noon Saturday, March 3, in the tropical garden of Key West’s Oldest House, 322 Duval St. Nicknamed the Conch Honk, the lighthearted competition salutes Key West’s seafaring heritage and is presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation.

The tradition of blowing a conch shell in the Florida Keys began centuries ago. In the 1800s, when the local economy was largely based on salvaging cargoes from ships wrecked on the nearby reef, sailors attracted attention by blowing piercing blasts on the shell.

“There wasn’t a ship that went out that didn’t have at least one conch shell on it for communications,” said veteran contest winner Clinton Curry.

The Keys’ connection with conch goes far beyond instrumental and communications applications. The slightly tough meat of the hardy mollusk is the prime ingredient in conch chowder and conch fritters, two of the island chain’s signature dishes. Keys natives proudly proclaim their own tough, hardy nature by calling themselves “conchs” and their home the Conch Republic.

Several dozen kids and adults are expected to compete in the March 3 “conch honk,” showcasing their pucker power and honoring an important Keys tradition. Spectators can expect more laughs than musical inspiration and a surprise visit from some characters from Key West’s seafaring history.

While most entrants only manage blasts or squawks, each year a few produce complex melodies that impress judges and audiences alike. Winners are chosen for the quality, duration, loudness and novelty of the sounds they make, with trophies awarded in multiple age categories. The festivities typically include performances by talented “pucker pros.”

The 2012 Conch Shell Blowing Contest is free to enter and watch. Contestants can register at the Oldest House from 10:30 a.m. to noon March 3, or at the event itself if space is still available. Those lacking “instruments” can purchase conch shells on site.

Event information: www.oirf.org or 305-294-9501

Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

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HOLLAND AMERICA LINE’S CULINARY ARTS CENTER TO HOST MORE THAN 60 FOOD AND WINE EXPERTS IN 2012

Television personalities and award-winning authors enhance enrichment program

Seattle, Wash., Feb. 1, 2012 — In 2012 Holland America Line’s Culinary Arts Center Program will host an all-star lineup of more than 60 celebrated chefs, cookbook authors and television personalities from the culinary world, including YouTube culinary sensation and “The Next Food Network Star” personality Serena Palumba, “Top Chef: Just Desserts” participant Zac Young and Chef Tony Maws, winner of the 2011 James Beard Award for “Best Chef: Northeast.”

The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, enables guests aboard the line’s 15 ships to experience culinary demonstrations in a full show kitchen, tastings, question-and-answer sessions and hands-on classes conducted by top chefs, wine experts and leading cookbook authors.

“The Culinary Arts Center is at the core of Holland America Line’s enrichment program and each year we bring on board the most talented and entertaining culinary experts in their field,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president of marketing, sales and guest programs. “We want our guests to have a special experience that makes them want to go home and tell friends and family they learned how to make a new dish from a well-known chef.”

Celebrity Chefs featured in Holland America Line’s 2012 Culinary Arts Center Program include:

Kaushik Chowdhury is executive pastry chef at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Ariz. Chowdhury has received numerous awards including first place in the Food Network’s Sugar Showdown competition and a gold medal at the 2009 U.S. National Pastry Championship. He is scheduled to sail aboard ms Amsterdam during the 18-day Grand World Voyage segment departing April 10. Chowdhury also is scheduled to sail Oct. 9 and Oct. 27 during segments of Amsterdam’s Grand Asia and Australia Voyage.

Linton Hopkins is owner and executive chef of Restaurant Eugene in Atlanta, Ga., and a multiple James Beard award nominee. He was recently nominated for a 2011 James Beard Award in the “Best Chef: Southwest” category. Hopkins is slated to sail aboard ms Eurodam’s 10-day Gems of the Baltic cruise June 14.

Tony Maws is executive chef and owner of Craigie on Main in Cambridge, Mass. The contemporary French cuisine restaurant was named one of Boston’s “10 Most Influential Restaurants of the Decade” by The Boston Globe, and Maws himself was named one of America’s “10 Best New Chefs” by Food & Wine magazine. In 2011, he won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for “Best Chef: Northeast.” Chef Maws is scheduled to sail aboard ms Ryndam’s Norwegian Fjords cruise May 6.

Serena Palumba is a teaching chef, television personality and recent finalist from season six of the Food Network’s hit show “The Next Food Network Star.” Palumba, created an instant-hit series of instructional videos on YouTube called “Cooking in Manhattan” that teach viewers how to prepare meals with simple ingredients and limited equipment within the confines of a small urban kitchen. Palumba is scheduled to sail on ms Veendam’s seven-day Bermuda cruise April 29.

Jonathan Sawyer is executive chef of Greenhouse Tavern, recently named one of the top 10 best new restaurants in the U.S. by Bon Appetit magazine and best new restaurant by Cleveland Magazine. Sawyer has appeared on the Food Network’s “Dinner: Impossible” and “Iron Chef America,” and was recently honored by Food & Wine magazine as one of America’s best new chefs. He is scheduled to sail on ms Zuiderdam’s seven-day Alaska Inside Passage cruise Aug. 18.

Leslie Sbrocco is a wine expert, award-winning author and television personality. She is the host of the PBS series “Check, Please!” for which she won both the coveted James Beard Award and an Emmy Award. She has written two books, “Wine for Women: A Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing Wine” and “The Simple & Savvy Wine Guide.” Sbrocco is slated to sail on ms Maasdam‘s 10-day Eastern Caribbean cruise Nov. 30.

Denise Vivaldo is a culinary consultant, food stylist and celebrated cookbook author. Vivaldo has catered more than 10,000 parties and has cooked for notable guests such as U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush and Ronald Reagan, Prince Charles and Bette Midler. Additionally, she has styled food for various nationally syndicated television shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Inside Dish with Rachel Ray. Vivaldo is scheduled to sail on ms Westerdam’s seven-day Alaskan Explorer cruise July 21.

Zac Young is executive pastry chef of Flex Mussels Restaurant in New York City. He trained in France with renowned chefs Philippe Givre at Valrhona and Philippe Parc at Chocolate Michel Cluizel, where he developed his signature style of using French techniques and bold flavors for a creative spin on classic American desserts. Young finished in the final four of Bravo’s first season of “Top Chef: Just Desserts” and can be seen on The Cooking Channel’s new series “Unique Sweets.” Young is scheduled to sail on ms Volendam’s 23-day South Pacific cruise April 10.

Other notable Culinary Arts Center guest chefs and cuisine experts slated to sail in the 2012 season include:

Hugh Acheson, judge on “Top Chef” season nine, culinary author, executive chef and partner of Five & Ten and The National in Athens, Ga., sails on ms Veendam’s May 27 Bermuda cruise.
Timon Balloo, executive chef of Sugarcane Raw Bar Grill in Miami, Fla., sails on ms Noordam’s Riviera Romance cruise Oct. 15.
Paul Carter, executive chef of The Phoenician in Phoenix, Ariz., sails on ms Zuiderdam Aug. 18 in Alaska.
Jeffrey Elliot, director of culinary relations for Zwilling JA Henckels, Demeyere, and Staub, knife skills expert and executive chef of Zwilling JA Henckels – USA, sails on ms Eurodam Dec. 8 in the eastern Caribbean.
Jason Franey, executive chef of Canlis Restaurant in Seattle, Wash., sails aboard ms Oosterdam’s New Zealand Discovery cruise Oct. 24.
George Geary, culinary journalist, author and educator, sails on ms Rotterdam Aug. 4 in the Baltic.
Matt Gennuso, executive chef and owner of Chez Pascal, a French-American bistro in Providence, R.I., sails on ms Amsterdam June 1 in Alaska.
Paulette Mitchell, culinary instructor and author of 11 cookbooks, sails on a segment of Amsterdam’s Grand World Voyage departing March 21.
Patricio Sandoval, executive chef at Mercadito Chicago, sails aboard Rotterdam’s 14-day Spring Panama Canal cruise departing April 3.
Kevin Sbraga, executive chef and owner of Sbraga restaurant in Philadelphia, Pa., and Bravo’s “Top Chef” season seven winner, sails on Noordam July 17 in the Mediterranean.
Angelo Sosa, executive chef and co-owner of Social Eatz, an “American-Asian” restaurant and bar in New York City and Bravo’s “Top Chef” season seven finalist, sails on Prinsendam Aug. 8 in Norway and the British Isles.
Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the “Ultimate” cookbook series, sail on Amsterdam Nov. 17 for a segment of the Grand Asia & Australia Voyage.

Holland America Line’s Culinary Arts Center
Holland America Line’s industry trend-setting Culinary Arts Centers are featured on each of the line’s 15 ships. A “world class show kitchen at sea,” the Culinary Arts Centers presented by Food & Wine magazine resembles the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs. The facilities are used for cooking shows, wine tastings, hands-on cooking classes and mixology presentations. All events are taught by highly-skilled culinary and beverage staff during every Holland America Line voyage.

Each facility features a theater-style venue with two large video screens and a large cooking display counter. In partnership with Food & Wine magazine, Holland America Line has schedule approximately 60 celebrated chefs and wine experts to sail in 2012. Holland America Line also offers a youth Culinary Arts Center activity program on select sailings to teach kids and teens how to cook. The program incorporates dishes from breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in complimentary 45-minute-long classes.

The Culinary Arts Center is part of Holland America Line’s innovative and industry-leading culinary initiatives, which also include a partnership with Le Cirque to present “An Evening at Le Cirque in the Pinnacle Grill” and a Culinary Council comprised of renowned international chefs Jonnie Boer, David Burke, Marcus Samuelsson, Jacques Torres, Charlie Trotter and the line’s Master Chef Rudi Sodamin.

For a full schedule of Holland America Line’s culinary guest program, visit http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Activities.action?tabName=Culinary+Arts+Center&contentMenu=Guest+Chef+Schedule.

For more information on Holland America Line’s cruises and cruisetours, consult a professional travel seller; call 1-877-SAIL-HAL (1-877-724-5425); or visit www.hollandamerica.com or the Plan a Cruise tab at www.Facebook.com/HALcruises.

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Native-born Key West residents proudly call themselves conchs, a nickname inspired by the sturdy sea mollusk that inhabits area waters. A celebration of their conch heritage is set for 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 3.

The family-friendly ConchFest is to be presented at Bayview Park, located on Truman Avenue at the entrance to the island city’s historic Old Town, by The Rotary Club of Key West.

The festival is to feature a conch chowder cook-off showcasing the savory flavor of Key West’s favorite seafood, food and libations for purchase including conch fritters and conch salad, arts and crafts vendors, a co-ed softball tournament, cheerleading and gymnastics demonstrations, kids’ activities and performances by Key West High School students.

Heading the entertainment lineup is a free concert by local favorites The Bubba System and renowned Keys singer/songwriter Howard Livingston with his Mile Marker 24 Band.

Commemorating Key West’s longstanding tradition of community spirit and acceptance, ConchFest is to raise money for The Rotary Club of Key West’s college scholarship program for local students.

Admission to the festival is free.

Event information: www.conchfestkeywest.com or 305-725-6446

Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

MARATHON, Florida Keys — What started as a community event to bolster tourism business has, more than 30 years later, become one of the Middle Keys’ most anticipated and sumptuous weekends. The Original Marathon Seafood Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11, features a feast of fish, shrimp, lobster and conch for tens of thousands of seafood lovers.

Indigenous seafood such as mahi-mahi, Florida lobster, succulent stone crab claws, plump pink shrimp and smoked fish are the anchoring attractions of the area’s local commercial fishing heritage. These local delicacies and more are to be available at Marathon Community Park, mile marker 49 on the Florida Keys Overseas Highway.

Foods prepared according to secret recipes highlight the annual munch-a-thon, and Keys chefs are to offer conch chowder, salad and fritters as well as fresh oysters, clams and fried local fish. Attendees should save room for sweets like Key lime pie, cakes, cool smoothies and icy treats to top off the seafood extravaganza.

Staple festival attractions include children’s games and more than 200 vendor booths with a variety of wares created by artists and craftspeople, nautical items, tropically themed clothing and apparel, plants and flowers, boats and watersports gear.

Among the weekend’s scheduled entertainers are headliner and country music favorite Amber Leigh, slated to perform Sunday, as well as other popular Keys entertainers.

Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Admission is $5 per adult. Children under 12 accompanied by a paying adult are admitted free.

The festival is co-sponsored by the Marathon Chapter of the Organized Fishermen of Florida and the Marathon Chamber of Commerce. As in the past, proceeds benefit local scholarship programs.

Event information: www.marathonseafoodfestival.com or 305-743-5417

Marathon visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/marathon or 1-800-262-7284

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

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KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Descendants of three former United States presidents are to share memories and insights about their “first lady” forebears during a presentation at Key West’s Harry S. Truman Little White House, Florida’s only presidential museum.

The unique event is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, on the west lawn of the 111 Front St. residence where former President Truman spent 11 working vacations during his 1945-1953 administration.

Scheduled presenters include Truman’s grandson Clifton Truman Daniel, Herbert Hoover’s great-granddaughter Margaret Hoover and Gerald Ford’s daughter Susan Ford Bales.

In a panel discussion moderated by CNN commentator John Avlon, the three presidential descendants are to share rare personal glimpses of America’s former first ladies as mothers and grandmothers. They also plan to explore presidential wives’ role on the campaign trail.

Following the outdoor presentation, Hoover and Daniel are to host a 6 p.m. fundraising cocktail party in the living room of the Little White House. Attendees can enjoy the authentic 1949 atmosphere of Truman’s former retreat, view his piano and poker table, order a cocktail from the president’s bar and mingle with the afternoon’s presenters in an intimate setting.

Proceeds benefit the restoration fund of the not-for-profit Key West Harry S Truman Foundation, whose mission is to preserve and protect the Little White House State Heritage Landmark. As well as being Truman’s working presidential headquarters, the house also has hosted former presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton.

Tickets are priced at $60 per person for admission to the presentation and cocktail party. They are available at www.keystix.com or at the Little White House.

Event information: www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com or 305-294-9911

Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

Today Google’s new privacy policy goes into effect, and some folks are looking askance at the company’s attempt to bundle all of its services together under one information-sharing policy. I love Google, and I love the fact that once you’ve signed in, you can effortlessly glide between google products.

What I don’t love about Google is its tendency to try to market to me based on my online behavior. That means if I use Google to perform a search, Google will tailor my search results based on previous searches and its advertising. In other words, it just shows me what it thinks I want to see (or what its advertisers want me to see), which limits my experience of the Web.

So, while I use Gmail, YouTube, Google Analytics and Google Documents, I don’t use Google for Web searches. I use Microsoft’s Bing instead as my default browser.

When Bing first came out, it was a joke, like most Microsoft products. But it has gotten much better and faster. Is it perfect? No. So I still use Zuula and Ixquick and other meta search engines in addition to Bing. These resources feature Google results, but there’s a layer of anonymity between me and Google when I use a meta search engine that gives me some cover from the Big G.

So I’m OK with Google’s new privacy policy, and I’m pretty sure I’m seeing more of the Web than Google wants me to when I search for stuff, and I’m OK with that, too.

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — A colorful series of 4-by-5-foot angelfish created by local artists adorns various Key Largo venues as part of a public arts initiative sponsored by the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce. The initiative’s purpose is to show off the artistic talent in the northernmost island community.

Saturday, Feb. 11, the angelfish and up to 50 other pieces of original artwork are to be displayed and sold at a public auction. Proceeds benefit a Keys charity and each of the participating artists.

A 5-7 p.m. cocktail reception and art preview are planned to kick off the event at the Murray E. Nelson Government and Cultural Center at mile marker (MM) 102 bayside. Viewing is free and bid paddles are available for $10.

Each angelfish is crafted from aluminum and individually themed. Displayed with each work is the artist’s biography and information about the art medium.

Highlight pieces include “Artist’s View of Paradise” by science teacher/artist Carmen Sotolongo-Kelley, a front-and-back design that adorns the entrance to the Key Largo Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at MM 106. “Secret Spot” by Key Largo artist Taylor Hale adds a colorful twist to the Key Largo Conch House’s outdoor garden eatery at MM 100.2.

“Wyland Angelfish,” located at Marker 88 Restaurant, MM 88, was created by Upper Keys resident Wyland, one of America’s most distinctive marine life artists and creative influences.

Other outdoor bayside angelfish locations include Señor Frijoles restaurant (MM 104), Sundowners on the Bay (MM 103) and Snapper’s Restaurant (MM 94.5).

Visitors also can find angelfish at oceanside locales such as Key Largo Fisheries Market, Marina & Cafe (MM 99), Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen (MM 99.3), Capital Bank (MM 99.6) and Action Marine (MM 102.1).

Visitors can pick up brochures that map the locations of the angelfish at the chamber so they can find and view the bright outdoor art while driving along the Overseas Highway.

The angelfish join a variety of outdoor artistry in the Florida Keys, ranging from murals to offbeat roadside salutes to the region’s abundant marine life — such as a super-sized replica lobster that greets visitors to Islamorada’s Rain Barrel artisans’ village.

Key Largo visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088

Social: www.facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • www.twitter.com/thefloridakeys • www.youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — Arts and crafts by some of the Florida Keys’ most creative spirits combine with music by top local and visiting musicians at the 12th annual Schooner Wharf Open Air Art & Music Affair, scheduled Saturday, March 3, in Key West’s Historic Seaport.

Headquartered at the Schooner Wharf Bar, 202 William St., the event is to feature artists’ and artisans’ wares from 10 a.m. until sunset, with music continuing into the night.

Featured artistry is to include paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, clothing, woodwork, stained glass, ceramics, leather, found objects and other items reflecting the Keys’ free-spirited creativity.

Some artists, including renowned Keys potter Jay Gogin, typically work on site to give attendees a chance to view original pieces taking shape.

Songwriter/humorist Michael McCloud is to kick off the musical offerings at 10 a.m., backed by cohorts Captain Carl and Professor Pete. A longtime local favorite, McCloud is known for his intriguing lyrics and offbeat humor.

Following McCloud is an exuberant musical family, The Doerfels, who blend country, gospel and bluegrass with a touch of blues, jazz, swing and classical. Performances are highlighted by the young musicians’ engaging stage presence and mastery of instruments ranging from banjo to bass.

An evening showcase by multiple gold and platinum recording artist Paul Cotton and his band is to highlight the entertainment schedule. Cotton is best known as the primary songwriter, lead guitarist and lead vocalist for the country rock band Poco. Attendees can expect tunes ranging from Poco’s “Heart of the Night” to numbers infused with a “trop rock” or New Orleans vibe.

Other attractions at the open-air event include the Schooner Wharf’s cocktails and casual cuisine as well as the seaport’s colorful atmosphere.

Event information: www.schoonerwharf.com or 305-292-3302
Key West visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keywest or 1-800-LAST-KEY
Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • YouTube.com/FloridaKeysTV

KEY LARGO, Florida Keys — A two-day paddlefest attracting single and double kayaks, canoes and standup paddle boards is set for Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4-5, along a scenic course around the Florida Keys’ northernmost island of Key Largo.

A distance race for boats and boards, the event is expected to draw more than 100 participants daily in selected classes and age-group categories.

“The Bogey” race starts at 10 a.m. Saturday from the shoreline of Florida Bay Outfitters at mile marker 104 bayside. Kayaks and canoes complete a 13.2-mile course and standup paddlers complete a looped race of six miles. A happy hour post-race party is planned for 6 p.m. at Florida Bay Outfitters.

Sunday, “The Bacall” race involves a shorter course. Kayaks and canoes cover a six-mile stretch and standup paddlers compete on a three-mile loop.

Awards are to be presented to first- through third-place finishers in each age and boat/board category.

Spectators can watch The Bogey & Bacall Classic from the dock and shoreline at Florida Bay Outfitters, the Caribbean Club, Jimmy Johnson’s Big Chill, Sundowners on the Bay and Señor Frijoles restaurants.

Entry fee for racers is $55 per race or $70 for both days. Specially priced race weekend accommodations are available at Key Largo lodging properties.

Event information: www.racethekeys.com

Key Largo visitor information: www.fla-keys.com/keylargo or 800-822-1088

Social: facebook.com/floridakeysandkeywest • twitter.com/thefloridakeys • youtube.com/FloridaKeysTV