NewmanPR

Dolphin Makes a Friend

NewmanPR — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:33:51 +0000

A little girl gets a chance of a lifetime, shaking the flippers of a dolphin at the Dolphin Research Center on Grassy Key near Marathon, Fla. The center is one of several venues in the Florida Keys that provides interactive opportunities to learn about the intelligent mammals. Photo by Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau

Busker on a Tightrope

NewmanPR — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:32:53 +0000

Busker Will Soto walks a tightrope at the sunset celebration in Key West, Fla. The sunset celebration at Mallory Square is a daily ritual for visitors to this subtropical island at the bottom of the Florida Keys island chain. Photo … more...

Sunset in Key Largo

NewmanPR — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:32:20 +0000

Sunset in Key Largo, Florida Keys, paints a pretty picture at the Kona Kai Resort. Photo by Bob Krist/Florida Keys News Bureau

Costa Fascinosa Venezia

NewmanPR — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:31:16 +0000

The new Costa Fascinosa was officially delivered to Costa Cruises by Fincantieri shipyard in Venice, Italy, Saturday, may 5, 2012.

Islamorada Bonefish

NewmanPR — Sun, 13 May 2012 13:17:25 +0000

As the sun sets, a Florida Keys bonefish guide, right. points his angler to a bonefish on fly tackle off Islamorada in the Florida Keys. More than 200 International Game Fish Association saltwater world records have been set in the … more...

New Full-Service Sushi Restaurant, Outdoor BBQ Venue Among Tantalizing Array of Cuisine Choices on Carnival Breeze

Buck — Thu, 03 May 2012 12:58:07 +0000

MIAMI (May 3, 2012) – Dining is a highlight of the Carnival vacation experience and the 130,000-ton Carnival Breeze will feature a huge array of culinary choices when it enters service June 3. Two new offerings will include Bonsai Sushi, the line’s first full-service sushi restaurant, and an open-air barbecue venue called Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ. To celebrate Carnival Breeze’s exciting variety of dining choices, today Carnival Cruise Lines is launching a sweepstakes on its Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/carnival) tied to another of the ship’s dining spots, the Mexican-themed BlueIguana Cantina. The sweepstakes asks fans to choose their favorite burrito or taco toppings available at the casual dining venue for a chance to win a Caribbean cruise for two on the new 130,000-ton “Fun Ship,” along with round-trip air transportation. Here’s a look at the Carnival Breeze’s many different tantalizing dining choices: Bonsai Sushi – Carnival’s first full-service sushi restaurant, Bonsai Sushi offers a wide variety of Asian-inspired delicacies with a contemporary decor featuring artwork by world-renowned graffiti artist Erni Vales, colorful koi kites flown during impromptu celebrations, and, of course, several Bonsai trees. Located along Promenade Deck, Bonsai Sushi includes a number of varieties of sushi, sashimi, and rolls along with bento boxes and the venue’s own interpretation of a sushi boat – in this case, a sushi “ship” – with prices ranging from $1 for appetizer-sized portions to $15 for a sushi ship for two. Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ – Reminiscent of a backyard barbecue, this complimentary open-air dining venue located on Promenade Deck offers a mouth-watering array of grilled favorites, including barbecued chicken breast, kielbasa, Italian sausage, and Fat Jimmy’s signature item, pulled pork sandwiches, along with traditional sides like baked beans, potato salad, coleslaw and mini-corn muffins. Guy’s Burger Joint – fresh-made burgers, hand-cut fries and innovative toppings created in partnership with Food Network personality Guy Fieri. BlueIguana Cantina – offering authentic tacos and burritos that can be personalized by diners at an extensive salsa and toppings bar. The Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez – featuring hilarious comedic performances and an extensive menu of brunch-time favorites. Fahrenheit 555 – a classic American steakhouse offering mouth-watering steaks and other gourmet fare with impeccable service (venue will carry a surcharge consistent with other steakhouses in the Carnival fleet). Cucina del Capitano – a family-style restaurant reminiscent of a cozy Italian home with dishes such as Piatto della Nonna, inspired by the grandma of Carnival Breeze Captain Vincenzo Alcaras with penne pasta, crispy shrimp and prosciutto in a vodka cream sauce (venue will serve as a free lunch-time pasta bar during the day with a nominal charge for dinner). Lido Marketplace – a casual poolside eatery offering an array of international favorites, from paninis and 24-hour pizza to Indian Tandoori and a Mongolian Wok station and just about everything in between. “The Comfort Kitchen” – new venue located within Lido Marketplace offering American-style “comfort food.” Ocean Plaza – an indoor/outdoor café serving cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos as well as pastries and other confections. RedFrog Pub – an island-themed pub where guests can nosh on Caribbean-inspired fare while soaking up the distinct British-West-Indies-meets-Key-West ambiance. Serenity – salads, sandwiches, wraps and other light fare available at the ship’s exclusive adults-only retreat. The Taste Bar – complimentary bite-size offerings inspired by popular Carnival dining venues, along with a signature cocktail tied to that eatery’s particular theme available for purchase. Sea Dogs – a hot dog-shaped cart within the SportSquare outdoor recreation area offering all-beef franks and traditional toppings (debuts on Carnival Breeze in November). ‘BlueIguana Cantina Fight for Your Appetite’ Sweepstakes Just in time for Cinco de Mayo, the “BlueIguana Cantina Fight for Your Appetite” sweepstakes runs from today through May 10 on Carnival’s Facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/carnival). Fans are asked to choose their favorite taco and burrito toppings in a series of head-to-head competitions pitting such options as guacamole vs. sour cream or breakfast burritos vs. traditional tacos. All participants who vote are entered into a drawing for a Carnival Breeze Caribbean cruise for two, as well as round-trip air transportation, that will be awarded on May 17. In a fun twist, the sweepstakes includes a unique feature in which fans can digitally throw images of burrito and taco toppings and other BlueIguana Cantina food items at their fellow Facebook enthusiasts’ pages. Additional information and sweepstakes details are available at www.facebook.com/carnival. Exciting European, Caribbean Itineraries Following an inaugural 12-day cruise from Venice departing June 3, 2012, Carnival Breeze will operate a series of 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona through October 25, 2012. After its trans-Atlantic crossing, Carnival Breeze will sail year-round from Miami beginning November 24, 2012, offering port-intensive six- and eight-day cruises that showcase the best the Caribbean has to offer.

Filming a TV Show on a Ship

Nicole — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 15:32:15 +0000

Recently I escorted a film crew from BET Networks aboard our client Holland America Line’s ms Westerdam ship at Port Everglades. The crew boarded the vessel to film a weekly entertainment show in preparation for the ship’s upcoming star-studded Soul Train cruise. The 936-foot long Westerdam made for a great workout for the film crew, host, production staff and especially me. I had to stay a few steps ahead of the film crew to scout out great public areas to shoot and showcase the ship’s unique features like the casino, lounges, Greenhouse Spa & Salon and the Piano Bar. Check out these behind-the-scenes photos of the film crew, host and Westerdam’s Cruise Director Jason Veener in action. All in a day’s work!

Carnival Cruise Lines to Return to Boston in 2013 with Four- to Seven-Day Canada Cruises Aboard Carnival Glory

Buck — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:16:21 +0000

MIAMI (April 26, 2012) – With less than six weeks until the startup of Carnival Cruise Lines’ first extended schedule from Boston aboard the Carnival Glory, the cruise line and Cruiseport Boston have announced that the ship will return to the refurbished Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in 2013 to operate a series of cruises to Atlantic Canada next summer. When Carnival Glory arrives in Boston next year, it will offer a variety of new dining, bar and entertainment options that are being added during a dry dock in November 2012 as part of the line’s ongoing “Fun Ship 2.0” enhancement program. Carnival Glory’s 2013 schedule from Boston will encompass four-day cruises to Saint John, New Brunswick, departing Sundays and five-day voyages to Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia, departing Tuesdays and Thursdays, from June 4 to July 7. Carnival is the only cruise line offering short cruises from Boston. Carnival Glory will also offer three seven-day cruises departing June 9 and July 14 and 21, 2013, visiting Portland, Maine; Saint John; Halifax; and Sydney, Nova Scotia. New features added to the Carnival Glory during its upcoming dry dock include: Guy’s Burger Joint, a complimentary poolside venue offering fresh-made burgers, hand-cut fries and innovative toppings and condiments created by Food Network personality and chef Guy Fieri BlueIguana Cantina, a free-of-charge Mexican cantina with authentic tacos and burritos that can be personalized by diners at an extensive salsa and toppings bar Alchemy Bar, a cocktail “pharmacy” where highly trained mixologists create custom cocktails using interesting flavors and ingredients EA SPORTS Bar, an interactive sports bar where patrons can view live action, play popular EA SPORTS video games and keep up with the latest scores on the 24/7 sports ticker RedFrog Rum Bar, a poolside Caribbean-themed watering hole offering a variety of the region’s top rums and beers, which are enjoyed in a laid back island-infused atmosphere BlueIguana Tequila Bar, a friendly rival to the RedFrog Rum Bar, this lively and engaging poolside bar specializes in frozen cocktails and Mexican beers, in a fun and festive environment The Punchliner Comedy Club & Punchliner Comedy Brunch Presented by George Lopez, who is taking Carnival’s popular comedy offerings to the next level with hilarious, side-splitting comedians and a humorous twist on the traditional mid-morning culinary feast Hasbro, The Game Show, where guests are part of the show with larger-than-life adaptations of the company’s iconic and popular board games presented in the ship’s main show lounge Playlist Productions, which takes Carnival’s legendary revues to another level incorporating high-tech special effects with live performances to create a memorable entertainment experience The Taste Bar, a new casual dining option featuring complimentary bite-size offerings inspired by “Fun Ship 2.0” dining venues, along with a signature cocktail tied to that eatery’s particular theme available for purchase. Cherry On Top, which celebrates the joys of simple indulgences with bins of bulk candy, fun fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and more “Consumer response to our initial Boston cruises aboard the Carnival Glory has been exceptional as these convenient and affordable departures provide residents of the Northeastern U.S. with a fun, memorable vacation option – right from their own backyard,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO. “We’re pleased that the Carnival Glory will return to Boston next year with even more fantastic dining, bar and entertainment innovations for our guests to enjoy,” he added. The Massachusetts Port Authority recently spent $11 million in capital improvements to its Cruiseport Boston Black Falcon Cruise Terminal with the expectation that the investment would pay dividends in a busier terminal. “We are delighted Carnival Glory is coming back to Cruiseport Boston in 2013,’’ said David S. Mackey, Interim CEO & Executive Director of the Massachusetts Port Authority. “The Carnival Glory is the largest ship to be home-based at Cruiseport Boston, and the additional seven-day itineraries that will be added next year offer more cruising choices to more New Englanders.’’ Unforgettable Shoreside Experiences Within Atlantic Canada Saint John, featured on four-day cruises, is a nature lover’s paradise highlighted by such landmarks as the Bay of Fundy, with its backdrop of rugged rock formations, and Reversing Falls, where the highest tides in the world intersect with the Saint John River and force it to flow backwards twice daily. Also popular is the city’s Historic District, lined with stately Victorian homes, elegant churches and quaint boutiques and eateries. Five-day cruises call at both Saint John and Halifax, Nova Scotia’s charming and historic capital offering a host of outstanding restaurants, shops, and museums and unique cultural experiences. Guests can also visit Peggy’s Cove, a rustic fishing village famous for its granite coastline, tour the city’s many lighthouses, or observe the changing of the guard at The Citadel, a centuries-old fortress. Seven-day cruises feature visits to Saint John and Halifax, as well as stops at Portland, Maine; and Sydney, Nova Scotia. Located on the south coast of Maine, Portland is widely known for its rugged landscape and delectable cuisine, particularly lobster. Guests can experience this waterfront city’s diverse culture and heritage or visit nearby Kennebunkport, a coastal town offering picturesque views and a variety of recreational activities. Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a charming city with plenty of attractions, museums and shopping opportunities. It is also located within close proximity of the historic Cabot Trail, named after explorer John Cabot who discovered the region in 1497 and offers breathtaking views of the North Atlantic seaboard and its awe-inspiring natural beauty. Additional Information and Reservations For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com. Carnival can also be found on: Twitter: www.twitter.com/carnivalcruise Facebook Fan Page: www.facebook.com/carnival Flickr: www.flickr.com/photos/carnivalcruiselines/ Journalists also can visit Carnival’s media site, www.carnival-news.com or follow the line’s PR department on Twitter at www.twitter.com/CarnivalPR ###

New Dining, Entertainment Options Debut with Carnival Miracle’s Launch of Year-Round Service from New York Today

Buck — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:28:50 +0000

NEW DINING, ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS DEBUT WITH CARNIVAL MIRACLE’S LAUNCH OF YEAR-ROUND SERVICE FROM NEW YORK TODAY Carnival Miracle First in the Fleet to Feature The Taste Bar, A New Complimentary Appetizer Program, As Well As The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez And The Punchliner Comedy Brunch Presented by George Lopez MIAMI (April 12, 2012) – Several exciting new dining and entertainment choices, including The Taste Bar complimentary appetizer program, The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez and The Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez, will debut on the Carnival Miracle, which launches the line’s first year-round schedule from New York later today. The program features three different eight-day itineraries, each visiting a diversity of tropical destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bahamas and Florida. The Taste Bar – New Complimentary Appetizer Program Carnival’s newest casual dining option, The Taste Bar, is being introduced on Carnival Miracle with fleetwide implementation expected to be completed by summer 2013. The Taste Bar features complimentary bite-size offerings inspired by the newest and most popular “Fun Ship 2.0” dining venues, along with a signature cocktail tied to that eatery’s particular theme available for purchase for $5. Sample offerings may include: · Roasted pork tacos with green chili salsa and aged cotija cheese, and chicken, avocado, and lime tortilla soup, inspired by the BlueIguana Cantina that debuted on Carnival Liberty, with a refreshing Blue’s Blue Margarita as the accompanying drink · Nonna’s meatballs and hand-whipped ricotta bruchetta, patterned after the family-style offerings at the Cucina del Capitano Italian restaurant introduced on Carnival Magic, with the eatery’s house Chianti served from an oversized barrel on wheels · Fried malanga (sweet potatoes) filled with ginger-scented pork and lime aioli, and pepper pot soup with cilantro sour cream, similar to what is served at Carnival Magic’s RedFrog Pub, with a Rum Jumper as the suggested beverage · Grilled ham and provolone cheese melt on buttermilk brioche and cream of tomato soup, from the new Comfort Kitchen option debuting on Carnival Breeze, served with Lynchburg Lemonade · Short rib croquettes with chipotle aioli and guava and tomato relish, served with pumpkin bisque with sour cream, available with a Manhattan cocktail representing Carnival’s classic American steakhouses The Taste Bar cuisine samples will be offered on a rotating basis from approximately 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on sea days and select port days. Location will vary by ship, with Carnival Miracle’s Taste Bar selections offered on Promenade Deck in a recently renovated venue that formerly housed the vessel’s sushi bar. Sushi will be one of the featured Taste Bar themes and sushi will also be offered at the Carnival Miracle’s poolside restaurant nightly during dinner service. Debut of Punchliner Comedy Club Presented by George Lopez Also making its Big Apple debut is the Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez, part of a recently announced partnership with the popular comedian who serves as the line’s “curator of comedy,” acting as a consultant on the vetting and hiring of both established and up-and-coming comedic talent. The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez will offer five side-splitting 35-minute shows on multiple nights during each voyage, with at least two comedians performing each night. Two early-evening shows offer fun for the whole family while the later performances feature R-rated adults-only comedy. Lopez has recorded a number of fun, light-hearted greetings that will be shown on Carnival Miracle’s in-cabin televisions and played during introductions of comedy club performances. New employee uniforms and signage, each bearing the distinctive The Punchliner Comedy Club presented by George Lopez branding, have been created, as well. Laughter, Pancakes and More Served at Punchliner Comedy Brunch For those who prefer a little merriment in the morning, there’s the new Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez, which debuts on the Carnival Miracle and offers up heaping servings of laughter along with a new twist on the traditional culinary feast. Taking place on sea days in the main dining room, The Punchliner Comedy Brunch presented by George Lopez is a free dining option that features five- to six-minute performances each hour by hilarious comedians who entertain guests as they enjoy a variety of delicious mid-morning favorites prepared by Carnival’s master chefs. Many items are inspired by Lopez’s Mexican heritage, including Carne y Huevos – filet mignon topped with two eggs and béarnaise sauce; Hen Alla Diavola, grilled chicken with lemon and pepper; and Mexican-style churros. Two special “George’s Recipes” dishes created by the comedian himself – his own take on Huevos Rancheros that features a chicken quesadilla topped with fried eggs and manchego cheese, and a breakfast burrito filled with scrambled eggs, beans and chorizo – are also offered. Appropriately enough, menu item descriptions have a comedic slant, as well, with playful interpretations of traditional brunch offerings that are listed under categories such as Opening Act with dishes that include Flamin’ Tomatoes Soup and Caesar Salad; Headliners featuring Funny French Toast, Pappardelle Pasta, and Mac & Cheese available with applewood smoked bacon, chicken or steak; and Punchline, a decadent dessert menu with caramelized cheesecake, banana crème pie and other confections. A variety of custom-made omelettes, as well as standards like Eggs Benedict and sides, are also available. The menu features a Bloody Mary Bar offering several variations of the traditional brunch-time favorite. Eight-Day Cruises Year-Round from the Big Apple Beginning April 12, 2012, Carnival Miracle kicks off its year-round schedule of eight-day Caribbean voyages from New York. Three distinctly different eight-day itineraries are offered: eastern Caribbean departures to San Juan, St. Thomas and Grand Turk; Bahamas sailings featuring stops at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk and Nassau, and Bahamas/Florida cruises with port calls to Port Canaveral (Orlando), Nassau and Freeport. Each of these itineraries offers beautiful beaches, excellent shopping and dining experiences, world-famous landmarks, historical sites and attractions, and myriad sightseeing and shore excursion opportunities, including snorkeling, scuba-diving, and water sports. Carnival Splendor will assume Carnival Miracle’s year-round eight-day schedule from New York in March 2013 when Carnival Miracle repositions to the West Coast to operate the line’s Alaska, Hawaii and Mexican Riviera programs.

Key West Symposium to Explore Truman’s Foreign Aid Legacy May 18-19

Christina — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 11:09:51 +0000

KEY WEST, Florida Keys — While many Americans are pondering their vote for the nation’s 45th president, political figures and scholars are to gather in Key West to examine the foreign aid policies and legacy of the 33rd president. The Truman Legacy Symposium, exploring the lasting impact of Harry S. Truman’s 1945-1953 presidency, is set for Friday and Saturday, May 18-19. The event is headquartered at the Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St., where the former president spent 11 working vacations. Scheduled speakers include former Florida governor and three-term United States Sen. Bob Graham, Truman grandson and author Clifton Truman Daniel, U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan of Missouri, director of the Truman Library Michael Devine, Truman staff member and former West Virginia secretary of state Ken Hechler, Tom Zeiler of the University of Colorado and Mark R. Jacobson, former director of international affairs at the NATO International Security Assistance Force headquarters in Afghanistan. The symposium begins Friday, May 18, with a 6 p.m. reception on the grounds of the Little White House. The carefully restored property is now Florida’s only presidential museum. Tours will be offered. The reception is to include remarks from Clifton Truman Daniel, Graham’s keynote speech and a presentation on current foreign aid policies and programs moderated by Graham and featuring Carnahan. Saturday’s symposium is to start with registration at 8:30 a.m. at the Marriot Key West Beachside Hotel, 3841 N. Roosevelt Blvd. Presentation topics will explore the Truman administration’s use of foreign aid in its formulation of foreign and defense policy. Events are to conclude with a 2 p.m. lunch at the hotel. Cost is $125 per person and includes the Friday night reception, symposium admission and Saturday lunch. An a la carte menu of activities also is available. Event information and schedule: www.trumansymposium.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

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