(Press Release)_The menus for Carnival’s steakhouses, Cucina del Capitano family-style Italian restaurants, and delis, as well as main dining room breakfast offerings, have undergone a transformation with a variety of tantalizing new items reflecting lighter ingredients, updated preparation techniques and exquisite presentation to keep pace with changing palates. 

Baked Alaska – a classic dessert made of cake and ice cream topped with merengue – is also being reintroduced after several years with uniformed waiters performing the time-honored tradition of parading the tasty confection throughout the dining room prior to service.  

The updated steakhouse menus, currently available on three ships, offer mouth-watering appetizers such as Iced and Smoked Fresh Oysters with Apple Mignonette; Tuna Tartare with Yuzu Sphere and Avocado “Leche de Tiger”; Risotto with Crab, Mushroom and Brown Butter, and Heritage Berkshire Pork Belly with Apple Walnut Preserve.  These complement a selection of USDA prime steaks, including new items such as an A-5 Wagyu steak and lighter fare like Farmhouse Chicken with Roasted Honey Vinegar and Dover Sole Pan-Seared with Lemon Potato-Mousseline and Shallot Emulsion.  Four additional ships are expected to get the new menus by early next year.

The new menu for Cucina del Capitano reflects the diversity of Italy’s culinary regions, with dishes like Branzino Al Forno in Crosta Dorata with tomatoes, stewed chickpeas, salmoriglio and mushroom bark, along with Risotto Milanese with saffron and Parmesan cheese, Grande Braciola Di Maiale – a tomahawk pork chop with fennel pollen, shallots and crispy sage – and Costina Di Manzo Con Porcini with salsa verde and young tomato bruschetta.   House-made burrata – an Italian favorite made with mozzarella and cream and distinguished by its rich buttery flavor – has been added to menus as well, with classic Italian favorites like chicken Parmesan, meatballs and fried calamari also available.   The new Cucina del Capitano menus are currently on three ships – Carnival Magic, Carnival Vista and Carnival Breeze – with Carnival Sunshine expected to updated next month.

Breakfast menus in the main dining rooms are just as varied with delicious options such as avocado toast; a Breakfast Bowl featuring kale, spinach, faro wheat berries, sesame seeds, feta cheese, raspberries and a sunny side up egg; and fresh-baked Broccoli and Cheddar Egg Frittata.  There’s also a Broken Egg Sandwich served panini-style with fried eggs, bacon, cheddar, greens and hash browns; and a “Breakfast Board” with a soft boiled egg, house-made yogurt, seasonal jam, baby lettuce salad, pastrami, and grilled sour dough bread.   For those on the go, a new “breakfast express” is available on port days featuring orange juice, eggs, hickory-smoked bacon or sausage and pastries, all “in and out” within 25 minutes.  An assortment of traditional breakfast favorites such as French toast, pancakes and cereals is also offered. 

Thus far, 12 ships feature the popular new breakfast items with the balance of the fleet expected to receive the new menus by mid-2018.

The line’s delis have undergone a dramatic change, as well, with an updated design and host of new choices, including seven sandwiches such as meatball, buffalo chicken, and The Cubano with roasted pork, ham, pickles, mustard and Swiss cheese, along with Southwest chicken, falafel and turkey wraps.  Diners can enjoy a sweet finish to their meal with a Salted Chocolate Chip Cookie baked fresh every morning. 

Carnival is also re-branding its 24-hour pizzerias to Pizzeria del Capitano offering five kinds of hand-tossed, thin-crusted pies – from Margherita and pepperoni to artisan-style quattro formaggio, mushroom, and prosciutto.   The re-branded delis and pizzerias will be incorporated into additional vessels during scheduled dry docks.

With the popularity of Seafood Shack which debuted on Carnival Vista last year and offering lobster rolls, fried clams, chowder and other New England-inspired fare, the concept has been expanded to nine additional ships. 
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(Press Release)_NORTH PALM BEACH, Fla. – Mark your calendars! Doris Italian Market & Bakery presents the wine buying event of the holiday season on Saturday, December 9th from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Doris Italian Market & Bakery in the Shoppes at City Centre, 11239 U.S. Highway 1, North Palm Beach.
 
Open to the public, the Wine Night offers guests the opportunity to sample more than 100 wines from around the world, enjoy a buffet of authentic Italian cuisine and visit additional artisan food displays. Tickets are $19.95. Special pricing on wines is offered throughout the evening.
 
Tickets to the Wine & Food Gala can be purchased in advance at the North Palm Beach location or email customerservice@dorismarket.com for an online order form. For more information email customerservice@dorismarket.com or call 954-572-5269.

(Press Release)_MIAMI (November 21, 2017) – As part of an ongoing effort to provide its guests with the widest variety of choices at sea, Carnival Cruise Line is totally transforming its shipboard shopping experience with renovated spaces and popular items from some of the world’s best-known retailers, including Victoria’s Secret, Swarovski, Pandora, TAG and others.

According to Carnival’s Vice President of Retail William Butler, the upgraded retail venues and expanded offerings are the result of months of intensive research and data gathering to customize its onboard shopping options to match the preferences of Carnival guests. 

“We’re committed to enhancing every aspect of our operations – which includes, of course, onboard shopping – and our expanded and enhanced retail offerings provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy some ‘retail therapy’ and take home a unique and memorable keepsake from their Carnival vacation,” he said.

Here’s a breakdown on some of the many new offerings available across the fleet:
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·         Effy (12 ships) – one of the largest manufactures of fine jewelry in the U.S., Effy’s tax- and duty-free items feature a lifetime guarantee and run the gamut from colored gemstones and diamonds to tanzanite and other top-of-the-line products.
·         Swarovski (25 ships) – one of the world’s leading retailers of fashion jewelry offering custom jewelry, pearls, sterling silver and more. 
·         TAG (24 ships) – a leading manufacturer of high-end luxury timepieces, TAG’s constantly evolving line of fine watches are worn by celebrities and sports stars the world over.
·         Pandora (10 ships) – the nation’s top costume jewelry provider offers a selection of custom bracelets, rings, necklaces, and charms, including, appropriately enough, some tied to a vacation theme with cruise ships, palm trees and sandals.   
·      Invicta (25 ships) – this high-end retailer offers a full line of fashion watches with hundreds of different styles to choose from – from exercise to every day and special occasions - providing consumers with a watch to suit any mood or taste.
·        Victoria’s Secret (22 ships) – purveyor of top beauty products offering a variety of popular items and accessories, including mists, lotions and perfumes, with convenient displays divided by the categories of Prestige, VS Fantasies and Rollerballs.
·       Los Cincos Soles (4 ships) – this Mexican-themed retailer offers sterling silver jewelry, souvenirs, T-shirts, authentic arts and crafts created by local artisans. 

(Press Release)_MIAMI, Fla. – November 21, 2017 – In preparation for Thanksgiving, Brightline partnered with the City of Miami to provide 500 turkeys to Overtown residents during the annual turkey giveaway hosted by the Overtown N.E.T. Office. Held at Dorsey Park in Overtown, 500 families received a Thanksgiving meal including turkeys, fresh local produce and a variety of sides. “This is what Thanksgiving is all about, and we are proud to sponsor this event for the third year,” said Brightline CEO Dave Howard. “The Brightline team is delighted to continue our outreach to our neighbors and provide families with a delicious holiday meal this season.” (Photo Credit: Brightline)

(Press Release)_Los Angeles (November 17, 2017) – Viking today announced it has signed on as presenting sponsor of Downton Abbey: The Exhibition, which will make its North American debut tomorrow in New York City, giving guests a chance to experience an up-close and personal look at the history, fashion and culture of post-Edwardian England – as well as the iconic country home – that were featured in the Emmy Award-winning series. Viking became a household name with its sponsorship of the celebrated series MASTERPIECE during the years Downton Abbey aired on PBS, and this new partnership builds on the company’s continued commitment to enriching cultural programming. Viking’s current and past partnerships include Highclere Castle, the real Downton Abbey; National Geographic and its first fully scripted global anthology series, “Genius;” the Los Angeles Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl; The Metropolitan Opera; the BBC; Oslo’s the Munch Museum; St. Petersburg’s Mariinsky Theatre; and others. The limited engagement exhibition opens in Manhattan on November 18 and will run through April 9, 2018. 

“Our guests are curious explorers who enjoy being immersed in the cultures of the world, and many of them first learned about Viking and our destination-focused small ship cruises while watching Downton Abbey,” said Richard Marnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Viking. “We are pleased to partner with this enriching new exhibition as a natural extension of our longstanding relationship with MASTERPIECE, Highclere Castle and the Carnarvon family.”

Viking, a national sponsor of MASTERPIECE since 2011, also offers its guests a Privileged Access experience at Highclere Castle, the setting of the popular series. The Oxford & Highclere Castle pre- or post- trip extension is available for guests on select river and ocean cruise itineraries. The Privileged Access extension was co-created by Karine Hagen, Viking’s Senior Vice President, with her dear friends and owners of the iconic home, the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. The extension provides guests with an exclusive three-day experience in the rolling hills of England’s countryside with a champagne welcome and tours of the estate. Speaking about the Oxford & Highclere Castle extension, Lady Carnarvon said, “Through my long friendship with Karine, I am delighted to welcome Viking guests here for special tours, and I hope to meet many more of them in the future.”

Created by NBCUniversal International Studios, Downton Abbey: The Exhibition is the first-ever fully immersive experience set inside the world of the multi award-winning global television phenomenon. Visitors will be transported on an incredible journey through the grand home of Downton Abbey as the exhibition peers into the world of the Crawleys and those that served them below stairs. From Mrs. Patmore’s hectic kitchen and the gossip-fueled servants’ quarters, to the family’s glamorous dining room and Lady Mary’s bedroom, fans will get the chance to walk through some of the series’ most recognizable and beloved sets and more than 50 of the show’s official costumes worn by their favorite actors.

The highly-anticipated multi-city tour will open its doors at 218 W 57th Street (between Broadway and 7th Ave) in New York City for a limited engagement before traveling throughout the U.S. Tickets are available to purchase at www.downtonexhibition.com. The exhibition will open daily between 10 am and 8 pm, including on holidays. VIP packages and private hire options are also available. Additional U.S. locations will be announced at a later date.

(Press Release)_PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla., November 15, 2017 – Panama City Beach will host a variety of family-friendly events throughout November and December as part of Beach Home for the Holidays, including its 10th Annual New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop. Tens of thousands of visitors are estimated to head to Panama City Beach for the December 31 event, which features a countdown, fireworks, and 10,000 inflatable beach balls being released from nets stretched over the streets of Pier Park. The 8 p.m. Beach Ball Drop gives young revelers the chance to experience the fun before they head to bed and let their parents continue the celebration.

More entertainment and live music will follow during the build up to midnight, when a dazzling fireworks display will accompany the lowering of a giant LED-lit beach ball to signify the beginning of 2018. Standing over 80 feet tall in the center of Pier Park, Panama City Beach’s Celebration Tower, which was unveiled last year, will support and lower the LED-lit beach ball as the New Year approaches.

“We can’t wait to celebrate the start of 2018 with one of the most family-friendly New Year’s Eve events in the country,” shares President and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach Dan Rowe. “Our New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop gives guests of all ages the chance to celebrate, with activities timed to coincide with both little one’s bed times and adults seeking late night fun.”

Panama City Beach’s New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop is just one of the many exciting events taking place during the destination’s Beach Home for the Holidays. Families looking to create new holiday traditions can also visit Panama City Beach during Thanksgiving weekend for a collection of festive activities illuminating the spirit of the season including the annual Christmas tree lighting, carol-themed concerts, appearances from Santa, s’mores and fireworks shows.
 
For more information on Panama City Beach’s New Year’s Eve Beach Ball Drop, visit https://www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/events/new-years-eve-beach-ball-drop/. 

 Wouldn't it be cool to have a business card that said, "Adventurist"? In fact, Shay Mitchell does.

The "Pretty Little Liars" actress and avid traveler is the first "Adventurist" for Royal Caribbean, appointed to experience adventures you can have onboard and off Royal Caribbean ships and cruises. It's a tough job, but someone has to do it, right?

These videos tell you more, along with this from the Royal Caribbean press release:

"Royal Caribbean International is teaming up with award-winning actress and avid traveler Shay Mitchell to be the brand's Adventurist  ̶  an adventure adviser and storyteller for the world's most adventurous cruise line. In addition to embarking on inspirational journeys with the brand and sharing her experiences, Shay will collaborate with Royal Caribbean experts to develop a series of destination experiences for the ultimate Caribbean cruise, to be revealed this fall. As a seasoned traveler, Shay will personally set sail on board one of Royal Caribbean's adventure-packed ships this month to begin shaping the new, Shay-recommended adventures.

"I've always had a love for travel, and am fortunate to have been able to explore some of the most amazing places around the world, learning quickly that the journey is as important as the destination," said Shay. "I'm thrilled to take what I have learned from my own travels and dive in with Royal Caribbean to develop the ultimate Caribbean adventure for travelers like me, who are always seeking something new and craving deeper connections to the destinations they visit."

"It's in Royal Caribbean's nature to seek and deliver the unexpected – the adventures and experiences that make travelers' jaws drop, their adrenaline rise and their memories unforgettable," said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. "When we started to think of who could perfectly embody what vacationing with us is all about in our newly created Adventurist role, Shay was someone who rose to the top immediately. She personifies who we are and our spirit – the spirit to 'Come Seek.' The ideas that Shay brings to the table will help create an adventure in the Caribbean that will redefine what many think of as a cruise vacation and inspire the next generation of cruisers."

"A star in one of TV's most popular dramas, "Pretty Little Liars," Shay's adventurous spirit has led her to visit some of the world's most inspiring destinations, from hot-air ballooning over Morocco to skydiving in Dubai. She's become an expert at seeking out authentic experiences, sharing them with her following of more than 17 million across several social media platforms, including her immersive YouTube series – Shaycation – which debuted in 2015 and gives viewers an inside look at her wanderlust-inducing explorations.

"Consumers can follow Shay's adventure with Royal Caribbean this year on her Instagram (@shaymitchell), Snapchat (@officialshaym), Facebook (@officialshaymitchell) and YouTube channel (@shaymitchell), and by following the hashtags #ComeSeek and #Shaycation."