Hands down the best way to see Alaska is on a cruise. Travelers can experience the awe of the Inside Passage, with its jaw-dropping scenery and diverse wildlife as well as land based thrills on a variety of curated cruisetours. Royal Caribbean is taking Alaska cruises to the next level by offering some of their best ships, including Radiance of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas.
(Press Release)_Deerfield Beach, Fla. – December 13, 2017 – Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line, the only Line with a two-night cruise departing year-round from the Port of Palm Beach, announced today that Grand Celebration will set sail with several new guest-focused enhancements, including a new adult-only area, a revitalized casino, and specialty coffee and juice bar. The ship will return to its regularly scheduled two-night sailings just in time for the holidays on December 23, 2017 from its homeport in West Palm Beach, Florida. Holiday festivities will abound including an appearance by Santa and a special New Year’s Eve party will ring in 2018 in style. Since late September, Grand Celebration had been chartered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and was providing housing to first responders and National Guard members who were helping to rebuild the U.S. Virgin Islands following damage caused by Hurricane Irma and Maria. The company also announced that its new 52,900 gross ton ship, set to arrive in April, will be named Grand Classica and will also sail two-night cruises to Grand Bahama Island. With this second ship, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will become the only Line to offer daily departures to the Bahamas from the Port of Palm Beach. The company signed a three-year agreement with the Bahamas to bring both of its ships to Grand Bahama Island for two-night cruises, as well as its signature Cruise & Resort Stay packages. “We are pleased to have been able to assist those in need in the Caribbean. Now we are ready to return to offering memorable cruises to our guests. We are excited to welcome an even better Grand Celebration back to Palm Beach, just in time for the holidays, with several new spaces for our guests to enjoy,” said Oneil Khosa, chief executive officer of Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line. “We are also looking forward to the arrival of our new ship, Grand Classica, in April, and have strengthened our relationship with The Bahamas by signing a three-year agreement to bring both ships to Grand Bahama Island, thus offering daily arrivals to Grand Bahama Island and giving our guests added convenience to fit their schedules.” Grand Celebration Enhancements The 1,900 passenger Grand Celebration will set sail on December 23 with the following upgrades: Expanded, Enhanced Casino – For those seeking lady luck at sea, Grand Celebration’s Par-A-Dice Casino has doubled in size, offering more slot machines, video poker and enhanced table games. Nearly 70 of the most popular slot games have been added to the casino, bringing the total number of slots to 125, in addition to several new video poker machines. The casino’s table games area, which include Roulette, Blackjack, Craps, Three Card Poker and the Ultimate Texas Hold ‘Em Poker, have been divided into two comfortable areas and now also include raised maximum betting limits, the ability to make additional wages while playing blackjack, and the addition of electronic roulette machines for those who like to play without a crowd watching. New Adult-Only Area – The forward sun deck at the top of the ship has now become The Oasis – a complimentary adult-only area for those ages 18 and over that want to relax and unwind in serenity. The expansive area includes a bar, a large hot tub, all new sun loungers and several outdoor daybeds. Specialty Coffee Bar and Juice Bar – Baristas will prepare specialty coffees and offer delectable gelato and pastries at the new Grand Café on Deck 9. Menu items feature a variety of hot or iced specialty coffees, teas and other beverages, including smoothies and freshly squeezed juices. In the morning, guests can indulge in chocolate croissants, Viennese pastries, muffins and quiche. Throughout the day, the Grand Café will offer delectable sweet treats, including delicious homemade gelato, sorbet, cakes, tarts, cupcakes and chocolate truffles. To celebrate the holidays, Grand Celebration has everything guests need to have a jolly time, with cruises departing every other day, beginning on Saturday, December 23 with sailings on Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. Special festive holiday menus will be available in the complimentary and specialty restaurants, and holiday decorations will adorn public areas. To book a holiday sailing, visit the company’s website: www.BahamasParadiseCruise.com or call: 800-995-3201. Coming in 2018: Grand Classica and daily departures In August, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced that it had signed a 10-year agreement with the Port of Palm Beach and that it had purchased a second ship that will also be based at the Port. The company has named the new ship, Grand Classica. Grand Classica will carry up to 1,680 guests and features 685 staterooms, a multitude of restaurants and bars, a theater, two pools, four hot tubs, wellness center and spa, outdoor jogging track and more. On November 25, 2017, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line inked a three-year agreement with the Bahamas to bring both Grand Celebration and Grand Classica to Grand Bahama Island, thereby doubling the number of arrivals beginning in April. At the signing ceremony, Bahamas Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis thanked the line for their confidence in and commitment to Grand Bahama. “Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is showing great support in Grand Bahama and in the economy going to the extent of launching another vessel in April and this shows great confidence in our Bahamas,” he said. “Grand Classica will be a wonderful addition and complement to Grand Celebration,” said Khosa. “Having two ships sailing to Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line will be the largest provider of tourism to the island, carrying more than 500,000 passengers annually. It will also give our guests more flexibility and choice.” Additional details on the new ship, as well as on sale dates, will be announced in early 2018. Grand Classica is expected to begin sailings in mid-April 2018 Azamara has always been one of our favorite cruise lines. Operating as part of the Royal Caribbean family of ships, Azamara is the polar opposite of Royal's mega ships. Azamara ships are smaller and more intimate; they go to more ports and stay longer, and they focus on connecting with the local culture in the countries they visit.
For mmany years their fleet has consisted of two ships -- Journey and Quest. Now they have added a third: Azamara Pursuit. This week they released information on Pursuit voyages. If you've never experienced cruising on a smaller scale, definitely add Azamara to your bucket list. Here's the press release: In 2019, the Azamara Pursuit will: · Visit 74 countries and 276 ports · Add 27 ports and 2 countries not offered by other ships in 2019 · Visit maiden ports in Alghero, Sardinia, Italy; Trieste, Italy; Paula, Croatia · Offer Country Intensive Voyages to Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, France and Israel · Offer 77 late nights and 20 overnights during 176 days in port Shore Excursions highlights include: · Monemvasia, Greece – Cooking Class at Liotrivi Historic Mansion: At Liotrivi Historical Mansion, guests will explore the cultural heritage and enjoy a cooking lesson of 5 traditional dishes under the instruction of an experienced chef set against the backdrop of gardens and olive trees. · Portofino, Italy – Rapallo Foodie Experience with Guido: Liguria is home to some of Italy’s most iconic foods and no one is more passionate about ‘pasta, pesto, focaccia & co.’ than local host Guido. Guests meet him at the Musical Kiosk with its fanciful fresco, before continuing on to Rapallo’s vibrant food market to explore the produce and herbs. The tour continues to a nearby artisanal pasta factory, followed by a stop for street food at Guido’s favorite focaccia baker serving the cheesy, decadent treat hot from the iron with a glass of local Vermentino wine. For the final stop, guests follow Guido to his own bottega, a veritable emporium filled with delicacies where guests will have the chance to make pesto alla Genovese. · Pula, Croatia – Truffle Hunt: Guests visit the small village of Mala Huba for the special experience of truffle hunting! After the “truffle hunt” experience of almost 60 minutes with a local guide and truffle-sniffing dog, guests return to village of Mala Huba for light repast and wine tasting and the chance to buy truffle products. Top itineraries include: · 5 Night Riviera Weekend Voyage, May 2019: This voyage travels from the heart of the French Riviera to the Eternal City with a late-night stay in Marseilles and Saint-Tropez. · 10 Night Greece Intensive Voyage, June 2019: A powerhouse line-up of ancient sites, friendly seaside tavernas and shops and whitewashed villages. · 9 Night Italy to Greece Voyage, May 2019: This nine-night sailing showcases the exceptional beauty of the Adriatic and gorgeous Grecian ports with stops for Gondola rides, medieval city tours and a visit to the world’s largest underground canyon. For more information, visit the Pursuit website. Congratulations to Sandpiper's Cove Restaurant and Bar, celebrating their fifth anniversary on Dec. 12. The private membership dining spot is marking the occasion with a special offer. On Dec. 12, members joining for dinner can get one complimentary anniversary dessert for two plus a glass of champagne with the purchase of two entrees. If you're looking for romantic waterfront dining, Sandpiper's is hard to beat. The Marriott Singer Island Resort and Spa is in the holiday spirit. Enter the lobby and you'll be greeted by a giant Christmas tree and a life-sized gingerbread house. Made of gingerbread and featuring a walking path and its own giant Christmas tree, the oversized house was designed by the resort’s pastry chef Kursten Restivo. 1,558 pieces of gingerbread and 161 pounds of icing adorn this confection that took over 450 hours to complete. On Dec. 23 at 3 p.m. there will be a charitable Teddy Bear Tea, featuring a tea sandwich buffet, pastries, and eggnog, sparkling wine and mimosas for the parents, all in the company of Santa Claus. Guests are invited to bring a new teddy bear or children's book to the event that will be donated to children in need. For more information, visit the Marriott website.
Patty Sullivan, president of the Friends of the North Palm Beach Library, reports the Bake Sale was a great success: "Thanks to all who baked and bought baked goods and Coola Fish raffle tickets yesterday at the Bake Sale. "We raised over $750 for the Library. All the proceeds go directly to the support of our Great Library! "Tonight is the Tree Lighting at Veterans Memorial Park at 7 PM. The Friends will be serving refreshments in the Obert Room after the lighting. "The Friends are also having a Gift Wrap fundraiser at the Library on Thursday, December 21 from 2 to 6:45. Bring your boxed gifts and we supply the wrapping paper. For a donation to the Friends, your gifts will be beautifully wrapped and tagged for you! "Sign up sheets will be in the Library next week if you are interested in working either at the set up or Library Book Sale in January. "Book donations can be made anytime during library hours and if you need books picked up within the Village, arrangements can be made for them to be picked up. We are also in need of shopping bags to use during the sale. " (Press Release)_SUNRISE, Fla. – From a small mom and pop meat market and deli to South Florida’s premier specialty supermarket, Doris Italian Market & Bakery celebrates its 70th anniversary! Doris Market locations in Coral Springs, Sunrise, Boca Raton, Pembroke Pines and North Palm Beach invite customers to join them for a special cake cutting ceremony on Thursday, December 14th at 10 a.m. The first 70 customers to enter the store that day will receive a free gift with any purchase and be entered in a drawing to win a $70 Doris gift card.
“We wouldn’t be where we are today without our amazing customers,” said John Alfano, president and CEO of family-owned business, Doris Italian Market & Bakery. “Working with family is such a blessing and having customers who turn into family is even better. We look back on these 70 years with pride and gratitude for the success that we’ve had and hope to continue serving generations to come.” For more information email customerservice@dorismarket.com or call 954-572-5269. We recently learned about the Town of Lake Park's "50+ Club." It has a lot to offer area residents, and here is more information on it, provided by Brittany Freeman, the town's Recreation Supervisor.: "The Special Events Department hosts a 50+ Club that is open to anyone who is 50 years or older. Currently, The Club offers 3 different fields. 1. Bus Trips, 2. Silver Sneakers, 3. Line Dancing. "The Bus Trips will meet twice a month to go on a planned trip to either the movies, museums, casinos, painting events, nature centers and much more. "The Club offers Silver Sneakers classes that meet twice a week at the Marina Meeting room that is free to anyone with qualifying Health Insurance plans. A $2 drop in fee is for people who do not have the qualifying insurance plan. This class is taught by Larry Stripling starting in January. The class will meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-11am. "The Club has also partnered with Rick Goodsell to offer FREE line dancing on Monday evenings at the Indoor Pavilion in Lake Shore Park. "The 50+ Club’s first trip will be on December 12 to take a trip to Jupiter’s Uptown Art studio to paint a holiday picture on a 10x20 canvas. Our scheduled session is at 11am. We ask that everyone who plans on attending to arrive at 10am to sign the sign in sheet and fill out any additional paperwork for this trip. We also ask to please RSVP with the Recreation Supervisor by paying $5 to reserve your spot on the bus. The total price for this event is $25. "The 50+ Club’s Bus Trips objective is to provide, convenient transportation, new and exciting events to participate in, and a way to meet new people in the community. The Special Events Department is looking very forward to establishing maximum numbers in participation with all fields that the 50+ Club offers. "We are also starting Cardio Kickboxing classes January 8th from 10-11am open to residents and non-residents for just $3 Monday’s and Wednesday’s. I attached the flyer for that as well." (Press Release)_RIVIERA BEACH, SINGER ISLAND, Fla. – Dec. 4, 2017 – Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa is pulling out all the stops this holiday season with opportunities for memory making at every turn. Magical décor, top-notch dining, special packages and Santa Claus himself is converting the award-winning beachfront resort into a warm-weather winter wonderland. Upon stepping foot into the resort’s grand lobby, guests will be greeted by a holiday display that begs for an Instagram-worthy selfie or two. A giant, colorfully lit Christmas tree is set next to a life-sized gingerbread house that will bring out the child in guests young and young-at-heart. Made of gingerbread and featuring a walking path and its own giant Christmas tree, the oversized house was designed by the resort’s pastry chef Kursten Restivo. 1,558 pieces of gingerbread and 161 pounds of icing adorn this confection that took over 450 hours to complete. And, on Dec. 23 Marriott Singer Island’s littlest guests can head to the lobby at 3 p.m. for a charitable Teddy Bear Tea, featuring a tea sandwich buffet, pastries, and eggnog, sparkling wine and mimosas for the parents, all in the company of Santa Claus himself. Guests are invited to bring a new teddy bear or children's book to the event that will be donated to children in need. Keeping family fun top of mind, guests can book the Homemade for the Holidays package, featuring the resort’s renowned Kids Club. The package includes overnight suite accommodations (based on a two-night minimum), a holiday welcome amenity, and a one-hour Kids Club session where children will make and wrap a special holiday gift. The package starts at $302 per night and can be booked online, or by calling 561-340-1700. On Christmas Day, guests and area residents can gather at the resort’s signature restaurant, 3800 Ocean, for a Christmas Buffet featuring sweeping ocean views. With seatings from 12 Noon until 8 p.m., the brunch is highlighted by a menu designed by Executive Chef Gustavo Calderon, and will include a carving station featuring Roasted Turkey with giblet gravy and cranberry sauce; Herb Crusted Prime Rib with rosemary cabernet jus; and Atlantic Salmon Coulibac with creamed spinach and wild mushroom duxelle. There will also be a raw bar, ceviche bar, cheese and charcuterie station, pasta and salad stations, and a selection of small plates, including Gorgonzola and Caramelized Apple Ravioli with walnut mustard warm vinaigrette; Roasted Sea Scallop with sweet corn fondue and smoked bacon jam; and Lacquered Duck Breast with sweet potato puree and black cherry sauce. A display of holiday desserts prepared by Executive Pastry Chef Kursten Restivo will end the meal on a sweet note. Christmas Brunch is $85 for adults and $18 for children under 12. For New Year’s Eve, Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island will ring in 2018 with a festive celebration on Dec. 31. A three-course menu will be served from 5-7 p.m. ($75 for adults, $24.95 for children under 12) with items such as Truffle-Crusted Beef Tenderloin, Pan-Roasted Black Grouper, and Risotto. Later in the evening, a four-course dinner will be served from 8-10:30 p.m. ($125 for adults, $24.95 for children under 12) with an amuse bouche of Jerusalem Artichoke with asparagus ravioli, parmesan cream and frisse-fennel salad to start, and additional choices for starters and entrees, including Beef Carpaccio and Grilled Beef Chateaubriand with buttered lobster, potato mousseline, wilted spinach and truffle yucca hash with a Cabernet reduction. Guests at the later seating will also enjoy live entertainment and a complimentary Champagne toast. Complimentary valet will be available. Royal Caribbean is spicing up cruises to Cuba with two exciting new ports and unique onboard offerings. In addition to visiting the island nation’s capital of Havana, guests can now explore Santiago de Cuba and Cienfuegos on the southeast coast of the island. Plus, guests can stay overnight and experience the island’s vibrant night life.
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ABOUTExploring what to see and do in North Palm Beach and the South Florida area. Your hosts are Pam and Gerry Barker. GERRY PRONOUNCED GARYArchives
April 2024
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