Daily Archives: March 29, 2017

The Walt Disney Studios unveiled the fifth installment in their "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise "Dead Men Tell No Tales" Tuesday night at CinemaCon in Las Vegas.

Initial reactions from those in attendance, including press, theater owners and exhibitors, were largely positive, celebrating a return to form for the franchise and the well-done VFX. Official reviews are under embargo until May 22.

The swashbuckling film sees the return of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Geoffrey Rush as Barbossa and introduces a new young cast including Brenton Thwaites and Kaya Scodelario. Javier Bardem plays a ghostly villain with a vengeance as they all search for the trident of Poseidon on the high seas. Orlando Bloom also returns as Will Sparrow, who hasn't been in a "Pirates" film since 2007's "At World's End."

"Dead Men Tell No Tales" is the first "Pirates" film since 2011's "On Stranger Tides" and the first to be directed by Joachim R?nning and Espen Sandberg. To date, the franchise has grossed over $3.73 billion worldwide for the studio, and there is some pressure on this fifth film to continue the enormous successes of the previous films while also redeeming its lagging reputation.

Gizmodo writer Germain Lussier wrote that "Dead Men Tell No Tales" was the best since the first, adding that, "while that isn't saying much, it does occasionally capture that magic."

Collider.com editor in chief Steven Weintraub praised the action set pieces and said it was better than the fourth.

Slashfilm.com editor Peter Sciretta called it a "pleasant surprise."

"Continues the legacy, focuses on the characters and the world," Sciretta wrote.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" hits theaters on May 26.

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First reactions to 'Pirates of the Caribbean 5' at CinemaCon - ABC News

By: Cielo Figuerola

The temperature was close to 90 F as we hiked through spiny shrubs and cacti on a sunny, beautifulday. We were trying to reach one of the most important nesting sites for endemic iguanas on Mona Island, deep in the woods of Mujeres Beach. I had my backpack, field gear, and hiking bootsnothing different from what I would normally take with me when going to the field, except for one detail: a film production crew right behind me! Cameras, lights, microphones(all in the middle of the forest) made me feel a bit overwhelmed yet excited for was about to happen that day.

Film crew at work. Credit: Marina Films, Inc.

Last year, I had the privilege of participating in an initiative that would feature and share the wonders of Mona Island with the world: a documentary film titled Mona: Treasure of the Caribbean. Mona Island is under the jurisdiction of Puerto Rico, and is one of the largest uninhabited islands in the tropical regions.

Designated a Natural Reserve in 1986 to protect its extremely high natural and ecological values, MonaIsland is home to more than 400 vascular plants, 8 endemic reptile species, including the Endangered Mona Ground Iguana, more than 117 bird species, including the Endangered Yellow-shouldered Blackbird, at least 24 species of endemic invertebrates, and the largest Hawksbill Turtle breeding colony under U.S. jurisdiction and in the Caribbean region. Additionally, the cave system on the island, one of the largest and most extensive in the region, presents the most Tano Indians rock art in all of the Caribbean. The island supports a sub-tropical dry forest ecosystem, one of the most threatened ecosystem types in the world and one of only two dry-forest protected areas in Puerto Rico.

These are only some of the characteristics that make Mona a unique place, often referred to as the Galpagos of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, this incredible place is unknown to many people due to the difficulty and cost of accessing the island; this is precisely what this film initiative hopes to change. This documentary film aims at gathering, in an audiovisual format, the beauty and importance of Monas biological and historical resources so that it can be available to people from all backgrounds throughout generations.

Editing the film. Credit: Marina Films, Inc.

Participating inthis film was exciting and differentit is not every day one gets to be surrounded by cameras, lights, and sound equipment while in the middle of the forest trying to dig up an iguana nest! For the project, I was invited to talk about the Mona Island Iguana, and specifically about conservation projects that have been conducted to protect this endangered and endemic species. I was joined by fellow biologists, as well as archaeologists, who discussed turtles, caves, and historical events that took place onthis sometimes enigmatic island.

The production team is made up of one of the most prolific film directors in Puerto Rico,Sonia Fritz,and the recently Emmy awarded Director of Photography,Carlos Zayas. The film production team traveled several times to Mona Island to film unique species and scenery using the best technology available, including drone footage of the impressive cliffs as well as remote access locations the island offers. This documentary film has been recently completed and will be premiering in several movie theaters in Puerto Rico by the end of March 2017. Eventually it will be available online as well.

Documentary films are one of the most important mediums able to change perspectives, and hopefully this one will reveal Mona Islands true colors to the world. In the words of director Fritz: We truly believe that if we know our past, we will also be able to understand our present, and plan our future with an interdisciplinary vision to preserve this natural treasure (Mona Island).

Credit: Marina Films, Inc.

Several trailers are now available and you can watch them here:

Triler Mona, tesoro del CaribebyMarina Films on Vimeo.

Short trailer: https://vimeo.com/174283691

Complete trailer: https://vimeo.com/205691428

Featured photo: Mona Island. Credit: Tommy Hall/Island Conservation

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Mona Island Documentary Our Treasure in the Caribbean - Island Conservation News

If you travel somewhere spectacular, partake in a thrilling experience, oreat insanely good food without posting it on Instagram, then did it ever actually happen? If that's your philosophy, then 1) maybe calm down a little and 2) now you can finally score something way better than just triple-digit likes for your next stunning adventure photo:a free cruise with three of your friends.For real.

Royal Caribbean announcedthat it's launching a weeks-long social media contest seeking the "World's Most Adventurous Squad." On March 29, the company will stage the first of five adventure-themed Instagram challenges in which you'll have just 72 hours to post your most impressive travel photo based on each challenge's unique theme. One winner from each challenge will receive a free cruise with their squad (three friends) and will go on to compete against the four other winning squads for the grand prize of three seven-night cruises anywhere that Royal Caribbean sails and$14,175 cash, according to contest's official rules.

As a teaser video for the contest (shown above) explains, competing in the Instagram challenges is pretty simple. All you have to do ispost a photo, video, or Boomerang to Instagram, tag up to three friends that will be on your squad, and include the hashtags #AdventureSquad and #Contest as well as @RoyalCaribbean in the caption. You can even participate in all five of the themed challenges to increase your chances of winning. After a challenge closes, Royal Caribbean will select a winning squad based on "their creativity and spirit of adventure in line with the theme," according to a press release. The winners will be announced in early May.

The five winning squads will then set sail on a seven-night Caribbean cruise in late May/early June onboard the world's largest cruise ship, the Harmony of the Seas. Throughout the trip, the squads will take over the company's social media challenges and compete to post the best content highlighting their experiences on the ship and at destinations likeLabadee,Haiti; Falmouth,Jamaica; andCozumel, Mexico. Finally, one group of friends will be named the "World's Most Adventurous Squad" and will be awarded the aforementioned grand prize.

Of course, the official rules contain plenty of fine print. For example, you have to be at least 21 years-old to be a "Squad Leader" (the person who posts the Instagram photo), you have to have a valid passport, and you have to be a resident of the United States, Canada,(excluding the Province of Quebec), Australia (except Tasmania), Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, or Iceland. So you might want to read the rules before you enter, but by all means start clearing your schedule for the cruises you're about to take first. You know, just in case.

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Tony Merevick is Cities News Editor at Thrillist and hopes you like your friends enough to be trapped on a ship with them for days at a time. Send news tips to news@thrillist.com and follow him on Twitter @tonymerevick.

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Royal Caribbean Will Give You a Free Cruise Just for Taking Instagram Photos - Thrillist

Details March 29, 2017

Princess Cruises said that when the Caribbean Princess debuts from a two-week, multi-million-dollar renovation on April 6, the company will have completed its "largest food and beverage innovation to ever take place during a drydock and guests will delight in seven new onboard dining destinations."

"Fresh, regionally-inspired and family friendly offerings were the inspiration behind our largest food and beverage makeover ever," said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. "With updated dcor and designs that offer a welcoming atmosphere, the seven new dining options aboard Caribbean Princess are sure to please any palate and delight the senses."

The new dining options aboard Caribbean Princess include:

World Fresh Marketplace Replacing Horizon Court (deck 14).

Planks BBQ serving up family-style "Planks" of loaded ribs, beef, sausages and chicken.

Steamers Seafood offers east coast-style Steamers with regional flair including Black & Blue Mussels, Scallops & Sausage, Classic Clams, Shrimp and Sausage and Broiled Scallops, Shrimp and Crab-stuffed Flounder.

Top-Deck Dining Venues Four Princess top-deck outdoor dining offerings will be revitalized, renamed and enhanced, including:

The Salty Dog Grill (formerly Trident Grill) guests can indulge in "The Ernesto" burger.

Slice (formerly Pizzeria) featuring west coast and east coast offerings.

Coffee & Cones (formerly Scoops) offering treats of gourmet ice-cream sandwiches, complimentary ice cream cones and now brewing specialty coffee on the top deck, serving New Grounds Crafted Coffee.

The Mix (formerly Blackbeard's Bar) the poolside bar will be updated and redesigned with vibrant colors (full designs will be completed by fall 2017).

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Caribbean Princess to Get Seven New Dining Options - Cruise Industry News

CARIBBEAN360 The head of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) called on the region to work together to ensure the Caribbean remains one of the worlds leading destinations.

Delivering the keynote at the Annual General Meeting of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association earlier this month, CHTA President Karolin Troubetzkoy noted that while Caribbean destinations are very different, they share many of the same challenges from the impact of climate change to the high cost of operations.

Troubetzkoy, who is the executive director of operations at St. Lucias Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain resorts, believes a collective resolve is needed, leveraging the strength of diversity and the commonalities of the regions countries and territories to fulfill tourisms true potential. She pointed to the some of the issues many regional destinations are facing, such as improving intra-regional travel, the high costs of airlift to the region as well as importing food, taxes and the growing activity of the sharing economy.

Troubetzkoy indicated she is encouraged by recent movements towards greater public-private sector collaboration to address the regions tourism competitiveness and development. She cited a recent presentation by CHTA and the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) at the CARICOM Intersessional meeting where the leaders gave the green light to the organizations to draft a plan for submission to the CARICOM Summit in July for a sustained region-wide tourism development and marketing initiative.

Quoting from a recent CTO report on the industrys 2016 tourism performance, Troubetzkoy observed that while the Caribbean reported its seventh consecutive year of growth with an increase of visitor arrivals by 4.2 percent and a total of 29.3 million stay-over visitors to the region, that growth was unevenly distributed, with Cuba and the Dominican Republic being the primary beneficiaries.

Similarly, despite the increase in visitor arrivals, many regional hotel properties did not experience a successful 2016, as measured in terms of key performance indicators such as Occupancy, ADR (Average Daily Rate) and RevPar (Revenue per Available Room).

Underscoring the need for integrated regional approaches, Troubetzkoy reminded attendees that the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) expects the Caribbean regions tourism share to decline from 2.1 percent to 1.7 percent by 2030.

The CHTA president issued a call to tourism professionals across the region to work together to make their destinations more competitive on the global market: We also must keep an eye on the many international tourism destinations out there that perform better than us destinations that have been able to offer 5- and 6-star products at a cost that probably would buy a 3- or 4-star holiday in the Caribbean.

She called for stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors at the destination and regional levels to tackle the difficult issues of increased airlift, air travel costs, taxation, improved inter-regional connectivity and figuring out together how to price products more competitively in the global marketplace: Our discussions may be uncomfortable and sometimes heated but they must take place because, in the end, we are in this together.

Pointing to the rapid growth of the alternative accommodations sector through online platforms like Airbnb, she asserted: Rather than fighting the trend we have much to gain by working with (them) to find ways of cooperating for the benefit of our visitors, our dedicated hoteliers and tourism professionals, as well as our hospitable citizens who are willing to share their homes with visitors from abroad, and from within our destinations.

Key issues related to the sharing economys participation in the hospitality industry include the need to ensure safety and security for guests, and to establish policies that require the homestay community to make a reasonable contribution to each destinations infrastructure maintenance and construction costs.

Noting that people are key to competitiveness, Troubetzkoy urged destinations to develop and fine-tune every aspect of our customer service experience, enhancing our product itself whether we are talking about availability of real, authentic Caribbean cultural and culinary offers, locally made products or renovated and enhanced hotel accommodations that have taken into account changing customer expectations.

None of this can be achieved, she declared, without well-trained and informed people in the sector: We have to ensure we are training people who will continually improve our product as they make fulfilling careers in tourism, and we need to also provide these stalwarts of our sector with continuing education and training. Because, lets face it our landscapes, adventures and beaches will draw travelers to our shores but it is our Caribbean people who will keep them coming back.

This article was posted in its entirety as received by stlucianewsonline.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of stlucianewsonline.com, its sponsors or advertisers.

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CHTA head calls on Caribbean to work together to remain competitive - St. Lucia News Online (press release)

Join the Caribbean Carnaval every Wednesday night at Universals Sapphire Falls Resort for food, drinks, and island music.

If you are looking for a taste of the islands during your visit to Universal Orlando Resort, the Sapphire Falls hotel is now hosting weekly Caribbean Carnaval events with food and music for the whole family.

Every Wednesday evening at Caribbean Carnaval, guests at Sapphire Falls can take a musical journey through the Caribbean during an interactive dinner show, featuring authentic food, songs and dances inspired by the islands of the Bahamas, Cuba, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad. Attendees can do the limbo, jump into the conga line, and take part in the festivities while enjoying a buffet meal and beverages.

The Caribbean Carnaval meal selection includes: Organic Greens, Tomato, Red Onion, Cucumber, Carrots Corn Bread Croutons, Grilled Pineapple Cilantro-Lime Vinaigrette Pinto Bean and Shrimp Salad, Chorizo, Peppers, Cilantro Oven Roasted Vegetables with Chili-Lime Vinaigrette, Green Banana and Yucca Escabeche Mojo Roasted Suckling Pig Coconut-Pineapple Brioche Carving Roll Ropa Vieja, Shredded Beef, Tomato & Sweet Plantains Grilled Snapper, Coconut Rice, Corn-Black Bean Salpicon Jerk Chicken, Mango-Papaya Relish, Jerk Sauce Oven Roasted Sweet Potatoes & Seasonal Vegetables Johnny Cakes Caribbean Rum Cake Guava Flan Mexican Chocolate Fudge Cake Coconut & Caramel Rice Pudding

Alcoholic Planters Punch, Beer, and Wine are provided, along with Non-alcoholic Beverages including: Soft Drinks, Freshly Brewed Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Organic Herbal Teas and Iced Tea

Kids food choices include: Tossed Salad with Romaine, Carrots, Cucumbers, Cherry Tomatoes, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Croutons, Ranch and Balsamic Diced Fruit Salad Chicken Tenders Cheese Pizza Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches Macaroni and Cheese

Additional options are available for diners with dietary restrictions; make your needs known when reserving tickets.

Caribbean Carnaval is currently held every Wednesday night, with seating and dinner starting at 6 p.m. and the show from 7 to 7:45 p.m. The event costs $69 plus tax (including gratuity) for adults, and $35 plus tax for kids ages 3-9; children under 3 are free. Priority seating, which guarantees you seating in the first two rows closest to the stage, costs $76 plus tax for adults, and $40 plus tax for kids. The ticket price includes free self parking or $5 discounted valet; you do not need to be staying at the hotel or have a Universal theme park ticket to attend.

For more information or to order tickets, call (407) 503-3463 or visit this website, and watch these videos for a look around Universals Sapphire Falls Resort:

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Universal's Sapphire Falls hotel hosting weekly Caribbean Carnaval - Attractions Magazine

"A true Caribbean" is the compliment I received for sailing a Martinican yole during a practice. Yole racing is more beloved on Martinique than mardi gras. The boat has no keel so it has to keep moving or it will capsize. It's steered with an oar, and balanced with five crew on either side ride on wooden poles, providing balance and ballast.(Photo: Patricia Borns)

Ive been a cornhusker, race track groom, artist and high tech executive speechwriter.

But eventually, we become our parents. My ancestors came toFlorida in the 1920s and developed real estate. But my mother was a journalist with a social conscience, and I became one, too.

Burnt out from a Fortune 500 high tech gig, I signed up for journalism in 2011 the way some people enlist in the military: wanting to serve my community, help the smallest voices be heard, protect the vulnerable and keep corruption and abuses of power at bay.

Its why, on my real estate beat, I write about attainable housing as well as luxury high rises; dig into public records to see why some real estate projects move at warp speed; and study the land use mumbo jumbo to understand what their proposals mean to the rest of us.

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Journalism, we often hear from you, can be maddening in the way it frames the conversation. At times, I feel that, too.

In our haste or inexperience, we may take a too-simplistic look at an important issue. Because we work under tight deadlines with limited copy space, we must be selective as well as balanced. Although were usually both, its easy to feel your point of view was short-changed if you have a dog in the fight.

But, knowing what I do about the talents and motives of my colleagues, the recent outpouring of vitriol towardour profession baffles me.

Myth:Journalists have an agenda

Reality: Journalists are among the few people who venture into neighborhoods where youve never been and might be afraid to go, and knock on the door -- not to ask for money or votes, but to ask what you think.

Myth: Journalists only tell one side of the story.

Reality: Ever hear a corporate VP tout the competitions merits, or a politician include the oppositions talking points? Journalists are among the few who are required to tell a story from two or more points of view, or your editor will send you back to the well.

Myth: Journalists report alternative facts.

Reality: How do you know wearent spinning alternative facts? Those of us doing the real thing take pains to get the facts right because if we dont, we can be fired or sued.

Myth: Journalists are biased.

Reality: Journalists cant donate to political campaigns or even politically supported causes. Editors comb our sentences for turns of phrase that hint at opinion. The only point of view allowed is the sources.

Myth: Journalists are bought and paid for.

Reality: Media ethics don't allow us to accept gifts or even a cup of coffee from PR reps or government officials. Once when I was short a dollar for a public record, Fort Myers Mayor Randy Henderson offered one. I paid it back.

Myth: Journalists can't be trusted.

Reality:Heres how an anonymous source tested the trust question, and how an entire newsroom protects that person to this day:

A tip came to me in 2013 about some shady dealings of a corrupt Miami-Dade mayor. The source met me at night in a rented townhouse, and showed documents proving the claims. The only way I would be allowed to copy them was to promise a story would follow. But only top management can make such a guarantee. Iwas an intern at the time.

The managing editor sent me back out with the head of the investigations team to verify the story. From then on, the source and I communicated through a pseudonym. The promise was made and kept. Four years later, the stories have run, the mayor has been arrested, and the source remains anonymous; and always will.

Maybe one reason for the wave of anti-press feeling is that journalism isnt about us; its about you. Rarely do we reportin the first person. Almost every sentence we write must be attributable to someone or somethingelse.Its easy to attack people who give others a voice, but dont wield one themselves.

The other reason, of course, is what we write.

No politician wants to read the voices of an outraged community in print. No PR rep wants opposing data to interfere with a carefully crafted press release.

For asking hard questions and reporting what others may not want to hear, journalists receive insults and threats on a fairly routine basis. Lee County shut down staff communications with The News-Press because of stories like our reports on CommissionerLarry Kikers lobby logs. I'm surprised the courage of reporters to persevere through the mess isn't more recognized and valued.

Journalism may not be alI I imagined when I started down the road in 2011. We can always do better, and more.

But since entering the field, Im grateful every dayfor all the people whove trusted their stories to me. That were paid to tell them amazes me.We might not be able to afford a luxury box at the Super Bowl, but we havea front row seat to the brilliance and pathos of our world.

A byline is a great privilege that I try to earn every day. You can suggest stories, offer a tip or tell me how Im doing at (540) 280-7490 or pborns@news-press.com.

On a personal note,I love the outdoors and sailing, and was never more honored than when a Martinican said during an island circumnavigation, Patricia, youre a true Caribbean!

No, I'm not among the racers crossing the finish line here in La Trinite, Martinique. But I sailed one of these boats called yoles during a practice, earning the compliment, "Patricia, you're a true Caribbean!" The yole has no keel, so it has to keep moving or it will capsize. It's steered with an oar, and balanced with five crew on either side riding on wooden poles, providing balance and ballast.(Photo: Patricia Borns)

To maintain the reputation, I dopro bono work a couple of weeks a year in the islands. Hope you enjoy the photo galleryfrom my recent trip to Haiti, shooting video for a healthcare clinic.

Follow this reporter on Twitter @PatriciaBorns.

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Behind the byline: 'A true Caribbean' - The News-Press