Daily Archives: May 8, 2023

Gary Williams watched the coronation of King Charles on YouTube while working at his business in downtown Toronto on Saturday.

The owner of The Jerk Spot, who is originally from Jamaica, said he became a Canadian citizen in June 2022.

While Jamaica has signalled its intention to ditch the monarchy, Williams is not so sure that's the best move, and he wants to see the monarch and royal family remain in place for years to come.

"I think it's necessary I really think it's a good establishment, like, something to keep going," Williams told CBC Toronto.

"King Charles is actually someone that I have always followed. I wondered when was he going to become King. Finally his day has come."

Williams said Jamaica has been in "turmoil" since gaining independence in 1962, and he believes the country should take this into account when deciding whether or not to leave the monarchy.

Like Williams, Yvonne Grant is also from Jamaica. But that's all they have in common where the monarchy is concerned.

Grant who operates a store called Caribbean Corner says she has no interest in the monarchy and chose not to watch the coronation.

She said Jamaica should do like Barbados and cut ties with the monarchy.

"I am not interested in watching the coronation because I don't agree with their behaviour and the way that they treated the colonies, so-called colonies," Grant said.

"What they did to Jamaica was very bad because they gave the people that owned the slaves, the slave masters, compensation. For what? For owning the slaves? And the people that worked didn't get anything."

Under the Slavery Compensation Act of 1837, the British government paid out 20 million nearly $30 billion in today's money to slave owners for their loss of human property. The enslaved got nothing.

On Nov. 30, 2021, Barbados shifted from a constitutional monarchy into a republic, to become the first country to remove the head of the British monarchy as sovereign since Mauritius did the same 30 years prior.

Hayden Jason Jones was born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines but left there as a boy to live in England. The Ajax, Ont., resident says he's spent most of his life in Canada.

Jones said he did not watch the coronation "because I'm not a believer in monarchy, whether it be British or otherwise."

According to Jones, the monarchy, to him, "represents elitism and inequality."

"People revere royal families and monarchy, but for me, we are all created equally, which means you're not better than I certainly not the British monarchy or any other monarchy. I'll go so far as to say even a pastors or preachers, we're all created equally," he said.

Jones chairs CARI-ON SVG Disaster Preparedness a non-profit organization dedicated to providing resources and active timely relief efforts, by delivering needed supplies to mitigate real or impending disasters, impacting St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

He said the monarchy "perpetuates class divisions and inequality."

"To me, it's a symbol of unwarranted privilege and disparity that goes against the democratic code," he added.

Jones said he believes "the people of St. Vincent and Grenadines are moving more towardthis whole idea of becoming a republic, having the British monarchy removed as head of state."

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves was among Caribbean leaders present at the coronation at Westminster Abbey on Saturday.

Justin Vovk, a royal historian and PhD candidate in early monarch history at McMaster University, believes King Charles might be able to reconnect with countries that are contemplating leaving the monarchy.

But he said the King's position "makes it a bit difficult because he can't get involved in politics."

"The way the constitution works, it really limits his power, but he's somebody who is very accessible, he's incredibly well educated, he's knowledgeable about all of the countries within the Commonwealth," Vovk said.

"So, I think if anyone's got a shot, it's him."

For 1,000 years and more, British monarchs have been crowned in grandiose ceremonies that confirm their right to rule. Although the King no longer has executive or political power, he remains Britain's head of state and a symbol of national identity.

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Coronation met with mixed response from Caribbean community members in Ontario - CBC.ca

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. May 8, 2023: The Caribbean has long been a popular destination for American and Canadian travelers seeking sun, sand, and relaxation. But in recent years, the region has also emerged as a top destination for another group of travelers: digital nomads.

With its warm climate, low cost of living, and growing digital infrastructure, the Caribbean has become a magnet for remote workers and entrepreneurs from around the world. And as more and more nomads set their sights on the region, theres a growing opportunity for savvy investors to capitalize on this trend by investing in real estate and citizenship by investment programs in the Caribbean.

Here are just a few reasons why American and Canadian nomads should consider making these investments:

Strong real estate marketThe Caribbean has a strong and growing real estate market, with properties available at a range of price points and styles. By investing in Caribbean real estate, nomads can not only secure a vacation home or rental property, but also potentially benefit from strong returns on investment as the regions tourism industry continues to grow.

Access to citizenship and residencySeveral Caribbean nations offer citizenship by investment and residency by investment programs, which allow investors to obtain legal status in the country in exchange for a financial investment. These programs can be a smart way for nomads to establish a base in the Caribbean and enjoy the benefits of living in the region, such as lower taxes, better weather, and greater flexibility.

Growing digital infrastructureAs more and more nomads flock to the Caribbean, the regions digital infrastructure is rapidly improving to meet the demands of this growing demographic. Many Caribbean nations are investing in high-speed internet, co-working spaces, and other amenities that make it easier for remote workers to live and work in the region.

Favorable tax environmentMany Caribbean nations have favorable tax environments for investors, with low or zero corporate and personal income taxes. This can be a major draw for American and Canadian nomads looking to minimize their tax burden and maximize their earnings.

The Caribbean represents a compelling opportunity for American and Canadian nomads looking to invest in real estate and citizenship by investment programs. With a strong real estate market, access to legal residency, growing digital infrastructure, and a favorable tax environment, the Caribbean offers a unique combination of lifestyle benefits and financial returns for savvy investors. By doing their research and exploring the various investment opportunities available in the region, nomads can position themselves for long-term success in the Caribbean market.

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Caribbean Business - Why American and Canadian Nomads Should Invest In The Caribbean - Caribbean and Latin America Daily News - News Americas

They may be rascals, and scoundrels, and villains, and knaves, but its impossible to say that pirates arent fun to watch at least on screen. And of course, there is perhaps no pirate more famous in pop culture at this point than Jack Sparrow, the bumbling, drunken heart of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Known for never having a plan but somehow always ending up with one that works out, the unreasonably charming pirate was brought to life by Johnny Depp for five movies across nearly 15 years. In his journeys, he encountered the Kraken, Davy Jones, the Fountain of Youth, and even Poseidons trident.

But, if youre here, you probably know all this. What you want to know is how to watch Sparrow and his pirate friends including Orlando Blooms Will Turner and Keira Knightleys Elizabeth Swan in all their swashbuckling glory.

Well, we are inclined to acquiesce to your request. (Meaning yes).

Also Read:The Little Mermaid Release Date, Cast, Trailer and Everything We Know So Far

Disney

Though some franchises like to hop around in their universes timeline in later films, Pirates of the Caribbean is not one of those franchises. Whether you want to watch the films in release order or in timeline order, it doesnt matter its the same order!

Heres how to do it:

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Mans Chest (2006)

Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End (2007)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

The good news is, all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies live in one place. You can currently stream all five movies on Disney+.

Also Read:Haunted Mansion Release Date, Cast, Trailer and Everything We Know So Far

Back in 2020, Margot Robbie began developing a new Pirates movie in 2020 with her Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson, with Robbie herself reportedly taking on the lead role. But, in November 2022, Robbie told Vanity Fair that the project was no longer happening.

Story continues

Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced all five of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, tells another tale. He says Robbies film could very well still happen it just wont be thenextPirates movie.

Well hopefully well get another Pirates movie made, Bruckheimer told TheWrap in December. We developed two scripts at once and the Margot Robbie script was a little further away, but well get that made down the line too and focus on more of an ensemble Pirates movie at this point.

No release date has been set but given the success of the franchise, you can bet Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will happen sooner or later.

Also Read:Pirates 6 Will Be More of an Ensemble, but Jerry Bruckheimer Says Margot Robbies Spinoff Isnt Dead

Link:

How to Watch the Pirates of the Caribbean Movies in Order - Yahoo Entertainment

With the steepest zipline in the world and parties with parrots.

Published on 5/5/2023 at 2:32 PM

Give Sint Maarten a Google and youll be greeted with a couple different spellings. Theres a reason for that, and prepare for the geographical portion of your mind to be blown: There are actually two separate countries on this singular, 37-square-mile island. Thats right, to the north is the French side, Saint Martin. And to the southcomprising approximately 45% of the islands total massis the Dutch country of Sint Maarten.

Every nook of this enchanted mountains-meets-sea destination deserves your time and energy. The smaller Dutch side carries a memorable punch, with the abundant friendliness of its locals as attraction number one. Its motto is The Friendly Island, after all.

Beyond chats with a Saint Maartener over sips of the countrys signature guavaberry liqueur, there is oh so much to experience in this bit of the Leeward Islands. From plopping it on a beach as planes soar a few dozen feet above your head to riding the worlds steepest zipline to noshing on all the johnnycakes possible, heres how to experience the Sint Maarten magic.

Perhaps youve seen the photos or almost-alarming YouTube videos of vacationers standing on a beach as mega-planes float just over their heads to their tarmac landing literally feet away. Thats St. Maartens Maho Beach and the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport. If you want to go on your own plane-spotting adventure, get there earlier in the day as the larger, international planes typically arrive before mid-afternoon. There are vendors that rent out daybeds and chairs, should you not want to get cozy on the white sand, too.

Beyond Maho Beach, Sint Maarten has 36 other beaches and, yes, much quieter options. Long Bay Beach (youll see signs for Baie Longue) in the southwest lives up to its name as the largest beach on the island. Its secluded, turquoise-water coastline is bordered to the north and south by rock structures and is primed for bodyboarding and surfing. For sailing adventuresmany of which circle the entirety of the islandSimpson Bay is a hotspot for options, including the likes of No1SXM Sailing and Sail Arawak SXM.

Sure, Sint Maartens beaches get the bulk of the ecological love. But there is a zipline and a bird sanctuary that will make the outdoorsy hearts flutter equally as so. The Flying Dutchman Zipline starts at the top of the nearly 1,200-foot-tall Sentry Hill on Rockland Estate, one of the highest points on the island. On your zipline ride down to near-sea level, you reach peak speeds of almost 60 miles per hour, taking in panoramic forest, sea, and beach landscapes along the way. For the most seamless experience, Rainforest Adventures offers packages with chairlift rides up to Sentry Hill, in addition to other zipline adventures.

Near the French/Dutch border in the town of Belvedere, youll find Parotte Ville Bird Park. Opened in 2015 by local George Parotte, there are hundreds of species to gawk at and hand feed, notably parrots in the most vivid of color combinations. The spot is also a haven for rehabilitating various bird species, which you can learn all about via tours and within its quaint museum set-up, too.

Stroll around colorful shops and the pineapple-shaped bell tower in Philipsburg

Amid the nature and rural options, Sint Maarten has a thriving city, too. Philipsburg is the capital of St. Maarten and is the countrys urban core. Its overarching architectural vibethink classic Dutch, pastel buildingsis as alluring as the businesses youll stroll by.

Front Street is pedestrian-friendly shopping thoroughfare, which has designer clothing boutiques, jewelry shops with locally sourced tanzanite creations, and the towns colonial-esque courthouse with a pineapple-shaped bell tower on top. Parallel to Front Street is an expansive, seaside boardwalk when you need a scenic reprieve from shopping.

On the art front, Philipsburgs streets have been recently morphed with modern murals thanks to the Be The Change Foundations ColorMeSXM Project. The foundation partnered with more than a dozen local artists to create an art-walk experience through town, with landscapes spanning flamboyant iguanas to butterfly wings. They are all gram-worthy and conveniently mapped out.

Bring some costume changes to the Carnival party

Whereas most Carnival celebrations are confined to a few days and hyper-focus on its host country, Sint Maarten parties on another level. Its annual Carnival, typically held in mid-April, has a carnival village as its undeniable anchor, open round the clock with more than 30 culinary vendors from throughout the entire Caribbean region.

Another highlight is its Jouvert Morning Jump Up, in which locals and tourists alike wake up at 4 am on a Thursday, dress in group costumes (like maids and butlers or police officers), and party on the streets through the break of dawn. The country has a website with an entire Carnival slate, so there is no shortage of turning up.

Get accustomed to seeing some regular names on menus here, folks. Among them are johnnycakes (cornmeal pancakes), callaloo (a thick, veggie-filled soup named after a leafy vegetable), lokri (a simmered rice dish resembling paella), and spareribs. Oh, the glorious spare ribs that come in such sweet and jerky varieties. Head to the no-frills Captains Rib Shack for arguably the best on the island, striking just the right balance.

On the booze front, Sint Maarten is expectedly loaded with cozy, beachside haunts. A favorite is Dutch Blond Beach Bar for its ice-cold, homemade craft brews. Juggies Place is as charming as it gets, with a sign reading The Smallest Bar in the World above its front door. The owner will donate money toward a local breast cancer awareness nonprofit for anyone who donates one of their own bras. If youre looking to take a bottle of Saint Maarten rum home, make it Guavaberry. Its everywhere, from the cruise port to the duty-free section of the airport.

Dreamy, all-inclusive resort or breezy villa? This is the primary lodging question in Sint Maarten. For resorts, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort opened its newest wing in 2022 and has three ocean-view pools, a swim-up bar, and on-site water sports center. Six miles west, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort is a top all-inclusive, family-friendly option with 10 acres of oceanfront property to explore, a kids club, aqua park, and on-site casino. For villas, the super-private Coral Beach Club is tucked in the northeast corner of the country on Oyster Pond and has 24 luxurious villas with ocean and mountain views.

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The Caribbean Island Where Planes Soar Just Above Your Head at the Beach - Thrillist

Jack Sparrow is likely gone from Pirates of the Caribbean for good, and the next best move for the franchise could be a female lead instead. This also seemed to be Diseney's thought since the studio began working on an idea that would feature actress Margot Robbie as the lead. However, this project is at a standstill, and by the time it is pulled from the bottom of a desk drawer somewhere, Robbie may no longer be able to take part. Therefore, another avenue for a female-led Pirates of the Caribbean movie must be considered.

Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer has stated (via Collider) that the Robbie spin-off hasn't been tabled entirely but that other projects have been prioritized instead. He teased that the project would eventually see the light of day and feature a crew of female pirates. This could be an excellent angle for the franchise, which has focused predominantly on male characters. However, for the sake of cohesiveness, it could be better if the spin-off featured a familiar character instead of Robbie's new oneperhaps one of those already seen in POTC.

Though Elizabeth Swann was technically a supporting character, she maneuvered through Pirates of the Caribbean like a leading lady. The story in Curse of the Black Pearl got started because of her, and she was vital in nearly every plot line within POTC's original trilogy. Despite this, Elizabeth didn't get the ending she deserved. The King of the Pirates was left to watch her husband sail away, and the implication is that her adventures ended.

Elizabeth Swann was drawn to life at sea from the time she was a child, so it can be assumed that she wouldn't be content with waiting for Will to return once every decade. Therefore, it would be no stretch for a Pirates of the Caribbean spin-off to see her leading her own crew. This would be especially effective if the movie were set during the years that Will was cursed to captain the Flying Dutchman. It would explain why Henry Turner knew his way around a ship in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and give Elizabeth the opportunity for a new ending that better fits her spirit.

Angelica Teach, the daughter of the dreaded Blackbeard, was something of a love interest for Jack Sparrow in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. She was clever, sassy, and a little tragic, which made her a decent character overall. Unfortunately, the change in gears from the original cast of the Pirates movies meant that On Stranger Tides wasn't as well received as its predecessors. Therefore, a spin-off led by Angelica might not interest fans as much as a character from the other movies.

Still, a lot was left unsaid about Angelica, who spent most of her time in Pirates of the Caribbean being manipulated by Blackbeard. At the end of On Stranger Tides, Jack Sparrow tricked her into taking the remaining life of her father to save herself and left her on a deserted island. Audiences never found out what happened to her, and given her rage and likely need for revenge against Jack, it could be interesting to see her continued story in a spin-off. It could even keep the door open for a potential Jack Sparrow cameo.

Jack Sparrow's mother wasn't technically a character in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. All that is ever shown of her is her shrunken head, which Jack's father lovingly keeps on her person. The films never even revealed her name. However, this is precisely what makes her the perfect lead for a prequel spin-off. Jack Sparrow's family history, including the story of his parents, is one that would likely draw audiences back to the franchise. Moreover, the hazy details surrounding Jack's mother would give the spin-off's writers a lot of creative wiggle room.

Since an actor never played the mysterious Mrs. Sparrow, it leaves casting wide open as well. In fact, if Margot Robbie is still interested in being a part of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise when the female-led spin-off finally happens, there's no reason she couldn't play Jack's mother when she was young. It's great to imagine that a badass pirate woman raised the famous captain of the Black Pearl, and seeing her adventures leading up to meeting, falling in love with, and having a child with Edward Teague could be a good deal of fun.

Carina Smyth was one of the central characters of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. She was the love interest of Will and Elizabeth's son, Henry Turner, and was later revealed to be the daughter of Captain Barbossa. She was brilliant and was often accused of being a witch because of her knowledge of science and math. She initially despised pirates, but she came around after learning the truth about Barbossa.

Like Angelica, Carina was part of a portion of Pirates of the Caribbean that was widely rejected by audiences. Therefore, it's unlikely that the franchise would find much success in a spin-off led by the character. Still, there could be something in her relation to Hector Barbossa. It could be fun to see Carina begin to take after her father now that she holds less prejudice against pirates. Barbossa had been a classic scallywag through and through, and seeing that recreated in his daughterespecially one even more clever than himcould be worth a watch.

RELATED: Captain Barbossa Didnt Deserve His POTC Redemption (But Thats Okay)

Anamaria never played a prominent part in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies. In fact, she disappeared after Curse of the Black Pearl. Still, the way she was set up in this story makes her the perfect female lead for a spin-off, and returning after so long could mean just the right dose of nostalgia to bring the Pirates franchise back from past failures. Anamaria was strong, stubborn, and passionatebut the best thing about her is that she wasn't just a traditional pirate.

Anamaria had been a smuggler who had the misfortune of getting wrapped up with Jack Sparrow. This cost her her ship, so she had been determined to tag along with the disgraced captain so she could collect what he owed. Anamria's occupation is unique among the other Pirates characters and could make a good premise for a new series. What's more, actress Zoe Saldana had proven herself a more than capable leading lady, and her success since she first played Anamaria could bring in new audiences.

RELATED: Why Zoe Saldanas Anamaria Didnt Return To Pirates Of The Caribbean

When Tia Dalma was first introduced in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, it was as another one of the many women that Jack Sparrow had found himself entangled with in the past. She was quirky, mysterious, and likable but nothing particularly special. However, the plot of At World's End revealed that she was much more than she appeared. She was actually the goddess Calypsoruler of the seatrapped in the body of a mortal woman. In the end, she wound up freed and summoned a maelstrom. However, once the storm cleared, she was never referenced again.

A Pirates of the Caribbean movie led by Tia Dalma/Calypso would likely have a different tone than past movies. While Jack Sparrow was often called an antihero, Calypso would take this to a different level. The goddess is playful and romantic but also vengeful and terrible. Still, a film outlining how she became the mystic Tia Dalma after being bound to a mortal body by the Brethren Court, or perhaps one exploring what happened to her after Davy Jones' death (which could explain why he is alive in the Dead Men Tell No Tales post-credit scene) could continue the Pirates of the Caribbean story in a meaningful way.

Excerpt from:

6 Female Pirates Of The Caribbean Characters Who Could Lead Their Own Movie - Screen Rant

The Caribbeans hottest new culinary event kicked off this week in Antigua and Barbuda, with the debut of the destinations new Restaurant Week.

The event, which actually runs from May 7 to 21, showcases the best of the twin-island hotspots culinary excellence, from popular local spots to three-course menus at some of the countrys best fine-dining eateries.

Local chefs will be cooking alongside a group of celebrity chefs for an exciting destination-wide festival.

That includes visits by celebrity chefs including US-based Chef Tanya Holland, Jamaican-American Chef DeVonn Francis and Antiguan-born Chef Claude Lewis.

Holland is the executive chef/owner of the renowned Brown Sugar Kitchen in Oakland, Calif. She was also a fan favorite on the 15th season of Top Chef, and hosts the Food Networks Melting Pot, along with her show, Tanyas Kitchen Table on the OWN network.

Francis is the founder of creative studio Yardy, with affiliations with Bon Appetite and HBOs Selena + Chef. Hes created meals in partnership with brands like Gucci. Converse and Burberry and has been featured in a range of top publications.

Lewis, whose mission is to bring West Indian cuisine to the forefront in the United States, won the title of Chopped Champion on Food Networks show Chopped. He owns the restaurant Freetown Road Project, named after the village of Freetown in Antigua.

Holland will be hosting a culinary experience at the new Wild Tamarind restaurant this week, while the chefs will be touring the country with guides, tasting local cuisine and produce and learning more about the history of gastronomy in the country.

The event has a full schedule, with prix fixe menus at more than 30 participating restaurants, along with an Eat Like a Local interactive map.

Restaurant Week has launched a limited-edition Food Passport that encourages diners to eat at as many participating restaurants as possible to win rewards.

We are thrilled to welcome such an incredible roster of international and local chefs to help support the launch of our new flagship Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week. Not only will it help us raise visibility for our gastronomy in the region and around the globe, but it is going to play an important part in helping us foster our on-island culinary talent, said Antigua and Barbudas Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, Charles Fernandez. We cant wait to taste the culinary wonders these chefs will be preparing to highlight the local wonders of Antigua and Barbuda. Were sure our guests eyes and tastebuds will be delighted.

For more, visit Antigua and Barbuda Restaurant Week.

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Antigua and Barbuda Kicks Off First-Ever Restaurant Week - Caribbean Journal

This week was filled with exciting updates and developments surrounding Royal Caribbean cruises.

In addition to updates regarding Utopia of the Seas during the company's budget call, a strong first quarter, and the reopening of the Chinese cruising market, it was announced that the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas is nearing sea trials! Plus, construction is continuing with the adults-only area in Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as the filing of a new trademark.

Here is a rundown of some news that you should be aware of!

The launch of the world's largest cruise ship is getting closer and closer.

According to a Facebook post made by Meyer Turku on May 5, Icon of the Seas is nearing beginning her sea trials, the last major milestone in the construction of the brand-new ship; they are slated to begin in mid-June.

This step is important, as it helps to ensure that the ship is ready for service and that all operational systems work properly.Moreover, this is often when some of the first pictures of the completed ship are taken.

"Sea trials are one of the most important milestones on a ship's road to completion," the post says.

"Sea trials are a way to test all of the ships features that cannot be tested while docked, and that every function onboard is working as intended. [They] are also used to make sure the noise and vibration levels are where they should be."

"As the world's largest prototype ship, Icon's early sea trials are important to ensure that all the ship's main equipment such as propulsion equipment, main engines and power plant, thrusters and fin stabilizers are working as they should."

The shipyard did not confirm how long the sea trials will be, as they vary in duration. It is not uncommon for ships to undergo two different sessions!

Until sea trials begin, construction will continue at the shipyard in Finland, where construction initially began in June 2021.

When all of the sea trials are complete, there may be some final adjustments that need to be made before the ship is prepared for delivery. As of May 2023, noofficial delivery date has been announced by Royal Caribbean or Meyer Werft.

Related: Why are new cruise ships still being built?

When Icon of the Seas makes her debut in January 2024, she will become the world's largest cruise ship, surpassing the current title holder: Wonder of the Seas. As the cruise line's first Icon Class ship, she will be one-of-a-kind and offer the ultimate family vacation.

Onboard, guests will find the world's largest water park at sea, as well as other firsts and upgrades, such as the AquaDome, a revamped Central Park neighborhood, Chill Island, and the brand-new Surfside neighborhood for families with children.

Icon will be 6% larger than Wonder of the Seas with the ability to hold up to 7,600 passengers. Including crew members, Icon's total capacity will be close to 10,000.

She will measure 250,800 gross registered tons, 1,198 feet long, and tower 20 decks high.

In addition to the sheer size of this vessel, it will be the first Royal Caribbean ship to be powered by LNG-fuel. She will have sixWrtsil main engines that are capable of running on both diesel and natural gas.

The demand for Icon of the Seas is just as unprecedentedas the ship itself!

"Despite being on sale for only five months," said Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group's CEO during an earnings call on May 4, Icon is significantly more booked for her inaugural season at materially higher rates than any other Royal Caribbean ship launch."

Once Icon of the Seas is handed over to Royal Caribbean, she will begin making round-trip cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Miami, Florida in January 2024. Her inaugural voyage is slated for January 27.

RoyalCaribbeanBlog reader Steve Cohenprovided us with some photos of Hideaway Beach's construction.

Back in September 2021, Royal Caribbean announced that they would be building a new adults-only area at Perfect Day at CocoCay.

In 2019, Perfect Day at CocoCay reopened after a $250 million renovation as the ultimate tropical getaway and included the addition of a brand-new water park featuring the 135-foot Daredevil's Peak water slide.

Hideaway Beach was the first expansion of Perfect Day at CocoCay since Royal Caribbean launched the luxurious Coco Beach Clubin 2020. This, however, was a smaller expansion and only increased the island's capacity by a few hundred guests. Hideaway Beach is expected to be larger.

Little, however, has been revealed about what guests can expect this area to be like. Unlike the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, no mock up plans have been released.

The pictures provided by Cohen show that a structure is being built adjacent to a lagoon on the interior of the island; however, it is unclear what the structure will be for. Perhaps restroom facilities or some kind of fast-casual dining venue like the Snack Shack-- it is all speculation at this point!

Liberty said, "Icon will join the fleet later this year and will debut in the Caribbean in January 2024, with itineraries that include Perfect Day at CocoCay and its new expansion, Hideaway Beach."

"[Hideaway Beach] will accommodate approximately 2,500 more guests...On average now we're having around 11,000 guests a day in in CocoCay, [and] with Hideaway, we can add another two and a half, 3,000 guests...And that's really for designed to be open in time for Icon of the Seas," said Michael Bayley,Royal CaribbeanInternational President and CEO.

Royal Caribbean has yet to confirm when Hideaway Beach will officially open and whether or not it will be complimentary or not. It is expected to open in early January around the time that Icon of the Seas sets sail.

From the pictures, it appears that Hideaway Beach still has a lot of construction ahead of being ready to open to the public!

On April 10, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. filed a trademark application for the name "Cabana Cay." Per theUnited States Patent and Trademark Office's website, thetrademark "is intended to cover the categories ofrecreation services, namely, resort services."

New trademark applications always spark interest, and with the ongoing construction at Hideaway Beach in CocoCay and the Royal Beach Club in Nassau, it is possible that Cabana Cay is related to one of these things. The name also suggests that it has something to do with cabanas, a feat that Royal Caribbean has worked on perfecting, especially with the addition of the cabanas at the Coco Beach Club.

The Royal Beach Club was originally announced in March 2020; however, construction was stalled due to the pandemic. In March 2023, Royal Caribbean announced that the 17-acre beach club would officially open in 2025 as apartnership with The Bahamas.

13 out of the 17 acres will be owned by Royal Caribbean, with the remaining 4 acres as Crown Land, meaning that they will be split as equity between the Bahamian government and its people.

Unlike Perfect Day at CocoCay, the Royal Beach Club will not be a private island. Instead, it will be a private destination on Paradise Island available only to Royal Caribbean cruise line guests.

The intention of the Royal Beach Club is to increase customer satisfaction in Nassau, as Michael Bayley revealed that the port currently ranks amount the bottom 10% of ports of call in customer feedback.

It will be an experience that costs extra, meaning that it will not be included in the cost of your cruise fare.

The pass will not be all-inclusive, either. Outside of access to the beach club, lunch, and a beach chair, you will be responsible for paying for any other extras, including alcohol and soda, cabanas, day beds, and water sports.

On the concept maps of the Royal Beach Club, there are a couple of areas that will be reserved for cabanas, including a "VIP Cabanas" area on the northern shore of Paradise Island facing the open ocean, rather than the cruise port. In addition, there are two other plans for "Beach Cabanas." Outside of what has been revealed on the concept map, as well as thefact that they will be an extra cost, no other information has been provided about these cabanas.

All speculation aside, it is important to remember trademark filings do indicate any intention Royal Caribbean has. Sometimes, trademarks are filed for future use in the event that they decide to use the name for something. Like when they trademarked "The Star," "The Pearl," "The Jewel," "The Orb," "The Gem," and "The Oyster" at the same time back in 2022!

Additionally, Royal Caribbean Group files all of its trademarks under a single brand on behalf of all of their subsidiary lines, including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and SilverSea.

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Royal Caribbean updates: Icon of the Seas sea trials, Adults-only beach construction & more - Royal Caribbean Blog

They may be rascals, and scoundrels, and villains, and knaves, but its impossible to say that pirates arent fun to watch at least on screen. And of course, there is perhaps no pirate more famous in pop culture at this point than Jack Sparrow, the bumbling, drunken heart of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.

Known for never having a plan but somehow always ending up with one that works out, the unreasonably charming pirate was brought to life by Johnny Depp for five movies across nearly 15 years. In his journeys, he encountered the Kraken, Davy Jones, the Fountain of Youth, and even Poseidons trident.

But, if youre here, you probably know all this. What you want to know is how to watch Sparrow and his pirate friends including Orlando Blooms Will Turner and Keira Knightleys Elizabeth Swan in all their swashbuckling glory.

Well, we are inclined to acquiesce to your request. (Meaning yes).

Though some franchises like to hop around in their universes timeline in later films, Pirates of the Caribbean is not one of those franchises. Whether you want to watch the films in release order or in timeline order, it doesnt matter its the same order!

Heres how to do it:

The good news is, all the Pirates of the Caribbean movies live in one place. You can currently stream all five movies on Disney+.

Back in 2020, Margot Robbie began developing a new Pirates movie in 2020 with her Birds of Prey writer Christina Hodson, with Robbie herself reportedly taking on the lead role. But, in November 2022, Robbie told Vanity Fair that the project was no longer happening.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced all five of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, tells another tale. He says Robbies film could very well still happen it just wont be thenextPirates movie.

Well hopefully well get another Pirates movie made, Bruckheimer told TheWrap in December. We developed two scripts at once and the Margot Robbie script was a little further away, but well get that made down the line too and focus on more of an ensemble Pirates movie at this point.

No release date has been set but given the success of the franchise, you can bet Pirates of the Caribbean 6 will happen sooner or later.

Read this article:

How to Watch the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' Movies in Order - TheWrap

WASHINGTON, May 5, CMC The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) says Chikungunyahas been identified in nearly 115 countries, with seasonal or sporadic outbreaksin the Americas, including the Caribbean.

Chikungunya is a disease transmitted through the bite of female Aedes mosquitoes infected with the chikungunya virus. The most common symptom is an abrupt onset of fever, often accompanied by joint pain that usually lasts for two weeks,

PAHO said experts met recently to discuss controlling the disease including ways to support countries to tackle a growing number of casesthat reached more than 210,000 in the first months of 2023in the Americas, including the Caribbean.

While disease mortality is low, some patients experience debilitating pain that can last for as long as six months, affecting a persons ability to move, work and take care of herself or others, PAHO said, stating that the name chikungunya comes from the African Makonde language and means bent over in pain.

In 2023, however, increased chikungunya circulation was detected among five countries in the Americas, greatly surpassing numbers for the same period in previous year.

PAHO saidthe disease was first detected in the Americas in 2013 in St. Martin; and, a year later, it had spread to most countries in the region.It said over a million cases were detected in the first year following its introduction in the continent.

In the first four months of 2023, PAHO said increased Chikungunya circulation was detected in the region, with over 214,000 cases reported cases.

What we see this year are changes in magnitude and timing. The epidemic is much earlier and with more cases than the past few years, said Thais dos Santos, PAHOs advisor on Surveillance and Control of Arboviral Diseases.

Speaking at the World Health Organization (WHO) EPI-WIN webinartitled Chikungunya Experiences from the current response to the outbreak in the Americas, dos Santos said the hardest hit country is Paraguay, which recorded its worst epidemic in history with 138,730 cases.

Argentina and Uruguay also reported local transmission for the first time in 2023, and Bolivia reported high levels of transmission of both chikungunya (1,150 cases) and dengue (116,224 cases) another disease transmitted by the same mosquito.

PAHOsaid climate change is one of the factors contributing to the spread of Chikungunya.

It said unusually high temperatures, anticipated or increased rains and ensuing humidity have led the Aedes mosquitoes to be present in areas where it was not previously able to survive.

Longer stretches of warmer periods in the south of the Americas have enabled the mosquito to do well in places where it didnt do well before, dos Santos said.

Movement restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic may have also had an impact on vector control methods, limiting activities such as house control visits to remove breeding sites, along with insecticide resistance, PAHO said.

It said that, although there are seven Chikungunya vaccines under development, currently there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for the disease.

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PAHO warns of sporadic outbreaks of Chikungunya spread in the Caribbean - Jamaica Star Online

During the early days of what Royal Caribbean called its "Royal Comeback," the return to sailing after the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) dropped its no-sail order, cruises were both sparsely filled and inexpensive. The crowds were partially dictated by social distancing rules, but that wasn't the full story.

Few people take a cruise on a whim. During its covid shutdown Royal Caribbean (RCL) - Get Free Report and rivals, including Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) - Get Free Report, and Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCLH) - Get Free Report kept selling cruises even while they did not have permission to sell. That's because even under normal circumstances, the sales process for filling a cruise ship usually takes a full year.

DON'T MISS: Carnival Cruise Line Considers a First-of-Its-Kind Onboard Change

Few people, of course, were willing to put deposits down on cruises which may not happen (even with very generous cancellation policies). So, when the CDC decided ships could sail again, they had very few passengers, and booking a cruise was very inexpensive.

Even with prices well below normal, some people did not want to meet vaccination requirements while others refused to sail until all covid rules were dropped. Others were also just worried about sailing during a pandemic so Royal Caribbean and its rivals kept prices low while the crowds slowly returned.

During the first year, maybe year-and-a-half, after its July 2021 return to sailing (a three-night trip on Freedom of the Seas at about 20% capacity) Royal Caribbean pointed out during its earnings calls that while ticket fares were down, onboard spending was up. That made sense because if you book a cruise cheaply, it's easier to justify paying for drink and/or dining packages, excursions, and other extras.

Now, Royal Caribbean CEO Jason Liberty shared during his cruise line's fourth-quarter earnings call that two things are happening which should give potential passengers pause.

"The acceleration of demand, coupled with our team's incredible execution, is also translating into higher revenue and earnings expectations for the full year...We are more than doubling our full-year yield growth expectations to 6.75% to 7.75% on increased expectations for ticket and onboard revenues," he said.

Basically, people are paying more for their cabin and still spending more while onboard (or booking onboard experiences beforehand). Liberty made it clear that the impact of covid has fully ended.

"Pricing was also significantly higher as our commercial apparatus across all channels has been driving quality demand into our vacation ecosystem. The strong wave season resulted in an acceleration of our book position in relation to prior years," he said. "The booking window is now completely back to normal, demonstrating consumers' desire to continue to plan their vacation travel with us well in advance."

So, as a passenger, you need to be aware that you will pay more and you will almost certainly spend more for onboard extras. Liberty's words should also serve as a warning to passengers about monitoring the total cost of their cruise because your fare is generally only a piece of what your trip will cost you.

Liberty believes that his cruise line (and maybe his rivals) have benefitted from changing consumer spending habits.

"Secular tailwinds continue to benefit us as consumers continue to shift preferences and spend from goods to experiences, resulting in a strong entertainment and travel spend. This trend continued in the first quarter, where spending on experience was 24% higher than 2019 and double the spend on goods," he shared. "Further, our research shows that consumers plan to continue prioritizing leisure travel over other spend."

This has driven new customers to Royal Caribbean and cruising in general.

"Our addressable market is plentiful and continues to be meaningfully larger than it was in 2019," Liberty added.

The CEO does not see this as a one-time thing. He expects it to continue and help Royal Caribbean expand its base of recurring customers.

"In the first quarter, the percentage of guests who were either new to brand or new to cruise surpassed 2019 levels by a wide margin. The improvements we have made in our commercial capabilities have allowed us to capture quality demand and expand our share of guest wallet," he added. "In the first quarter, about two-thirds of our guests booked some of their onboard activities in advance of their cruise. The comparable figure in 2019 was 48%."

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Royal Caribbean Has Bad News For Passengers (And a Warning) - msnNOW