Madlib and KAYTRANADA Take Lexus IS Wax Edition for the Ultimate Spin

March 22, 2021

Lexus and Pitchfork brought together legendary DJ and producer MC Madlib and chart-topping artist and producer KAYTRANADA for the first time to create a brand-new double-single on vinyl and debut it in the Lexus IS Wax Edition, giving a whole new meaning to “taking it for a spin.”

PLANO, Texas, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Lexus IS Wax Edition hits all the right notes. The custom concept vehicle, a modified 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan, has a fully functional turntable built into the dashboard capable of playing vinyl records while the car is in motion without missing a beat – even on a bumpy road. To celebrate this innovation, Lexus and Pitchfork brought together legendary DJ and producer MC Madlib and chart-topping artist and producer KAYTRANADA for the first time to create a brand-new double-single on vinyl and debut it in the Lexus IS Wax Edition, giving a whole new meaning to “taking it for a spin.”

This impressive fusion of music and cars was captured in a two-episode documentary series, “Driven by Sound,” created in partnership with Pitchfork. Episode One offers a behind-the-scenes look into the creative process of Madlib and KAYTRANADA. Episode Two documents the creation of the in-dash turntable and reveals the Lexus IS Wax Edition. It features music from the highly anticipated release of the artists’ joint double-single. Vinyl Me, Please (VMP), a monthly record subscription club that curates and creates vinyl packages, will distribute the exclusive 7″ vinyl to select members as part of their subscription.

“When I make music, I usually do it in headphones, so I hear everything clear,” said Madlib. “And I take it to the car, test it out. Every time. That’s the big test. To have the turntable in a Lexus? That’s beyond.”

“When Lexus said they wanted to build this car, I didn’t think it was possible,” added KAYTRANADA. “It was amazing to see and hear vinyl playing while cruising in a car.”

With vinyl listening once again on the rise and the Lexus IS attracting drivers with a passion for authenticity and amazing experiences, creating an in-car turntable that works flawlessly with the vehicle in motion was a challenge worth pursuing. To bring the concept car to life, Lexus commissioned SCPS, a world-renowned creative technology and custom fabrication studio based in Los Angeles. For over a decade, SCPS has been behind the marketing innovations of consumer brands and Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

The record player, created with a 3D printer and modified with carbon fiber and machined aluminum, fits snuggly into the vehicle’s glovebox and is large enough to play a full-size 12-inch record. Once the needle hits the grooves, a rotating motor helps stabilize the turntable to avoid skipping while the vehicle is in motion. The enhanced suspension system of the Lexus IS and fine-tuned handling provide a smooth and stable ride, which are critical for the needle of a record player. The Lexus IS Wax Edition offers an ideal environment for appreciating the warmth and depth that vinyl records give to recorded music. The modified vehicle, designed to celebrate the launch of the 2021 Lexus IS sports sedan, will not be for sale but will be on display at future Lexus events.

“Like audiophiles who go ‘all in’ to create the purest listening experiences, we went ‘all in’ to design the new 2021 Lexus IS as the purest expression of a sports sedan,” said Vinay Shahani, vice president of Lexus marketing. “The Lexus IS Wax Edition exemplifies the ultimate union of our respective passions, bringing together vinyl and cars in a fresh new way.”

Featuring the Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio System, the new 2021 Lexus IS boasts one of the best sound-listening spaces for music lovers. Its 17 speakers and new amplifier offer 1,800 watts of power for a 7.1 surround sound listening experience.

For more information on the new IS, visit https://www.lexus.com/models/IS.

About Lexus
Lexus’ passion for brave design, imaginative technology, and exhilarating performance enables the luxury lifestyle brand to create amazing experiences for its guests. Lexus began its journey in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since then, Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 243 dealers offering a full lineup of luxury vehicles. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers eight F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

www.facebook.com/lexus
www.twitter.com/lexus
www.youtube.com/lexusvehicles
www.instagram.com/lexususa
https://www.pinterest.com/lexususa

Note to Editors: Lexus product information and images are available online via our news media website http://LexusNewsroom.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Kat Kirsch	Jesse Zand
973-800-8038	310-883-5602
[email protected]	[email protected]

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1460272/IS_Wax_Madlib.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1428802/Lexus_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Lexus

Hamilton Reserve Bank, Formerly Nevis International Bank & Trust, Completes Rebranding as A Leading Bank in the Hometown of Alexander Hamilton

March 22, 2021

NEW YORK and ST. KITTS AND NEVIS, March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — HAMILTON RESERVE BANK (www.hrbank.com), formerly Nevis International Bank & Trust, announces the completion of the Bank’s rebranding as the leading hometown bank of Alexander Hamilton, a Founding Father of America. Hamilton Reserve Bank combines powerful modern banking services with the legacy of Alexander Hamilton.

Hamilton Reserve Bank is the largest global bank in the region with worldwide offices and customers. The Bank’s rebranding reflects its global presence, “fortress” balance sheet, and rapidly expanding customer base from more than 150 countries. The Bank’s operations, compliance, control, and SWIFT code NIBTKNNE remain the same.

Hamilton Reserve Bank offers white glove banking solutions in 10 different currencies to a worldwide clientele of large institutions, individuals, businesses, and ultra-high-net-worth family offices seeking reliable, holistic, and efficient international banking and investment solutions. Certified annually by Grant Thornton, the Bank’s auditor, Hamilton Reserve Bank maintains a pristine regulatory history and is committed to a best practices approach in all aspects of its business.

About HAMILTON RESERVE BANK

HAMILTON RESERVE BANK (www.hrbank.com) is a fully regulated global bank (SWIFT: NIBTKNNE) with a deep British heritage. Powered by advanced modern banking technology, the Bank offers personal banking, business banking, and investment solutions in 10 different currencies across 150+ countries, serving a large, rapidly expanding worldwide clientele. The Bank has a “fortress” balance sheet, zero customer loan exposure, pristine compliance history, an exceptional CET1 capital ratio, strong customer privacy protection, speedy client onboarding, and 24/7 mobile banking. The Bank’s independent asset management affiliate is regulated by the U.S. SEC, which advises the Morningstar 5-Star rated, New York Stock Exchange listed Volshares Large Cap ETF (NYSE stock symbol: VSL), a top 1% performer three years in a row. Hamilton Reserve Bank engages in four areas: Banking, Trust & Escrow, Capital Markets, and Asset Management. Headquartered on a large bank compound at the Hamilton Reserve Bank Plaza in St. Kitts & Nevis, Alexander Hamilton’s birthplace and a thriving British Commonwealth nation, Hamilton Reserve Bank is the largest global bank in the region, maintaining worldwide offices and global customer support.

Contact:

HAMILTON RESERVE BANK
Hamilton Reserve Bank Plaza
Jessups Estate, Nevis
Saint Kitts & Nevis
Telephone: +1 (869) 469-8889
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.hrbank.com

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459419/HAMILTON_RESERVE_BANK_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Hamilton Reserve Bank

Majority Of Cancer Patients With COVID-19 Have Similar Immune Response To People Without Cancer

March 22, 2021

BRONX, N.Y., March 22, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Most people with cancer who are infected by the novel coronavirus produce antibodies at a rate comparable to the rest of the population—but their ability to do so depends on their type of cancer and the treatments they’ve received, according to a new study by researchers at Montefiore Health System and Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The findings, published online today in Nature Cancer, may lead to better care for cancer patients, who face a heightened risk of dying from COVID-19, and suggests that cancer patients should respond well to COVID-19 vaccines.

“We conducted the study out of our concern that cancer patients who develop COVID-19 may not benefit from the same degree of antibody protection as people without cancer, given that many are immuno-compromised,” said Astha Thakkar, M.B.B.S., a Montefiore hematologic oncology fellow and first author of the paper. “Our findings provide assurance that most people with cancer are able to mount an antibody response to the coronavirus that is similar to the general population. People with a history of cancer are likely as protected from reinfection as those without a history of disease and are likely to respond well to vaccines, according to our study.”

The retrospective study involved 261 cancer patients, 77% of whom were diagnosed with solid malignancies and 23% with hematologic (blood) malignancies. Their overall rate of seroconversion (production of antibodies in response to infection) was 92%. However, when patients with solid and blood malignancies were compared, patients with blood cancers had a seroconversion rate of only 81.7%—significantly lower than the 94.5% seroconversion rate for patients with solid tumors.

“The treatments commonly given to patients with blood cancers—anti-CD20 antibody therapy, stem-cell transplants, and steroids—are known to suppress the immune system, which may explain the lower rate of antibodies developed in these patients and their increased risk for severe COVID-19 disease,” said senior author Balazs Halmos, M.D., M.S., director of the Multidisciplinary Thoracic Oncology Program at Montefiore, professor of medicine at Einstein, and a member of the Albert Einstein Cancer Center (AECC).

“We need to pay special attention to patients with blood cancers and think through proactive strategies to ensure this patient population is appropriately cared for,” said Sanjay Goel, M.B.B.S., a medical oncologist at Montefiore, professor of medicine at Einstein, a member of AECC, and a coauthor on the paper. “This study also raises the need for additional research on COVID-19 vaccines and current treatments for people with blood cancer.”

In a paper published last year in Cancer Discovery, Dr. Halmos and colleagues found that COVID-19 patients with blood cancers had significantly higher mortality rates compared with patients who had solid tumors. Mortality was more closely related to age and co-morbidities than active cancer therapy.

The study participants were cared for at Montefiore between March 1, 2020 and September 15, 2020 and tested positive for COVID-19 through PCR tests to detect coronavirus or prior COVID-19 exposure through antibody testing, or both. The patients had an average age of 64 and were almost evenly split between men and women. Fifty-six percent of patients (147/261) had symptomatic coronavirus infection, while 44% (114/261) had an asymptomatic infection.

More than 40% of patients were African American; 30% were Hispanic, nearly 15% were Caucasian, 3% were Asian, and 6% belong to other ethnic groups.

The paper is titled “Patterns of seroconversion for SARS-COV2-IgG in Patients with Malignant Disease and association with anti-cancer therapy.”

Additional Montefiore-Einstein authors are: Kith Pradhan, Ph.D., Shawn Jindal, M.D., Zhu Cui, M.D., M.P.H., Bradley Rockwell, M.D., Akash Pradip Shah, M.S., Stuart Packer, M.D., R. Alejandro Sica, M.D., Joseph A Sparano, M.D., D. Yitzhak Goldstein, M.D., and Amit Verma, M.B.B.S.

This study was supported in part by the Albert Einstein Cancer Center (P30 CA013330 and NCORP grant 2UG1CA189859-06) and by the Jane A. and Myles P. Dempsey fund and the Pelka family fund. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems and is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester and the Hudson Valley. It is comprised of 10 hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital and more than 200 outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter and view us on Facebook and YouTube.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Albert Einstein College of Medicine is one of the nation’s premier centers for research, medical education and clinical investigation. During the 2020-21 academic year, Einstein is home to 721 M.D. students, 178 Ph.D. students, 109 students in the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, and 265 postdoctoral research fellows. The College of Medicine has more than 1,900 full-time faculty members located on the main campus and at its clinical affiliates. In 2020, Einstein received more than $197 million in awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This includes the funding of major research centers at Einstein in aging, intellectual development disorders, diabetes, cancer, clinical and translational research, liver disease, and AIDS. Other areas where the College of Medicine is concentrating its efforts include developmental brain research, neuroscience, cardiac disease, and initiatives to reduce and eliminate ethnic and racial health disparities. Its partnership with Montefiore, the University Hospital and academic medical center for Einstein, advances clinical and translational research to accelerate the pace at which new discoveries become the treatments and therapies that benefit patients. Einstein runs one of the largest residency and fellowship training programs in the medical and dental professions in the United States through Montefiore and an affiliation network involving hospitals and medical centers in the Bronx, Brooklyn and on Long Island. For more information, please visit www.einstein.yu.edu, read our blog, follow us on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and view us on YouTube.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/675671/Montefiore_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Montefiore Health System; Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Doctors Hospital Takes Action to Preserve Fair Competition After the Cayman Government Grants a Series of Financial Concessions

March 20, 2021

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Doctors Hospital (“DH”) in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, announced they are seeking a judicial review of the vast unilateral concessions made by the government to Health City and Aster Cayman MedCity. According to DH, these concessions unfairly distort competition between healthcare providers on the Cayman Islands, and could ultimately compromise the quality of healthcare available.

DH challenges the fairness of the ongoing grant of financial concessions to Narayana Hrudayalaya Private Limited (“NHP”) by the Government of the Cayman Islands (“CIG”) for the current Health City development. Also, granting vast financial concessions to DM Healthcare (“DM”) for the Aster Cayman MedCity development, and the proposed financial concessions to NHP for the proposed development at Camana Bay is concerning.

CIG recently announced NHP will develop a new hospital at Camana Bay. The Premier reportedly stated, “concessions and duty waivers already in place for Health City would apply to the new facility” (Cayman Compass, 19 February 2021).

Concerning Aster Cayman Medcity, the Premier reportedly said DM would “not have to pay duty on medical equipment or supplies for 25 years after the commencement of construction of phase 1,” and an agreement to that effect would be executed that day (Cayman Compass, 21 December 2020).

DH acknowledges CIG’s intention to attract foreign investment to the Cayman Islands and welcomes it. However, DH firmly believes fair competition and a level playing field for all healthcare providers serves the best interests of all, especially the general public. Therefore, DH issued a pre-action letter to CIG on Monday, 8 March 2021, to which CIG has not substantively responded.

“We believe in fair and competitive marketplaces. Eliminating the gap between healthcare providers in Cayman is more important than ever. No market should be subjected to anticompetitive, monopolistic, or dominating behaviour. The power held by these companies affects the Cayman economy, our democracy, and ultimately the health and well-being of our citizens. It is especially unfortunate for the many local-owned businesses who have been contributing to the country for years, shaping our community to what it is today,” says Dr Yaron Rado, Board Chairman and Chief Radiologist, Doctors Hospital.

For further information, please contact:
Virgo Communications
Khalil Goodman
[email protected]
+1 (246) 424-1936

SOURCE Doctors Hospital

California’s Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Provider Network Managed by Blue Shield of California Expands Enrolled Providers, Reach and Capacity

March 19, 2021

Blue Shield of California Logo (PRNewsfoto/Blue Shield of California)

OAKLAND, Calif., March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California, as the state of California’s third-party administrator, today announced the state’s enhanced COVID-19 vaccine provider network continues to expand, with the number of providers enrolled by the network nearly doubling since last week.

More providers are expected to enroll in the state’s network in the coming weeks, enabling the network to meet or exceed California’s goal of having the capacity to deliver 4 million doses a week by the end of April.

The currently enrolled providers represent a wide range of facilities across California that together reach 99 percent of the state’s 16-years and older population based on the state’s guidance of people having vaccine provider access within 10 miles for urban areas and 30 miles for rural areas. The network also has a deep presence in most vulnerable communities with the network reaching 99 percent of the population in areas California has identified as high priorities for vaccine availability to meet equity goals (lowest quartile Healthy Places Index).

“This is a collective effort by providers along with local and state health officials to save lives by making vaccines available to all Californians, especially those living in communities hardest hit by this pandemic,” said Paul Markovich, president and CEO, Blue Shield of California. “Together, we are building a provider network that can quickly get vaccines to every corner of our state and the way to do that is to build capacity that’s only limited by the number of doses we receive from the federal government.”

The state’s enhanced network includes Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and community health clinics, local provider systems, pharmacies, and all multi-county entities. The network currently has the capacity to deliver over 3 million doses per week. Combined with the mega sites operated by the federal government, California is expected to greatly exceed its goal of creating statewide capacity to be able to administer 4 million vaccinations a week.

The third-party administrator, under the direction of the state, continues to work closely with counties and their health officials including equity plans that engage community-based organizations to help ensure vaccines reach all parts of their communities.

The latest list of participating vaccine providers can be found at this link.

It is important to note that during the March transition period, the providers already administering the vaccine will continue to receive doses to ensure vaccines are available to as many Californians as possible.

Blue Shield continues to work expeditiously to have as many eligible providers participate in the enhanced network including FQHCs, community clinics, multi-county entities, hospital systems, medical groups, pharmacies and others.

Blue Shield is a nonprofit health plan that’s answering the call by the state to support its vaccine distribution efforts to help save lives. The health plan is working closely with each county, their public health leaders, and state officials to build a vaccine network to help meet the state’s goal to ensure all Californians have access to the vaccines equitably, efficiently and as quickly as possible.

The health plan is taking on this effort at cost without making a profit from the state. Blue Shield is not charging the state for its staff time devoted to this effort. It will only bill the state actual expenses to support the network up to the limit of the contract.

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. Blue Shield of California is a tax paying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with over 4.5 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $21 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $150 million to Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last four years to have an impact on California communities.

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

Or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, or Facebook.

CONTACT:	Erika Conner
	Blue Shield of California
	510-607-2359
	[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

WDM Chamber to Host National Event for Minority Entrepreneurs

March 19, 2021

WEST DES MONES, Iowa, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber) is set to host the first annual Black and Brown Business Summit (the Summit) presented by Principal Financial Group® on April 22 and 23. This two-day conference was created by the WDM Chamber’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEI Committee) with the goal of elevating ethnic minorities and to bring BIPOC businesses together to assist with connection building, programming, promotion, training and to provide resources to help businesses grow and prosper.

Programming for the Summit includes breakout sessions led by top experts, Mel Essex Award, inspirational keynote speakers and networking. Breakout sessions are divided into two tracks – New Entrepreneurs and Established Entrepreneurs.

Keynote speakers include George Herrera, current Independent Director of the board of Travel and Leisure Co. and former President and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Brandon Copeland, a starting NFL Linebacker and Financial Wellness Professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

The pitch competition, to be held the first day of the Summit and brought to you by exclusive pitch competition partner Hy-Vee, will serve as a chance for up to 30 businesses to participate in the workshop. At the end of the day, 5 to 6 individuals from the workshop will be selected to present their pitch to a panel of judges to win a chance for $10,000 total cash prizes. Deadline to apply is March 26. View and fill out the application here.

Tickets for the Summit are available for $15. There are a limited number of tickets available for in-person participation hosted at Athene in West Des Moines. The Summit is following all COVID-19 safety guidance and protocols for in-person guests. Masks and social distancing are required.

Learn more about the Summit on the WDM Chamber’s website.

The Black & Brown Business Summit is presented by: Principal Financial Group®
Partner Sponsor: Athene
Exclusive Pitch Competition Partner: Hy-Vee

Learn More About the Summit

SOURCE West Des Moines Chamber

America 250 Foundation To Commence Nationwide Search For President And CEO

March 19, 2021

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After more than two years of dedicated service to make the America 250 Foundation – the non-profit partner of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission, fully operational, President and CEO Dr. Tony Rucci, will conclude his role, and a nationwide search to select a new chief executive will commence. The next phase of preparations for America 250, a multiyear initiative to inspire the American spirit leading up to the largest and most inclusive commemoration in our nation’s history in 2026, will aim to increase public awareness and engagement around the Foundation’s plans to create and inspire more than 100,000 programs.

The search for a new America 250 president and CEO will begin immediately utilizing industry best practices to identify a truly diverse candidate pool that reflects the Foundation’s commitment to inclusion and representing all Americans. Additional details about the search process will be announced in the coming weeks.

Chairman DiLella said, “We are focused on securing a chief executive to lead America 250’s efforts during the next six years. Tony has set a very high standard and we will look for an equally dynamic leader to help design breakthrough programs and raise the funds needed to successfully execute what we believe will be the largest commemoration in the history of our country.”

During this transition, Scott Hommel, America 250’s Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of interim president until a new president is hired.

Dr. Tony Rucci’s Contributions
Dr. Rucci has worked with the Commission and Foundation since 2018. Most significantly, he led the Commission’s strategic planning effort followed by assuming the role of President and CEO of America 250 in late 2019 with the understanding he would lead its initial build out. In just over two years, Dr. Rucci developed all facets of America 250 from partnerships and staffing, to budget and branding.

“Tony has been instrumental in developing our strategic vision and plans,” said America 250 Chairman Daniel DiLella, “And he has been equally effective in establishing both board and governance, and the organizational structure of the Foundation. We are extremely fortunate to have had Tony’s experience and organizational insight to guide us, not to mention that he has performed all of these services on a 100% pro bono basis. I look forward to having his ongoing counsel as we advance the work of the Foundation.”

Dr. Rucci said, “My dad, Joseph, came to America as a 14-year-old, Italian immigrant. He earned a Purple Heart in World War II, and then worked in the steel mills in Youngstown, Ohio, his entire life. He loved America and the values we stand for. Never in my wildest imagination did I think I would ever have the opportunity to be involved in such a cherished national milestone event. It has been a distinct privilege and honor to give back to a country which has given my family so much. I cannot thank Chairman DiLella enough for having had this opportunity.”

About the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and America 250 Foundation
The U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission and its nonprofit partner, the America 250 Foundation, are tasked with planning and orchestrating the 250^th anniversary of American independence, which will take place on July 4, 2026. The organizations work collaboratively with public and private entities across the country to make America 250 the largest and most inclusive commemoration in our nation’s history leading up to and extending from 2026. For more information visit www.america250.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1122310/America_250_Logo.jpg

SOURCE America 250

Royal Caribbean Marks 2021 Return To Caribbean With Cruises From The Bahamas

March 19, 2021

MIAMI, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — This summer, travelers can trade in virtual travel experiences for their long-awaited vacations and cruise in The Bahamas and Mexico with Royal Caribbean International. The global cruise line has announced a summer lineup of 7-night cruises on board Adventure of the Seas, setting sail this June from new homeport Nassau, The Bahamas. Vacationers now have the chance to island-hop and relish the adventures they have missed, including the first series of two back-to-back days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s game-changing private island destination in The Bahamas, and quality time exploring Grand Bahama Island, The Bahamas and Cozumel, Mexico.

Travelers looking ahead to their summer vacations can book their roundtrip cruise as soon as Wednesday, March 24 and set sail starting June 12. The new itineraries departing through August, which will sail with vaccinated crew, will be available to adult guests who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and those under the age of 18 with negative test results.

“We are excited to get back to delivering memorable vacations in the Caribbean, gradually and safely. The vaccines are clearly a game changer for all of us, and with the number of vaccinations and their impact growing rapidly, we believe starting with cruises for vaccinated adult guests and crew is the right choice. As we move forward, we expect this requirement and other measures will inevitably evolve over time,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “The opportunity to homeport in The Bahamas is a testament to the tremendous partners the government and the people of the island nation have been to us for more than 50 years. We are grateful for the confidence that they have in us and our commitment to a healthy and happy return to sailing.”

Itinerary Highlights

The sun-soaked shores of Perfect Day at CocoCay, Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel beckon.

Royal Caribbean’s limited summer series with Adventure offers guests the unique opportunity to spend two consecutive days on Perfect Day at CocoCay, where all staff will be fully vaccinated. With double the time to enjoy the island’s ultimate combination of thrills and ways to chill, by day, travelers can hit the tallest waterslide in North America among Thrill Waterpark’s 13 jaw-dropping waterslides; Up, Up & Away, the helium balloon that floats up to 450 feet in the air; and the first floating cabanas in The Bahamas at Coco Beach Club. And as the sun sets, they can unwind with a cocktail in hand on Chill Island’s tranquil beaches or at the largest freshwater pool in the Caribbean, Oasis Lagoon.
On the agenda at Grand Bahama Island and Cozumel are turquoise blue waters, island vibes, and the options to safely explore each destination’s culture, history, cuisine and natural beauty on selected Royal Caribbean shore excursions.

“As we anticipate a promising return to a vibrant tourism industry, news that the cruise industry is going to begin homeporting in The Bahamas is exciting. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions, of passengers will experience Nassau or Grand Bahama in ways they never had the opportunity to before,” said the Most Hon. Dr. Hubert A. Minnis, Prime Minister of The Bahamas. “I am especially pleased that Royal Caribbean, with whom we have had a long and mutually beneficial relationship for more than 50 years, selected The Bahamas as a homeport when sailing resumes. This is truly a new day for tourism. It should inspire many small- to medium-sized businesses, tour operators, taxi drivers, restaurants and retailers to prepare for brighter days ahead, the best we have ever had.”

Experiences in Store on Adventure of the Seas

Adventure, primed for the memory-making Royal Caribbean is known for, offers guests a host of experiences for smooth sailing from one island to the next. From The Perfect Storm, dual-racer waterslides Cyclone and Typhoon, and the signature FlowRider surf simulator, to kids aqua park Splashaway Bay, thrills of all kinds are on deck.

Add to that the variety of entertainment and dining venues, such as Izumi, known for its menu of fresh sushi and sashimi; the cruise line’s popular steakhouse, Chops Grille; and Latin-inspired lounge Boleros, there are adventures for all ages and every member of the family on board.

“Royal Caribbean has long been a valued partner to The Bahamas, and we are thrilled to work with them on making Nassau their newest homeport,” said Minister of Tourism & Aviation, the Honorable Dionisio D’Aguilar. “Cruising is a vital part of The Bahamas’ economy and having Royal Caribbean and their guests return to our shores will contribute greatly to restoring and reactivating tourism. We have been preparing diligently for the last many months to ensure an experience that is equally safe and enjoyable. We are confident that cruise goers will receive the warm, friendly hospitality The Bahamas is famous for. We cannot wait to remind guests that it is still Better in The Bahamas.”

Vacationers can rest assured their well-being and that of the crew members and communities visited are Royal Caribbean’s top priorities. Details on additional health and safety measures to be implemented by Royal Caribbean will be announced at a later date. The cruise line’s comprehensive, multilayered health and safety measures to come leverage expert guidance from the Healthy Sail Panel, Royal Caribbean Group’s Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer and local government and health authorities.

In addition, vacationers must meet the travel requirements of The Bahamas. This may include receiving a negative PCR test result before their arrival, testing upon arrival into the country and filling out appropriate entry forms. The most up-to-date policies can be found at The Bahamas website.

Royal Caribbean’s new 7-night summer itineraries continue the cruise line’s measured and safe return to cruising the world once again, following months of successful sailings with Quantum of the Seas in Singapore and the recent announcement of the highly anticipated Odyssey of the Seas to cruise from Haifa, Israel. For more information on Adventure’s limited series of summer cruises, click here.

About Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International has been delivering innovation at sea for more than 50 years. Each successive class of ships is an architectural marvel featuring the latest technology and guest experiences for today’s adventurous traveler. The cruise line continues to revolutionize vacations with itineraries to more than 270 destinations in 72 countries on six continents, including Royal Caribbean’s private island destination in The Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay, the first in the Perfect Day Island Collection. Royal Caribbean has also been voted “Best Cruise Line Overall” for 18 consecutive years in the Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Awards.

Media can stay up to date by following @RoyalCaribPR on Twitter and visiting RoyalCaribbeanPressCenter.com. For additional information or to make reservations, vacationers can call their travel advisor; visit RoyalCaribbean.com; or call (800) ROYAL-CARIBBEAN.

Royal Caribbean International is applying the recommendations of its Healthy Sail Panel of public health and scientific experts to provide a safer and healthier cruise vacation on all of its sailings. Health and safety protocols, regional travel restrictions and clearance to visit ports of call, are subject to change based on ongoing evaluation, public health standards, and government requirements. U.S. cruises and guests: For more information on the latest health and travel alerts, U.S. government travel advisories, please visit www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/itinerary-updates or consult travel advisories, warnings or recommendations relating to cruise travel on applicable government websites.

Video – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459999/AdventureOTS_ReturnToService_NTSC_HD_031921.mp4

SOURCE Royal Caribbean International

Fernando Cruz’s new book PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO, a stirring collection of poems full of passion, emotions and messages dedicated to love.

March 19, 2021

HOBOKEN, N.J., March 19, 2020 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO was created by Fernando Cruz. Fernando is an author, writer, poet and declaimer, actor, radio and TV announcer, and master of ceremony who was born in the Argentine Republic on June 23 and studied in Buenos Aires for five years of scenic art and three years of voice over. He arrived in the United States in 1982 where he took courses in radio and TV voice over, graduating in both branches of communication.

Fernando Cruz said this about his book: “PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO is a collection of poems where the reader can find different ways and means to express the most sublime of feelings—love! through his poems, where it can be appreciated, in a simple and profound way, that each octave is an invitation to the imagination and where each rhyme is a sweet melody to enjoy and share. It is a message of faith, of hope, where almost anything is possible. It is a very encouraging message for all those who have lost, a little, the way to arrive and share the most beautiful emotions that love can give us, as an inexhaustible source for a happy coexistence. The door is left open to enter the wonderful and attractive world called PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO!”

Published by Page Publishing, Fernando Cruz’s new book PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO will enrapture the readers with evoking poems that proclaim the unparalleled wisdom and beauty of love that shapes the soul.

On his YouTube channel, under the name of: “POEMAS PARA TI” you can listen to 12 poems that are included in this book.

Consumers who wish to feel and understand the quaintness of love can purchase PORQUE ASÍ LO SIENTO online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Page Publishing is a traditional full-service publishing house that handles all of the intricacies involved in publishing its authors’ books, including distribution in the world’s largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create, not bogged down with complicated business issues like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of authors can leave behind these tedious, complex, and time-consuming issues and focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at www.pagepublishing.com.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459446/Fernando_Cruz.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

Adrian D. Arcadich’s New Book Cien Poemas De Amor Y Mil Emociones Desencadenadas, A Romantic Masterpiece Filled With Odes To Love And Human Emotion

March 19, 2021

NEW YORK, March 19, 2021 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The book Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas was created by Adrian D. Arcadich. Adrian is an author who was born on June 16, 1970, in Puebla, Mexico. From a very young age he opted for good lyrics since his parents loved listening to the bolero, a romantic musical genre.

Adrian D. Arcadich said this about his book: “There are books that change the way we perceive the concept of love. There are works that show us the subtlety with which we can express ourselves poetically toward women and at the same time flatter her, fill her with tenderness, with love. And with absolute conviction, I dare to say that Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas is a work that will encourage you, will fill you with the sublime inspiration to pay homage every morning, every evening to the love of your life. Love…what is love? Love is a pure feeling, full of goodness, compassion; in other words, they are beautiful virtues in some beings. What is love? Love is the only reason that man was created, and with love and for love was that he received the breath of life when he was still a lump of clay. And out of love and compassion, he was given the most beautiful being, the angelic being called a woman!”

Published by Page Publishing, Adrian D. Arcadich’s new book Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas will enrapture the readers with enthralling verses that speak of undying love for someone special.

Consumers who wish to feel the blissful wisdom and grace of love can purchase Cien poemas de amor y mil emociones desencadenadas in any bookstore or online at Apple iTunes, Amazon.com, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.

For additional information or inquiries, you can contact Page Publishing, through the following number: 866-315-2708.

About Page Publishing:

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1459455/Adrian_D_Arcadich.jpg

SOURCE Page Publishing

1...1,7961,7971,798...3,058 Page 1,797 of 3,058