CRUISE LINES

Royal Caribbean PortMiami expansion scheduled for late fall of 2018. Royal Caribbean, the world's 2nd largest cruise company, plans to build, finance and operate new terminal in the northeast section of PortMiami. Royal will invest more than $100 million dollars in the construction of this new project that will double annual passengers at PortMiami to roughly 1.5 Million cruisers once the terminal is completed. The new cruise terminal, which would be called Terminal A would provide easy passenger boarding and departure. For more information visit www.RoyalCaribbean.com

Norwegian Escape (November 2015) the largest in Norwegian's fleet of 14 vessels, features an elevated design that makes for a decidedly upscale experience. Quality finishes, curated artwork and the most luxurious The Haven by Norwegian™ exclusive ship–within-a-ship suite complex are just a few of the standout features that put Norwegian Escape in a class of her own. Norwegian Escape's Haven is the largest in the fleet and the most luxurious. At the heart of the private enclave on the top of the ship lies a three-story covered courtyard. An expanded forward sundeck with a cantilevered whirlpool, along with a new outdoor dining space in the Haven's private restaurant make Norwegian Escape's Haven the ultimate small ship experience, while still providing the freedom to enjoy large ship dining, entertainment and amenities. Norwegian Escape's dining options offer guests a mix of complimentary options, signature favorites and new premium specialty outlets. Showcasing all-new upgraded menus across all restaurants, the ship's 11 complimentary dining offerings and signature specialty restaurants Le Bistro, Cagney's and La Cucina rival those of luxury lines, with menu highlights including Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Fresh Maine Lobsters and Steak au Poivre with cognac sauce. Two new specialty restaurants from James Beard Award-Winning Iron Chef Jose Garces include Bayamo, a Latin seafood specialty restaurant, and Pincho Tapas Bar. Also new onboard is the Food Republic, a sophisticated food hall developed by Miami-based The Pubbelly Restaurant Group. The combination of choice and quality in dining options onboard and her upmarket design sets Norwegian Escape apart in the contemporary cruise market. For more information visit www.Escape.NCL.com

Carnival Vista (December 2016) Designed to connect guests to the ocean with sweeping views and plenty to do both outdoors and in, Carnival Vista will take cruising to new heights and introduce an exciting array of groundbreaking new features, 12 different indoor/outdoor culinary and bar concepts, from a classic American steakhouse called Fahrenheit 555 to the RedFrog Pub featuring the line's first on-board brewery and the Cherry On Top sweets store featuring a new mixed-to-order ice cream venue. In addition to: SkyRide, a breakthrough suspended open-air cycling experience; the world's first IMAX theatre on a ship; an expanded water park featuring the colorful Kaleid-O-Slide, the line's first raft-riding water tube slide; Seafood shake, a delectable New England-inspired eater; RedFrog Pub, including the line's first onboard brewery, and other enhanced dining, bar and entertainment options; as well as new scenic and family-friendly accommodation types.  Carnival Vista will offer a wide variety of well-appointed, beautifully designed staterooms and suites including two new accommodation classes. Tropics-inspired Havana Cabanas feature accommodations with private outdoor patios – complete with lounge chairs and hammock – that face the expanded Lanai ocean-air outdoor promenade and offer magnificent sea views in addition to easy access to the Havana Bar and Pool. For more information visit www.Carinval.com/CarnivalVista

Virgin Cruises (2020) Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, announced that Virgin Cruises has selected PortMiami as the home port for its first cruise ship that will set sail in 2020. Virgin Cruises' three new mid-size ships, of about 110,000 gross tons each, are slated for delivery in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Each ship will feature 1,430 guest cabins to host more than 2,800 guests. There also will be 1,150 crew on board to deliver the famed Virgin customer service. Embarking from PortMiami, Virgin Cruises plans to offer a range of seven-day Caribbean itineraries, with a Sunday sail date. For more information visit www.VirginCruises.com

MSC Seaside (December 2017)

With a gross tonnage of 154,000 tons and the ability to accommodate up to 4,140 guests at double occupancy, MSC Seaside will be the largest cruise ship ever built by Fincantieri shipyards. The ship will offer a vast range of popular itineraries from Miami to the Caribbean. MSC Cruises will provide North American guests with a 'Mediterranean Style Cruise' experience that no other line is able to offer, and guests from around the world a unique setting as it sails to the most sought-after destinations in the Caribbean. As part of a first look at what MSC Seaside will offer on board, the company also unveiled that the ship will boast the most interactive and originally-designed aqua park at sea with five water slides and attractions for all ages. The park is being built by WhiteWater West Industries of Canada, the award-winning designer and manufacturer of waterpark attractions globally. Highlights of the multi-story aqua park will include: Slideboarding™, Duelling High-Speed AquaTubes™, AquaPlay™& AquaSpray™, and Adventure Trail. For more information visit http://bit.ly/MSC-Seaside

AIRLINES

Debuted 2014:

• Swift Air – Latin America/Caribbean
• TAM Airlines – Belem & Fortaleza, Brazil
• Jetairfly – Brussels, Belguim
• InselAir Aruba – Oranjestad, Aruba
• Air Europa – Madrid, Spain
• Boliviana de Aviacion – Santa Cruz, Bolivia
• Qatar Airways – Doha, Qatar
• Finnair – Helsinki, Finland
• Frontier – Chicaco ORD, Denver, New York LGA, Philedelphia, Washington IAD

Debuting 2015:

• American Airlines – Austin, Kansas City, Salt Lake City, San Antonio
• American Airlines – Frankfurt, Germany; Monterrey, Mexico; Barranquilla, Colombia
• Frontier – Atlanta
• Aeromexico – Monterrey, Mexico
• Thomas Cook – Manchester, United Kingdom
• Aruba Airlines – Oranjestad, Aruba
• Aerolineas Argentinas – Cordoba, Argentina
• Austrian Airlines – Vienna, Austria
• Turkish Airlines – Istanbul, Turkey

HOTEL HAPPENINGS

New Hilton Garden Inn Opens in Miami South Beach. Hilton Garden Inn announced today the opening of Hilton Garden Inn Miami South Beach-Royal Polo, representing an addition to the brand's growing portfolio of more than 635 hotels worldwide.  Hilton Garden Inn South Beach –Royal Polo is owned and Managed by Baywood Hotels. Hilton Garden Inn South Beach-Royal Polo is located minutes from the beach, the Art Deco Historic District and within walking distance of Miami Beach Convention Center, Lincoln Road Mall and a variety of dining, entertainment and nightlife options. Guests will enjoy the appreciative Hilton Garden Inn Team Members for additional area recommendations. The new hotel offers the high-end amenities and welcoming services for travelers to sleep deep, stay fit, eat well and work smart while on the road. All Hilton Garden Inn guests will see why Life's Better at the Garden™ through amenities offered at each Hilton Garden Inn location, including enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, 24-hour business center with Print Spots™ remote printing, state-of-the-art fitness center.  The Polo Café offers a full cooked-to-order breakfast and dinner, cocktails*, and evening room service. The Pavilion Pantry® is open 24 hours and features a complete selection of salty snacks, sweet treats and cold beverages. All 96 guest rooms boast the brand's signature bedding featuring fresh, white duvets and crisp linens; a spacious and clutter-free work desk with an ergonomic desk chair; and an in-room "hospitality center" with a mini fridge, and Keurig coffee maker.  For more information or to make reservations, please visit www.RoyalPoloMiamiBeach.com

Vintro Hotel + Kitchen has joined Curio - A Collection by HiltonTM, a global set of remarkable upscale and luxury hotels hand-picked for their distinctive character and personality, appealing to passionate travelers seeking local discovery. Vintro Hotel South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, will open in March 2016. A high-design update of a classic Art Deco building, the 50-room Vintro Hotel South Beach is in the heart of the new South Beach emerging cultural center just two blocks from the beach, and steps away from the Bass Museum, Miami City Ballet, The New World Symphony, and the Miami Beach Convention Center, home of Art Basel.  At the heart of the Vintro Hotel South Beach is a mosaic wall in the lobby that embodies the relaxed vintage personality of the hotel and restaurant that has been rated among the Top 25 Hotels in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice Awards. For more information visit www.VintroHotels.com 

Iconic design and swaying palms set the stage at W South Beach, where the pulsating worlds of music, fashion and design meet contemporary luxury. Already equipped with the largest guestrooms in South Beach, each room boasts its own private balcony and features striking ocean views. By fall of 2016, W SoBe will up the ante by revamping their entire furniture, fixture and equipment package throughout all guestrooms. Anna Busta, who originally designed the hotel's public spaces and has been hailed as "one of the most influential young minds" in the world of international design, will be bringing her talents into each and every room on property.  About W South Beach: Just steps away from the Atlantic, W South Beach offers a cutting-edge oasis in the heart of South Beach. Swing open your door to discover the largest guestrooms in South Beach, each room boasting their own private balcony and striking ocean views (No other hotel in South Beach can claim this). The signature Whatever/Whenever team is at each guest's service to provide whatever they want, whenever they want it. Guestrooms at W South Beach range from 574- to over 3,000-square-feet with nine-foot ceilings and expansive glass balconies that allow for unparalleled views of South Beach and the glistening Atlantic Ocean. W South Beach embraces the vibrant spirit of South Beach while setting a glamorously luxurious, yet edgy standard of design and style for its guests. This oceanfront landmark sets the stage for W's fully integrated contemporary lifestyle experience: 408 W-branded residences, including Ocean Suites, Beach Bungalows, and the signature Extreme WOW suite (W's reinterpretation of the Presidential suite); Wall Lounge, an exclusive bar and ultra-lounge, Living Room Bar and patio; celebrity dining hotspot Mr. Chow; The Dutch, a roots-inspired American concept by Andrew Carmellini; Grove, a whimsical outdoor garden; Bliss® spa; WET, with two alluring pools and stylish cabanas; more than 10,000 square feet of ultra-modern meeting and event space; FIT state-of-the-art fitness center; rooftop basketball court and tennis court – SWISH & SWING, Living Room Bar, a curated Art Collection on display, and the W Store, the W brand's twist on the traditional hotel gift shop. For more information visit www.WSouthBeach.com

Opened March 2016, the Langford Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Miami. The 126-guestroom Hotel, affords modern-day travelers chic accommodations in the center of the city. The new boutique property, opening Fall 2015, combines the allure of Miami's past with culture inspired by the area's blossoming business and art district. The newly restored hotel, formerly the Miami National Bank and designated a historic site by the National Register of Historic Places, is a stylistic reflection of Miami's diversity, adding to the area's overall revitalization. The hotel will offer sophisticated food and beverage concepts, such as PB Station Restaurant and Pawn Broker by The PubbellyBoys to the burgeoning neighborhood. Old Miami and European sensibility collide in the fashioned Beaux Arts style of the remodeled 1925-structure.  The Langford Hotel located at 121 SE 1st St., Miami, FL, 33131. For more information, please visit www.LangfordHotelHiami.com

The St. Regis Bal Harbour, Forbes Five-Star Miami Beach resort, has just unveiled its first four-bedroom suite – the Ambassador Suite. The Ambassador Suite is perfect for families or larger groups, featuring 2,950 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, kitchenette, 2 spacious living rooms and 4 oversized balconies with direct ocean views (880 square feet of total balcony space).  The resort has also recently opened their first ever gourmet burger restaurant, the BH Burger Bar (www.bhburgerbar.com). The restaurant offers a highly curated and customizable menu featuring everything from the decadent Signature Burger (a combination of black truffle, grilled foie gras, tomato jam, lettuce and tomato on top of a seven-ounce single-grind beef patty) to the build-your-own-burgers to gourmet franks, fries and indulgent shakes paired with local craft beer, all in a relaxed, unique space. Unlike any other restaurant in the Bal Harbour area, BH Burger Bar's setting is perfectly suited for watching sports games and gathering with fellow guests in deep leather booths and banquettes, accented by flat screen TV's behind the marble-topped bar. For more information visit

COOL CUISINE AND NIGHT LIFE

A&B Food & Co is a 35 seated area (55 with bar seating). It will be intimate and offer Asian flavors utilizing French techniques. Chefs McCarthy and Tale are creating a menu inspired by traditional Japanese kaiseki tasting menus, with Japanese ingredients and flavor profiles, and Korean influences as well. Menu will pay homage and respect to kaiseki tasting menu, but they have localized it, using locally sourced ingredients and flavors from Miami. Additionally, the restaurant bar ( separate from the main lounge bar) will have an a la carte menu. For more information visit www.AbleAndBakerMiami.com

Restaurateurs Jonas and Alexandra Millán and Chef Partner Sunny Oh of Juvia Miami Beach and Bonito St. Barth are thrilled to announce the opening of Sushi Garage. The 100-seat, 4,000 square foot restaurant is located on the newly dubbed “Restaurant Row” of the locals-friendly and foodie-centric Sunset Harbour neighborhood. Now open to the public, the restaurant honors Japanese culinary philosophy by utilizing the freshest and finest ingredients, with bold and innovative takes on traditional classics.    Helming the kitchen is Partner Chef Sunny Oh, who also oversees the kitchen at Juvia. SushiGarage offers a number of hot & cold appetizers such as Kampachi Yuzu – Cilantro Salt Tiradito and Chicken Shrimp Gyoza. Main entrées include items like Miso Maple Seabass and Sliced Tenderloin Teriyaki along with a number of unique nigiris ranging from Truffle Shitake Nigiri to the delectable Hamachi Chili Tosazu.  Refreshing libations, crafted by Bonito St. Barth's award-winning mixologist Jerome Hurtado, perfectly pair with Chef Sunny's delectable menu. Sushi Garage was designed by Alejandro Barrios, who won The James Beard Foundation Design Award for its sister property Juvia in 2013. Beyond the garage door entrance of what was once an auto body and paint shop, Alberto Cavalieri Koi fish sculptures dangle from the ceiling and handcrafted tiles dress the floor. With natural wood finishes and tranquil green tones, Sushi Garage embodies a crisp aesthetic enhanced by fresh ginger and herbs growing throughout the restaurant. For more information visit www.SushiGarage.com

With the success of their first location in Miami on Ocean Drive, Sugar Factory American Brasserie, will be opening their second location in April 2016. America's favorite eatery and candy shop will bring their internationally-renowned celebrity sweets, treats and eats to Miami's premium outdoor shopping and dining destination on Lincoln Road. Sugar Factory Lincoln Road will offer the brand's renowned retail offerings, including the world-famous Couture Pops, delivery and grab-and-go selections including novelty and bulk candy, snow cones, gelato and ice cream sandwiches. The menu will be similar to Ocean Drive, allowing guests to choose from sweet items like pancakes and crêpes or savory favorites like the Sugar Factory Burger or the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich. Sugar Factory's legendary desserts will top the menu including the famous King Kong Sundae serving up to 12 people with 24 scoops of ice cream, sprinkles, caramel sauce, fudge sauce, strawberry sauce, marshmallows, Reese's Pieces, chocolate chip cookies, crushed waffle cones, gummy bears, white chocolate strawberry shavings, sliced bananas, toasted walnuts and whipped cream, then topped off with giant swirly pops. Additional highlights include frozen hot chocolate and decadent shakes like the Chocolate Cookie Jar Shake, made with Oreo cookie crumbles, chocolate chips, caramel, vanilla ice cream and pure melted chocolate, topped with whipped cream and Oreo cookies. Sugar Factory's celebrated premium cocktails mix sweet treats with spiked adult beverages, including the signature alcohol-infused smoking candy goblets, such as the Berry Bliss, a scintillating mix of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. The martini selections include the Sour Apple Lolly Martini, finished off with a Pop Rocks rim and lollipop in the glass; and the S'Mores Martini, a comforting combination of chocolate and marshmallows, garnished with a graham cracker rim. Sugar Factory Lincoln Road is located at 651 Lincoln Road at the Lincoln Road Mall. For more information visit www.SugarFactory.com/Miami

ATTRACTION ACTION AND SPECIAL EVENTS

Miami International Mall, located in Doral, will welcome exciting new retailers to the center in 2016! This year, Allegra, a women's fashion and specialty store, Tea Gallery, a tea specialty store and Tiramisu, a dessert and specialty kiosk, provide a snapshot of the specialty shops that will open their doors at Miami International Mall. Additionally, Slender Boutique will move into a larger space, allowing the retailer to carry a larger selection of therapeutic support garments. On April 30, 2016, Miami International Mall will celebrate the Chocolate Festival, which will take place in Sears Court from 1-6 p.m. and will showcase fine chocolate samples from South Florida's most popular restaurants and artisan chocolatiers, lectures on chocolate making, demonstrations from master chefs and chocolate inspired fashions and accessories. All proceeds will benefit the Miami Dade Public School Foundation for Education Initiatives. For more information visit www.Simon.com/Mall/Miami-International-Mall

Nightlife innovator and Miami native Tatanka Guerrero announces the opening of his new bar/lounge with restaurant concept, Able & Baker. Located at 920 Alton Road, the venue is slated to open in early February. In collaboration with business partner Luiz Fleury and restaurant partners John McCarthy from the Crimson Sparrow in Hudson, NY, and his partner Ryan Tate, in SparrowFoods Co, Able & Baker will be an approachable, yet refined and sophisticated venue, catering to the local market, with an emphasis on good service. The design of Able & Baker is art deco mixed with rustic industrial, bohemia, and tropical touches. Designed by Guerrero with creative touches by local company Deft Union, expect custom Jamaican wicker chairs and lamp shades, polished concrete floors, charcoal brick walls and custom artwork by artists Jose Mertz and Marlon Preuss. The venue is named after the first two monkeys to fly a successful mission to space. For more information visit www.AbleAndBakerMiami.com

Wanderlista founder Andria Mitsakos gave her Miami Beach outpost a facelift just in time for the spring season. With a nod to her flair for vintage interiors, Mitsakos (known for ability to source the hard-to-find designer or objet d'art globally) put a focus on fixtures designed by legendary Mid-Century Modern Milo Baughman, while softening the space with Missoni wall textiles, while giving way to pink flamingo-printed raised vinyl wallpaper which wraps the interior and exterior of the store's dressing room. New brands at the store include Greek jewelry designer Amberly Cross, a collection of vintage designer jewelry from the United Kingdom called This Old Thing London, Hong Kong's one and only surf line, Float Captain, Cuba's Clandestina tote bags and novelty notebooks, and an exclusive line of handbags by Mitsakos's line, Dea Rosa, where she serves as creative director.  Wanderlista Miami, inside Hotel Croydon, 3720 Collins Avenue. Wanderlista.com 305.904.6852. Free same-day delivery available in Miami and within South Beach Hotel Group. Styling and packing services available.  For more information visit www.Wanderlista.com

Miami Culinary Tours expanded their Wynwood Food & Art Tours conducting them on a daily basis at 12:00 PM and soon to be opening at 4:30 PM. This gives visitors and locals the opportunity to get familiar with one of the largest open museums in the world while learning about the different cultures that make up the area through savoring the different types of cuisine found in the area. Spend a leisurely afternoon enchanted by eclectic art and exquisite food in Miami's trendiest and most vibrant neighborhood at the Wynwood Art District Food & Art Tour. Dine your way through our favorite local restaurants in one of the largest open-air street art collections in the world! This tour serves up Miami's diverse food scene in conjunction with its cutting-edge contemporary culture, so come join us for a culinary adventure and discover the different cultures behind the food. Leave the tour with a much greater appreciation and understanding of artists such as RETNA, Ron English, Aiko, NUNCA and many more. For more information www.MiamiCulinaryTours.com

Located in Miami's fast-evolving Design District neighborhood at 3800 NE 2nd Avenue, the Solesdi Showroom has been home to three powerhouse Italian design brands since 2012 including: World-renowned kitchen and bath purveyor Boffi, one-of-a-kind hardwood floor manufacturer Listone Giordano and contemporary furniture brand Henge. This spring, the designer showroom is welcoming the season with the introduction of three newly acquired collections from RODA (outdoor furniture), DePadova (contemporary furniture) and nerosicilia (volcanic kitchen, bath and floor surfaces). Alongside the existing high-quality, Italian design brands, these collections will provide more variety to Solesdi's portfolio while also amplifying the showroom's design aesthetic. To make room for the new additions, the showroom's second level was recently expanded from 2,500 to 3,500 square feet and renovated to uncover its lofty ceilings and exposed wood beams. At once divided with designated spaces for each line, all six brands will now coexist throughout the space even trickling into the open-air courtyard to give customers a more integrated and imaginative home furnishing experience. For more information visit www.Solesdi.com

The Pritikin Longevity Center + Spa, located on 8755 NW 36th St in Miami, FL located on the Trump Property in Doral has recently undergone a full renovation that provided significant upgrades to the overall resort. The newly designed Center boasts a deluxe entrance featuring a modern wood panel entrance sign and a tranquil front welcoming areas for visitors. The new renovation transformed the suites and the spa and enhanced the pool area. The new Deluxe Guestroom suites feature neutral colors, mahogany veneers, gold-leaf Spanish revival and numerous additional luxury amenities.  The guestrooms are located a short, beautiful walk from the main Pritikin grounds located on the stunning and serene Trump resort. The new spa, now open to guests, includes a lavish array of aquatherapy amenities, such as aromatherapy-infused steam rooms, experiential showers, hot and cold massaging hydrofalls, Jacuzzis, Finnish saunas infused with the relaxing scents of fragrant wood, rejuvenating cold-water plunges, outdoor solariums and more.  The state-of-the-art gym where visitors have the opportunity to learn new and engaging exercises on their journey to a healthier lifestyle features new equipment and televisions for a more productive and relaxing environment. Additionally, the pool center has been improved with sleek new pool furniture, perfect for enjoying solo or with fellow visitors. Renovations started in January 2015 and are now coming to a close. Guests are now able to experience the fully renovated health and wellness center. For more information visit www.Pritikin.com

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is a non-profit sales and marketing organization whose mission is to attract visitors to Greater Miami and the Beaches for leisure, business and conventions. For a vacation guide visit our website at www.MiamiAndBeaches.com or call 1-888-76-Miami (US/Canada only) or 305-447-7777. To reach the GMCVB offices dial 305-539-3000.  Meeting planners may call 1-800-933-8448 (US/Canada only) or 305-539-3071 or visit www.MiamiMeetings.com. Follow GMCVB on Twitter:  @miamiandbeaches or on Facebook: Facebook.com/miamiandbeaches

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