Latest news with #Allura


New Indian Express
29-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
FDA finds excessive use of artificial colours in popular doughnut brand; flags it ‘unsafe for consumption'
BENGALURU: A popular snack item, doughnuts, widely loved by children, from a popular brand has come under fire after being declared 'unsafe for consumption' by the Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA). The investigation revealed that the treats contained high levels of artificial colouring, which is well above approved safety limits—raising serious concerns about their impact on health. The findings emerged during a special inspection drive at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, in the city where food samples were collected amid the ongoing IPL matches. The department has issued an improvement notice to the company. As part of a recent inspection drive at Chinnaswamy Stadium, a total of 12 food stalls operating inside the stadium were checked. During the inspection, notices were issued to two prominent outlets— one a leading packaged drinking water company, and the other a well-known food brand renowned for its ghee, sweets, snacks, instant mixes, and spice powders. While the majority of the samples tested safe, the results of some others are still pending lab reports, the officials added. 'Doughnuts, particularly those with brightly coloured frosting, glazes or sprinkles, often contain synthetic dyes like red 40 or Allura red, yellow 5 or tartrazine. These are used to enhance their visual appeal,' a senior FDA official said. 'While these dyes are generally considered safe in regulated amounts, consuming excessive of them can pose health risks, especially when eaten in large quantities. High levels of food colouring have been linked to allergic reactions, including skin rashes and swelling, and may also cause hyperactivity or behavioural issues in children. In the long term, overexposure to certain artificial colours is linked with more serious health problems, such as potential links to cancer and developmental issues,' the official added. Moreover, foods, particularly those high in sugar, can enhance the body's absorption of certain artificial chemicals. The combination of high sugar content and food colouring can amplify the effects, making the risk higher, the FDA official explained further.


Cision Canada
25-04-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
2025 cruise season launch: Port of Montreal's Grand Quay all set to welcome close to 60,000 passengers and crew members Français
MONTREAL, April 25, 2025 /CNW/ - The Port of Montreal is pleased to announce the official launch of the 2025 cruise season, heralded by the return of Victory Cruise Lines' Victory I. With 58,000 passengers and crew members expected during the season, and tourist attractions spanning the Great Lakes and international destinations, Montreal affirms its position among North America's top cruise destinations. It's also an opportunity to mark the start of high season at the Grand Quai, which offers public spaces and events to the city's citizens and visitors. A great season ahead The 2025 cruise season features 42 operations from 13 cruise lines and 21 different ships, for an estimated total of close to 60,000 passengers and crew members. For the 2025 cruise season, the Port of Montreal highlights the new vessels calling at Montreal for the first time: Seven Seas Splendor (Regent Seven Seas Cruises), Silver Shadow (Silversea Cruises), and Allura (Oceania Cruises). "The Port of Montreal is proud to launch a new cruise season that manifests the vitality of our city and its appeal to cruise lines and travellers from around the world. Beyond the tourism aspect, cruises generate significant economic benefits for the local and regional community. It's also a great opportunity to showcase our river, our expertise and our hospitality," said Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Port of Montreal. "At Tourisme Montréal, we are proud to see that 97% of cruise passengers are satisfied with their experience in Montréal. Our city continues to establish itself as one of North America's top cruise destinations. Our unique position as a preferred embarkation port for luxury ships brings tangible economic benefits to the city—across accommodations, dining, and cultural experiences. Wishing everyone a great season ahead!" said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. Major benefits for Greater Montreal The cruise industry remains an important economic driver and a real asset as a tourism draw for the city. In 2024, the economic impact was estimated at $25 million, not including the contribution of the river excursion sector, which attracted close to 120,000 passengers. Every cruise ship arrival brings direct business to the city's shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, generating direct and indirect jobs. This momentum also supports local initiatives that promote Montreal's cultural heritage while stimulating the local economy. Victory I: a lasting presence in Montreal To mark the season's first stopover, a commemorative plaque was presented to John Waggoner, owner of Victory Cruise Lines, with Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority, and Captain Geir Lilleeng, master of the Victory I, also attending. The Victory I has a long history with Montreal. The ship first called under the name Saint-Laurent in July 2016 with the Haimark Line. It was then purchased by Victory Cruise Lines and renamed Victory I, before being bought by American Queen Voyages and renamed Ocean Voyager. In 2023, John Waggoner bought both vessels from the cruise line, renamed them Victory I and Victory II, and went back to the corporate name Victory Cruise Lines. Between 2016 and 2024, the two vessels made 35 calls to Montreal, carrying 7,167 passengers (PAX). By scheduling four stopovers this year, Victory Cruise Lines affirms its intent to develop Montreal as a must-see destination on its routes. Launch of the summer season at the Grand Quay The return of warm weather also signals the start of peak season at the Grand Quay. This summer's programming features a lineup of major events. Highlights include C2 Montréal, the Climate Summit in May, SAQ Inspire, Startupfest, the Salon de la Femme noire, and the Martinique Gourmande festival, which tops off the summer season. These events are in addition to the site's outstanding attractions: the green roof, Commencement Square along the river, and the Port of Montreal Tower with its spectacular views of the city and the St. Lawrence River. A unique setting to welcome visitors, residents and cruise passengers all summer long! Click here for the full schedule of cruise ship arrivals and departures at the Port of Montreal About the Port of Montreal Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the largest container port in Eastern Canada and a diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods: containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. The only container port in Quebec, it is a destination port served by the largest shipping lines in the world. It is also an intermodal hub with a service offering that is unique in North America, featuring its own rail network directly dockside connected to Canada's two national rail networks. The MPA also operates a Cruise Terminal. The MPA factors economic, social and environmental components into its corporate initiatives. This commitment is governed by a sustainable development policy whose guiding principles focus on involvement, cooperation and accountability. Port activity in Canada supports some 590,000 jobs and generates $93.5 billion in economic activity. About Tourisme Montréal Founded in 1919, Tourisme Montréal is a private non-profit organization that works to position Montréal as a world-class destination for various leisure and business tourism markets. As such, the organization leads innovative tourist welcome strategies with a twofold objective: ensuring that visitors enjoy a high-quality experience and maximizing the economic benefits of tourism. Now uniting more than 1,000 businesses working directly or indirectly in the tourism industry, Tourisme Montréal plays a leading role in the management and development of Montréal's tourism offer and makes recommendations on issues with regard to the city's economic, urban and cultural development. For more information, please visit SOURCE Montreal Port Authority


Gulf Today
10-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
AGUA by Citi Developers – redefining the future of luxury living
Gulf Network Citi Developers, a pioneer in boutique, high-end real estate, introduces AGUA, a visionary residential masterpiece that redefines the art of island living. Designed as more than just a development, AGUA is a multi-sensory experience, where architecture, innovation, and nature seamlessly blend to create an unparalleled lifestyle. Following the success of Allura, one of Dubai's most exclusive developments, Citi Developers continues to push boundaries with AGUA, offering a new benchmark in sophisticated, intelligent living. Every detail of AGUA is meticulously designed to immerse residents in fluid luxury, from its sculptural architectural elements to its AI-powered smart living solutions. THE AGUA EXPERIENCE – WHERE DESIGN MEETS TECHNOLOGY At the heart of AGUA lies a philosophy of balance, innovation, and craftsmanship. The development integrates state-of-the-art materials, seamless smart automation, and bespoke interior artistry, ensuring that every home is an extension of the resident's lifestyle and vision. Key highlights of AGUA include: Cloud 9 – A Rooftop Escape Beyond Imagination A sanctuary in the sky, Cloud 9 features floating cabanas, an infinity beach pool, and a sunken pool bar, creating a seamless blend between the ocean and skyline. The One – A Wellness and Entertainment Hub Designed to nurture the mind, body, and soul, The Base offers a Roman bath spa, outdoor yoga spaces, a private cinema, and world-class fitness facilities, making well-being an integral part of daily life. The Base – A Sculptural Entrance into Luxury The Orobico marble reception desk and crystal chandeliers create a statement of elegance, welcoming residents into a world of timeless sophistication from the moment they arrive. Citi Buddy Personal Assistant Robot Every residence is equipped with Personal Assistant Robot AI-powered smart automation, allowing for seamless home management, concierge services, and personalized convenience, setting a new standard in next-generation living. A VISION BEYOND ARCHITECTURE "I don't just build homes; I craft experiences that shape the way people live. AGUA is our vision of what modern living should be—intelligent, seamless, and connected to nature in every way,' said the CEO of Citi Developers. With a legacy of designing iconic, high-end developments like Allura, Citi Developers continues to push boundaries, ensuring that every project is a masterpiece of artistry and innovation. A NEW ERA OF BESPOKE LIVING AGUA is more than just a place to live—it is a statement of lifestyle, a philosophy of design, and a commitment to the future of intelligent living. Citi Developers remains dedicated to creating extraordinary residential experiences that go beyond expectations, setting a new global standard for boutique luxury real estate.


Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Citi Developers launches new project in Dubai Islands
Citi Developers, a major player in boutique, high-end real estate, has launched AGUA, a new project at Dubai Islands. Designed as more than just a development, AGUA is a multi-sensory experience, where architecture, innovation, and nature seamlessly blend to create an unparalleled lifestyle. Following the success of Allura, one of Dubai's most exclusive developments, Citi Developers continues to push boundaries with AGUA, offering a new benchmark in sophisticated, intelligent living. Every detail of AGUA is meticulously designed to immerse residents in fluid luxury, from its sculptural architectural elements to its AI-powered smart living solutions. At the heart of AGUA lies a philosophy of balance, innovation, and craftsmanship. The development integrates state-of-the-art materials, seamless smart automation, and bespoke interior artistry, ensuring that every home is an extension of the resident's lifestyle and vision. Key highlights of AGUA include: A sanctuary in the sky, Cloud 9 features floating cabanas, an infinity beach pool, and a sunken pool bar, creating a seamless blend between the ocean and to nurture the mind, body, and soul, The Base offers a Roman bath spa, outdoor yoga spaces, a private cinema, and world-class fitness facilities, making well-being an integral part of daily life. The Orobico marble reception desk and crystal chandeliers create a statement of elegance, welcoming residents into a world of timeless sophistication from the moment they arrive. Every residence is equipped with Personal Assistant Robot AI-powered smart automation, allowing for seamless home management, concierge services, and personalized convenience, setting a new standard in next-generation living. 'I don't just build homes; I craft experiences that shape the way people live. AGUA is our vision of what modern living should be—intelligent, seamless, and connected to nature in every way,' said the CEO of Citi Developers. With a legacy of designing iconic, high-end developments like Allura, Citi Developers continues to push boundaries, ensuring that every project is a masterpiece of artistry and innovation.
Yahoo
02-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Norwegian Cruise Line CEO shares surprising fleet outlook
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has big plans for its fleet. Over the next 10 years, the global cruise company will debut its largest ships yet and introduce new classes of ships for each of its three cruise brands — Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas long-term fleet expansion plan includes the addition of 13 new ships across its three brands through 2036, which will add approximately 41,000 berths to its fleet. But as the Norwegian fleet swells, there are a couple of things the company doesn't plan to do in the process. During the company's Q4 2024 earnings call, CEO Harry Sommer shared his thoughts on possible ship retirement plans and the opportunities other cruise lines are going after in the river cruise market.'Obviously, we always look at what the market is out there,' Sommer said, speaking about the potential for the company to consider selling its oldest ships as it adds new ones. Sommer thinks Norwegian's oldest cruise ships still have plenty of life left in them, however. 'But I'll just point out that our oldest ships in our fleet are from 1998 and 1999, so none of them have reached yet 30 years,' Sommer noted. 'And we believe our ships can even perhaps get to 35 years or beyond. So there still is a little bit of room there, if you will, before we have to be more aggressively considering ship retirements.' Careful maintenance is Norwegian's secret to extending the life of its ships. 'One of the blessings of coming on after the previous CEO, [who] was a huge believer in investing in our product, is our ships are extraordinarily well maintained,' Sommer confident that the oldest ships in the company's fleet are aging well. 'I too visit them on a regular basis, and I'm very pleased with even the older ships in our fleet, how well they have stood up,' Sommer added. Passengers who love Norwegian's older ships like Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Sky don't need to worry about the cruise line retiring these ships anytime soon. 'So, I don't think that there's anything imminent coming,' Sommer reiterated. 'But of course, we always keep our eye open.'When asked for his official thoughts on the river cruise business, Sommer made it clear that the company's fleet expansion plans won't include building river cruise ships. 'We have, I think, one of the most robust order books in the industry with 13 cruise ships on order, two being delivered this year, a book that extends out for the next decade,' Sommer noted. The company will debut Norwegian Aqua in April, and Oceania's Allura in July. As the company continues to plan its growing lineup of new ships, each ship will be designed to give passengers more of what they want and expect from its cruise line brands.'We are very passionate about what we do. We're very passionate about what we do today because we do it well, and we can deliver outstanding financial performance by delivering a guest experience. And we are putting all our efforts behind continuing to do that,' Sommer explained. Sommer says the company has no plans to shift its focus, or to compete with Royal Caribbean's recently announced Celebrity River Cruises for a share of the river cruise market. 'If there are other brands that want to do something else, I leave that with them. But for our company, we are very happy with our current strategy and direction.' (The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.) , or email Amy Post at or call or text her at 386-383-2472.