Latest news with #Curacao
The Independent
20-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Thousands of passengers disappointed after P&O Cruises cancel 35-night voyage
Thousands of cruise passengers have been left disappointed after P&O Cruises cancelled a 35-night voyage onboard its ship Ventura due to 'operational reasons'. The long-haul cruise was due to depart Southampton for the Caribbean in January 2027. Scheduled itinerary docks included Bridgetown in Barbados, Grenada's St. George's and Willemstad, Curacao. In an email to affected customers, P&O Cruises said: 'Due to operational reasons, we're sorry to inform you that your cruise, departing 4 January 2027, is no longer going ahead. 'We understand this news is disappointing and would like to apologise for the inconvenience this may cause. 'To avoid you missing out on your holiday, however, we've automatically transferred you to an alternative cruise, G701, on board Iona.' The cancellation follows the recent axing of a 14-night trip on board P&O Cruises' Iona, which had been scheduled to depart on 30 August 2026. A BBC News report in April 2024 revealed that P&O Cruises had also cancelled two autumn sailings aboard Iona in October 2025 for an unexpected refurbishment. Guests were offered full refunds and spending credit for a future cruise departure. A spokesperson for P&O Cruises said: 'On occasion, it is necessary to change an itinerary from the one previously published, and we are very sorry that Ventura's 35-night Caribbean itinerary departing January 04 2027, has been cancelled. 'Where possible, we are pleased to offer affected guests to transfer to Iona's similar Caribbean sailing across the same dates. 'Ventura will now offer three new itineraries, which go on sale on June 04, 2025.' In April, passengers due to sail on a short break from Southampton to Zeebrugge in Belgium on P&O Cruises' Aurora were told only at lunchtime the day before that the cruise was cancelled due to delays in a refit. The 25-year-old vessel was due to return from a refit in a shipyard in western Rotterdam in time to begin a three-night cruise to the port serving the historic Flemish city of Bruges – but work took longer than expected. A P&O Cruises spokesperson said that all guests would receive a full refund and a Future Cruise Credit of 20 per cent of the money paid.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Braves Ponder Albies Contract As Seven-Year Extension Will Expire
Acrobatic Atlanta second baseman Ozzie Albies provides surprising power for a little guy. (Photo by ... More) Getty Images When Ozzie Albies agreed to a seven-year, $35 million contract extension on April 11, 2019, the Atlanta Braves received widespread credit for keeping a big star at relatively little cost – at least in the world of baseball contracts that seem to be spiraling toward the financial stratosphere. A little guy with a big bat, Albies is the shortest man in the National League at 5'7" tall, as he is generously listed on Baseball Reference. But his stats loom larger, as he's one of a handful of middle infielders to produce multiple 30-homer, 100-rbi campaigns. The switch-hitting second baseman has won two Silver Sluggers, made the All-Star team twice, and even collected a few votes for Most Valuable Player. Plus he's provided veteran advice to the younger Ronald Acuna, Jr., who became his best friend even though they hail from two different countries (Venezuela and Curacao, respectively). Thanks in part to Albies taking Acuna under his wing, the latter won the 2023 MVP award by unanimous vote after becoming baseball's first 40/70 player (that many home runs and steals in a season). The Albies contract has $7 million club options for both 2026 and 2027 but this is its final guaranteed season. And it's time for the Braves to keep him or trade him. The pact provides a $4 million buyout to the player in the Braves don't wish to renew it, though that is not likely. The affable Albies, who speaks four languages, No longer the Wizard of Ozzie, his range, defense, and arm strength have all declined in recent seasons. Plus the Braves have potential replacements in rookie Nacho Alvarez, Jr., currently rehabbing a wrist injury, and Eli White, a fleet jack-of-all-trades filling in as the Atlanta right-fielder until Acuna returns from rehabbing a torn ACL. Neither is likely to supply Albies-type power, however. The one-time shortstop enjoyed career peaks with 33 home runs and 109 runs batted in as recently as 2023 but has battled injuries since, with a broken toe and a broken wrist idling him for big chunks of time. Ozzie Albies has produced a pair of 30-homer, 100-rbi seasons. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Getty Images Though he's hit under .250 since the start of 2024, Albies would have trade value to any team needing a slugging switch-hitter. He could even serve as a designated hitter for any club already satisfied with its incumbent second baseman. Typically, Albies has more power batting left-handed but hits for a better average right-handed. Whether the team would risk disrupting the Albies-Acuna clubhouse chemistry is another matter. Often overshadowed by his own teammates, Albies was one of eight Braves selected for the 2023 All-Star Game in Seattle. He has never hit .300 but did lead the National League with 189 hits in 2019, when he hit a career-best .295 in his second major-league season in the majors. A penchant for swinging at the first pitch, chasing balls well outside the strike zone, and making risky head-first dives on the basepaths have prevented him from capitalizing on his potential. But he's still just 28 and could have his best years ahead of him if he stays healthy.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Painting the town blue helping raise awareness for child abuse
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — April is child abuse awareness month and the Child Advocacy Center (CAC) in Springfield is teaming up with area businesses to spread awareness and 'paint the town blue.' Blue ribbons, clothing, and pinwheels are all symbols of child abuse awareness. The Child Advocacy Center supports children and teens who have suffered from child abuse serving 14 counties across Southwest and South Central Missouri with locations in Springfield and West Plains. Local restaurant Retro Metro is offering two blue specials during the month of April their Bleu Bramell Burger an 8 oz burger with bacon jam and melted bleu cheese crumbles and ocean water cocktail made with coconut blue Curacao, Amaretto, Malibu, Bacardi, and fresh lime juice. Pineapple Whip is participating during the first week in April offering their blue lemon berry as the secondary flavor at all locations. The West Plains location of the CAC will be hosting a balloon glow and fireworks show on Saturday, April 12th at the Heart of the Ozarks Fairgrounds. The event will food, live music, hot air balloons, and a fireworks show. Gates will open at 3:00 p.m., live music starts at 4:00 p.m., the balloon glow starts at 7:00 pm and the fireworks show follows at 8:30 p.m. The Alamo Drafthouse will be hosting a benefit screening of the movie 'Megamind' on April 26th at 12:30 pm with a portion of each ticket sold going towards the CAC. You can even purchase a blue drink while you watch. The purchase of a Blue Long Island or a Blue Rasp Lemonade will donate one dollar to CAC. Last week, CAC saw a record-breaking day of giving at Jersey Mikes on S Glenstone. During the fundraiser, 100% of proceeds benefitted the Child Advocacy Center. For information on how you can help the Child Advocacy Center and donate on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
