Latest news with #Doral-based
Miami Herald
20-03-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
As a symbol of resistance, Radio and TV Martí should be spared from DOGE
For Miami's historic Cuban exile community, the apparent dismantling of Radio and TV Martí ordered by the Trump administration this week signals more than just the end of the U.S.-funded, pro-democracy radio transmissions to the island. The station's fate remains uncertain, a victim of DOGE. There is hope it will be revived and funding restored to its parent department, U.S. Agency for Global Media, as happened Wednesday to Cubanet, the oldest independent Cuba news outlet based in Miami, originally cut by the administration. But for now, the 40-year-old radio station is not transmitting live, its Doral-based staff sent home. That's a shame for the Cuban people on the island who rely on the station's programming, even if it's never been clear how many are listening. Some may not be aware that Radio and TV Martí also represent one of the most significant political achievements of Cuban exiles in Miami: the successful lobbying of an American president, Ronald Reagan, to sign the Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act on Oct. 11, 1983, establishing the station created to break Fidel Castro's monopoly on news and information. The roots of that success began in Miami. Just five months earlier, on May 20, 1983 — Cuban Independence Day — Reagan had famously visited a Little Havana restaurant, the long-closed La Esquina de Tejas, at the invitation of the Cuban American National Foundation (CANF). At the time, CANF's leader, Jorge Mas Canosa, was pushing for a Voice of America-style effort dedicated to Cuba; he persuaded Reagan, marking the highlight of a political alliance between Cuban exiles, Reagan and the Republican Party, based on their shared strong anti-communist stance. Remnants of that tie exist today. When the bill that created Radio Martí was signed by Reagan, he declared, 'For the first time in the 25 years of communist domination of Cuba, the Cuban people will be able to hear the truth and to hear it in detail, about Cuban domestic and foreign policy.' Radio Martí was more than just a station; it was a symbol of resistance against Cuba's dictatorship. It connected the exile community to their homeland, broadcasting reports on political repression, economic struggles and human rights abuses that would have otherwise been censored inside Cuba. The Cuban government responded with outrage. Fidel Castro himself denounced Radio Martí and the use of the name of Cuban patriot, José Martí. The Cuban regime retaliated by broadcasting powerful interference signals to jam the station, severely limiting its reach. Radio Martí persisted, offering an alternative to state-controlled news with varying levels of effectiveness. At its peak, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, which oversaw Radio and TV Martí, received over $20 million annually from the U.S. government. But in recent years, the station's influence has waned. Several factors contributed to its decline. The Cuban government's aggressive jamming efforts were a persistent challenge. TV Martí, in particular, never overcame these obstacles and struggled to reach Cuban viewers. And growing congressional scrutiny over the station's budget and journalistic integrity further weakened its standing. The most significant blow came with the arrival of the internet and mobile phones in Cuba, which fundamentally changed how Cubans accessed information. Radio Martí lost its status as the primary alternative to state media as Cubans increasingly turned to social media and VPNs to connect with the outside world. Even so, the Trump administration's decision to silence Radio and TV Martí, losing yet another voice of free speech, is deeply concerning.. If Radio and TV Martí were to shut down permanently, it would mark the final chapter of a decades-long battle over information and influence in Cuba. Reagan's vision of a free flow of news into the island never achieved its ultimate goal of toppling the Castro regime. But for generations of Cubans, the station provided access to an alternative narrative, amplified dissident voices and exposed truths that the Cuban government sought to suppress. Its legacy is one of defiance, perseverance and the belief that information — however imperfectly delivered — remains a powerful weapon against tyranny. Click here to send the letter.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Yahoo
Cruise passenger says she was sexually assaulted by a DJ, and takes case to Miami court
A passenger on a Princess cruise that stopped in Port Everglades says she was sexually assaulted in her room by a crew member after a night of music and dancing in a ship lounge. The woman, who isn't fully named in the lawsuit and who the Miami Herald isn't identifying, notified the FBI on Nov. 26, 2024, when the ship, the Caribbean, arrived in Fort Lauderdale, her attorney Nicholas Gerson said. In February, she sued California-based Princess Cruise Lines, owned by Doral-based Carnival Corp. The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, seeks unspecified damages. The FBI won't comment on or acknowledge the case. 'As a matter of policy, the FBI does not confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation except in rare circumstances,' Jim Marshall, public affairs officer for the FBI Miami Division, said in an email. 'Further, in this circumstance, we are not in a position to comment when there is ongoing litigation.' The case comes less than two months after a 44-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, filed a criminal report with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office alleging she was raped twice in her cabin, each time by a crew member, on an eight-day cruise that started and ended at PortMiami. The woman was on the Seascape of MSC Cruises, a Geneva-based company with an office in Miami. An Arizona resident in her late 50s says she was attacked on a 16-night Princess cruise that departed Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia on Nov. 10, 2024, with a stop at Port Everglades in Broward County. The incident, according to the suit, took place on board the Caribbean between the evening of Nov. 12 and Nov. 13. The woman was barely two nights into her cruise when a DJ at a ship entertainment venue raped and sexually assaulted her in her room, the complaint alleges. The woman isn't commenting beyond what's in the lawsuit, said Gerson, her attorney and a partner at the Miami firm Gerson and Schwartz. Gerson spoke to the Miami Herald after filing the civil lawsuit last month. Princess Cruises said the company has taken action in the case. 'The individual is no longer with our company,' said Negin Kamali, a spokesperson for Princess Cruises. She didn't identify the DJ crew member or say how long he had worked for the company. 'While we are unable to comment on pending litigation, these allegations are deeply disturbing and do not reflect who we are as a company,' Kamali said. Cruise ship cruse members must undergo screening and background checks 'before hiring and once on board,' the spokesperson said. 'Our comprehensive security measures, hiring protocols, HR policies, employee training and company values promote a safe and secure environment for our guests and crew.' The passenger says her ordeal started the evening of Nov. 12, 2024, when she went to the ship's Skywalker Lounge. She danced there late at night and into the early morning of Nov. 13. While she was dancing, a crew member — a disk jockey in the lounge — approached her and started making conversation. Later, he 'accompanied her to her stateroom under the guise of assisting or escorting her,' said the lawsuit, which was filed Feb. 6. But then the crew member entered her room rather than returning to the Skywalker Lounge. Later, the 'plaintiff remembers waking in her stateroom while the crew member was raping and/or sexually assaulting her,' the filing said. The woman acknowledges she had been drinking during the night and so had 'limited memory of the precise sequence of events but does remember the events.' And throughout Nov. 12 or the morning of Nov. 13, 'the plaintiff did not consent to any sexual activity with the crew member,' the complaint said. She is suing in part for personal injury and negligence. Her lawsuit said she suffered internal and external injuries and psychological and emotional trauma. She now faces 'the inability to lead a normal life,' the complaint said, and can't fully work. In 2024, at least 120 incidents of sexual assaults or rape were reported on cruise ships, according to data the U.S. Department of Transportation gets from the FBI. Analysis of these numbers however is limited: They are self-reported by cruise carriers, and mainly include only U.S. citizens as victims. Maritime legal experts believe the number is higher. The complaint argues that Princess 'knew or should have known that crew members such as disk jockeys working in onboard dance lounges such as the Skywalker Lounge would have the ability and opportunity to interact with passengers in the lounge, including passengers whose faculties were impaired by alcohol or otherwise, and would have the opportunity to take advantage of passengers whose faculties and ability to resist were impaired so as to commit assaults and other crimes.' So the cruise company 'had a duty of reasonable care toward its fare-paying passengers.' That included 'a duty to take reasonable steps to avoid or minimize sexual offenses such as acts of sexual assault and/or rape committed by crew members on its passengers.' Such steps include better investigation of their crew members' background or criminal history. Gerson, the attorney, said in an interview that cruise companies including Princess need more security people on board and they should be better trained. He also thinks cruise lines can't blame passengers for drinking heavily on board when the companies push all-you-can-drink packages and other promotions. 'They create this environment,' he said.
Miami Herald
15-03-2025
- Miami Herald
Cruise passenger says she was sexually assaulted by a DJ, and takes case to Miami court
A passenger on a Princess cruise that stopped in Port Everglades says she was sexually assaulted in her room by a crew member after a night of music and dancing in a ship lounge. The woman, who isn't fully named in the lawsuit and who the Miami Herald isn't identifying, notified the FBI on Nov. 26, 2024, when the ship, the Caribbean, arrived in Fort Lauderdale, her attorney Nicholas Gerson said. In February, she sued California-based Princess Cruise Lines, owned by Doral-based Carnival Corp. The lawsuit, filed in Miami federal court, seeks unspecified damages. The FBI won't comment on or acknowledge the case. 'As a matter of policy, the FBI does not confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation except in rare circumstances.' the agency said in an email. 'Further, in this circumstance, we are not in a position to comment when there is ongoing litigation.' The case comes less than two months after a 44-year-old woman from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, filed a criminal report with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office alleging she was raped twice in her cabin, each time by a crew member, on an eight-day cruise that started and ended at PortMiami. The woman was on the Seascape of MSC Cruises, a Geneva-based company with an office in Miami. On the Princess cruise An Arizona resident in her late 50s says she was attacked on a 16-night Princess cruise that departed Rome from the Port of Civitavecchia on Nov. 10, 2024, with a stop at Port Everglades in Broward County. The incident, according to the suit, took place on board the Caribbean between the evening of Nov. 12 and Nov. 13. The woman was barely two nights into her cruise when a DJ at a ship entertainment venue raped and sexually assaulted her in her room, the complaint alleges. The woman isn't commenting beyond what's in the lawsuit, said Gerson, her attorney and a partner at the Miami firm Gerson and Schwartz. Gerson spoke to the Miami Herald after filing the civil lawsuit last month. Response from cruise line Princess Cruises said the company has taken action in the case. 'The individual is no longer with our company,' said Negin Kamali, a spokesperson for Princess Cruises said. She didn't identify the DJ crew member or say how long he had worked for the company. 'While we are unable to comment on pending litigation, these allegations are deeply disturbing and do not reflect who we are as a company,' Kamali said. Cruise ship cruse members must undergo screening and background checks 'before hiring and once on board,' the spokesperson said. 'Our comprehensive security measures, hiring protocols, HR policies, employee training and company values promote a safe and secure environment for our guests and crew.' Night of the reported attack The passenger says her ordeal started the evening of Nov. 12, 2024, when she went to the ship's Skywalker Lounge. She danced there late at night and into the early morning of Nov. 13. While she was dancing, a crew member — a disk jockey in the lounge — approached her and started making conversation. Later, he 'accompanied her to her stateroom under the guise of assisting or escorting her,' said the lawsuit, which was filed Feb. 6. But then the crew member entered her room rather than returning to the Skywalker Lounge. Later, the 'plaintiff remembers waking in her stateroom while the crew member was raping and/or sexually assaulting her,' the filing said. The woman acknowledges she had been drinking during the night and so had 'limited memory of the precise sequence of events but does remember the events.' And throughout Nov. 12 or the morning of Nov. 13, 'the plaintiff did not consent to any sexual activity with the crew member,' the complaint said. She is suing in part for personal injury and negligence. Her lawsuit said she suffered internal and external injuries and psychological and emotional trauma. She now faces 'the inability to lead a normal life,' the complaint said, and can't fully work. In 2024, at least 120 incidents of sexual assaults or rape were reported on cruise ships, according to data the U.S. Department of Transportation gets from the FBI. Analysis of these numbers however is limited: They are self-reported by cruise carriers, and mainly include only U.S. citizens as victims. Maritime legal experts believe the number is higher. The complaint argues that Princess 'knew or should have known that crew members such as disk jockeys working in onboard dance lounges such as the Skywalker Lounge would have the ability and opportunity to interact with passengers in the lounge, including passengers whose faculties were impaired by alcohol or otherwise, and would have the opportunity to take advantage of passengers whose faculties and ability to resist were impaired so as to commit assaults and other crimes.' So the cruise company 'had a duty of reasonable care toward its fare-paying passengers.' That included 'a duty to take reasonable steps to avoid or minimize sexual offenses such as acts of sexual assault and/or rape committed by crew members on its passengers.' Such steps include better investigation of their crew members' background or criminal history. Gerson, the attorney, said in an interview that cruise companies including Princess need more security people on board and they should be better trained. He also thinks cruise lines can't blame passengers for drinking heavily on board when the companies push all-you-can-drink packages and other promotions. 'They create this environment,' he said.
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Carnival is opening a private resort for cruise passengers. See what's in the works
Carnival Corp. is putting the finishing touches on, not a new ship but a new destination for cruise passengers. Beginning in July, Doral-based Carnival will send ships between PortMiami and Celebration Key, a private development in the Bahamas. Described by the cruise ship company as 'a new destination from the ground up,' Celebration Key is on the southern side of Grand Bahama island and about 17 miles northeast of Freeport. When finished, the resort will have its own pier with two berths where Carnival's largest ships can dock. In 2026, the pier at Celebration Key will add two more berths so a total of four Carnival ships can dock at the same time. The resort will feature water slides for kids, scuba diving and other sports, and excursions. And there will be restaurants and bars that passengers can reach by walking or swimming. Costing $600 million, the destination is the latest in major cruise carriers betting big time on private islands or resorts built from the ground up. The new stops give cruisers more beach time, expand group activities and bring in more money. Royal Caribbean, also based in Miami, is developing a third private space in Mexico that's expected to be ready in 2027. The company's other two private resorts are in Labadee, Haiti, and Coco Cay in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line has Great Stirrup Cay, also in the Bahamas. Carnival is so keen on Celebration Key that 20 of its 27 ships plan to sail there, including all five ships that call PortMiami home: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic. Ships sailing from Baltimore, New Orleans and Galveston will also head there this year. Carnival Conquest, which does three-and four-day trips to the Bahamas, will be the first PortMiami-based ship to visit Celebration Key, departing South Florida on July 18. 'Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival and its construction builds on our close partnership with the Bahamas,' Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. 'Seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible.' Duffy visited the under-construction Celebration Key in February, along with Carnival Corp. Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein and Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen. The cruise executives joined leaders from the organization Plant a Tree and replanted about 1,000 sabal palms, a nod to the role their industry needs to play in increasing sustainability. Duffy also took part in 'the ceremonial filling of one of two expansive freshwater lagoons, the largest in the Caribbean.' These will be sustained by Celebration Key's desalination system that converts seawater into freshwater. The lagoons span over seven acres and hold about seven million gallons of water. Carnival broke ground on the project less than three years ago. About 500 Bahamian workers are on the 65-acre site around the clock to make sure the resort is ready by July. The cruises from Miami that will stop at Celebration Key range from a three-day weekend cruise on Carnival Conquest to a 13-day trip starting from Barcelona on Carnival Journeys. Carnival Celebration will offer a variety of seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean that stop at the new resort. The resort expects to have more than 30 restaurants and bars, from full-service sit-downs to self-ordering food trucks. The development is broken down into different areas. Paradise Plaza is the welcoming area. Starfish Lagoon has recreation and relaxation. Calypso Lagoon has an adult-only area with a DJ island and a large swim-up bar. Pearl Cove Beach Club is a premium adult-only space with an infinity pool and beachfront cabanas. Pearl Cove Beach Club will offer beachfront daybeds, private cabanas and Super Villas, each of which includes access to the club's open bar service, infinity pool, full-service restaurant and beachfront. Here is a rundown on the food and drinks: Calypso Lagoon ▪ Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen, named after the Bahamas' national bird the flamingo, is a full-service, Carnival-run restaurant offering Bahamian favorites including fried fish and conch fritters, as well as burgers, seafood, tacos, steak and sandwiches. Mingo's bar will serve tropical frozen drinks and cocktails. ▪ Mingo's Express food truck, just outside the restaurant, has self-ordering kiosks and shaded seating, and to-go hamburgers, salads and fish sandwiches. ▪ Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews is a full-service dining spot serving slow-smoked meat prepared in an outdoor smoker. A full-service bar pours craft beer from Bahamian breweries. Starfish Lagoon ▪ Gill's Grill, a full-service restaurant and full bar, cooks up Caribbean seafood including seafood baskets, local fish, lobster, steamed crab and shrimp, chicken, burgers and kids' meals. ▪ Captain's Galley Food Hall features five outlets serving burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, pizza, Mediterranean bowls, tacos and burritos. ▪ Food trucks with self-ordering kiosks offer chicken sandwiches, burgers and conch fritters. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant in an area for guests 18 and older. Calypso Lagoon ▪ Long Necks Bar is where you can grab one of 100 seats and order a frozen drink, beer or Bahamian cocktailwhile aDJ spins tunes. ▪ The Sunshine Swings Bar has 40 swings and offers a 'chill vibe.' ▪ The Parrotfish Swim Up Bar has seating in-water and out-of-water and serves frozen cocktails and mocktails with tropical fruit juice. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ An infinity pool overlooks the beach and a swim-up bar Paradise Plaza ▪ A welcome area where you can get your caffeine fix or energy boost with coffee and ice cream. You can book sailings taking place into 2027. To learn more about their sailings and make reservations, visit the Carnival website at
Miami Herald
03-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Carnival is opening a private resort for cruise passengers. See what's in the works
Carnival Corp. is putting the finishing touches on, not a new ship but a new destination for cruise passengers. Beginning in July, Doral-based Carnival will send ships between PortMiami and Celebration Key, a private development in the Bahamas. Described by the cruise ship company as 'a new destination from the ground up,' Celebration Key is on the southern side of Grand Bahama island and about 17 miles northeast of Freeport. When finished, the resort will have its own pier with two berths where Carnival's largest ships can dock. In 2026, the pier at Celebration Key will add two more berths so a total of four Carnival ships can dock at the same time. The resort will feature water slides for kids, scuba diving and other sports, and excursions. And there will be restaurants and bars that passengers can reach by walking or swimming. Costing $600 million, the destination is the latest in major cruise carriers betting big time on private islands or resorts built from the ground up. The new stops give cruisers more beach time, expand group activities and bring in more money. Royal Caribbean, also based in Miami, is developing a third private space in Mexico that's expected to be ready in 2027. The company's other two private resorts are in Labadee, Haiti, and Coco Cay in the Bahamas. Norwegian Cruise Line has Great Stirrup Cay, also in the Bahamas. Carnival is so keen on Celebration Key that 20 of its 27 ships plan to sail there, including all five ships that call PortMiami home: Carnival Celebration, Carnival Horizon, Carnival Sunrise, Carnival Conquest and Carnival Magic. Ships sailing from Baltimore, New Orleans and Galveston will also head there this year. Carnival Conquest, which does three-and four-day trips to the Bahamas, will be the first PortMiami-based ship to visit Celebration Key, departing South Florida on July 18. At the construction site Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy and Carnival Corp. CEO Josh Weinstein look out over Calypso Lagoon Courtesy of Carnival 'Celebration Key represents a new chapter for Carnival and its construction builds on our close partnership with the Bahamas,' Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. 'Seeing it transform from vision to reality is incredible.' Duffy visited the under-construction Celebration Key in February, along with Carnival Corp. Chief Executive Officer Josh Weinstein and Chief Maritime Officer Lars Ljoen. The cruise executives joined leaders from the organization Plant a Tree and replanted about 1,000 sabal palms, a nod to the role their industry needs to play in increasing sustainability. Duffy also took part in 'the ceremonial filling of one of two expansive freshwater lagoons, the largest in the Caribbean.' These will be sustained by Celebration Key's desalination system that converts seawater into freshwater. The lagoons span over seven acres and hold about seven million gallons of water. Carnival broke ground on the project less than three years ago. About 500 Bahamian workers are on the 65-acre site around the clock to make sure the resort is ready by July. The cruises from Miami that will stop at Celebration Key range from a three-day weekend cruise on Carnival Conquest to a 13-day trip starting from Barcelona on Carnival Journeys. Carnival Celebration will offer a variety of seven-day cruises to the eastern and western Caribbean that stop at the new resort. The resort expects to have more than 30 restaurants and bars, from full-service sit-downs to self-ordering food trucks. The development is broken down into different areas. Paradise Plaza is the welcoming area. Starfish Lagoon has recreation and relaxation. Calypso Lagoon has an adult-only area with a DJ island and a large swim-up bar. Pearl Cove Beach Club is a premium adult-only space with an infinity pool and beachfront cabanas. Pearl Cove Beach Club will offer beachfront daybeds, private cabanas and Super Villas, each of which includes access to the club's open bar service, infinity pool, full-service restaurant and beachfront. Here is a rundown on the food and drinks: Food on Carnival's Celebration Key Calypso Lagoon ▪ Mingo's Tropical Bar & Kitchen, named after the Bahamas' national bird the flamingo, is a full-service, Carnival-run restaurant offering Bahamian favorites including fried fish and conch fritters, as well as burgers, seafood, tacos, steak and sandwiches. Mingo's bar will serve tropical frozen drinks and cocktails. ▪ Mingo's Express food truck, just outside the restaurant, has self-ordering kiosks and shaded seating, and to-go hamburgers, salads and fish sandwiches. ▪ Surf N' Sauce BBQ & Brews is a full-service dining spot serving slow-smoked meat prepared in an outdoor smoker. A full-service bar pours craft beer from Bahamian breweries. Starfish Lagoon ▪ Gill's Grill, a full-service restaurant and full bar, cooks up Caribbean seafood including seafood baskets, local fish, lobster, steamed crab and shrimp, chicken, burgers and kids' meals. ▪ Captain's Galley Food Hall features five outlets serving burgers, hot dogs, fried chicken, pizza, Mediterranean bowls, tacos and burritos. ▪ Food trucks with self-ordering kiosks offer chicken sandwiches, burgers and conch fritters. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ Pearl Cove Beach Club restaurant in an area for guests 18 and older. Beverages on Celebration Key Calypso Lagoon ▪ Long Necks Bar is where you can grab one of 100 seats and order a frozen drink, beer or Bahamian cocktailwhile aDJ spins tunes. ▪ The Sunshine Swings Bar has 40 swings and offers a 'chill vibe.' ▪ The Parrotfish Swim Up Bar has seating in-water and out-of-water and serves frozen cocktails and mocktails with tropical fruit juice. Pearl Cove Beach Club ▪ An infinity pool overlooks the beach and a swim-up bar Paradise Plaza ▪ A welcome area where you can get your caffeine fix or energy boost with coffee and ice cream. Carnival cruise reservations You can book sailings taking place into 2027. To learn more about their sailings and make reservations, visit the Carnival website at
