By the Caribbean Journal staff

Celebrity is readying the debut of its new Celebrity Edge ship, and the company has announced a major new amenity: a state-of-the-art meeting space.

It’s called The Meeting Place, and the 1,970-square-foot venue is a new kind of offering on a cruise ship, with sweeping views, soundproof dividers, advanced audiovisual tech and even private office space for event planners.

The venue, which was designed by Wilson Butler Architects, is going for a “hip lounge” vibe rather than that of a conference room, according to Scott Butler, founding partner at Wilson Butler.

“The word that defines The Meeting Place is ‘connected’,” Butler says. “It facilitates guests getting connected to one another; to the latest technology and to the greatest new ideas. It also happens to connect to other venues on the ship that vastly expand the opportunities for groups.”

The setting can be configured in a number of ways, including theater-style, classroom style, U-shaped or with a circular layout.

“Of course, the most advanced ship we’ve ever designed would include the most exciting venues for get-togethers, including The Meeting Place,” said Dondra Ritzenthaler, Senior Vice President of Sales, Trade Support and Service, Celebrity Cruises. “When you host events at sea, you really elevate your brand. Imagine the spectacular conferences, trade shows, weddings, and reunions you can plan with the gorgeous Celebrity Edge as your setting and an ocean as your brilliant backdrop.”

Celebrity has already launched bookings for Edge, which will sail itineraries to both the Eastern and Western Caribbean beginning in late 2018.

The post Celebrity Edge Will Have a Hip “Meeting Place” For Events appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

There’s a new adults-only resort in Jamaica: Breathless Montego Bay Resort and Spa.

The latest new all-inclusive property for Apple Leisure Group subsidiary AMResorts held its officially ribbon cutting this week during the JAPEX Jamaica tourism conference.

The 150-suite resort, which also offers guests access to the nearby Secrets Wild Orchid and Secrets St James resorts, has a range of amenities from the only rooftop pool and bar in Jamaica to fire pits and a dedicated beach club.

This week’s ribbon-cutting was attended by a number of tourism luminaries, including Isabel Bardón, President of Grupo El Fuerte; Salvador Luque, Chairman of the Board for SeawindKey Investment; Alex Zozaya, CEO of Apple Leisure Group; Gonzalo del Peón, President of AMResorts and John Hutchinson, COO of Apple Leisure Group, along with Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The wine cellar at Breathless.

“Jamaica tops travelers’ lists as a sought-after destination on a consistent basis,” said Gonzalo del Peon, President of AMResorts. “The introduction of the adults-only Breathless Resorts & Spas brand presented an amazing opportunity for a larger presence in the proven successful destination.”

AMResorts is the Caribbean’s fastest-growing hotel company, with six brands across the Caribbean region and Central America.

Its Breathless brand targets travelers looking for a “more social” experience, with a party atmosphere that’s unique for all inclusives.

The property is surrounded by the Montego Bay marine park.

The post Adults-Only Breathless Resort Opens in Montego Bay appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The latest Caribbean Photo comes from Caribbean Journal reader Anne Campbell, who sent in this lovely shot of Hillsborough Beach on the Grenadian island of Carriacou.

Have you taken a great photo in the Caribbean? Send it to news@caribjournal.com with CPOTW in the subject line, including your first and last name and the location of the photo.

It could be the next one!

— CJ

The post Caribbean Photo of the Week: On the Beach in Carriacou appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Caribbean’s food festival circuit has only been growing in recent years, but one festival has regularly drawn the biggest names: the Cayman Islands’ Cayman Cookout, now celebrating its 10th anniversary.

This year’s festival, which takes place Jan, 10-14, 2018, will be headlined as in years past by superstar chefs Eric Ripert, Anthony Bourdain and Jose Andres.

The 2018 Cookout, which will feature more than 40 scheduled events, will also draw celebrity chefs including Emeril Lagasse, Alfred Portale, Daniel Boulud, Dominique Crenn, Michael Mina, Rick Bayless, Robert Irvine and Sean Brock, who will all host events throughout the weekend.

Events include everything from a paella session with Andres to the staple event at Cayman Cookout: The Adventures of Eric & Tony, which takes guests on a culinary “globe-spanning journey” with Ripert and Bourdain.

It concludes with the Grand Finale Evening with Eric Ripert and the chefs of Cayman Cookout, featuring a a 10-course dinner hosted by Ripert and the attending chefs.

The event is held at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, which is home to Ripert’s Blue by Eric Ripert eatery.

For more information on attending, visit the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman.

The post Eric Ripert, Anthony Bourdain to Headline Cayman Cookout appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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By the Caribbean Journal staff

The Atlantis Paradise Island resort has a new president.

The Bahamas’ flagship resort has named Audrey Oswell as its new president and managing director, the property announced.

Oswell had been serving as the resort’s Chief Operating Officer since 2016, having previously held the title of chief gaming officer at Atlantis from 2011 to 2013.

She succeeds Howard Karawan in the role.

“We are extremely pleased that Audrey will elevate her leadership role at the resort, especially as she was an integral part of the team that was involved in creating the new vision and direction of Atlantis,” said Andrea Balkan, managing partner of Brookfield Asset Management, which owns the resort. “Audrey is not only deeply experienced in the resort and casino space, but she brings a level of compassion and knowledge to this role. We look forward to sharing the ongoing success of Atlantis across the highest levels of guest service, experience and industry-leading innovation.”

Atlantis has been embarking on a major new upgrade and rebranding in the last year.

The post Atlantis Paradise Island Names New President appeared first on Caribbean Journal.

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