FIRST KEY LIME FESTIVAL SET FOR THE KEYS

True confession: I am a longtime fan and advocate for the Key lime, as used in the pie and for me personally, iced tea. In fact, I wrote a blog post about it several years ago: In praise of the Key lime. Now comes word Key West is staging the first Key Lime Festival, set for July 4-6, which will include an attempt to bake the largest Key lime pie in history. 

Here's more from the release:

"The festival was conceived by Key West author and baker David Sloan, who penned The Ultimate Key Lime Pie Cookbook. It celebrates the popularity of the tart, creamy dessert so closely identified with the Florida Keys that almost every visitor samples it.

"Believed to have originated in Key West in the late 1800s, Key lime pie was designated Florida's official pie in 2006 by the state legislature. Its primary ingredients are condensed milk, egg yolks and the juice of the tiny yellow Key lime, with the creamy filling typically nestled in a graham cracker crust and topped with whipped cream or meringue.

"Festival highlights are to include an attempt by Sloan and three fellow chefs to set a Guinness World Record for baking the largest Key lime pie in history. They plan to debut their creation, expected to exceed 15 feet in diameter, during the Key Lime Piestravaganza Thursday, July 4, on Greene Street just off Duval Street.

"The Piestravaganza is to feature other attractions including the Mile-High Key Lime Pie Eating Contest at noon and an appearance by the festival's offbeat mascot, Key Lime Kirby.

ROYAL ORDERS THIRD QUANTUM-CLASS SHIP

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is doubling down on its new Quantum-class cruise ships. Today they announced that it has signed a contract with the Meyer Werft shipyard to construct a third Quantum-class cruise ship for delivery in mid-2016. More details from the press release:

"The yet-unnamed Quantum-class vessel will join the Royal Caribbean International fleet, alongside Quantum of the Seas, which will make its maiden voyage in 2014, and Anthem of the Seas, scheduled to debut in 2015.

"Quantum ships span 16 decks, encompass 167,800 gross registered tons, carry 4,180 guests at double occupancy and feature 2,090 staterooms. Quantum cruising will dazzle guests with never-before onboard features, such as a skydiving experience, a thrilling adventure that transports guests more than 300 feet in the air on a breathtaking journey; cutting-edge transformative venues including the largest indoor sports and entertainment complex at sea with bumper cars, roller skating and more; and the cruise line's largest and most advanced staterooms. These new, larger staterooms enable innovation in design, storage and comfort, including the industry's first interior staterooms with Virtual Balconies, ensuring that every stateroom on Quantum of the Seas will have a view. To see the reveal film that introduces at-sea "firsts" to debut on the Quantum Class, please go to http://tinyurl.com/pyhh6ff." -- Gerry

SITE LISTS TOP 10 SWIM-UP BARS

(Credit: TripAdvisor)

Regular readers in this space know TripAdvisor is our "go-to" site for just-about-anything Top 10. Their latest effort is -- "Top 10 Swim-Up Bars." A relaxing swim and a martini ... what a great idea. In fact, if you want to try adding one to your hacienda, we found a page with a few ideas to get you started. -- Gerry

LET THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND BEGIN

Reggie, our Cavalier King Charles, starts her Memorial Day weekend with a walk along Palm Beach. We think she has the right idea! -- Gerry and Pam

TOP 25 WORLD DESTINATIONS

TripAdvisor is out with their list of 25 Top World Destinations, as selected by their readers. There are the usual suspects -- Venice, New York, Paris, Rome -- and probably a few that are on your personal "to go" lists. We've paid a visit to eight of the selections in the Top 10 and it would be hard to single out a number one, although Venice and Barcelona rank right up there. They each have their own charms, and that's what makes travel so rewarding. Here's wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend! -- Gerry and Pam

HAMBURGER IS HEAVEN IN WEST PALM LOCATION

You know how you move to a new city, you cruise by certain restaurants and are drawn to them? Drawn to them, but you never stop and give them a try.

This is my story about an institution in the Palm Beaches.

Hamburger Heaven served up burgers and more on the island of Palm Beach for years. Every time I drove past, I wanted to stop, just not enough to bother finding parking.

Oh, I knew it had a fabulous reputation, but sampling their fare did not happen.

Guess what happened?

They closed. That's an entirely different story, but it's out there if you want to find it.

DOGS AND CATS, PLOTTING

To me, I believe our dog knows the difference between regular going and seriously going.

Regular going means, we leave for the grocery store, shopping or dinner. Our return is speedy and she realizes there are extra treats or chew sticks in the deal. She's content to wait in her Zebra-striped bed (unless the cat commands it) until we are reunited and her world is, once again, secure.

Seriously going means, we pack large and small bags (I'm not saying which are mine) and leave for days and days. We must board her at these times, or leave her with family. She's fine, but the moment of separation is anything but fine. To be honest, she brings drama when we leave her at the groomer, so we try to keep it in perspective.

Yes, our Cavalier works her sad eyes (and brows) when we are leaving with bags and I always want to take her, even when it is impossible.

Crookshanks the cat?

As any cat-owner knows, he's indifferent if we go or stay, and would rather eat  turnips than get into the car. No, if you offer him a choice, it's turnips all the way.

So, we leave and they wait.

Are they sad or simply plotting revenge that we've had a great trip while they had dry food and a random treat here and there? It's an unsolved mystery. I hate those. --Pam

HOW ABOUT A $600 PICNIC AT BIG SUR?

Big Sur Picnic (Chatterbox PR)

It's been a few years since we were in Carmel and the Big Sur in California, but once you've experienced the coastal trip along Highway 1, you never forget it. So here's a fun item if your travels take you that way -- The Hyatt Carmel Highlands overlooking the Big Sur Coast is celebrating National Great Outdoors Month in June and National Picnic month in July with a new hiking and picnic package. "Guests will meander beautiful coastal trails experience scenic views, flora, fauna and fun with an experienced Big Sur guide. Our Chefs have prepared a picnic lunch sure to match the incredible scenery of the Big Sur coastline." It even includes a keepsake picnic backpack. Package prices begin at $600, available beginning June 1. More info available here. For $600, we don't expect to see any ants! -- Gerry

CUNARD TO MARK 'AQUITANIA'S' 100TH ANNIVERSARY

Aquitania in Liverpool (Credit: Cunard)

Among all cruise lines, Cunard has a rich, deep and proud tradition. Yet another example of that is Queen Victoria's upcoming visit to Liverpool, England, in May, 2014 – "the first two-day call in Cunard's spiritual home made by a Cunard ship in almost 50 years." It takes place during the 13-day Around the British Isles cruise, departing round-trip from Southampton May 23, 2014, arriving in Liverpool on May 30, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the maiden voyage of Aquitania – the legendary Cunard ship known as the “Ship Beautiful.”

Cunard notes, "The largest liner in the world at the time of her May 30, 1914 Maiden Voyage, Aquitania is considered one of the most beautiful liners ever built, and certainly the most beautiful four-funneled liner ever. She became one of the longest-serving Cunarders in history – 36 years – and was the only major liner to serve in both World Wars. In fact, Sir Winston Churchill credited her and her two contemporaries, the original Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth, with shortening World War II by a year. The service length and miles sailed (three million) of Aquitania were both only surpassed by Cunard’s iconic Queen Elizabeth 2."

Another stop is planned at Greenock, where Greenock on the Clyde also has a close connection with Aquitania, "as the ship was built at the famous John Brown Shipyard located there. Additionally, when Queen Victoria arrives in Cobh, an earlier Cunard ship, Lusitania, will be remembered for her loss in World War I, as is becoming the custom when Cunard ships call there." -- Gerry

BLOG CO-HOST PUBLISHES TWO NOVELS

We have some exciting news to share! Besides her duties to Cruising Squared, my co-blogger and life partner Pam has been busy working on her novels. This week, we're celebrating that two of her newest books made their debut on Amazon. Pop the champagne!

Both books are part of a series that now include four books in all. One is titled "Panama Palmer," which is the second in a series that started with "Privately Palmer." Set in South Florida, Palmer and the characters in her life could easily be among your own friends and neighbors. The synopsis: "Tucked away in a run-down industrial district is the shady dive known as Dizzy's, where Palmer unravels a tangled web of secrets woven between an assortment of questionable and dangerous characters. Although Palmer, a cool, strong, sexy, yet flawed woman, longs for the peace of her South Florida beach shack, she is drawn into a dark and sordid world. Cautioned by her part-time lover, Addison, and aided by her earthy friend, Ludi, it is a twisting, dangerous and turbulent ride that pushes Palmer to the limit." As Pam notes, it is a "spicy" read but a fun ride.

The other new one is "Zandra and The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches," the follow-up book to "The Bainbridges of the Palm Beaches." Again, she builds a story around strong characters: "Sun streams all over the Palm Beaches for Anya, Frederick, Lizzie and the gang as they return for more adventures amid the palm trees. But the fun fades as new faces bring turmoil, indiscretions and lies. One new face in particular -- Taga Zandra -- settles into a prominent spot in the world of the Bainbridges as she catches the eye of Frederick Bainbridge. Trusting Frederick has never been a greater challenge for Anya Bainbridge. Anya's friend and Frederick's business associate, Lizzie, unaccustomed to playing second-banana to anyone, wonders if the presence of Taga Zandra will force that role upon her. Socialite by marriage and vintage shopping maven, Embry Impolito, adds spice and flare to the irresistible gossip she whispers to her friends and almost-friends. But Anya depends on her for more than telling tales. Past relationships threaten the partners, Victor and Theo. Anya's best friends face the ultimate, life-changing, decision. It will be revealed."

Each book is priced at 99 cents, and available for Kindle or any device that has the Amazon Kindle app. "Cruise" on other there and check it out! -- Gerry

CONSIDER BACK-TO-BACK CRUISES

Why take one cruise, if you can take two -- back-to-back? For people who have the time, Royal points out it's a great way to visit more ports with minimal packing and unpacking. Hey, you don't have to tell us twice. We're on-board with that! -- Gerry

ASTEROID MEASURED IN "CRUISE SHIPS"

Did you happen to see the story on MSN today? The headline read, "Asteroid as large as 9

cruise ships to sail by Earth." Of course, all of us who call this planet home are happy

about that piece of news. But that does beg the question, "Have cruise ships replaced football fields as the new standard of measurement?" And how do football fields and cruise ships equate, measurement-wise? Inquiring minds want to know! -- Gerry

AZAMARA REPORTS RECORD BOOKINGS

Azamara Club Cruises is on a roll. They just celebrated their three year anniversary in April by reporting a record-breaking booking month. They noted a 146 percent increase in bookings from the same time last year and has received "outstanding feedback" on its newest program, Azamazing Evenings. Well done! -- Gerry

VIKING EXPANDING INTO OCEAN CRUISING

Viking Star - coming in May, 2015 (Viking Cruise Line)

When you hear "Viking" you probably think "river cruising." Not anymore. Today Viking announced it is expanding into ocean cruising with the introduction of Viking Star in May, 2015. Calling it the first new cruise line in almost 10 years, Star is only the beginning. They also announced plans to expand both "the ocean and river cruise categories, with a second ocean ship on order for delivery in 2016 and conditional orders and options for four more additional ocean vessels." Earlier this year, they christened 10 new river ships and have 12 new river ships planned to launch in 2014.

The all-balcony ship sports lots of extras and amenities for its 928 passengers. Details are provided below in their video and press release:





Viking Star

Classified by Cruise Critic as a “small ship,” the new 928-passenger all-veranda Viking Star is engineered at a scale that allows direct access into most ports, so guests have easy and efficient embarkation and debarkation. The ship’s understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design is crafted for maximum guest comfort. Highlighted features include:

· All Veranda Staterooms: Guests can choose from five stateroom categories, starting from a 270 sq. ft. veranda stateroom, all with private verandas, king-size beds, large showers, and LCD TVs.

AMTRAK UPGRADES ITS WI-FI SERVICE

Internet connectivity is something we have all come to expect, even moreso when we  travel. Amtrak recognizes that, and has upgraded its AmtrakConnect cellular-based Wi-Fi service to "take advantage of 4G technologies that are improving performance and enhancing the passenger experience." Here's more from their relaese:

"The 4G upgrade is already complete on Acela Express and the California-supported Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner, and San Joaquin services, and will be rolled out to all remaining i-Fi equipped Amtrak trains by late summer, including the Northeast Regional. AmtrakConnect continues to be provided at no additional cost, and is available on trains that serve 75 percent of Amtrak passengers, and routinely supports between 30 and 50 percent of passengers on a given train.

"While cellular upgrades to 4G are improving the service, the onboard demand for data continues to grow. To maximize the Wi-Fi experience for passengers, data-heavy activities that can slow everyone down, such as streaming video and music, and file downloads larger than 10MB, will continue to be restricted. This will ensure high-volume data users onboard the train are not able to degrade the Internet experience for others."

'BREAKAWAY' MAKES FIRST STOP IN BERMUDA

Breakaway docks in Bermuda (Norwegian)

Norwegian Breakaway, the new and shiny star in Norwegian's fleet, made her inaugural stop in Bermuda today. At 146,600 gross tons, it's reportedly the largest ship to ever port in Bermuda, docking at Heritage Wharf. Norwegian reported Bermuda’s Premier Craig Cannonier and local officials greeted the ship and Captain Evans Hoyt with much fanfare, according to their release. “On behalf of the people of Bermuda, we are so pleased to welcome Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda,” said Cannonier at a press conference held on the dock. “We thank Norwegian Cruise Line for bringing their magnificent new vessel to our beautiful island. The ship’s guests and crew are of the utmost importance to us and we will show them all that Bermuda has to offer.” -- Gerry

ROYAL PROMOTING 'KIDS TOUR FREE '

Credit: Royal Caribbean

Want to take the kids to Europe? For a limited time, Royal Caribbean is offering a "Kids Tour Free" promotion. Families with children 12 and under who book a 2013 Europe cruise aboard Navigator of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas or Serenade of the Seas can enjoy free shore excursion tours for children when two adults in their stateroom purchase the same tour during May 2013. For more information, go to www.RoyalCaribbean.com/KidsTourFree. -- Gerry

AZAMARA GUESTS ENJOY 'AZAMAZING EVENINGS'

One of the hallmarks of an Azamara cruise is their mantra of "Destination Immersion" -- getting guests engaged in the local culture. This year they have taken that to a new level with a program called "AzAmazing Evenings," described as "complimentary onshore events that offer an up-close experience of local traditions — dance, music, theater and cuisine —in gorgeous private settings and landmarks." The first of these was held in March in Gibraltar, where the Royal Gibraltar Regiment Band performed in St. Michael's Cave, complete with fireworks. That would qualify as "AzAmazing" in our book. Here's a list of planned Azamara "Azamazing Events". -- Gerry

ARE YOU READY FOR A 'GETAWAY'?

How that Breakaway is launched, can Norwegian Getaway be far behind? The companion ship to Breakaway is set to make her debut next February. Here's a sneak preview:

TOP 10 UNIQUE BEACHES: YOU GUESSED IT

Talk about piling on. Remember on our Azamara cruise, when weather forced us to skip our scheduled stop at Virgin Gorda, and a trip to the fabled Baths? Now we have TripAdvisor out with their "Top 10 Wonderfully Unique Beaches." And guess what number one is? You got it -- The Baths at Virgin Gorda. Can't get a break, right? But I have to admit it does provide some new fodder for the old bucket list. -- Gerry

ROCKETTES WELCOME 'BREAKAWAY' TO NEW YORK

The Rockettes (Credit: Norwegian)

Norwegian Breakaway was christened by the Rockettes in New York May 8 during a ceremony officiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Cardinal Timothy Dolan. Buddy Valastro, star of the TLC series “Cake Boss,” hosted.

CUNARD ANNOUNCES ARMED FORCES CREDIT

Cunard has announced a new benefit for those who serve in the armed forces in North America -- on board credits of up to $250 per person to members of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves, and the Canadian National Defense. Military personnel who are active, retired or disabled veterans are eligible with proper documentation. More details from Cunard:

CELEBRITY, XBOX TEAM, LAUNCH CONTEST

Celebrity has announced a new alliance with Microsoft's XBox that will integrate the gaming experience into their onboard activities. The newly “Solsticized” Celebrity Constellation is the first of their ships to introduce the complete onboard Xbox experience. 

To celebrate the launch, the Celebrity and XBox Experience Sweepstakes will offer a seven-night cruise for a family of four and an Xbox 360 prize pack as the grand prize. For a chance to win, enter online through June 18 at www.celebritycruises.com/xboxsweeps. Participants also can win four Xbox 360 prize packs, each including an Xbox 360 with Kinect and a month of Xbox Live Gold membership.

All Celebrity ships will offer Xbox 360 and Kinect for Xbox 360 this summer, and will unfold the full Xbox experience by the end of 2013. It will offer families interactive Xbox Games experiences for every age group. -- Gerry

'BREAKAWAY' READY FOR HER N.Y. DEBUT

Norwegian Breakaway (Credit: NCL)

Tomorrow is the much-anticipated big day for Norwegian Breakaway. The 146,600-gross ton ship, "the largest ever to call Manhattan its home," will be christened on May 8 in a ceremony featuring The Rockettes, celebrity chef Geoffrey Zakarian and New York City officials, among others. Sporting signature hull art designed by legendary artist Peter Max, more than 4,000 guests will take part in the ship’s christening. A live webcast of the ceremony will be available at www.breakaway.ncl.com. In addition, fireworks are planned near the Statue of Liberty at approximately 8:30 pm Wednesday evening. On May 12, she begins a series of seven-day cruises to Bermuda through October. In the fall, she will offer seven-day voyages to the Bahamas and Florida, as well as two 12-day sailings to the Southern Caribbean. -- Gerry

CRUISE WITH DAVE KOZ AND FRIENDS

I'm not sure how you improve on this combination: Greece, Italy, Sicily and Dave Koz. The master of smooth jazz is setting sail aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas this September for another edition of the Dave Koz and Friends Cruise. It departs Sept. 22 from Rome, and among the friends joining Koz will be Michael McDonald, Mindi Abair, Gerald Albright and Keiko Matsui. As huge Dave Koz fans, we're certain the Mediterranean will have never sounded so good. Get all the details here. Or watch the video, and enjoy Dave's "You Make Me Smile" at the same time. -- Gerry

CAPTION CRUISING INTO NIGHT

When darkness drops a heavy veil around a cruise ship at sea, that can be the best time.

Not just for fine dining and haute couture, but for playful photo-ops.

Sure, you lose the fabulous azure views, but if you look closely, there are a million (an estimate) other views to discover and photograph. You simply have to be creative. They are there, and not always inside the ship.

As you can see, this image of Gaz and the outdoor clock conjure up all sorts of captions.

Go ahead ahead and send us your caption.

I know what it brings to my mind! -- Pam

Gerry: What a fun idea! Okay, I'll go first:

"When the big hand is on 12, and the little hand is on five, does that mean it's time for the vegetable carving demonstration?"

BIRTHDAY BASH SET AT GRAND LUCAYAN

Alison Hinds

Over on Grand Bahama Island, the Grand Lucayan resort is prepping for a big Birthday Bash Weekend May 31-June 1, featuring "Caribbean Queen" Alison Hinds. It all kicks off May 31, with a meet-and-greet cocktail reception and dinner in the Grand Ballroom at 7 p.m. Hinds’ concert begins at 8 p.m. with a saxophone performance by George Wilkinson, followed by a performance by Hinds featuring the latest hits from her “Caribbean Queen” album. Tickets to the May 31 dinner and concert can be purchased at the new Aroma Café, located in Grand Lucayan’s Manor House lobby, for $120 per person.

Hinds will celebrate her birthday in concert June 1 at 8 p.m. featuring performances by DJ Tiko T, DJ Magician, Raquel Oliver and Jah Hem by the resort’s infinity pool. Tickets to the June 1 birthday bash are $60 per person or $75 per person for VIP seating and can be purchased at Aroma Café. More info can be found here.

UPGRADED 'GRANDEUR' SAILING FROM BALTIMORE

Last November we had the opportunity to preview the makeover of Royal Caribbean's Grandeur of the Seas, which we wrote about here. It got an amazing transformation, adding some of Royal's latest and greatest features, including an awesome aerial show in the Centrum. As the ship moves to its new home port of Baltimore, CEO Adam Goldstein details the upgrades in this week's video. -- Gerry

CELEBRITY PARTNERS WITH 54 BELOW

Guests sailing on Celebrity Summit to Bermuda will experience a taste of Broadway thanks to a new partnership with New York's "54 Below."  Located "in a cool, cozy cellar space beneath the legendary, disco-era Studio 54," it's described as “a throwback to the heyday of authentic New York nightlife” and “the hot new stage attracting Broadway’s brightest stars." Many of those stars will be featured during Summit's Bermuda vacation season, which runs May 5 through October, sailing from Cape Liberty, NJ. "We are incredibly excited to partner with 54 Below, offering our guests a unique theatrical experience featuring world-class Broadway talent in cabaret style performances," said Celebrity's Director of Entertainment Eric Bohus in their news release. -- Gerry

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AMTRAK EXHIBIT TRAIN ON TOUR

Amtrak's traveling Exhibit Train is hitting the rails again. The train, which showcases Amtrak's past, present and future, includes two locomotives, three renovated baggage cars and one bistro car, with historic paint schemes. Making its first stop at Railroad Days 2013 in Fullerton, Calif., the Exhibit Train "features new displays including workable signals, virtual sleeping accommodation tours and trivia with returning favorite displays including the locomotive stand and horns. In addition, it features photos, uniforms, vintage advertising and memorabilia from Amtrak's beginning in 1971 to today's modern-sleeping cars and high-speed rail service."

The schedule includes:

May 4 - 5
Railroad Days 2013
Amtrak Station, Fullerton, Calif.,

May 11
National Train Day
Amtrak Station at the Alvarado Transportation Center, Albuquerque, N.M.

May 18
Hope, Ark. Station Celebration
Amtrak Station at the Hope Visitors Center and Museum

NEW SAILINGS FOR CELEBRITY WORLD TOUR

Celebrity Cruises' "World Tour” will journey to all seven continents in 2014-15. This week they announced the Asia and Australia sailings, with Celebrity Century joining the itineraries presented on Celebrity Solstice in Australia and Celebrity Millennium in Asia. Here are details from the release:

Celebrity’s World Tour – Australia 2014-15

Celebrity Century and Celebrity Solstice together will offer 27 cruises in Australia in 2014-15, representing a 50 percent increase from the previous season. The itineraries offer guests a vast array of options, ranging from three to 23 nights, departing from Sydney, Fremantle and Auckland.