CRUISE INDUSTRY

Norwegian Cruise Line sees first-quarter improvement

With an IPO in the rearview mirror and a new ship at sea, Norwegian Cruise Line has high hopes for 2013.

GAY & LESBIAN MARKETPLACE

The Biltmore launches campaign to bring gay weddings to Coral Gables hotel

The Biltmore in Coral Gables has launched a ‘Love is Love’ campaign to bring gay weddings to the historic hotel.

HOTELS

b2 hopes to B the place to 2be

The first of a new brand, b2 hotel, had its grand opening this week in downtown Miami.

HOTELS

March was a standout for South Florida hotels, new numbers show

Hotels throughout South Florida posted some of their best numbers in recent memory.

CRUISE INDUSTRY

Carnival Corp. to pay government for help following Splendor, Triumph fires at sea

Carnival Corp. said in a statement Monday that the company will reimburse the U.S. government for costs related to the aftermath of fires aboard the Triumph and Splendor cruise ships.

CRUISE INDUSTRY

Full of new features, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas to call New Jersey home

Royal Caribbean International’s next new ship, Quantum of the Seas, will offer bumper cars, simulated skydiving and an ocean view in every cabin.

Brazil

Florida is overwhelming choice of Brazilian visitors

But Brazil’s ambassador to the U.S. says negotiating a visa waiver program between the two countries may take some time.

HOSPITALITY

Upscale hostel creates new scene in Miami Beach

Freehand Miami, the first in a planned chain of branded upscale hostels, is bringing a budget-friendly, welcoming vibe to Miami Beach for guests and locals.

Industry group to review proposal for cruise passenger “Bill of Rights”

Industry group to review proposal for cruise passenger ‘Bill of Rights’

A push for a “bill of rights” for cruise ship passengers has caught the attention of the industry’s main trade group.

CRUISE INDUSTRY

Carnival announces fixes for two ships, with plans for more

In the first step toward making fixes to its fleet, Carnival Cruise Lines said it will improve redundancies, backup power capabilities and fire systems aboard two ships.

Visual arts

Cruise company partners with ArtCenter/South Florida

Ahita Keshmirian placed bits of broken yet colorful glass into a pendant. Outside, beyond the natural grass on the top deck of Celebrity Cruise Lines’ Silhouette, the mosaic-decorated churches of Ravenna, Italy, were visible.

HOTELS

New SLS-branded hotel and condos coming to Miami

The SLS hotel brand is planning to add a downtown Miami location — with residences — in a joint venture with The Related Group.

Miami Beach

Miami Beach postpones discussion of liquor on the sand

Beachgoers can still enjoy an illegal drink on Miami Beach.

CRUISE INDUSTRY

U.S. cruise lines are exploring new horizons

Once the kings of the Caribbean, North American cruise lines are venturing farther from home — and cultivating new customer bases.

HOTELS

Miami-Dade hotels welcome five-star news

After more than 15 years without a five-star hotel, Miami-Dade now boasts two.

SUN LIFE STADIUM

With spotlight on Miami-Dade, Broward County wary of a Super Bowl snub

The Dolphins’ emphasis on Miami-Dade in a push for tax money for their stadium could mean a lesser role in future Super Bowls for Broward.

CRUISE INDUSTRY

More lawsuits filed over Carnival Triumph ordeal

More lawyers have filed suit on behalf of passengers who were aboard the Carnival Triumph when a fire knocked out power.

Miami part of TSA test for faster airport screening

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration will start testing faster passenger screening, based on identity, at airports around the country this fall.