Cunard's Queen Mary 2 Kicks Off 2018 Transatlantic Season

Travelers embrace the trend of slow travel that the iconic Transatlantic Crossing offers: the luxury of time and freedom to create, reflect, imagine, and recharge

 On May 17, 2018 Cunard's flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 returned to her homeport of New York for her 2018 Transatlantic Season. Following another successful World Cruise season, QM2 will resume her regularly-scheduled service across the Atlantic, a route that began 178 years ago.

Now more than ever, Queen Mary 2's Transatlantic Crossing offers travelers a unique and precious escape from day to day life. Traveling leisurely by sea between New York and England, for seven nights in the North Atlantic, passengers have the time and luxury to dive deeper into their passions and crafts, to explore creative expression, and to hone personal and professional projects that range from journal writing and sketching, to polishing screenplays, musical scores, and more.

Celebrities, writers and artists who have made the most of QM2's Transatlantic Crossings include songwriter, music producer, and actor Ed Sheeran who sailed from New York to England and wrote parts of his latest hit album "Divide;" filmmaking director and screenwriter Wes Anderson, who wrote much of his movie "Isle of Dogs;" and legend Francis Ford Coppola who boarded the liner to put the final touches on his book "The Godfather Notebook."

"Over the past year, Cunard has seen an incredible demand for our product and experience from regions around the world, with double-digit growth within the North American market," said Josh Leibowitz, senior vice president of Cunard North America. "The unique opportunity to step away from day to day life and feel inspired, enriched, and revitalized is one of the reasons passenger feedback continues to be among the best in the industry."

Not only are celebrities and artists fans of Cunard, but royalty has an affinity for QM2 as well. Christened by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 2004, Queen Mary 2 has hosted numerous royals on board and is excited to play an integral role in rising tourism to the UK this summer as travelers head to London to get a glimpse of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding site, tour St. Mary's Hospital, where the newest prince was just born, and enjoy the excitement that a new generation of royals ushers in.

Passengers find plenty of room to unwind and feel rejuvenated as they encounter new, surprising pursuits, people, and places. Guests can choose from a multitude of fascinating activities onboard Cunard's three Queens, from wine tasting and cocktail mixology, to painting, fencing, and ballroom dancing lessons, to exploring the largest library afloat, or pondering the mysteries of the universe in the only planetarium at sea.

Cunard's Insights program offers fascinating experts from various industries on every voyage, holding workshops and Q&As throughout the trip. This year Cunard is offering extraordinary special event Crossings throughout the season including collaborations with Ancestry.com, NY Fashion Week, and International Space Week.

QM2 passengers are also thrilled at the opportunity to travel with their four-legged companions onboard the Queen Mary 2, the only ship with kennels on board for dogs and cats.

For those eager to enjoy the elusive luxury of time, Queen Mary 2 will embark on 24 Transatlantic Crossings from May through December this year. Cunard's Big Balcony Eventmakes a Transatlantic Crossing even more irresistible this summer with fares from $999 and up to $1,400 free onboard credit per stateroom and free drinks and free gratuities in the Princess Grill and Queens Grill suites.

For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Consultant, call Cunard Line at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.

For travel agents interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSource or call Cunard toll free at 1-800-528-6273.

CunardCunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2^®, Queen Victoria^® and Queen Elizabeth^®. Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London, and it continues to celebrate the freedom of travel on exciting World Voyage and Grand Voyage itineraries that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Awarded '#1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line' by Travel + Leisure's 2017 and 2016 World's Best Awards and 'Best World Cruise Itineraries' and 'Best Trans-Atlantic Itineraries' by Porthole Cruise Magazine's 2016 Readers Choice Awards, Cunard is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines, a part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world. Together Cunard, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, P&O Cruises (Australia) and P&O Cruises (UK) operate 102 ships visiting over 700 ports around the world and totaling 226,000 lower berths.

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Hawaii Volcano Updates: Tourism Is Wide Open For Business

Hawaii is open for tourism business. The Aloha State is welcoming visitors and there is absolutely no reason for travelers planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands to change or alter their leisure or business travel plans.

This is a welcoming message for the Hawaii travel and tourism industry after earlier reports on the eruption of the Kilauea Volcano on Hawaii Island.

This is the statement just issued by the Hawaii Tourism Authority, a State Agency in charge of promoting the lucrative Hawaii visitors industry.

According to the Hawaiian Tourism Authority (HTA) All flights into the Hawaiian Islands are operating normally.

All accommodations, activities, and attractions throughout the Hawaiian Islands are operating normally, with the exception of those in the area affected by the volcanic activity on the island of Hawaii.

Remote Location on the island of Hawaii’s East Side: None of the Hawaiian Islands are affected by Kilauea volcano except a remote area along the Lower East Rift Zone on the island of Hawaii’s east side, Kilauea Summit and surrounding areas.

Kilauea Summit Activity: Steam and ash outbursts from Halemaumau crater are occurring in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (approximately 40 miles away from the Lower East Rift Zone) and being monitored. This is a natural occurrence as rocks fall into the crater and magma interacts with the groundwater (water table).

Air Quality: Air quality remains largely unchanged with this situation. However, air quality near where the volcanic activity on the island of Hawaii is occurring can be hazardous (SO2-sulfur dioxide) and light ash fall may be present. Officials are continuing to monitor air quality.

Hawaii Tourism Association Blog

A summary of what happened earlier including previous updates relevant to Hawaii Tourism:

MAY 17 KILAUEA SUMMIT ACTIVITY

At 4:17 a.m. HST on May 17, 2018, a steam and ash eruption occurred from Halemaumau Crater within Kilauea Caldera at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, resulting in an ash cloud that drifted northeast. Ash emissions continue from Kilauea summit, which may affect the surrounding areas toward Kau, Volcano, Mountain View, Keaau and as far as Hilo.

To protect yourself from ash:

• Avoid excessive exposure to ash which is an eye and respiratory irritant.
• Those with breathing issues should take extra precaution to minimize exposure.
• Stay indoors and keep your windows closed.
• If you’re in car, keep your windows closed and drive with caution.
• All roads remain open.

For a guide on volcanic ash, visit https://bit.ly/2IjIqBV.

MESSAGE FROM HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park emergency managers are urging motorists to slow down and use caution on Highway 11, particularly between mile markers 29 and 29, and Pii Mauna Road, due to cracks in the road and uneven surfaces resulting from an earthquake that occurred on May 16. In addition, motorists are reminded that stopping for non-emergency purposes along the side and shoulders of Highway 11 in Park territory to view the plumes is prohibited.

For Park updates, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm.

HAWAII COUNTY CIVIL DEFENSE ERUPTION MAP

To view the interactive map (please wait for the page to load), visit: https://goo.gl/i7RbrB

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

AIRPORTS, ACCOMMODATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

• All airports in the Hawaiian Islands continue to operate normally.
• All accommodations, activities and attractions statewide are also operating normally, with the exception of those in the area affected by the volcanic activity on Hawaii Island.
• Visitors who have already booked a trip to the island of Hawaii with accommodations or activities in/near the Puna district, should call their provider with any questions or concerns.
• Effective May 12, those who have vacation rental reservations in the Lower Puna restricted area should find alternative accommodations, until further notice.

EAST RIFT ZONE ERUPTION LOCATION

• The volcanic activity and where lava has flowed along the East Rift Zone in/near Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens Subdivisions is limited to an isolated area in Lower Puna on the island of Hawaii’s east side. This area in the Puna district covers only less than a 10-square-mile area of the island’s 4,028 square miles. The district of Puna is approximately 500 square miles, or the size of half of Rhode Island.
• This is more than 100 driving miles away from the western Kohala and Kona Coasts, where the island’s major visitor accommodations and resorts are located, and the area furthest from the current activity.
• In addition, Hilo town is approximately 20 miles away, and accommodations and activities are unaffected by Kilauea volcano.
• Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, and has been erupting for the past 35 years.
• The topography of the island between east and west is unconducive for a natural flow.

VACATION RENTALS IN LOWER PUNA AREA

• Effective May 12, the County of Hawaii Civil Defense Agency has directed all vacation rental owners and operators in Lower Puna to cease operations so that emergency operations can focus on residents who live in the area.
• The Lower Puna restricted area encompasses the area accessed by Highway 132 from Leilani Estates to Kapoho, Highway 137 from Kapoho to Kalapana, and Highway 130 from Pahoa to Pohoiki, including Pahoa’s Black Sands Beach Subdivision.
• Current vacation renters in this restricted area should find alternative accommodations outside the restricted area as soon as possible.
• Until further notice, visitors who have vacation rental reservations in the restricted area should find alternative accommodations.
• This directive has been issued to owners and operators of vacation rentals within the restricted area, online advertisers of vacation rentals, current vacation renters in the area, and vacation renters with reservations.

AIR QUALITY

Air quality throughout the Hawaiian Islands remains largely unchanged with the exception of where the volcanic activity is happening can have hazardous levels of SO2 (sulfur dioxide). Officials constantly monitor SO2 levels across the island. VOG or volcanic haze is relatively common on an island with active volcanoes (consider Kilauea has been erupting since 1983) and the level of haze is dependent on volcanic activity and wind direction/strength. To view SO2 conditions in real-time across the state, visit http://www.hiso2index.info/. For statewide Air Quality, visit Air Now at https://bit.ly/2I33ixd (data and forecasts courtesy of the Hawaii Department of Health – Environmental Health).

REPORTS ABOUT ACID RAIN

• News reports about acid rain during the Kilauea eruption have mischaracterized the severity of its potential effect on human health. In fact, acid rain is a common occurrence anytime there is rainfall on an area where volcanic haze, or VOG, is in the atmosphere, whether on the island of Hawaii or anywhere else in the world.
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “Walking in acid rain, or even swimming in a lake affected by acid rain, is no more dangerous to humans than walking in normal rain or swimming in non-acidic lakes.”
• Data about the composition of rain falling on the island of Hawaii is closely monitored on a continual basis by the National Atmospheric Deposition Program’s National Trends Network.
• Visit the State Department of Health’s Hawaii Interagency Vog Information Dashboard for the latest information at www.ivhhn.org/vog/.

HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK

Most of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is closed until further notice. The Park’s Kahuku Unit, which includes a 9-mile scenic drive, cinder cone, and several hiking options, is open during its normal hours, Friday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For Park updates, visit https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm. For Volcano Watch updates, visit https://on.doi.gov/2r8G4zE.

ACCESSIBILITY IN THE PUNA AREA

• Road closures are taking place on select areas of Highway 130, 132 and 137.
• No access is allowed at this time for residents of Lanipuna Gardens.
• Residents and visitors who do not have official business in Leilani Estates and Lanipuna Gardens are asked to stay away from the area.
• As a precaution, residents of Lower Puna between Kapoho and Kalapana are advised to be on alert in the event of possible volcanic activity in the area.
• Temporary flight restrictions are in place for most of Lower Puna. Drones will be confiscated in this area.
• Those who have rented accommodations or made tour reservations in the general area should check with those respective companies for the latest updates.
• Unless otherwise noted, area businesses are open and accessible. Motorists are advised to drive with caution and be prepared for increased traffic.
• Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks has closed Lava Tree State Monument and Mackenzie State Recreation Area until further notice.
• All beach parks in Lower Puna have been closed, including the Pohoiki Boat Ramp.
• The County of Hawaii has closed the Kalapana Viewing Area until further notice.

VOLCANOES IN HAWAII

Eruptions of Hawaiian volcanoes are typically nonexplosive or weakly explosive. Hawaiian eruptions, which is a term used by volcanologists worldwide to characterize similar eruptive style at other volcanoes, are usually gentle due to its highly fluid lava composition which tends to flow freely both beneath the surface and upon eruption. For more information about Hawaiian eruptions, visit https://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/hawaii/page26.html.

Travelers planning a trip to the Hawaiian Islands who have questions can contact the Hawaii Tourism United States Call Center at 1-800-GO-HAWAII (1-800-464-2924). For other updates, visit http://hawaiitourismauthority.org/news/special-alert/.

Uber Will No Longer Force Victims Of Sexual Assault Into Arbitration #Uber

Uber says it is taking steps to help reduce the culture of silence around sexual violence on its platform in the wake of a CNN investigation into sexual assaults and abuse by Uber drivers.

The rideshare company said Tuesday it will no longer force passengers who allege that they have been sexually assaulted or harassed by drivers into arbitration -- something Uber says was previously required under its terms of service.

Instead, Uber will allow victims of sexual violence, including riders, drivers and employees, to choose the venue in which they want to pursue redress of their sexual harassment or assault claims, whether that's arbitration, mediation or open court.

The change comes two weeks after CNN reported the results of its investigation, which found at least 103 Uber drivers in the United States who have been accused of sexually assaulting or abusing their passengers in the past four years. The drivers were arrested, are wanted by police, or have been named in civil suits related to the incidents. It was the first time that numbers have been put to the issue.

Previously, upon signing up for Uber's service, Uber says users agreed to resolve any claims on an individual basis through arbitration. The practice, which has been challenged in lawsuits, helped the company keep the issue quiet, according to critics.

"We think it is very, very important to allow survivors of sexual assault and sexual harassment the control and agency that was, frankly, stripped from them in that incident," Uber's chief legal officer, Tony West, told CNN in a phone interview. West added, "I want to thank (CNN) for the reporting that you've done on this issue."

Despite repeated requests, the company has yet to agree to an on-camera interview with CNN.

West, who joined Uber in October 2017, served as associate attorney general during the Obama administration, and helped with the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act in 2013.

Uber also announced two other policy changes pertaining to sexual assault.

The company will no longer require confidentiality as part of settlement agreements in lawsuits pertaining to sexual assault or harassment. As with the arbitration change, this will apply to cases currently pending and cases moving forward.

Additionally, it will publish a "safety transparency report" that will put numbers behind sexual assaults and other incidents that occur on its platform. To do so, it will develop a common taxonomy for how to classify sexual harassment and assault reports, which it plans to also make available to other companies. The lack of transparency about the number of incidents perpetrated by drivers has been a sticking point by victims in lawsuits, which claim Uber tries to hide the true scope of the issue from its customers.

"It's only by accounting and acknowledging [reports] that we are empowered to take action in reducing the incidents of sexual assault," said West. "We want to bring these numbers out in the open. We want people to acknowledge the enormity of the issue, and we want us to begin to think of constructive ways to prevent and end sexual assault."

Related: CNN investigation: 103 Uber drivers accused of sexual assault or abuse

There is no publicly available data for the number of sexual assaults by Uber drivers or drivers of other rideshare companies. CNN's analysis came from an in-depth review of police reports, federal court records and county court databases for 20 major US cities.

At least 31 drivers have been convicted for crimes ranging from forcible touching and false imprisonment to rape, and dozens of criminal and civil cases are pending, CNN found.

The individual reports from across the country show a range of crimes, from victims being kidnapped and raped to trapped in cars with electronic locks by their drivers. One victim was attacked by a serial rapist who assaulted his passenger and 8 other women; another was an elderly woman who was beaten and raped; one victim says her driver forced her to drink his urine.

CNN also contacted more than 20 police departments to obtain data on complaints that involved Uber drivers and sexual assault. Four police departments — Austin, Boston, Denver and Los Angeles — tracked crimes involving rideshare drivers and shared their data on sexual assault complaints.

CNN did not include most of these complaints in its tally of cases because they could not all be verified with incident reports. However, the numbers suggest that there may be many more overall incidents of sexual assault than the 103 cases found in the investigation.

Uber passenger alleging rape speaks

Related: Senator pressures Uber after CNN investigation into driver assaults

West told CNN he expects the number of reports to go up once Uber releases data on sexual assaults and other incidents. There's no public timetable yet for when Uber will release that report.

"I will tell you that, when this data is actually published as part of the safety transparency report, I think those numbers are going to be disturbing," said West. "Once people know we're counting and we're paying attention then what is a vastly unreported crime today will become more reported -- and that's a good thing."

The company says it will lean on hired advisors such as Ebony Tucker of the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Cindy Southworth of the National Network to End Domestic Violence and Tina Tchen, a founder of the New York Time's Up Legal Defense Fund.

The news came one day ahead of a court-mandated deadline for Uber to respond in a proposed class action lawsuit filed by law firm Wigdor LLC on behalf of nine women accusing drivers of sexual assault.

Uber has to formally decide by Wednesday whether it will require the women in the proposed class action suit to carry out their assault claims in forced arbitration.

The suit was originally filed in November 2017 but gained increased public attention in recent weeks after the women wrote a letter to Uber's board detailing their allegations and urging the company to remove its arbitration clause.

Following CNN's investigation and the letter, Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, challenged Uber's use of forced arbitration and in a letter to CEO Dara Khosrowshahi "respectfully requested" the company end the practice.

Beyond Uber, there's been a push to cut back on the use of forced arbitration by employers.

Susan Fowler, the former Uber engineer whose blog post drove Uber to address sexual harassment within the company's corporate workforce, is fighting on the workplace issue more broadly in California. She joined California lawmakers in April to introduce a state bill that would ban forced arbitration.

"As bold and far reaching as this announcement and decision is, and as unique as it is, it won't give everything to everybody," West said, noting that the arbitration change around harassment and assault don't apply in class action suits. "What's most important is for individual survivors to be able to tell their individual stories."

by Sara Ashley O'Brien 

-- CNN's Nelli Black, Curt Devine, Drew Griffin, Majlie de Puy Kamp, Collette Richards and Whitney Clegg contributed reporting.

CNNMoney (New York)

WOW Air Announces New Route From The U.S. To India Via Iceland

 

Icelandic low fare airline WOW air will offer flights from nine U.S. airports to Delhi, India for as low as $199 starting December 5, 2018

REYKJAVÍK, Iceland- WOW air announced it will launch a new route from the U.S. to Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi, India via Iceland. The route will provide millions of Americans in nine major cities across the country affordable access to the bustling Indian metropolis. The route will launch December 5, 2018, giving business and leisure travelers affordable and easy access to the heart of India. One-way fares will start at $199* and WOW premium seats will be available for $699*.

Service to DEL will be available from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL).

"I am thrilled to broaden WOW air's offerings and bring low fare international flight service to India," said Skúli Mogensen, founder and CEO of WOW air. "We are passionate about continuing our mission of enabling everybody to fly by making international travel accessible and affordable for all, and look forward to expanding our global service to provide travellers with the opportunity to see many parts of the globe, whether for business or pleasure."

Delhi, a popular travel destination, provides visitors with magical sights, sounds, smells and tastes of its endless bazaars, as well as some of the world's prominent heritage sites. These include The Red Fort, Humayun's Tomb, India Gate and the Qutub Minar. And just a 125 mile road trip from Delhi is the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

WOW air will use brand new Airbus A330neo aircrafts on the Delhi route, which are outfitted with the new WOW premium seats offering at least 37 inches of legroom.

To purchase a flight or for more information on WOW air, please visit www.wowair.us.

* From Boston (BOS), New York (EWR), Washington D.C. (BWI), Chicago (ORD), Pittsburgh (PIT), Detroit (DTW), San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX) and St. Louis (STL) to Dehli (DEL) via Iceland. Based on lowest one-way WOW Basic fare booked on www.wowair.us. Includes all taxes, fees and carrier charges. Available for travel 10 January – 31 March, 2019. The offer applies for 4200 seats on selected flights, only when booked on a return trip.

About WOW air

WOW air offers the lowest fares, a modern fleet with the lowest emissions and the biggest smile; this is the WOW air promise to its valuable customers. As of spring 2018, the airline services 39 destinations across Europe and North America including Dublin, London, Paris, Berlin, and Copenhagen.

Established in November 2011 by Icelandic entrepreneur Skúli Mogensen, the purple airline flies with Airbus A320, Airbus A321 and Airbus A330 models. WOW air boasts one of the world's youngest fleet, with an average aircraft age of just 2 years.

WOW air was ranked as the 7th best low-cost airline in Europe at the 2013, 2014 and 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards and was the youngest airline in the top ten.

For additional information and bookings please visit https://wowair.us/.

New York's Hudson River Park Kicks Off 20th Anniversary With 2018 Summer of Fun Lineup

Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Hudson River Park and  Experience  a Summer  of Wonder and Magic Along the Shores of New York’s Park for  Play,  the Nation’s  Longest Riverfront Park Premiere Events & All-time Favorites Include the Healthy on the Hudson  Fitness Series,  Shell-ebrate Oysters, Sunset Salsa Dancing, 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, Hudson  RiverFlicks  Sing-Alongs, and More!

Hudson River Park, an urban oasis for New Yorkers and visitors from every  corner of the  world, is proud to announce its 2018 lineup of free cultural, recreational, entertainment, environmental and educational events and attractions for New Yorkers, families and visitors to the Big Apple. The Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season officially swings into action on Wednesday, May 23rd, kicking off more than 400 events and outdoor programs scheduled across Hudson River Park’s 550 acres of lush parkland and estuarine sanctuary all summer long, and throughout the month of October. Visit www.HudsonRiverPark.org for a complete listing of fun-filled activities and experiences available in the water, on the courts and green spaces, across four miles of public piers, and under the sun and stars this year. Discover for yourself what makes Hudson River Park New York’s Park for Play! This year the Park proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary. Over the past 20 years, Hudson River Park has transformed Manhattan’s Westside waterfront into a celebrated urban treasure which serves as both a hot-spot destination and beloved community backyard. To celebrate the Park’s “20 Years of Piers,” a full day of free, celebratory events and activities has been planned for Saturday, June 2nd on Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 in Greenwich Village, presented byCiti. There’s fun for the whole family, starting with a Healthy on the Hudson workout, followed by catch-and-release fishing, and other environmentally-themed activities hosted by the Park’s Estuary Lab educators.  Kids and adults alike will be amazed and entertained by Mad Science’s water science show.  Grab lunch and join magician Kid Ace for a mesmerizing riverside magic show. End the evening by moonlight with Mitch Frohman & the Bronx Horns, Sunset Salsawith Talia Castro-Pozo, and the RiverFlicks blockbuster 20th Anniversary screening of The Wedding Singer. Visitwww.HudsonRiverPark.org for times and additional details. “During the last two decades, Hudson River Park has grown to become such a vital and extraordinary part of the New York City landscape,” said Madelyn Wils, CEO and President of Hudson River Park Trust. “We’re so proud and excited to welcome all of our friends, families and visitors to the Park this summer to explore and discover the many wonders that the Hudson River waterfront has to offer. From premier cultural entertainment to the myriad recreational and environmental experiences that keep people coming back to our shores from all over the world, Hudson River Park’s20th Anniversary Summer of Fun season is sure to be the best yet.” One of Hudson River Park’s most unique and prized features is its 400-acre estuarine sanctuary - an ecologically significant environment supporting an abundance of fish and other wildlife.  Each year the Park’s Estuary Lab offers hundreds of hands-on education programs and interactive research projects that engage park patrons in discovering, exploring, and even restoring this precious natural resource. From Big City Fishing to Shell-ebrate Oysters, the Park’s Estuary Lab hosts programs throughout the Park’s four-mile footprint that excite and inspire audiences of all ages.  Participants can even work alongside Estuary Lab staff to support the health and habitat of the Park’s urban waters through community research projects such as oyster monitoring and marine debris analysis.  A headline event on the bill this summer is the Hudson River Dance Festival, which brings world-renowned modern dance companies and artists to the river’s edge at sundown for a spectacular sampling of the hottest modern dance programs—all for free. This year’s Hudson River Dance Festival will feature: Jason Samuels Smith & Igmar Thomas, American Ballet Theatre Studio Company, Limón Dance Company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, and The Chase Brock Experience. The 19th Annual Blues BBQ Festival, as well as Big City Fishing, Hudson RiverFlicks movie series, Sunset on the Hudson concerts, and Salsa Dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo also return! The Healthy on the Hudson fitness series, one of the Park’s most popular summer offerings, has expanded to offer more variety of fitness activities for New Yorkers of all ages, from outrigger sessions to rejuvenating yoga and tai chi. Free sing-along movie nights featuring audience favorites Frozen and Chicago will liven up the lawn at Clinton Cove, and legendary artists curated by the Jazz Foundation of America will bring their sultry sounds to Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 on select Thursday evenings from May through September.  You won’t want to miss one of NYC’s most glamorous—and family-friendly—fundraising soirees of the summer, the 2ndannual Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ. This evening of summertime celebration on the Chelsea Lawn Bowl at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 is a great way to welcome the season and give back to help support free programs for families and children in New York’s Park for Play. Enjoy delicious barbeque and picnic fare, cocktails and live music in your own backyard along the river’s edge. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more! A detailed listing of this year’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun events—from movies, to music, to magic and much, much more—can be found below. For updates and more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/events throughout the summer. Follow us @HudsonRiverPark on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram to share your Summer of Fun! Hudson River Park’s 20th Anniversary Summer of Fun  Events Calendar 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION EVENT June 2nd, Pier 45 – FREE 9:00am – 10:30am: Healthy on the Hudson workout 10:00am – 10:45am: Eco walk 10:45am – 11:45am: Healthy on the Hudson workout 12:00pm – 3:00pm: Estuary Lab Science Saturdays programming include Big City Fishing & Shell-ebrate Oysters 1:00pm – 1:30pm: Mad Science Show 3:00pm – 4:00pm: RiverKids: magic with Kid Ace 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Sunset on the Hudson musical performance 6:00pm – 8:00pm: Sunset Salsa dancing with Talia Castro-Pozo, accompanied by Mitch Frohman and the Bronx Horns 8:00pm – 10:00pm: RiverFlicks: 20th Anniversary screening of the 1998 blockbuster The Wedding Singer DANCE Hudson River Dance Festival – FREE Presented by SHS Foundation in association with The Joyce Theater Hudson River Park is proud to bring you the fourth annual Hudson River Dance Festival. This celebration of dance will feature the rare treat of some of New York’s (and the world’s) favorite dance companies appearing in one evening, on one stage, for two nights only –  don't miss these renowned dance companies in motion! 2018 Hudson River Dance Festival Dance Companies: Jason Samuels Smith and Igmar Thomas performing MOST LIKE LEE American Ballet Theatre Studio Company performing LE JEUNE by Lauren Lovette Limón Dance Company performing CORVIDAE by Colin Connor Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo performing TARANTELLA The Chase Brock Experience performing SPLENDOR WE ONLY PARTIALLY IMAGINED by Chase Brock      Event Location, Date and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, located at West 23rd St. in Chelsea Thursday, June 7 and Friday, June 8 7:00pm Sunset Salsa - FREE Things heat up when the sun goes down in Hudson River Park with Sunset Salsa! Join us on Tuesday nights in July & August for salsa dancing led by Talia Castro-Pozo and friends. Beginner Salsa dance lessons from 6:30pm – 7:15pm; DJs start the party at 7:15pm.                   Event Location, Dates and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village Every Tuesday from July 10 – August 28 6:30pm   FAMILY Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Backyard BBQ– Give Back in Your Own Backyard – May 31st    Presented by Hudson River Park Friends                         The Hudson River Park Friends Playground Committee Background BBQ is the perfect way to welcome summer in New York City! Parents and their children can enjoy delicious barbeque, cocktails and live music in your own riverfront backyard while giving back to help support free programs for families and children in Hudson River Park. Activities include offerings from Big City Fishing, Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Bubble Dad, Chess at Three, Curated Care, Craft Studio, Melinda’s Children Parties, Strong Heart Fun, Super Soccer Stars, Taste Buds, Tesla, a Photo Booth—and more! CLICK HERE for sponsorship opportunities.                    Event Location, Date and Time: Chelsea Lawn and Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, located at 23rd Street in Chelsea Thursday, May 31 5:00pm – 8:00pm Cost: Tickets start at $125 for individual kid tickets; visit www.hudsonriverpark.org/backyardbbq for more information Hudson RiverKids – FREE Hudson River Park brings out all of your favorite New York City family performers each week, proudly supported by Manhattan Youth! From music to magic to interactive storytelling, Hudson RiverKids will keep your family entertained all summer long. The Hudson RiverKids season will run from June 4th through September 13th, and these fantastic programs will be offered twice per week at two locations, Pier 25 in Tribeca AND Pier 62 in Chelsea. Please note: show times (below) will change at the start and end of the season, with events prior to June 18th and after August 20th starting at 4:00pm, while the remainder of the programs will begin at 6:30pm.                   2018 Hudson RiverKids Performers: 6/4 and 9/6: Kid Ace 6/11 and 6/14: City Stomp 6/18 and 6/21: Alex & The Kaleidoscope Band 6/25 and 6/28: Tim Kubart Trio 7/9: Mister G 7/12: Story Time with Nick Bruel 7/16 and 7/19: Story Pirates 7/23 and 7/26: Ramblin’ Dan and the Freewheelin’ Band 7/30 and 8/2: The Pop-Ups 8/6 and 8/9: Suzi Shelton 8/13 and 8/16; Joanie Leeds 8/20 and 8/23: Mike Messer (of the Dirty Sock Funtime Band) 8/27 and 8/30: Penny Jones Puppets 9/10 and 9/13: Bilingual Birdies Band Event Location, Dates and Time: Mondays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, in Tribeca Thursdays at Hudson River Park’s Pier 62, in Chelsea Times vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org ESTUARY LAB Hudson River Park’s Estuary Lab programming lets participants discover, explore and even restore the Park’s 400-acre estuarine sanctuary  Big City Fishing – FREE Adults and kids ages 5 and up learn how to fish while engaging with trained environmental educators about river science topics. Event Location, Dates and Times:                                                                                                             Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown 11:00am – 3:00pm Every Sunday from  July 1 – September 30 Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca No program on September 23rd 11:00am – 3:00pm Every Monday from July 2 – August 20 2 locations: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca  and Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village 5:00pm – 7:30pm Science Saturdays – FREE (New Event) Dive into science this summer at Hudson River Park! The whole family can enjoy hands-on activities including larger than life experiments, microscopic investigations, nature-inspired crafts and more. Event Location, Dates and Times: Locations vary; please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org Saturdays: June 2, July 14 and August 11 12:00pm – 4:00pm  Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com Roving River – FREE This summer, keep an eye out for Hudson River Park’s Roving River Tricycle – a unique display of live Hudson River wildlife on wheels. Observe river animals up close and interact with smaller critters in a kid-friendly touch tank. Location, Dates and Times: Travels between Pier 40, located at W. Houston Street, and Pier 25, located at N. Moore Street Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 No program on September 23rd 11:00am – 3:00pm Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @HudsonRiverPark to find out where it’s headed next. Pop Up Maker Space – FREE Sponsored by Google Calling all Makers! Tinker, test, and LEARN at Hudson River Park’s outdoor Maker Space for weekly workshops where participants get hands-on experience designing and constructing innovative solutions to marine-focused challenges. Event Location, Dates and Times: Every Sunday from July 1 – August 26 Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown 4:00pm – 5:30pm Pre-registration recommended at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com Shell-ebrate Oysters – FREE  There’s more to do with oysters besides shucking them! They filter water, engineer reefs, and stabilize our shorelines. Help us keep them happy and healthy in the Hudson by working alongside Park staff to restore oyster beds and learn how these bivalves benefit the health of the River. Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 25, located at N. Moore St. in Tribeca Every Sunday from July 1 – September 30 No program on September 23rd 4:00pm – 5:30pm Pre-registration recommended at  www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com Hudson Nature Walk – FREE Learn about Hudson River Park’s wildlife by joining knowledgeable naturalists on guided nature walks along the Park’s esplanade. Don’t forget to take photos! Event Location, Dates and Times: Every Sunday from June 3 – September 30 9:00am – 10:00am Meet at the Christopher St. Fountain, Christopher St in Greenwich Village Pre-registration required at www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com       Community EcoPaddle Partnering with Manhattan Kayak Company  *This event has a nominal fee Join Hudson River Park and Manhattan Kayak Company for an evening of kayaking and oyster restoration. Community EcoPaddle allows participants to explore local aquatic wildlife and learn to paddle in the River. Event Location, Dates and Times: Monthly tours offered from June through September 6:00pm – 8:00pm at various locations Cost: $20 (includes all necessary equipment) Visit www.hudsonriverpark.org for dates, times and locations   Hudson History Walk Partnering with Brooklyn Brainery  *This event has a nominal fee Discover NYC’s dynamic waterfront history through a guided walking tour led by local historians. Event Location, Dates and Times: Monthly tours offered from June through September 6:30pm – 7:30pm at various locations Cost: $15 Visit www.hudsonriverpark.org for tour themes and tickets  SUBMERGE – FREE Hudson River Park’s NYC Marine Science Festival  Hudson River Park’s SUBMERGE festival celebrates NYC’s coastal waters while bringing marine science to life.  Enjoy free hands-on activities, kid-approved science entertainment, presentations by noted scientists, citizen science, kayaking, fishing and more! More festival information can be found at www.hudsonriverpark.org.  Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, located at West 44th St. in Midtown Saturday, September 22 Rain Date: Sunday, September 23 11:00am – 4:00pm   MOVIES   Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays – FREE From blockbusters to instant classics and Oscar winners, Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays has all of your favorite movies from the last year. Hudson River Park gives you the chance to see your favorite movies on the big screen, FOR FREE! Free Popcorn.  More information can be found at www.hudsonriverpark.org.                 2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Big Hit Wednesdays Titles: 7/11: Get Out – Rated “R” 7/18: The Big Sick – Rated “R” 7/25: Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Rated “PG-13” 8/1: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – Rated “R” 8/8: Wonder Woman – Rated “PG-13” 8/15: Lady Bird – Rated “R” 8/22: Blade Runner 2049 – Rated “R”       Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 63 Lawn, at West 23rd St. in Chelsea Every Wednesday from July 11 – August 22 Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30pm) Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays – FREE There’s something for everyone in the family on Friday nights in Hudson River Park! Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays returns to Hudson River Park’s Pier 46 this summer and features recent favorites as well as classic movies for the whole family to enjoy. Free Popcorn.  More information can be found at www.hudsonriverpark.org.                 2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Family Fridays Titles: 7/13: Moana – Rated “PG”  7/20: Wonder – Rated “PG” 7/27: Jumanji (1995) – Rated “PG” 8/3: Paddington 2  – Rated “PG” 8/10: Spice World – Rated “PG” 8/17: The Karate Kid (1984) – Rated “PG” 8/24: Coco – Rated “PG” Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Pier 46, located at Charles St. (just north of Christopher St.) in Greenwich Village Every Friday from July 13 – August 24  Movies begin at dusk (generally around 8:30pm) Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special (in Clinton Cove) – FREE Join us in Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove (just off 55th Street) to celebrate all-time-favorite musical movies! Sing along to show-stoppers with Chicago, and Let It Go with family favorite, Frozen. Join us in the Park to relax, enjoy the show, and sing your heart out! Free Popcorn.  More information at www.hudsonriverpark.org.                 2018 Hudson RiverFlicks: Sing-Along Special Titles: 7/26: Chicago – Rated “PG-13” 8/23: Frozen – Rated “PG” Event Location, Dates and Times: Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove, at West 55th St. in Clinton Thursday, July 26 and Thursday, August 23 Movie begins at dusk (generally around 8:30pm)   MUSIC   Jazz @ Pier 84: Featuring the Jazz Foundation of America – FREE  Presented in association with the Jazz Foundation of America Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 comes alive on sultry summer Thursdays from May through September with fantastic musicians from the Jazz Foundation of America! For almost 30 years, JFA has provided help to jazz and blues musicians with both direct assistance and opportunities to play sizzling hot shows, just like this one!               Jazz @ Pier 84 Bands: 5/31: Ray Mantilla 6/21: Alvin Flythe Quartet 7/19: Sylvia Cuenca Organ Quartet 8/16: Michael Marcus 9/13: George Braith Event Location, Dates and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 84, at West 44th Street Thursdays: May 31, June 21, July 19, August 16 and September 13 7:00pm Sunset on the Hudson - FREE Friday nights equal great local music! Join us every Friday night at Hudson River Park’s Pier 45 at 7:00pm to hear some of NYC’s best local artists!                 Sunset on the Hudson Bands: 6/29 and 8/10: High & Mighty Brass Band 7/6 and 8/24: Manhattan Samba 7/13 and 8/17: Baby Soda 7/20: Jenna Kyle 7/27 and 8/3: The Chuck Braman Jazz Band                  Event Location, Dates and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 45, located at Christopher St. in Greenwich Village Fridays from June 22 – August 24 7:00pm – 9:00pm Hudson River Park’s 19th Annual Blues BBQ – FREE Admission  The 19th annual Blues BBQ returns to Pier 97 for an amazing day filled with food, friends and great blues music. Pairing America’s best Blues and Roots musicians with New York City’s favorite BBQ restaurants makes for an unforgettable summer day on the Hudson River!                 2018 Blues BBQ line up*: 2:00pm: The Slam Allen Band 3:15pm: Danielle Nicole 4:30pm: Welch-Ledbetter Connection 6:00pm: Dawn Tyler Watson 7:30pm: Vieux Farka Touré                 2018 Blues BBQ Restaurants include: Pig Beach Mighty Quinn’s Dinosaur Bar-B-Que                 Event Location, Date and Time: Hudson River Park’s Pier 97, located at West 59th St. in Clinton Saturday, August 18 2:00pm – 9:00pm *Program and artists subject to change   FITNESS Healthy on the Hudson – FREE Working out in New York City has never been better! This FREE exercise series will take place every Monday, Wednesday & Thursday all summer long! A wide range of classes are offered; space is limited to 75 people per class and participation requires RSVP. For times, locations, information on class styles, and to RSVP, please visit: www.hudsonriverpark.eventbrite.com. Mondays Presented in partnership with the New York School of T’ai Chi Chuan, classes will take place on Pier 84 in June and July. Wednesdays lululemon partners with Hudson River Park every Wednesday to bring you a summer of fitness and fun! Workouts vary – check our website for details. Thursdays Presented in partnership with Shape Up NYC, take your yoga practice to the west side waterfront on Pier 46. Bring your own mat! BECOME ONE OF HUDSON RIVER PARK’s ‘FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS’ TODAY!  Hudson River Park receives no government funds for its operation or maintenance. You can support the Park byBECOMING A FRIEND at hudsonriverpark.org/friends. Friends’ Membership starts at only $50 and helps ensure that free and low-cost programs will continue to thrive in New York’s Park for Play. Benefits also include member perks at local community partner locations and invitations to Friends events throughout the year.                                                       GETTING THERE Hudson River Park’s Pier 25 & 26 N. Moore Street  – Tribeca Take the 1 to Franklin Street or the A, C, E to Canal Street and walk west OR take the M8 bus to Harrison Street and West Street. Landmarks and Conveniences:  Just north of Battery Park City & Stuyvesant High School, restrooms and snack bar Hudson River Park’s Piers 45 & 46 Christopher Street – Greenwich Village Take the 1 or PATH to Christopher Street or the A, C, E, B, D, F or M to W. 4th Street and walk west OR take the M8 bus to Christopher Street and West Street. Landmarks and Conveniences:  Christopher Street fountain, restrooms and snack bar Hudson River Park’s 14th Street Park 14th Street Park, 10th Ave and 14th Street – Meatpacking District Take the A, C, E, to 14th Street, or take the M14 bus to Tenth Ave and 15th Street.  Landmarks and Conveniences:  Located just west of Chelsea Market Hudson River Park’s Pier 40 353 West Street, at Houston St – West Village Take the 1 to Houston Street, or take the M8 to West St & Christopher St or the M21 bus to Washington St & W Houston St. Landmarks and Conveniences:  Pier 40 is a large Blue and brick building with the Trapeze School located on the roof of the building. Hudson River Park’s Pier 62 & Pier 63 Lawn Bowl 23rd Street – Chelsea Take the 1, C or E to 23rd Street and walk west OR take the M23 bus to Twelfth Avenue and 24th Street.   Cross West Street at 22nd, 23rd or 24th Streets Landmarks and Conveniences:  Immediately north of the Chelsea Piers complex Hudson River Park’s Pier 66A 26th Street Take the 1, C or E to 23rd Street and walk west OR take the M23 bus to Twelfth Avenue and 24th Street.   Cross West Street at 22nd, 23rd or 24th Streets Landmarks and Conveniences:  North of the Chelsea Piers complex Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 44th Street – Midtown Take the A, C or E to 42nd Street and walk west OR take the M42 bus to the Hudson River. Landmarks and Conveniences: a restaurant, boathouse, bike rental shop, park store and fountain (Located between Circle Line Cruises 42nd St. and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum) Hudson River Park’s Clinton Cove 55th Street – Midtown Take the C, E or 1 to 50th Street –OR take the M31 or M57 bus and walk west.  Landmarks and Conveniences: a shade structure, boathouse, and large Bottle sculpture. Cross at W. 55th St. Hudson River Park’s Pier 97 59th Street – Midtown Take the A, B, C, D or 1 to 59th Street – Columbus Circle OR take the M31 or M57 bus and walk west.  Landmarks and Conveniences:  Immediately north of the Clinton Cove section of Hudson River Park. Enter underneath the Westside Highway/9A overpass at West 59th Street. ### About Hudson River Park  Hudson River Park, which extends from Chambers Street to 59th Street along Manhattan’s west side, is the longest riverfront park in the United States. This free, urban recreational oasis is home to award-winning skate parks, playgrounds, sports fields, gardens and nature exhibits, boating and maritime activities, art installations, and myriad year-round events that celebrate the diverse cultures and neighborhoods along its shores. The Park plays a critical role in protecting the Hudson River ecosystem, and though it receives no public operating funds from city, state or federal government, its development has transformed four miles of decaying piers and parking lots into a premier New York City destination for local residents and visitors alike. The non-profit,  Hudson River Park Friends helps to ensure ongoing sustainability by serving as the Park’s primary source of fundraising, advocacy and support, working in concert with the Hudson River Park Trust, the city-state entity that oversees the design, construction and operation of the Park. For more information, please visit www.hudsonriverpark.org.  Follow us on Twitter and Instagram: @HudsonRiverPark, and LIKE us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/HudsonRiverPark.