Daily Archives: October 10, 2023

This 80s-themed cruise by P&O lets passengers line up in colorful 80s attire, complete with neon colors, side ponytails, and parachute tracksuits, ready to relive the vibrant era. Photo / Supplied

Frankie says relax... onboard an 80s-themed high-sea adventure with P&O Cruises. Melinda Healy dons her legwarmers and gives it a whirl.

Rocking up anywhere in daylight hours decked out in 80s gear can be a daunting proposition, perhaps even more so in 2023 when neon is so not a thing.

Uber drivers across Brisbane are no doubt provided with their entertainment for the day, and as the cohort of lairy 80-inspired passengers come into sight the fear of embarrassment swiftly turns to excitement.

Its a blue-sky Saturday thats ideal for cruising and the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal is a sea of parachute tracksuits, side ponytails, body suits, legwarmers, and neon as far as the eye can see; passengers lined up for their right to paaartay. See what I did there?

Laughter fills the air from he lively crowd, some of whom have taken adopting the 80s as far as dressing up as Fleetwood Macs frontwoman Stevie Nicks. Others are repping Aerobics Oz Style as they prepare to board the 281-metre, 998-cabin cruiser theyll be calling home for the next three nights.

Recognising friends who have arrived separately proves the ultimate challenge, especially given the number of fluorescent wigs, big sunglasses, tie dyed shirts and leather pants going around not the usual everyday garb these days.

Themed cruises are having a moment, with travellers opting for easy, relaxing holidays offering that added entertainment factor, whether it be a decade like the 80s or 90s, tributes to personalities like Elvis, or comedy cruises, there appears to be fun for everyone.

P&O is one of a number of companies that service the Queensland hub, and its obvious that P&Os Pacific Explorer is a well-equipped to handle the fun and frivolity of the 1998 passengers now onboard.

Formerly the Dawn Princess, this vessel was built in 1997 and last refurbished in 2017. It has six pools, a casino and is bursting with restaurants, bars and public spaces ideal for 80s tragics to let their hair down and celebrate.

Simone Baker has chosen this liner for her 50th birthday celebrations, and with 18 friends and family in tow, the Mackay local who flew down from North Queensland is prepped and ready to let loose with dancing, laughing, and tunes from Cyndi Lauper, Salt n Pepa and Men At Work firmly in her sights.

For us its about leaving the daily stresses at the dock, throwing our hands in the air and singing our hearts out, the marine teacher and avid cruiser tells me.

The 80s were some of the best times of my life, it was a time when our family was living under the same roof, I was at school, such good times. It feels like I am back there, its such a great feeling!

From the time we arrived at the terminal cars were beeping with people yelling out love your outfit.

A group ranging in age between 34 and 75, Simone and her crew are in their element, throwing themselves into it, no energy spared.

A big chunk of the appeal of P&Os 80s cruises is the non-stop fun factor. Passengers can do as much or as little as they like, the most dedicated of them lining up for not only the Neon Sailaway and 80s Icons nights but also the Totally Awesome Costume Party, which is just as crazy and outrageous as it sounds.

If thats not enough, there are feature performances to sing and dance to with headlining acts Tina Unleashed, The Badloves, Popsicle and the Forever 80s Band keeping the crowds entertained.

Like many of the groups on board, whether they be families or retirees, Simones gang didnt shy away from the karaoke sessions or aerobics classes, some even lining up to learn the Thriller dance, while others preferred to test their trivia skills.

After 76+ hours of high 80s spirits on the high seas, even if it was just to Yeppoon and back with not much to see on the horizon apart from clear skies, ocean for miles and a few dolphins for good measure, the verdict is, in Simones book at least, that Girls Just Want to Have Fun and that happens Time After Time on P&Os themed cruises.

A Little Less Conversation and definitely no Suspicious Minds! Prepare to get All Shook Up on this three-night cruise from Sydney. With themed parties, karaoke, trivia, a movie and a concert marathon on the menu, youll be saying Thank You Very Much the whole time. From $539 per person twin share.

For those who take their laughter seriously. Passengers are offered front row seats to shows by the best and brightest comedic talent from Australia and beyond. Departures from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland and Adelaide. From $674 per person twin share.

P&Os new country music-themed cruises offer an incredible range of toe-tappin acts, events, and experiences sure to delight country music fans of all ages and backgrounds. Pack your cowboy hat and boots and brush up on your yee-haws. Departs from Auckland. From $453 per person twin share.

For more go to pocruises.com.au

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80s-themed cruise: A blast to the past with P&O's high-sea adventure - New Zealand Herald

Looking up at the distinctive black and red funnel of Cunards Queen Elizabeth, which has navigated Alaskas Inside Passage and the sapphire Mediterranean, as well as Australias own dramatic coastline in 2023,its hard not to experience a sense of awe.

That feeling is one thatll soon be increasingly common down under again, as the luxurious vessel bases herself out of Sydney and Melbourne for her annual summer residency between November 2023 and March 2024.

Queen Elizabeth returns to Australia for her annual summer residency in November. Cunard

Christened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2010, the 294-metre-long ship is a part of a proud sailing legacy spanning over 180 years, back to the days when founder Samuel Cunard operated his first transatlantic mail service between Liverpool and Boston via Halifax.

Red and black funnels are a staple across all Cunard Queens. Cunard

A common thread since that time is the black and red funnel adorning every ship, from those early wooden steamers originally crossing the frigid North Atlantic to the three Queens of glass and steel currently in service: Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria and, of course, Queen Elizabeth.

Though each ship offers a distinct experience and its own highlights Queen Elizabeth has a two-storey library beneath a beautiful glass ceiling, for example all three share the same sense of timeless glamour and design, with contemporary touches.

The two-storey library on board Queen Elizabeth. Cunard

Soon, theyll be joined by a fourth monarch, when the hugely-anticipatedQueen Anne hailed as Cunards most luxurious ship yet enters service in May 2024.

Queen Anne will welcome up to 3,000 guests when she sets sail in May 2024. Cunard

By all accounts, Queen Anne is set to take Cunard in a bold and exciting direction, one where the golden age of cruising has been reinvented (some may say perfected) for the modern era.

But what sets Cunards grand dames of the sea apart from rivals? How do the ships differ from one another and what kind of experience awaits curious travellers embarking on a high seas adventure?

Four words sum up the Cunard experience perfectly: the height of luxury. Its about opulence and refinement from bow to aft, while still remaining accessible and affordable with destinations and itineraries for diverse tastes and budgets.

Queen Victorias Grand Lobby is a picture of elegance from top to bottom. Cunard

Naturally, given the ships royal connections, regal splendour runs deep. Picture soaring lobbies and chandeliers dripping in crystal, complimentary daily Afternoon Tea served on delicate plates, not to mention genuinely stunning staterooms and suites.

Varying in size across the fleet, Cunards Queens Grill Suites are the pinnacle of accommodation options. Each comes with a bottle of Champagne on arrival, pre-dinner canaps and attentive butler service, plus entry to an exclusive Queens Grill restaurant and Grills Terrace enhanced by Cunards signature White Star Service (more on this soon).

This Grand Suite is just one of the lavish accommodation options on board Queen Anne. Cunard

Its not purely about heritage charm though, there are plenty of 21st century refinements on every Cunard ship, including that all-important WiFi to share your discoveries on the go (though its a welcome opportunity for a digital detox!).

With more spaciousness and impeccable service, Cunards Queens are designed for those seeking only the very best with plenty to see, do and discover too.

Memorable service is an essential ingredient of every Cunard voyage, whether dining in the Britannia Restaurant, having a pint at the Golden Lion pub or treating your mind and body at Mareel Wellness & Beauty. Simply chatting with the crew leaves an impression.

Cunard dubs this White Star Service, and its about thoughtful and refined service, making you feel entirely looked after and completely at ease. Youll encounter it the moment you cross the gangway, when white-gloved officers and crew welcome and invite you to explore your new floating abode.

Every crew member is trained at Cunards own White Star Academy, ensuring consistency across the fleet, so you know exactly what to expect no matter which ship you sail on.

White Star Service puts you at ease the moment you cross the gangway. Cunard

Queens Grill Suites, like this on Queen Victoria, are the pinnacle accommodation on every ship. Cunard

That opulence continues in the exclusive Queens Grill Restaurant on board Queen Anne. Cunard

The globe-spanning ports visited are incredibly diverse as well. From local voyages in Australia to the iconic Transatlantic Crossings, to a life-changing World Voyage, theres something for both new and long-time cruisers, with itineraries from three days to three months.

Heres a teaser of what else awaits on board each Cunard ship:

Queen Elizabeth (not to be mistaken for her predecessor the QE2) is the jewel in the Australian summer cruise season. Her interiors take design cues from the symmetry and style of the Art Deco era, with all the contemporary features guests seek.

Queen Elizabeth has travelled the globe, from wild Alaska to the balmy Mediterranean and beyond. Cunard

A soaring triple-storey Grand Lobby sets the tone for the splendour flowing throughout, and the glamour and indulgence only ramp up across each of the ships 12 passenger decks.

Queen Elizabeths triple-height lobby harks back to the golden age of cruising. Cunard

Britannia Restaurant and Steakhouse at The Verandah are two of the 10 dining venues ready to satisfy guests taste buds, whether in the mood for fine dining or casual al fresco bites. And with complimentary Afternoon Tea served daily in the Queens Room why not?

Complimentary daily Afternoon Tea is an experience worth relishing. Cunard

Settle into a good book from the two-storey library set under a beautiful glass ceiling; see a show at the 800-seat Royal Court Theatre, an impressive venue spanning three decks of the ship; or embrace the transformational power of the ocean at Mareel Wellness & Beauty equipped with a sauna with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sea.

As the only true ocean liner in the world regularly crossing the Atlantic Ocean, Queen Mary 2 is much more than your average ship. Shes also Cunards flagship and has some rather special features on board.

The glittering New York skyline is a popular sight on Queen Mary 2s Transatlantic Crossings. Cunard

For starters, there are 24 kennels allowing dogs and cats to cross the Atlantic Ocean in style (on Transatlantic Crossings only). This unique space even features a dedicated owners lounge, not to mention ample room for pets to stretch their sea legs.

Four-legged friends also get to travel in style on board Transatlantic Crossings. Cunard

In addition to the largest library at sea, with some 8,000 hardbacks and no less than 500 paperbacks within its storied walls, Queen Mary 2 also boasts a 3D cinema and planetarium known as Illuminations. Here you can lose yourself among the stars and rousing classical soundtracks, or enjoy some inspiring films, stunning concerts and recitals.

Illuminations takes guests on an immersive journey through the stars and closer to home. Cunard

Londons West End is known for its spectacular shows and grandiose theatres. That same spirit is alive on Queen Victoria, which was the first Cunard ship to debut West End-style theatre boxes within its Royal Court Theatre. Naturally, the views are rather impressive.

Queen Victoria was the first Cunard ship to debut West End-style theatre boxes. Cunard

A love and passion for the arts is a theme echoing right throughout the ship, where some 500 displayed art pieces make walking down the hall akin to exploring an art gallery.

Outside, guests can breathe in an ever-changing view from the decks, get active or slow things down in one of two pools, or embrace cruising classics such as croquet, lawn bowls and shuffleboard.

Croquet, lawn bowls and shuffleboard are essential cruise classics. Cunard

The debut of a ship is always worthy of celebration. For Cunard, the arrival of Queen Anne is bigger news still, not only as the first new vessel since 2010 but the 249th ship to enter the fleet. Thats a staggering figure, one leaving many cruise lines in its wake.

Queen Anne sets a new course for the cruise line, elevating its trademark experience to even greater heights. Cunard

As you can imagine, a new ship is also a perfect opportunity to elevate the experience, giving long-time cruisers and those dipping their toes into the world ample reasons to step on board.

With this in mind, Queen Anne will host the largest array of dining options on any Cunard ship, including debuts of Japanese restaurant Aji Wa, and the high-end steakhouse Sir Samuels, which is primed to showcase the very best of British and Australian beef and seafood.

The iconic Queens Grill restaurant is also taking things up a notch, with an exclusive menu curated in partnership with two Michelin-star chef Michel Roux, in addition to a refined stable of British pub classics for the Golden Lion.

There will also be a Wellness Studio where you can salute the sun as it slips behind the horizon, the Panorama Pool Club to soak up some rays as you sail from port to port, and an exhilarating new bar and entertainment space known as Bright Lights Society.

Open from sunrise to sunset, the Wellness Studio will host regular fitness sessions, including yoga. Cunard

Queen Annes Panorama Pool Club is destined to be a popular hangout. Cunard

Bright Lights Society will be a whirlwind of entertainment, with unexpected performers and dazzling musicians. Cunard

Australians will get a chance to experience Queen Anne when she makes her way down under in early 2025. Until then, Queen Elizabeth is the finest way to embrace the Cunard way of life close to home with residency every Australian summer, or, if you fancy sailing further afield, youll want to check out Queen Victoria and Queen Mary 2.

For those looking for truly unique experiences, Cunard runs local event voyages like the Sporting Greats & Wellness Voyage, Great Australian Culinary Voyage and Australian Literature Festival at Sea.

A Cunard cruise is a fantastic way to see the world, allowing you to wake up in diverse ports and enjoy the beauty of the ocean in style. Cunard

All you need to do is find a cruise that speaks to you and book. The rest from the food and wine to show-stopping live entertainment is all curated by the expert Cunard team.

To explore the world with Cunard, visit cunard.com

This article was produced in collaboration with Cunard.

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High seas glamour: what its like to cruise the world with Cunard - Executive Traveller

Massive multiplayer warfighting game Foxhole is expanding big time, taking its huge wars to the high seas for the first time by adding major naval vessels like submarines, battleships, destroyers, and more that will take dozens of players to crew and operate across duty stations like command, piloting, engineering, guns, sonar, depth charges, and sea mines. It'll also bring a huge overhaul to the mechanics of naval invasions, introducing sea-based headquarters vessels where players can spawn. Foxhole's Naval Warfare update will launch on October 26, 2023.

Foxhole is a huge game where thousands of players produce each bullet and shell, drive it to the front lines, and fire it at the enemy. In development since 2017, the first small boats and amphibious craft were introduced years ago but operations had been mostly restricted to coastal areas and near-shore islandswith the near-shore islands generally left off the map for recent wars.

This new expansion will expand the war map to include fully water-based regions once again, with players now able to use not just landing ships and undertake sea-based logistics, but construct portable harbors to support successful invasions. The new regions will have not just large strategic islands, but offshore oil platforms to fight over. The new Base Ships will be designed to spawn players at sea before ferrying them onto landing craft so they can relive the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan.

The Naval Warfare update will include a few other big thingsincluding some that developers Siege Camp had said probably weren't ever coming to Foxhole. Most notably is towing for infantry-pushed field weapons and equipment. Trucks, Half-Tracks, and other vehicles like them will now be able to attach and tow all those field guns. There'll also be attachable trailers for logistics players hauling expanded amounts of cargo to the front.

Rounding out the update are a few things that would be notable for Foxhole players in their own right: Large deployable field artillery guns, new massive Heavy Duty trucks to haul them, heavy self-propelled artillery platforms, and player-built launch sites for screen-obliterating ballistic rockets.

If this is the first you're hearing of Foxhole, it's a pretty unique game where thousands of players strategize, supply, and fight in their own wars as either the Warden or Colonial factions. It's roughly based on a time in a fictional world at the technology level of the after World War 1 interwar period, with in-game tech advancing as each war goes on to something like the end of, or just after, World War 2.

You can find Foxhole on Steam, where it's $30 US, or on its website foxholegame.com. Foxhole hit its proper 1.0 release last year, and developer Siege Camp has announced their next game will be a massive medieval warfare MMO, but that clearly hasn't slowed down the pace or scope of updates and new features on Foxhole.

Excerpt from:

Warfare MMO Foxhole is adding naval combat complete with huge ... - PC Gamer

A second season for Netflix's live-action One Piece series was officially announced, building upon the stellar Season 1 cast with a whole new batch of characters.

Led by Iaki Godoy as Monkey D. Luffy, the live-action One Piece cast faithfully brought to life the beloved world of Eiichiro Oda's pirating anime, racking up stellar viewership numbers and rave reviews.

This led the streamer to green light Season 2, as the One Piece creative team ventures further into this swashbuckling adventure. According to series cinematographer Nicole Hirsch Whitaker, they have "definitely started writing" Season 2.

So with the ball rolling toward the sophomore season, here is every character expected to return.

Iaki Godoy's Monkey D. Luffy is the lovable captain of the Straw Hat Pirates. He wants nothing more than to find the elusive One Piece and become the king of the pirates. Luffy is also known for his rubber man powers, with the ability to warp and stretch his body at will.

Season 1 saw Luffy assemble the first iteration of his Straw Hat crew, procure a ship, and take down the villainous Arlong. The second season will likely see the character back in the spotlight, as his team of pirates ventures toward the Grand Line in search of Gold Roger's famous treasure.

Nami (played by Emily Rudd) is the Going Merry's navigator, having joined the Straw Hats despite efforts to betray them in Season 1. She came across Luffy early in the first batch of episodes as she attempted to steal a map to the Grand Line that Godoy's Straw Hat captain was also on the hunt for.

After teases of searching for a doctor to join the Straw Hats in the first season, the second will likely cover the events of the Little Island and Drum Mountain Arcs where Nami falls ill, making the team's probe for a medical professional even more urgent as they try to save their navigator.

Jacob Gibson's Usopp is expected to return for One Piece Season 2. Usopp is the cowardly tall-tale-telling sniper of the Straw Hat crew, joining the band of pirates after they helped him save his home of Syrup Island and come into possession of their iconic ship, the Going Merry.

Following the events of Arlong Park, Usopp and the rest of the Straw Hats become even closer, something that will almost certainly affect the Straw Hat sniper. Given the live-action series made some significant cuts surrounding Usopp in Season 1, hopefully, the character gets his moment to shine in the next batch of episodes.

The most recent member to join the Straw Hat crew was Taz Skylar's Sanji. Sanji is a cooler-than-cool chef who heads off on a life of adventure on the Going Merry after getting a blessing from his mentor/guardian Zeff. Sanji now finds himself cooking for the crew as their full-time cook.

Sanji only just joined the Straw Hat Pirates toward the end of Season 1, helping the team take down Arlong and his Fish-men. In Season 2, fans can get a deeper dive into how Sanji does business, including his penchant for clandestine battle tactics.

Roronoa Zoro (more commonly referred to as simply Zoro) is a sure thing for One Piece Season 2, with Mackenyu likely back in the role. Zoro is the master swordsman of the Straw Hats who is on a quest to become the greatest sword-wielder to ever live.

Given the likelihood that Season 2 will tackle the first few arcs of the Arabasta Saga, the series will dive further into Zoro's backstory and his history with the dastardly Baroque Works.

After playing one of the primary villains and chasing around the Straw Hats throughout One Piece Season 1, Vincent Regan's Garp showed some compassion toward the merry band of pirates in the first season's finale. It was then revealed that the much-feared Marine vice admiral was, in fact, the grandfather of series protagonist Luffy.

This cliffhanger left audiences wondering whether Garp was going to continue his pursuit of the Straw Hat Pirates or not. Surely, this was a short-lived bout of empathy for the high-ranking Marine, and he will be hot on their tail yet again in Season 2.

Koby (played by Morgan Davies) is an enterprising young Marine cadet and reformed member of Alvida's pirate crew. During Season 1, Koby earned the trust of Vice Admiral Garp, helping the Marine in his quest to take down the biggest pirates in the East Blue.

The pink-haired recruit will only become more ingrained in the Marine way of life in Season 2, potentially even coming to blows with his former friend Luffy, who was responsible for his joining the Marine force in the first place.

Another one of the big bads of Season 1, Jeff Ward's Buggy the Clown is not done in this high-seas adventure. This colorful pirate captain captured Luffy during the events of Season 1, with the Straw Hats doing battle with this super-powered sailor.

While the Straw Hats ended up using Buggy's head (thanks to his disassembling abilities) to help them find Arlong in the first season, the clown pirate will almost surely flip back to being an adversary in Season 2. If the next batch of episodes tackles the events of the Loguetown Arc, then it will see Buggy team up with the villainous Alvida to take on the Going Merry crew.

Helmeppo (played by Aidan Scott) is the cowardly son of Marine Captain "Axe Hand" Morgan and a new recruit to the Marines alongside Kody. The character first saw Koby as a rival amongst the Marine ranks but came to appreciate his prowess in hunting down pirates.

It remains unknown just how involved Helmeppo, Garp, and Koby will be in Season 2 as the series' central trio of marines does not play a super big part in some of the upcoming storylines. However, seeing how much focus they got in Season 1, perhaps some changes will be made to include them.

Alvida (brought to life by Ilia Isorels Paulino) is the captain of the Alvida Pirates and the first antagonist Luffy comes across in the events of the series. After stowing away on her ship, Luffy befriends Koby, does battle with Alvida, and escapes all before the end of the first episode.

While Alvida was not heard from much after Luffy and Koby made their daring escape in Season 1, she will seemingly be a big part of Season 2, starting an alliance with Buggy the Clown known as the Buggy and Alvida Alliance.

Tony Tony Chopper (aka Chopper) is the next member of the Straw Hat Pirates who will seemingly come into the picture.

The anthropomorphic reindeer was teased in the Season 2 announcement video and even hinted at in the first season as the Straw Hats start their search for an on-deck doctor.

It looks as though Captain Smoker will be the primary antagonist of One Piece Season 2. The character was featured sporting his signature cigars and burning one of Luffy's wanted posters in the post-credits scene of Season 1.

Smoker is a Marine Vice Admiral who has appeared as a recurring adversary of Luffy and the Straw Hat crew throughout One Piece's prolific anime and manga, first appearing as a Marine Captain in the Loguetown Arc.

If Tony Tony Chopper is going to appear in Season 2 of the Netflix series, then so will Dr. Kureha. Kureha is the adoptive mother of Chopper and a renowned doctor calling Drum Island home.

While she is known by some as a witch, she has mentored Chopper as he aspires to be the best doctor the world has seen and cure every disease on the high seas.

Nefertari Vivi is a princess of the Arabasta Kingdom who debuts as an antagonistic Baroque Works bounty hunter known as Miss Wednesday during the Reverse Mountain Arc.

She eventually joins the Straw Hat crew for most of the Arabasta Saga after it turns out she was spying on Baroque Works as Miss Wednesday.

King Wapol is one of the primary antagonists of the Drum Island Arc, coming to blows with the Straw Hats as the Going Merry arrives on the Island Wapol once ruled as king.

Wapol is another pirate who possesses the powers of the Devil Fruit, who is the former monarch of Drum Island. However, he is forced to flee his throne after the Black Bear Pirates take over his home. The Drum Island Arc sees Wapol coming back to his kingdom after months since he and his citizens escaped to safety.

Portgas D. Ace is someone who plays a small part in what will likely be covered in the next season of One Piece but becomes a critical figure going forward.

Born the son of the famed Gold Roger, Portgas D. Ace allies himself with the Straw Hats during the Drum Island Arc after working on the crew of Captain Blackbeard. Following Blackbeard killing one of his own crew, Portgas vows to see the tyrannical pirate brought to justice.

Given the importance the mysterious Baroque Works organization is going to have in Season 2, it would make sense for the hulking Crocodile to be introduced.

Crocodile is the primary antagonist of the Arabasta Saga and one of Luffy's longest-running adversaries in the anime. He is first introduced as the president of Baroque Works and one of the Seven Warlords of the Sea in the Little Garden Arc.

Another addition to the Straw Hat crew who will likely be introduced sometime in Season 2 is Nico Robin.

The Straw Hat archeologist is first seen by audiences during the Arbasta Arc as the vice-president of Baroque Works working under the villainous Crocodile.

Dorry is a giant from Elbaf who is one of the two captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates alongside Broggy.

Dorry and Broggy ally themselves with the Straw Hat Pirates during the Little Garden Arc as they take on officers of Baroque Works.

Broggy (like Dorry) is a giant co-captain of the Giant Warrior Pirates who has been at odds with Dorry for centuries on the prehistoric island of Little Garden.

Broggy teams up with Dorry and the Going Merry crew to take on Baroque Works during the Little Garden Arc.

Loan Shark Galdino (aka Mr. 3) is a bounty hunter for the mysterious Baroque Works organization.

Mr. 3 becomes a big part of the story during the Little Garden Arc, serving as the primary antagonist of that particular section of the story.

Bentham, who goes by the code name Mr. 2, is another agent of Baroque Works, playing as one of the big bads of the Arabasta Arc.

Bentham goes on to eventually flip sides, though, becoming an ally of Luffy's by the time the arc ends.

Captain Tashigi is a Marine officer who works under the dastardly Captain Smoker. While Smoker is hell-bent on taking down the Straw Hat pirates, Tashigi is less enthused by that conquest, helping Luffy and his crew at points.

Tashigi has become the subject of much speculation among fans, with many thinking the Marine officer is actually an aged-up Kuina (the deceased childhood friend and rival of Roronoa Zoro).

King Nefertari Cobra is the monarch of the Arabasta Kingdom and the father of Nefertari Vivi.

After allowing the evil Crocodile into his confines, he quickly loses control of his kingdom, with Luffy and the Straw Hats coming in to save the day and taking down the evil pirate captain.

Monkey D. Dragon is a pirate who has been labeled by the World Government as the "World's Worst Criminal" and is first introduced in the Loguetown Arc.

After Luffy is captured by Smoker following their first confrontation, Dragon is key in helping the Straw Hat Captain escape the cigar-chomping Marine's clutches.

One Piece Season 1 is now streaming on Netflix.

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One Piece Season 2 Cast: Every Character Expected to Appear - The Direct

Football, to the Portuguese, is not just a game. Its a pulsating beat of a nations heart, an ever-evolving symphony of talent, passion, and innovation. And while the pride and spirit of this small yet mighty nation remain unwavering, Portuguese football is on the cusp of a new era, and what an era it promises to be!

In recent years, weve witnessed the birth of a new generation of Portuguese prodigies, as clubs academies have been churning out young talents ready to take on the world. With figures like Joo Flix, Rafael Leo, and Nuno Mendes making headlines, its clear that Portugals future in football is on safe ground.

But it isnt just about individual talents. The Portuguese national team has showcased resilience, technique, and ambition that places them firmly among the worlds best. With their Euro 2016 victory and the subsequent UEFA Nations League triumph in 2019, Portugal is not just seen as a footballing nation that once revolved around the genius of Cristiano Ronaldo. Now, its a collective unit driven by young blood with a voracious hunger for silverware.

On the club front, Portugal has always been seen as a hub for nurturing young talent. The Primeira Liga, often considered the unsung hero of European leagues, offers a blend of experienced stalwarts and budding prodigies. With FC Porto, SL Benfica, and Sporting CP leading the charge in European competitions, its evident that the Portuguese club scene is no longer content with just being part of the narrative; they aim to make a big impression on it.

The recent investments, revamped infrastructure, and a more global approach to talent scouting signify that Portuguese clubs are ready for the limelight. More partnerships with big sponsors, deeper penetration into untapped markets, and a burgeoning fanbase reflect the renaissance of Portuguese club football.

Now, lets take a slight detour from the green pastures of football to the glitzy, pixelated world of online gaming. Portugals trust in online casinos has been nothing short of remarkable. Once a grey area, the legal and regulated online gaming sector has witnessed a surge in popularity. Likewise, across the ocean, casino Brasil as a search query and entertainment destination has been gaining momentum.

Why talk about online casinos in a football piece, you ask? The connection is deeper than one might think.

Football and betting have a long-standing relationship. With the emergence of online casinos, the nexus has only grown stronger. Many Portuguese football clubs have embraced these platforms as sponsors, benefitting from significant financial influxes, leading to better facilities and more competitive squads.

Moreover, its not just about placing bets on match outcomes anymore. The advent of virtual football games and e-sports competitions means fans can immerse themselves in an alternative reality of football, managing their favourite teams or even creating their own dream teams.

But with great power comes great responsibility. Both the gaming sector and football stakeholders in Portugal have emphasized responsible gambling. Clubs, in partnership with online platforms, have launched campaigns to ensure the experience remains fun and doesnt morph into an addiction.

Another interesting facet of the online surge is how technology is reshaping entertainment, including the football experience. From Virtual Reality (VR) experiences that take fans into the stadium from the comfort of their homes to Augmented Reality (AR) applications that provide real-time stats during live matches, the line between the digital and real is blurring rapidly.

Could you imagine a scenario where fans, through VR, walk alongside their favourite players in the tunnel before a big match? Or engage in tactical discussions in a virtual fan forum? The possibilities are endless, and we are just scratching the surface.

In many ways, Portuguese football is at a crossroads. On one hand, theres an undeniable resurgence on the field, with a fresh wave of talent and a renewed club vigour. On the other, theres the vast, untapped potential of online engagements with the best bookmakers, where the pixelated world offers avenues to amplify the beautiful game.

But amid all these changes, one thing remains constant: the passion of the Portuguese fans. Whether its cheering from the stands of Estdio do Drago or from a VR headset in a living room in Lisbon, the heartbeat of Portuguese football remains robust.

As we stride into this exciting future, its evident that Portugal, a nation once known for its Age of Discoveries, is on the brink of a new era of exploration. Only this time, the quest is not on the high seas but on the football pitches and the limitless realm of the digital world. And oh boy, what a journey it promises to be!

by Carolina Rocha Barros

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High winds and rough seas are forecast for the northern area of the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) as Typhoon Koinu is expected to hit the area late Wednesday.

As of 1am Wednesday, the eye of the storm was at about 330km to the east-southeast of Taiwan (China), according to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting (NCHMF).

The strongest winds recorded were at level 14 (150-166km/h). The typhoon is heading northwest at about 10km/h.

It is expected to weaken as it enters the waters 270km to the south-southeast of Fujian Province (China) and then the East Sea on Friday.

The areas from Qung Tr to Bnh Thun provinces, the Central Highlands and the southern region will see moderate to heavy showers in the evening with rainfall of between 10-30mm, and over 50mm in several locations.

There are also chances of whirlwinds, lightning and high winds during the downpours. The warning for natural disaster risks remains at level 1, the lowest, said the NCHMF.

The NCHMF warns that heavy rain can also cause inundation in low-lying areas and risks of landslides and flash floods in the mountainous region. VNS

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Typhoon Koinu to cause high winds, rough waters in East Sea - VietNamNet