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Getting There With Carnival Cruise Lines

2012-13 caribbean Sailing Season

George Lopez what’s

so funny?

dining 2.0 cruising in good taste

island rhythm

stars who rock THE CARIBBEAN

tropical tales

the myths and the mystique

your guide to fun in the sun

where to shop, what to see starting on page

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PLEASE READ, ENJOY AND LEAVE IN STATEROOM AT CRUISE’S END

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G R A N D

T U R K

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G R E N A D A

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J A M A I C A

( F A L M O U T H

&

O C H O

R I O S )

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ANTIGUA

&

BARBUDA

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ARUBA

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BAHAMAS

(FREEPORT

&

NASSAU)

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BARBADOS

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CURACAO

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M

)

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M E X I C O

( C A N C Ú N

&

C O Z U M E L )

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P R O V I D E N C I A L E S

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P U E R T O

R I C O

· H O N D U R A S ( R O A T Á N ) · S T . K I T T S

“Come see what I just brought back from the mines.”

·

— Diego Galante

S T . L U C I A · S T . M A A R T E N · S T . T H O M A S

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CONTENTS

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2012–2013 CARIBBEAN SAILING SEASON

WELCOME ABOARD!

FAME FIX

FIT TO CRUISE

A Message from Gerry Cahill President and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines

George Lopez: What’s So Funny?

Going for laughs with the cruise line’s new comedy consultant

Working (Out) Vacations This is the perfect place to try on a new fitness routine

By Kay Callahan

By Patti Roth

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FUN TAKES

DINING 2.0

ISLAND RHYTHM

Keeping Up with Carnival Cruise Lines A new ship is destined for greatness; real men go to the spa; and more news from the fleet.

New Choices Add Flavor to the Fun of Cruising From burgers to sushi, Fun Ship 2.0 venues make it easy to eat, drink and be very fun while you’re on board

Stars Who Rock the Caribbean An impressive number of the music world’s most popular songbirds have roots in this region

By Lynn Seldon

By Dorothy Cascerceri

carnival cruise lines fun ashore

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CONTENTS

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2012–2013 CARIBBEAN SAILING SEASON

TROPICAL TALES

THE STYLE FOR ALL SHOW

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

Spider Gods, Duppies and Jumbies These islands are filled with chilling folklore

Behind the Scenes Our fashion-forward magazine comes to life on your stateroom TV

Tempting Treasures The looks you'll love from the top names in style

By Michelle da Silva Richmond

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FUN FINDS SHOPPING PROGRAM

SHOPPING FOR A FUN DAY IN PORT

The search for savings and value begins here

How to bring home the deals, from wherever you go

GUIDE TO THE PORTS OF CALL

History, culture and attractions in the places you’ll visit during this cruise — including the top shore excursions

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Sterling silver charms from $25

A vacation to remember...

EXPLORE OUR VARIETY OF TROPICAL CHARMS.

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Havensight Mall, Bldg 2, Ste B St. Thomas USVI 00802 340.776.8550 pandora.hs@boolchand.com

8/30/12 3:34 PM

1691 michigan avenue, suite 600, Miami Beach, Fl 33139 TEL: 305-673-0400, fax: 305-674-9396 www.onboardmedia.com

SARAH BETH RENO Robin Rosenbaum-andras

noelle sipos CARRIE JULIER Norma Vila

president SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Vice President, Cruise Operations VICE PRESIDENT, CRUISE REVENUE AND SALES Vice President, Finance

EDITORIAL AND DESIGN Kate McClare Executive Editor

LINDA BROCkMAN senior Editor Brigid Cotter Media Coordinator HALEY STRUTHERS ASSOCIATE MEDIA COORDINATOR KHALILA DOUZE editorial iNTERN

ANDREA VILLALBA editorial iNTERN — GAIL ABRAMS PUBLISHING DIRECTOR DAYANA RAMIREZ Project graphic designer

GEORGE SARIEGO Project graphic designer

elizabeth Carlisle Art director

beth wood art director

ruben carballo Graphic designer

Violeta Manco-Rojas Ad services coordinator

Contributing writers John Anderson, John Bigley, Kay Callahan, Suzanne L. Carmel, Richard Carroll, Dorothy Cascerceri, Sara Churchville, Toni Crane, Michelle da Silva Richmond, Michael De Freitas, Ginger Dingus, Khalila Douze, Marjorie Klein, Chelle Koster Walton, Ciara LaVelle, Marty Leshner, Linda Marx, Raymond Niedowski, Paris Permenter, Patti Roth, Lynn Seldon, Jonathan Siskin, Gerry Steckles, Jim Thompson, Richard Varr, Andrea Villalba Deborah Williams, Eleanor Wilson, Gerald Zarr

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION JUAN ITURRIZA PRODUCTION MANAGER

james perdomo production coordinator

ROBERT MARENCO SHIPPING AND LOGISTICS MANAGEr

melissa rodriguez Project Manager

advertising Sales

cathy glover International Sales director

TYLER CONDON Sales Manager

JEFFREY MEISTER Sales Manager Rod Musum Sales Manager

KATHERINE TERC Sales coordinator

cristina viera sales coordinator

Video/film production Todd Hedge director

shannon chamberlain produCTION MANAGER

kevin maschke senior editor

JUAN CARLOS PEÑA SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER

Port Shopping

Kyle Ronellenfitch Director of Cruise Revenue

WESLEY EMMER regional marketing manager

Victoria Rossi regional marketing manager

Rachel castro OPERATIONS DIRECTOR MARINA CASTILLO ASSISTANT OPERATIONS MANAGER

rina alvarado operations coordinator

nadine winter customer relations manager

Arelys zaldivar customer relations assistant manager

All rights reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. printed in THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. All articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of OnBoard Media, Inc. or CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. OnBoard Media, Inc. and CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk.

We and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

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©2012 onboard media. no claim to original works of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES or advertisers. ships’ registry: PANAMA AND THE BAHAMAS

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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Welcome aboard!

On behalf of all our shipboard and shoreside employees, thank you for choosing Carnival Cruise Lines for your vacation.

Whether this is your first cruise with Carnival or you have sailed with us before, our dedicated team will strive to make sure you have a fun, relaxing and memorable vacation.

Guest satisfaction is our No. 1 priority, and we at Carnival are committed to providing you with an unforgettable vacation.

Guest satisfaction is our No. 1 priority, and we at Carnival are committed to providing you with an unforgettable vacation.

From a wide range of dining options and diverse entertainment choices to friendly and attentive service and fun-filled activities for guests of all ages, a Carnival cruise is the best vacation value, on land or at sea.

We hope that you enjoy this issue of Fun Ashore, which features informative and entertaining articles written by talented writers, with images by the best photographers in the business.

Fun Ashore offers a wealth of information about the many fantastic features aboard our ships, as well as the exciting and beautiful destinations we visit.

We hope this publication will serve as a valuable resource for getting the most out of your “Fun Ship� cruise.

Wishing you a great vacation. Bon voyage!

Gerry Cahill President and CEO Carnival Cruise LInes

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EvEry SEcond iS SwEEt MakE tiME SwEEtEr EvEryday kirk Freeport welcomes you to a collection of the most luxurious shopping destinations in the caribbean offering the world’s most prestigious brands. kirk Freeport is proud to be the official rolex dealer of the cayman islands and in addition offers prestigious watch brands including cartier, Patek Philippe, Breitling, omega, tag Heuer, Panerai and many others. visit us today at: kirkFrEEPort.nEt or on Facebook.

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FUN TAKES | Ke e p i ng Up w i t h Ca r ni va l Cru i s e Li n es

FUN TAKES

Keeping Up with Carnival Cruise Lines

SUNNY SIDE UP Get ready for Carnival Sunshine Step onto a new classic: Carnival Sunshine.

fries at Guy’s Burger Joint, from Food Network personality Guy Fieri;

It’s the new incarnation of Carnival Destiny, which was the

pints of the line’s private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red, at the

world’s largest cruise ship when built in the mid-1990s. The

Caribbean-style RedFrog Rum Bar and Pub.

groundbreaking vessel continues to make waves with the latest features for a new age.

The night brings on plenty of exciting choices. Get ready to laugh ’til you’re in tears at The Punchliner Comedy Club

The spring 2013 re-launch puts Carnival Sunshine in Europe

Presented by George Lopez; cheer for your favorite sports

in the spring and in the Caribbean in the fall at a new

teams and play video games at the EA SPORTS Bar; get in

homeport, New Orleans. At 892 feet long, she really measures

some quality family fun time at HASBRO, The Game Show; or

up to expectations of 24 hours of fun for her 3,006 guests.

dance the night away as the soundtrack to your vacation plays

Carnival’s Fun Ship 2.0 initiative brings her new dining options,

throughout the ship, from the nightclubs to the outer decks,

bars, entertainment and much more — such as the 182 new

courtesy of Carnival’s onboard DJs trained by the renowned

staterooms; the first three-level Serenity adults-only retreat; and

DJ IRIE. When you just feel like getting away from it all, you can

the all-new Cloud 9 Spa.

relax at the exquisite Serenity adults-only area, which spans

Traveling aboard Carnival Sunshine means savoring a mouth-

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LEFT: New looks for an old favorite. HERE: Cheers to good times!

three decks and comes with its own water feature.

watering selection of food and drink: stuffed tacos and burritos

With all the latest amenities and attractions, both relaxing

at BlueIguana Cantina; frozen tequila drinks and other refreshing

and fun, this really is your moment in the (Carnival) Sunshine.

cocktails at the BlueIguana Tequila Bar; juicy burgers and fresh-cut

— Khalila Douze

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FUN TAKES | Keepi n g Up w i th Carnival Cruis e Lines

WELCOME TO THE VIFP CLUB We’re so excited that one of our favorite VIFPs is on board: You! You see, VIFP stands for VERY IMPORTANT FUN PERSON, and that’s what we like to call each and every one of our guests, past and present — even first-timers. It’s our way of recognizing cruisers like you with all sorts of benefits and onboard fun, just for having fun.

So how does it work? There are five levels of the VIFP Club: Blue, Red, Gold, Platinum and Diamond. You earn one VIFP Point for each day you sail, so it’s easy to move up to the next level — all you have to do is cruise. And the good news is, you’re already a member.

Just visit carnival.com/vifp when you get home to activate your profile, track your VIFP Points and learn more about the program.

Now who’s up for some very important fun?

GUY THINGS Real men go to the spa for the latest in look-good, feel-amazing treatments

Gentlemen, permit yourselves an indulgence or two.

An assortment of just-for-guys grooming and pampering services is redefining the gender diversity in Carnival’s shipboard salons and spas.

“The spas on board are no longer dominated by women. It is definitely an equal world for relaxing on the high seas,’’ says Angie Garrod, director of operations for Steiner Leisure Limited, which runs Carnival’s onboard salon, spa and fitness facilities.

photos by carnival cruise lines, except spa photo by wavebreakmedia ltd/shutterstock.com.

More and more, men are treating themselves to pedicures, facials and other services to relax and unwind.

Particularly popular with the male set, Garrod says, is a massage that uses heated bamboo rods to soothe and revitalize muscles.

“Men love our bamboo massages — a modern alternative to deep-tissue massage,’’ she says.

Male guests are also taking advantage of the salon and spa to spruce up for romantic evenings on board. A fresh haircut, a professional shave, proper attention to skin — and off they go, scrubbed, polished and extra-dashing. Garrod’s top recommendation for a special night out is the Elemis Pro Collagen Grooming Treatment with Shave. The service includes a revitalizing facial, accompanied by a soothing face, scalp, hand and arm massage.

Men definitely benefit from paying attention to skincare, Garrod says. Shaving alone isn’t sufficient. A regular routine should take three steps: proper cleansing; shaving with an oil, foam or gel; and moisturizing. Enhance that with a simple weekly scrub and mask.

Another tip from Garrod: Book your spa and salon appointments early once you’re on board, to get your vacation started on the right (pedicured) foot. — Patti Roth

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FUN TAKES | Ke e p i ng Up w i t h Ca r ni va l Cru i s e Li n es

CHEERS!

Keep the fun going at home with these recipes for our favorite high-seas cocktails

Feel like replicating some of this fun, festive vacation vibe back home? It’s an endeavor we enthusiastically support. In fact,

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we’ll pitch in with a few special souvenirs: recipes for three of Carnival’s signature cocktails. Recommended by Edward Allen, Carnival’s vice president of beverage operations, they’re the perfect blend of rum and tropical fruit juices — can’t you just feel that warm ocean breeze caressing you?

photoS by CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

1 | The Rum Runner Jumper

— RedFrog Rum Bar 1 ounce Cruzan Light Rum | 1 ounce Gosling’s Dark Rum ½ ounce banana liqueur | 1 ounce orange juice 1 ounce pineapple juice | 3 dashes of Angostura bitters ¼ ounce grenadine Combine all ingredients except grenadine in a shaker with ice.

Shake vigorously and pour into a glass. Top with grenadine; garnish with a pineapple wedge, cherry and umbrella.

2 | The Cruiser

1 ounce Skyy vodka | 1 ounce Malibu Coconut Rum ½ ounce peach schnapps | 1 ¼ ounces cranberry juice 1 ¼ ounces orange juice | 1 ¼ ounces pineapple juice Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a pint glass. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

POKER FACE The patter of bouncing dice. Spinning rows on slot screens

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3 | Zany Zombie

— The Punchliner Comedy Club 1 ¼ ounces Gosling’s Black Seal Rum | 1 ounce Bacardi White Rum 1 ¼ ounces pineapple juice | ¾ ounce guava syrup ¾ ounce sour mix Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a pint glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and cherry.

A few inside tips for betting on a good time at sea From pennies to $5, you can pump up the action on a wide

snapping to a halt. The jubilation of drawing yet another jack.

selection of slot machines in our casinos.

In the game room for grownups, activity is buzzing.

Carnival Players Club lets you earn valuable points, including instant

To boost your fun, and maybe help snag a juicy payout, we

cash at the slot machines: $10 cash for every 1,000 points you earn.

turned to Martin Van der Merwe, Carnival’s executive casino

Van der Merwe also shared some tips for table games.

Be sure to insert your Sail & Sign card every time you play. The

host. Van der Merwe says the variety of Vegas-style action

• Craps: Play the pass line for the best odds in the house.

means there’s plenty of action for everyone, whether you’re

• Roulette: Outside bets are simple to play. Put your chips

a rookie or an experienced player.

For beginners, many ships offer gaming lessons early in a cruise. Or you can simply ask for guidance, anytime, from the casino team — members are happy to explain games that grab your attention.

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on black or red, odd or even, for a quick result.

• Poker: Three-card poker is easy and fun.

• Blackjack: The FunPairs side bet adds another dimension to the game. A pair of kings may win big.

— Patti Roth

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FUN TAKES | Ke e p i ng Up wi t h C a r ni va l Cru i s e Li n es

CAN’T WAIT TO GO The world awaits future cruisers

Carnival’s worldwide destinations continue to expand, and now’s the time to start planning your next adventure. From Australia and the Pacific to the Americas and Europe, you can do it all: Discover nature’s allure on rugged excursions; expand your perspective on cultural tours; or just relax on a beach.

Alaska: Wildlife, Native culture and amazing landscapes are part of a cruise to America's last frontier. Carnival Miracle takes you to some of Southeast Alaska's most enthralling ports — Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway — with close-up views of the wonders

Sydney

in Glacier Bay and the Inside Passage.

Australia: From her new homeport in Sydney, Carnival Spirit explores the Land Down Under and then some. Cruises take New Caledonia and Vanuatu.

The Caribbean: A tropical cruise is the best way we know to warm up a winter chill. The rainforests of Dominica, the beaches of St. Thomas and the historic charms of San Juan beckon —

St. Thomas

time to answer them.

Europe: Carnival Legend’s and Carnival Sunshine’s European itineraries bring you a gorgeous Mediterranean season. Think Venice to Barcelona, Rome to Marseille. Starting in April 2013, Carnival Legend also journeys to additional ports with cruises to Norway/Western Europe, the British Isles and the Baltic — including Carnival’s first-ever journeys through the fjords of Norway.

New England: Carnival Glory has several voyages to Canada

Venice

and around New England, as well as to the Caribbean, including The Bahamas.

The next big thing: In 2014, it’s sure to be the Dominican Republic, where the Amber Cove Cruise Center will welcome cruisers in style.

Comprised of more than 30 acres of waterfront property, the center will offer traditional Caribbean attractions — from a marketplace for locally crafted Dominican souvenirs to themed restaurants, bars and adventurous water activities. Take the plunge and be one of the first guests to experience Amber Cove. — Khalila Douze 24

Freeport

PHOTOS by Przemyslaw Skibinski/shutterstock.com; Dan Breckwoldt/SHUTTERSTock.com; Ramunas Bruzas/SHUTTERSTOCK.com.

you to Tasmania, New Zealand and the Pacific paradise of Fiji,

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fame fix | Ge orge Lop e z

What’s so funny?

Carnival goes for the big laughs with its new comedy consultant

by Kay Callahan

Stop us if you’ve heard this one: A Chicano kid from a blue-collar family on the edge of Los

our shipboard comedy clubs than any land-based comedy

Angeles grows up to become one of America’s most successful

chain in the United States. By partnering with George Lopez,

entertainers, breaking barriers and winning fans with a style

an exceptionally talented, respected and popular comedian,

that stays true to his tough roots.

we’re taking our comedy offerings to an entirely new level.”

The 51-year-old star is nowhere near wrapping it up, having reached prime time in a multi-threat career as a

phenomenal environment to work and gain experience.”

comedian, actor, writer and producer. His credits include two

“I’m excited about my partnership with Carnival,” he said

groundbreaking TV shows, three stand-up specials on HBO

at the official announcement of the deal, which is part of the

and one stand-up feature on Showtime.

Fun Ship 2.0 reboot of entertainment and dining initiatives.

Now he’s added what may be his most unusual gig: “curator of comedy” for Carnival Cruise Lines. He’s advising on the hiring of comedic talent for the line’s existing fleet-wide comedy clubs, and he plays an active role in the securing of comedic talent.

Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO, said Lopez was the obvious choice to punch up the cruise line’s comedy

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Lopez called Carnival’s onboard clubs “fantastic,” and said he plans to spread the word “that these ships represent a

“In these times, it’s always good to laugh and enjoy yourself with your family.”

Then, in trademark Lopez style, he poked a little fun at his Mexican-American heritage: “Knowing Carnival has an automated tortilla maker,” he said, pausing for the inevitable big laugh, “I’m thrilled . . . My grandmother can retire.”

offerings. “Carnival’s guests absolutely love comedy,” he said,

“If there’s anyone who knows about cruising, it’s Latinos,” he

“which is why we are already the cruise industry leader in fleet-

added. “We’re gonna take those thousands of Latinos we’ve

wide comedic programming. In fact, we host more guests in

been putting in the car, and put them on a ship.”

PHOTOS by ©Sayre Berman/Corbis

What’s the punch line? George Lopez hasn’t written it yet.

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fame fix | Ge orge Lopez

PHOTOS by ©Sayre Berman/Corbis

“In the beginning I used to write about what I thought would make the audience laugh. Now I write what will make me laugh.”

Comedian George Lopez performs at the Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida.

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fame fix | Ge orge Lop e z

A Serious Cause Lopez is using his success to help others through The Lopez Foundation, which he established “to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children and adults confronting challenges in education and health.” The foundation also raises awareness about kidney disease, organ donation and the military, and holds several major fund-raising events each year. To learn how you, too, can make a difference, visit www.georgelopez.com/lopez-foundation.

George Lopez’s comic influence is being felt throughout most of Carnival’s fleet, although he doesn’t actually perform in person.

The Punchliner Comedy Club Presented

by George Lopez: Stand-up shows open with hilarious prerecorded introductions by the star, who also appears on in-stateroom television.

The comedy clubs offer five 35-minute shows on multiple nights during each voyage, with at least two comedians performing each night. The two early-evening shows are family-friendly, while the later performances feature adult-oriented comedy.

The Punchliner Comedy Brunch: Comedians entertain on sea days. The brunch menu includes items that Carnival says have been inspired by Lopez’s Mexican heritage, including huevos rancheros, overstuffed breakfast burritos and two “George’s Recipes” dishes created by the comedian himself.

Hearty laughs, hearty fare: Breakfast burritos and huevos rancheros are among the menu items at the Punchliner Comedy Brunch, at which comedians perform.

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PHOTOS clockwise: AP IMAGES FOR Ann & George Lopez Foundation; Carnival cruise lines

A Guy Walks Onto a Ship...

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TIME DESIGNED

The ClassiC World Time 速

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fame fix | Geo Ge orge rge Lop e z

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Latin Laugher

AWARDS Grammy® nominations for Best Comedy Album, 2006 (El Mas Chingon) and 2004 (Team Leader) New York Times Bestsellers, 2004 (autobiography, Why You Crying?)

Hollywood Walk of Fame (2006) One of the 25 Most Influential Hispanics in America (Time magazine)

TELE VISION It’s Not Me, It’s You (HBO - 2012) Lopez Tonight (TBS - 2009-11 ) George Lopez: Tall, Dark and Chicano (HBO special - 2009) America’s Mexican (HBO special - 2007) Brown is the New Green: George Lopez and the American Dream (Documentary - 2007) Comic Relief (HBO and TBS - 2006) George Lopez (ABC - 2004-07) Why You Crying?

(Showtime - 2004)

One of the Top Ten Favorite Television Personalities (Harris Poll)

Lopez has always mined his background for laughs, and audiences respond in a big way. They laugh at his stories about the grandmother who raised him, hoot at his jokes about childhood friends, roar at his declarations of pride in the Latino community. His rapid-fire delivery is a mix of English and Mexican Spanish, but somehow even Anglos feel like they’re in on the joke.

“It’s observational,” he said of his comedy style, in a Facebook chat with fans a few days before his July 2012 HBO special, It’s Not Me, It’s You. “You know all great comedy comes from what that comedian sees in his life.

With regards to the subject matter (race, family, flaws we have as people), that was where I found myself gravitating towards.

“In the beginning I used to write about what I thought would make the audience laugh,” he said. “Now I write what will make me laugh. To describe it as a brand, it is old-school. It is the way guys used to perform.”

Lopez first won attention in 2001 as a DJ in Los Angeles, becoming the first Latino to headline the key morning slot on a major-market Englishlanguage station. He co-created, produced, wrote and starred in the sitcom George Lopez, which ran for six seasons on ABC and remains a hit in

Manny Mota Foundation Community Spirit Award

syndication. (It’s one of the top-rated shows on classic-TV powerhouse

Honorary Mayor of Los Angeles for earthquake relief in El Salvador and Guatemala

for two seasons.

Imagen Vision Award

Nick at Nite.) He later hosted the late-night show Lopez Tonight on TBS In all, he has made more than 200 television comedy, talk show and hosting appearances, including co-hosting the Emmy® Awards and twice hosting the Latin Grammys®.

That kind of resumé takes a hard-driving work ethic — another gift

Latino Spirit Award

from his family.

National Hispanic Media Coalition Impact Award

grandparents worked very hard and they didn’t plan on retiring. They just

“I come from working-class people,” he told Facebook fans. “My worked. I just love to work. I don’t think about retirement because I am in the day. Other people get too far ahead of themselves. I love to work.

MOVIES

When you love what you do, it’s easy.”

Rio (Voice - 2011) The Smurfs (Voice - 2011) Valentine’s Day (2010) Beverly Hills Chihuahua (Voice - 2008) Swing Vote (2008) Henry Poole Is Here (2008)

Lopez dances on the Hollywood Walk of Fame with the mariachi band Los Palmeros, during a ceremony celebrating his new star there.

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PHOTO by ASSOCIATED PRESS

Balls of Fury (2007)

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FUN SHIP 2.0 | D i ni ng

DINING 2.0 Carnival’s new choices add flavor to the fun of cruising

by Lynn Seldon

Everyone is talking about Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fun Ship 2.0 program, which is transforming the cruise experience through name-brand partnerships with top personalities and brands. But when it comes to dining, you may find yourself calling it Two Point…Oh Wow! From burgers and burritos to pasta and sushi, it’s a true feast throughout the fleet. Plus, many venues are free or have only a nominal charge, says Cyrus Marfatia, vice president of culinary and dining: “We always focus on value and, as much as possible, we’ve tried to keep everything inclusive and not charge extra.”

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FUN SHIP 2.0 | Dining

California car culture is also served at Guy's Burger Joint.

Above, Guy Fieri himself. Below right, one of his classics.

Come Casual In many ways, the fleet’s casual options define Fun Ship 2.0 dining: fun, engaging and focused on what guests want.

Knowing how much their guests love the all-American burger, Carnival went beyond the usual generic poolside grill and created Guy’s Burger Joint, a name-brand take on the all-American roadside diner. The concept was developed in tandem with one of America’s top celebrity chefs: Guy Fieri, a Food Network sensation thanks to hit shows like Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and Guy’s Big Bites.

Guy’s offers five signature burgers, all served with hand-cut French fries, ready to be topped at the generous toppings bar.

The burger choices start with the self-explanatory Plain Jane (which is anything but) and get progressively more imaginative: Straight Up (Plain Jane with S.M.C. — Super Melty Cheese); Chilius Maximus (Straight Up topped with chili); Pig Patty (Straight Up topped with a patty made out of crispy bacon…really); and The

photos by carnival cruise lines

Ringer (Straight Up topped with Guy’s Bourbon and Brown Sugar BBQ sauce and a Rojo onion ring).

The décor at Guy's is infused with the chef ’s passion for car culture and his California roots. Surfboards and car elements like car bumpers, grilles and chrome pipes adorn the walls, and servers wear old-school mechanic uniforms bearing their own personalized nicknames, like Gorilla and Bubba.

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FUN SHIP 2.0 | D i ni ng

Come Hungry Only one thing is as American as burgers: barbecue. At the complimentary openair barbecue spot, you could work up an appetite just by saying the name: Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ. You’ll want to try a taste of everything once you see the platters of hand-pulled pork, grilled chicken and sausages, grilled veggies, and classic sides like baked beans, cole slaw and mini cornbread muffins. The names on the menu are almost as much fun as the food: Jimmy’s Best Barbequed Yardbird (chicken breast), Brew Ribbon Grilled Italian Sausage, Pig-In-A-Poke Pulled Pork Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ menu; Sandwiches and other bits of whimsy.

subject to change.

For a quick Mexican food fix while still on board, it’s easy to say “Si” to the new BlueIguana Cantina. Step into one of the separate lines for a freshly made taco or a built-to-order burrito — or try both — and then head to the large salsa and toppings bar to personalize your order. You can even watch the tortillas being made by the only automated tortilla maker at sea. Taco and burrito options include chicken, beef, fish and pork.

The newly envisioned three-meal Lido Marketplace buffet concept has several possibilities, including the new Comfort Kitchen that serves hearty American-style comfort food like fried chicken and bacon mac ‘n’ cheese.

Fun Ship 2.0 dining can mean enjoying a juicy burger or steak, sampling fresh seafood — or, better yet, both. The new full-service Bonsai Sushi restaurant enables first-timers to test the sushi and sashimi “waters,” while veterans can revel in creative new options as well. With items starting at just $1, the possibilities include individual pieces of sushi and sashimi, rolls (the spicy tuna is particularly popular), miso soup and the Ship for 2 (a selection of Bonsai Sushi favorites for two, in a sushi boat).

Want even more fun with food? Try The Punchliner Comedy Brunch, a new morning dining room option inspired by comedian George Lopez’s partnership with Carnival. (For details, see “George Lopez: What’s So Funny?” in this issue of Fun Ashore.)

Bonsai Sushi

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photoS by CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Just Have a . . . Taste

Finally: A fun way to sample Fun Ship 2.0 dining is by sampling the new Taste Bar. Most evenings before dinner, this delicious venue features a little taste from different Fun Ship 2.0 dining venues.

That might mean bites of sushi from Bonsai Sushi; grilled chicken from Fat Jimmy’s C-Side BBQ; tortilla soup from BlueIguana Cantina; and more — perfectly paired with a signature cocktail, available for purchase, from the featured dining venue. It’s a perfect — and perfectly delicious — start to your evening.

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FUN SHIP 2.0 | D i ni ng Fahrenheit 555

Your Table Is Ready All the dining on Carnival’s ships is pretty fine, but the premium restaurants are special indeed.

Red-meat lovers will want to head to Fahrenheit 555, a classic Carnival steakhouse with varied steaks and chops and other gourmet choices. For a charge, they can enjoy such world-class succulence as filet-mignon steaks; lamb chops; and surf and turf. Side dishes include Yukon Gold Mash with Wasabi Horseradish.

Available on select ships, Cucina del Capitano (“The Captain’s Kitchen”) continues to offer a popular (and complimentary) pasta bar at lunch and fun, family-friendly Italian dining (for a moderate charge) at night. Highlights of an evening “with the captain” include huge portions carafe and carafe), and lots of great black- and-white pictures supplied from current and previous Carnival captains. The fun is supplied by a singing wait staff serenading diners during their meals.

From relaxed poolside lunching to formal table service, from burgers to sushi, dining while cruising with Carnival means choices — and plenty of them. “We want to ensure that there’s something for everyone,”

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of antipasti and pasta, a roving barrel of Chianti (sold by the glass, half

says Marfatia.

Pull Up a Chair, Stay Awhile

Classic watering holes have become a big part of the Carnival experience. Introduced on Carnival Magic, RedFrog Pub has been a home run for Carnival and a home away from home for Carnival guests. The pub’s popular private-label draft beer, ThirstyFrog Red, is now served on most ships, and RedFrog Pub also features island-inspired pub fare — think conch fritters, grouper fingers and Jamaican wings — all at moderate prices.

The new RedFrog Rum Bar is a poolside adaptation of RedFrog Pub, with a Caribbean vibe and tropical rumbased frozen drinks, plus Bahamian and West Indian beers. Also poolside, the new BlueIguana Tequila Bar is a Mexican-themed bar featuring tequila-based frozen drinks and Mexican beers.

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Filet mignon from Fahrenheit 555

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FIT TO CRUISE | Wor k i ng (Out ) Va c a t i ons

FIT TO CRUISE Working (out) vacations

by Patti Roth

“We want people to achieve the goals they set out to achieve.”

You strolled briskly to the buffet. Reaching for an extra dessert provided

— Tim Dux The Onboard Spa

by Steiner

educational seminars. Enjoy them as you would a buffet (no, not that

a nice stretch.

But if you’re geared up for some real exercise, grab your favorite running shoes and head to the onboard fitness center, where the most popular reasons for skipping a workout — lack of time and lack of knowledge — just don’t work.

Poised high above the surf, the ship’s fitness facilities offer easy access to professional trainers, state-of-the-art machines, group exercises and kind!), mixing and matching from among familiar favorites and seizing the opportunity to try some that are fresh and new.

“There’s plenty for everyone,’’ says Tim Dux of The Onboard Spa by Steiner, which operates the ships' spa and fitness facilities in partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines.

Have your pals back home been touting the benefits of Pilates while you’re still on step aerobics? Have you always wanted to try an elliptical machine? This is the place — and no worries if you’re baffled by the buttons or confused about which foot goes where. The pros are happy to assist, should you need them.

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FIT TO CRUISE | Wo rki n g (Out) Vacations Beginners, Go for It For beginners — as well as others — Dux suggests booking

and run a workout routine, from warm-up to cool-down.

a session with a personal trainer to provide a launching

“The machine adjusts itself to be sure you get the most

point that’s tailored to your individual goals, abilities and

out of that workout,’’ Dux says.

fitness level.

As you pedal or stride, the screen provides feedback on

Even if you don’t schedule a personal-training session

the activity level, such as a running tally of calories burned

or join an exercise class, the fitness pros are available to

and the distance traveled. The user should occasionally

offer guidance using the equipment. “The education is

hold the handles to allow a sensor to pick up and factor

what drives the program,’’ Dux says. “We want people to

in the heart rate.

achieve the goals they set out to achieve.”

Even the equipment itself is informative. Many of the

Experienced Exercisers, Switch It Up

bikes, elliptical machines and treadmills feature an easy-

For those loyal to established workout routines, Dux

to-use touch screen for tracking progress. You can also

recommends trying something new.

watch TV and plug in your music player.

Instead of pressing the green “quick start” button on a machine, Dux suggests taking a different approach. Select

The body tends to adapt to what’s familiar, he says, and using muscles in a different manner invigorates and challenges the body, boosting the fat-burning mode.

either manual, fat-burning or another type of workout.

The cardio machines and strength equipment are

When prompted, type in personal information such as

available to use whenever the gym is open — typically from

weight, gender, and length of the workout. For length, by

6 a.m. to 10 p.m., although hours of operation may vary by

the way, Dux recommends about 30 minutes.

ship. If you prefer working out when the gym is relatively

The machine’s computer uses that information to create

quiet, try to visit during mealtimes, Dux says.

OPPOSITE; Yuri Arcurs/shutterstock.com, here; Andresr/shutterstock.com.

Classes make fitness fun.

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FIT TO CRUISE | Wor k i ng (Out ) Va c a t i ons

Fun at an onboard fitness class

Try a Class If there’s a particular class you’d like to join, it’s a good idea to make a reservation. Swing by the gym to sign up. Or simply phone in. No need to figure out which type of class is right for you, Dux says: The classes are designed to accommodate guests at varying fitness levels. Some exercise classes, TOP; Andresr/shutterstock.com, bottom; CandyBox Images/shutterstock.com

including stretch and abs, are free. Others, including yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling, involve a modest fee.

Dux enthusiastically recommends Body Sculpting Boot Camp. During the innovative 30-minute routines, participants use a single dumbbell. The emphasis is on broad functional movements that are practical strength builders for real-life activities. Boot Camp is a terrific calorie burner, and it’s fun — even for folks who (OK, admit it) despise exercise.

A single dumbbell makes the workout simple, accessible and versatile, especially for guests who might want to duplicate the routine back home. Even a can of food from the pantry would work as a substitute dumbbell, Dux says.

Keep those routines going!

As an added incentive to stick with it, each guest who participates receives a take-home poster outlining the boot camp’s set of exercises.

Also quite popular are the lively indoor cycling classes.

The 45-minute sets feature choreographed routines. The varying tempos and levels of intensity are designed to mimic pedaling along different types of terrain.

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Take It Home Regardless of which activities and workouts you fit in during your vacation, keep up the good work at home.

“Dedicate 30 to 45 minutes a day and stick to it,” Dux says.

“Twenty-one days to form a habit. Make it a good one.”

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ISLAND RHYTHM | C a r i bbe a n St a rs

ISLAND RHYTHM Stars Who Rock the Caribbean

by Dorothy Cascerceri Maybe it’s in the sensuous island air, maybe in the passion of rhythms born long ago, but an impressive number of the music industry’s most popular songbirds have roots in the Caribbean. Representing several different picturesque islands, these powerhouses have steadily climbed to the top of the charts with the distinct sounds and emotions of their various cultures. Over the years, they’ve won multitudes of loyal fans and the respect of the music world, evidenced by their dominating the 2012 Grammy® Awards — and it looks like there’ll be much more where that came from.

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ISLAND RHYTHM | Carib b e an

Rihanna Born in: Barbados Big Hit: “What’s My Name?”

The first time Rihanna, whose real name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, left Barbados, it was because she had a meeting with hip-hop mogul Jay-Z in New York City. She was 16 years old and had just been discovered by a New York producer vacationing in Barbados with his wife. Rihanna signed a deal with Def Jam Recordings on the spot, and the future Grammy winner’s life changed overnight.

She became the poster child for her native island, and has returned home on many occasions. She brings some of her high-profile friends, such as Katy Perry, to enjoy her favorite club, The Boatyard, and to share one of her favorite activities: cruising the island on personal watercraft.

In 2012, Rihanna shared two Grammys for “All of the Lights” — Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration — with Kanye West, Fergie and Kid Cudi. Her music is peppered with the tropical reggae sounds she grew up listening to.

But for this superstar, singing is only part of what she does.

“Dancing was always part of my culture growing up in Barbados,” she once told fans in an online chat. “When I shot my first video, I worked really hard with my choreographer to perfect the routines.”

There’s certainly no lack of booty-shaking in her performances, especially in her music video for “Where Have You Been?”

Stephen Marley Roots in: Jamaica Big Hit: “Mind Control” His last name sounds familiar for a reason. Stephen “Raggamuffin” Marley is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley. Even though he was born in Wilmington, Delaware, his music embodies the memory of his late father

FROM TOP: PHOTO by ©Ian White/Corbis Outline; ASSOCIATED PRESS

and his family’s native island of Jamaica.

Music has been a running theme in the Marley household for much of his life. Originally a member of the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers, along with his siblings, Marley decided to launch his solo career in 2007. That move paid off when he took home a Grammy in 2012 — his 10th — for Best Reggae Album for Revelation Pt. 1: The Root of Life. He has recorded with everyone from the Fugees to Nelly to Snoop Dogg (now called Snoop Lion), and his life mission is sharing his father’s love of Jamaican music.

“It is important to keep the Marley message alive and reach the fans across the world,” he told the Jamaica Observer in 2012. With over 58,000 followers on Twitter alone, he seems to have done just that.

Comedian George Lopez performs at the Seminole Hard Rock Live Arena in Hollywood, Florida.

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ISLAND RHYTHM | C a r i bbe a n St a rs

Corinne Bailey Rae Roots in: St. Kitts Big Hit: “Put Your Records On” Born in Leeds, England, to a white Yorkshire mother and a black father from St. Kitts, Corinne Bailey Rae found her mixed background directly impacting her musical taste, which included just about everything. The only reggae she grew up listening to was from her mother’s record collection; despite her father’s island roots, he hated reggae and preferred the sounds of Motown. Yet Rae, who was trained as a classical violinist, managed to find the music and make it her own. She took home the Grammy in 2012 for Best R&B performance for “Is This Love.”

Rae has never made a public appearance in her father’s homeland, but her relatives still live on the island and her mother keeps those ties strong with Rae’s favorite dish.

“She is the best cook and learned her skills from my dad’s mum, who lives in St. Kitts,” Rae told the U.K.’s Daily Mirror in 2011. “One of her specialties is chicken Caribbean-style, which she does with plantains, roast potatoes, and rice and peas.” Who could resist?

Bruno Mars Roots in: Puerto Rico Big Hit: “Nothin’ on You” Bruno Mars, who picked up a whopping six Grammy nominations in 2012, was born Peter Hernandez in Waikiki, Hawaii, to a Puerto Rican father and Filipina mother. He began his music career at the ripe and followed up with gigs covering Michael Jackson songs. Before he knew it, high-profile songwriting opportunities were coming his way, and he was creating music for well-known artists including Brandy and Flo Rida.

Mars didn’t visit Puerto Rico until 2011, for a Vogue photo shoot on the cobblestone streets of historic Old San Juan. It brought him closer to his heritage. “Being Puerto Rican and seeing people with my skin color, my hair, my features — I feel like I’m home,” he told the online Latina magazine at the time. He made a return trip with his dad, and they performed together in front of thousands — his dad on the bongos and Mars on vocals — with an enormous Puerto Rican flag as the backdrop. Now that’s getting in touch with your roots.

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FROM TOP: photo by ©Aaron Rapoport/Corbis Outline; ©Jill Greenberg/Corbis Outline

age of four, as one of the youngest Elvis impersonators in the area,

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ISLAND RHYTHM | C a r i bbe a n St a rs

Melanie Fiona Roots in: Guyana Big Hit: “4 AM” This Canadian Grammy winner hails from Toronto, but her parents both emigrated there from the republic of Guyana just a few years before she was born. Their heritage greatly influenced Fiona musically, and she deeply identifies with her Caribbean culture as a result. “When I think about my food and my language and my slang, my morals and my traditional upbringing; that all comes from my parents being immigrants to Canada,” she told the website KillerBoomBox.com in 2012. “[It’s] present on the albums and present in the shows.”

Her father was a professional guitarist and her mother sang around the house to the melodies of The Supremes and the music of their native homeland, which led Fiona to incorporate a heavy influence of reggae into her music. Inspired by reggae master Bob Marley, Fiona started writing her own music at age 16 and the next thing she knew, she was touring with Alicia Keys, one of her idols. Another collaboration with CeeLo Green on “Fool For You” won her not one but two Grammys in 2012.

Nicki Minaj Born in: Trinidad Big Hit: “Moment for Life” Even though Minaj left Trinidad when she was five years old, she still refers to the island as her homeland, and the Grammy winner has never stopped celebrating her Trini roots since her relocation to Queens, New York, as a child. Growing up listening to the reggae and calypso music her mother and aunts played around the house, she would look forward to visiting her grandmother in Trinidad, even if it meant staying in what she hotels she frequents these days.

Minaj, whose real name is Onika Maraj, has collaborated with many well-known artists, including Rihanna, Mariah Carey and Drake. The singer, who earned four Grammy nominations in 2012, has always been committed to bringing the music and culture of her native land to the world. In July 2012, she kept her promise by shooting a Carnival-themed music video for her hit “Pound the Alarm” in the island’s streets, featuring 500 Trinidadians as her extras.

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FROM TOP: © Walik Goshorn /Retna Ltd./Corbis; ASSOCIATED PRESS

has called “modest” accommodations compared to the luxury

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tropical tales | C a r i bbe a n Fol k l ore

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tropical tales | Ca rib b ean Folklore

TROPICAL TALES

by Michelle da Silva Richmond

Spider gods, duppies and jumbies — oh, my!

These islands are filled with chilling folklore.

For centuries, stories of “ghoulies, ghosties, long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night” have colored our collective imaginations. No matter where we go, we seem drawn to legends and lore.

The islands of the Caribbean are teeming with such tales, many of which originated in West Africa and were brought to this side of the world during the slave trade.

Like any good campfire ghost story or bedtime thriller, they survive as a bit of entertainmment for when we need a bump in the night and a chill down the spine.

Anton Gvozdikov/shutterstock.com

Beneath the sunny surface of the Caribbean lies a darker world of myth and legend.

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tropical tales | C a r i bbe a n Fol k l ore

From She-Devils to Demons Some of the most popular tales throughout the Caribbean

Although The Bahamas is a Christian country, many people

refer to the Anansi — derived from “ananse,” the Ashanti word

covertly practice Obeah, a folk religion said to be a harmless

for “spider.” This part-human spider god is a quick-witted

form of voodoo brought over from Africa. Combining bush

character with an uncanny knack for causing mischief and

medicine and witchcraft, it is used for healing whatever ails

surviving the odds, often through trickery. Some say this story

you. Traces of this practice can be found in bottles hanging

stems from the slaves’ resistance and their attempt to gain

in trees to ward off evil spirits.

the upper hand within the confines of bondage.

Another common figure, La Diablesse (also known as

Jamaica and Barbados: Restless Spirits

Lajabless) is a fiery-eyed she-devil. She has one cloven foot

The duppy, a restless spirit that originated in Jamaican

and bears a most gruesome face, which she hides under

folktales, also appears in Barbados. Good duppies are usually

an exquisite wide-brimmed hat with a veil. La Diablesse

deceased family members or friends who sometimes appear

roams the night disguised as a young woman. According to

in a dream to lend advice or information. Bad ones, on the

legend, wearing your clothes inside-out will protect you from

other hand, are able to do harm, but can be disposed of by

her mischief.

a practioner of Obeah.

This mythical she-devil is married to Papa Bois, often

According to both Bahamians and Jamaicans, duppies

referred to as the “keeper of the forest” and protector of the

speak in high-pitched, nasal voices. If you’re in the presence

flora and fauna. He appears as either a faun-like creature

of one of these mythical creatures, you’ll know it: Your head

or an old man of African descent, with cloven hooves and

will feel like it is growing, or you’ll feel an unexplained heat

leaves growing out of his beard. Despite his age, he can

throughout your body. Eating salt will help chase away the

outrun a deer. Covered with donkey-like hair, he has small horns

spirits, it is said.

sprouting from his forehead and is said to carry a hollowed-

Should you visit Jamaica and happen to spy the Rolling

out bull’s horn, with which he warns animals of approaching

Calf — a calf with clanging chains, literally rolling around at

hunters. Papa Bois is believed to have the ability to transform

night — you may be in trouble. This calf-like monster is in

himself into a deer so that he can lure hunters into the forest

search of souls who are too wicked for heaven but not bad

and away from their defenseless prey. Should you run into

enough for hell. When he finds them, he turns them into his

Papa Bois, locals believe that it is important to be polite and

image. He is only visible to the truly wicked, so it's quite likely

to refrain from staring.

that you are beyond his grasp.

Bahamas Beliefs

Jumbies in Antigua

In addition to the Anansi, Bahamians believe in

In Antigua, it is taboo to pass by graveyards at night for fear

chickcharnies: impish, birdlike creatures

of being jumped by jumbies. The belief is that these are the spirits of persons who have become trapped in a

with piercing red eyes, three fingers and toes, and a tail with which they hang from treetops. According to legend, if you see a chickcharnie and show respect, you’ll be blessed with good luck for the rest of your life. Should you do otherwise, you may find yourself coping with misfortune for some time to come.

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Eating salt will help chase away the spirits, it is said.

state of limbo or purgatory. Normally, jumbies remain close to their gravesites until they have served enough time to earn a place in heaven. However, they have a reputation for wreaking havoc during their time in purgatory, and at night, they will slip into the psyches of human passersby. The small island of Jumby Bay has an old graveyard, dating to the 1700s; it is said that the island got its name from the many jumby sightings there.

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tropical tales | Ca rib b ean Folklore

In Tobago, it is said, mermaids arise from the ocean to steal men’s hearts.

Tobago’s Handsome Mermen In Tobago, legends abound of handsome mermen — the male counterparts to mermaids — riding the waves and marrying beautiful fairy maids who reside in rivers and secret mountain pools behind waterfalls. The mermen are capable of granting wishes and conferring wealth on mere mortals. Fairy maids, on the other hand, use their fetching looks and other wiles to “turn” a man’s head and capture his heart.

To discontinue a relationship with a fairy maid, offerings of two pairs of shoes must be made. The first must be burned on the beach, after which the fairy maid will rise out of the water and ask how she is to be paid for past

Love and Betrayal in St. Kitts

services. You must answer: “Nothing but this pair of shoes,”

In 1626, on the island of St. Kitts, a betrayal by Carib Chief

and throw them into the waves.

Tegreman’s daughter led to the deaths of 2,000 Caribs by

Mermaid painting by dayana ramirez

combined French and English forces in the deep ravine Puerto Rico’s Goat Suckers

at Bloody Point (the site of Stone Fort). Legend has it that

Tales of El Chupacabra (Spanish for “goat-sucker”) have

the waters of the river ran red with Indian blood for two

plagued Puerto Rico for generations. This monster is known

days. Today’s visitors to the sacred site claim to hear the

for sucking the blood from goats and other animals late

mournful cries of the lost natives.

at night, leaving only a carcass with two small puncture wounds. Opinions vary about the creature’s appearance

Throughout the islands, myths and tales — which even

or where it came from, although it is generally depicted

locals often take with a grain of salt — abound. For visitors,

as a feathered monster with talons. There are those who

the stories are not only fascinating, but lend a certain

are convinced the chupacabras are space aliens.

spice to these tropical destinations.

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I got mine. Get yours.

Find the FUN in Shopping.

For only $25, this value package includes over $2,000 in deals from our guaranteed shops ashore.

Whether you’re looking for luxury items or souvenirs for family and friends, the Fun Finds Coupon Book brings the fun to shopping in our ports of call.

See your Fun Finds Shopping Expert to purchase your very own Fun Finds Coupon Book.

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fun finds

Carnival’s shopping program helps you find the best deals, the best styles and the best times on your vacation

Duty-free deals…the latest looks… stunning values on board and ashore.

It all begins right here!

FUN FINDS SHOPPING EXPERT One of our highly trained, experienced professionals will guide you in the fun of shopping and saving. Besides hosting a highenergy show at the start of each voyage, the Shopping Expert shares insights at seminars on watches, jewelry and gemstones.

Be sure to stop by the Shopping Desk for even more valuable guidance; see your daily Fun Times for hours.

Look for the FUN FINDS Wheel at the FUN FINDS Show

FUN FINDS SHOW

FUN ASHORE

Tune in To

Fun Finds

Tv and Fun

For all Tv

For even

more porT

& shopping

inFormaTion

2012-13 CARIbbEAN

WITh CARNIVAL GETTING ThERE

Smooth sailing to value begins with this action-packed preview of all the thrills ahead. Spin the Fun Finds Wheel to win prizes that’ll make this vacation even more special. You’ll be on the edge of your seat as you learn of exclusive deals on the best shopping to be found on your cruise.

SAILING SEASON

CRUISE LINES

GEORGE LOpEz wHAt’S SO FUNNy?

2.0 diNiNG iN cRUiSiNG GOOd tAStE

iSLANd RHytHm wHO ROck StARS tHE cARiBBEAN

tROpicAL tALES mytHS

your guide tO FUN iN tHE SUN

where to shop, see what to page starting on

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tHE ANd tHE myStiqUE LEAVE ENJOY AND PLEASE READ, AT CRUISE’S END IN STATEROOM

COZUMEL

THE BEST OF VACATION SHOPPING 2013

FOR ALL FUN, FUN, FUN

Fun finds coupon book

For only $25, this value package includes over $2,000 in deals from our guaranteed shops ashore. See your Fun Finds Shopping Expert for details.

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CARNIVAL STYLE FROM THE CASINO TO THE SPA

SPLURGE

FUN FINDS SHOPPING TV

Miss some of the excitement? No worries!

Just tune in to your stateroom TV for replays of the live show, news about oneof-a-kind specials, and the Style For All show, which brings the Style For All fashion magazine to life.

THE FUN SHOPS OFFER TOP LOOKS AND GREAT GIFTS

MALL NO MORE!

TIPS FOR FINDING WATCH AND JEWELRY DEALS IN PORT SPARKLE LIKE THE CARIBBEAN SUN: TOP 5 JEWELRY PIECES

SOFIA VERGARA WIT, STYLE AND CURVES

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for Him

for Her

Men’s Fine Leathers

Gold • Blue Diamonds • Mexican Exotic Opals Tanzanite • Pearls • Tennis Bracelets • Men’s Rings • Watches Sapphire • Ruby • Emeralds & Diamond Jewelry

OLD SAN JUAN: 151 Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico • 787 723 8420 Cozumel: Puerta Maya Pier & Downtown on Rafael E. Melgar Ave • 213 291 8164

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Tune In To

style

On Your Stateroom Television

for all

Learn the hottest jewelry and watch trends of the season with your host, Carrie Julier.

A veteran cruise traveler, Carrie has more than a decade of professional shopping experience.

In Style For All, the TV companion to the fashion magazine in your stateroom, Carrie gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Style For All magazine and tells you how you can make today’s looks yours. Join her backstage at high-end photo shoots, and share the excitement as she mingles with designers at special events and talks to style makers and trendsetters.

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what’s on

See all the latest collections from the top designers, and get Carrie’s expert tips on buying watches and jewelry­—from the affordable to the extraordinary.

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Shopping for

A Fun Day in port

Here’s how to bring home the deals as you explore the ports of call during your vacation

1 Meet

Meet your Fun Finds Shopping Expert. Visit one of our highly trained professionals during desk hours to get firsthand shopping information.

3 Get

Get your Fun Finds Coupon Book.

With your purchase, you’ll receive loads of free gifts and exclusive money-saving coupons.

2 Ask

Ask your Shopping Expert for a Fun Finds VIP Card. This is your ticket to the best deals of all. When you’re looking for something specific in port, the Fun Finds VIP Card will tell you which store to visit for the best selection and price — and often includes a special discount!

4 Bring

Bring your Fun Finds Map into port. Tuck it into your purse or pocket — so you’ll always be headed to great values.

5 SHOP

Shop at the stores listed in the Fun Finds Map and discover your heart’s desire.

See it?

Like it?

Buy it!

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photographer/ giuseppe bigliardi

Gold • Blue Diamonds • Mexican Exotic Opals Tanzanite • Pearls • Tennis Bracelets • Men’s Rings • Watches Sapphire • Ruby • Emeralds & Diamond Jewelry

OLD SAN JUAN: 151 Fortaleza, San Juan, Puerto Rico • 787 723 8420 Cozumel: Puerta Maya Pier & Downtown on Rafael E. Melgar Ave • 213 291 8164

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>>

>>

Kabana

The Riviera Collection pendant on Blush Collection chain

Forevermark

FIve-stone anniversary band

>>

objects

Crown of Light

Crown of Creation pendant

of desire

Precision timepieces and shimmering jewelry are the finishing touches for that perfect look sought by those in the know. Here, from the top names in design, are the looks you’ll love.

>>

Raymond Weil

>>

Maestro watch

Ernst Benz

ChronoScope watch

>>

Fendi

Selleria watch

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Sterling silver charms from $25

A vacation to remember...

EXPLORE OUR VARIETY OF TROPICAL CHARMS.

Barbados • Key West • Nassau Puerto Rico • St. John • Tortola 1.888.527.4473 • www.littleswitzerland.com

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>>

>>

Korite

Hearts On Fire

Solara pendant

Copley pave pendant

objects

>>

>>

of desire

Gift Collection

Philip Stein

Tiara diamond ring

>>

Prestige Collection watch

Safi Kilima

Bulova

>>

Tanzanite drop earrings

Fifth SeasonRoberto Coin

>>

Precisionist Winter Park Collection watch

Silver woven bracelets with various gold-plated colors 64

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Protect Your Watches and Jewelry Before

AFTER

Cracked Crystal Cost to fix with Y.E.S.: $0

Water Damage Cost to fix with Y.E.S.: $0

Missing Stone Cost to fix with Y.E.S.: $0

Y.E.S. Extended Service Protection Plans cover repair or replacement of any jewelry or watch for two years above and beyond any manufacturer’s warranty

Available online and in the Guaranteed Stores in Port After your purchase visit us online at : www.myyesplan.com

®

Tel: 1-888-YES-MEN U (1-888-937-6368) • International Tel: 786-276-0553

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HANDBAGS AND ACCESSORIES WWW.PARAZUL.COM

PERSONAL STYLE Parazul scarves and charms are available in many shapes and designs that can be mixed and matched with your bag selection.

Patterned after favorite elements of the beautiful Caribbean region, they also make unforgettable mementos of your visit.

TAKE HOME A PIECE OF PARADISE Parazul is available at these fine retailers throughout the Caribbean: ANTIGUA Diamonds International • ARUBA Diamonds International • BARBADOS Diamonds International BELIZE Diamonds International • BERMUDA Crisson Jewellers • CURAçAO Freeport Jewelers • GRAND CAYMAN Diamonds International • FREEPORT John Heath • FALMOUTH Jewels and Time • KEY WEST Diamonds International, Bumble Bee MONTEGO BAY Jewels and Time • NASSAU Diamonds International • OCHO RIOS Goldmine, House of Diamonds, Jewels & Time • ROATAN Diamonds International • ST. CROIX Royal Jewelers • SAN JUAN Blue Diamond • ST. KITTS Goldmine ST. LUCIA Diamonds International, Harry Edwards • ST. MAARTEN Goldfinger Jewelry, Majesty Jewelers ST. THOMAS Diamonds International • Tortola Mi Amor

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TOP TO BOTTOM:

Navy Scarf Bag with Ocean Bliss scarf an d Logo and Ocean Bliss charm Metallic Demi Bag with Mother of Pearl slim scarfs and Logo charm White Tote Bag with Wild Thing slim scarf and Logo and Wild Thing charms Pink Slim Bag with Flower Power slim scarf and Flower Power charm

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Michal Bednarek /SHUTTERSTOCK .COM

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PORTS of call Caribbean & Other Ports 76 80 84 90 92 106 112 124 126 154 156 176 178 180 184 206 216 218 220 222 224 234

Belize Bermuda Cabo San Lucas Catalina Island Cozumel Ensenada Freeport Galveston Grand Cayman Half Moon Cay Key West Los Angeles Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatรกn Miami Montego Bay Nassau New Orleans New York Port Canaveral Progreso Puerto Vallarta Tampa

Hawaii 238 Kauai: Nawiliwili 239 Maui: Kahului 240 Oahu: Honolulu The Big Island: Hilo

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Catalina Island

Los Angeles

Ensenada Galveston

mexico

GULF OF MEXICO

Cabo San Lucas

Puerto Vallarta

CEN T R AL A M E R ICA

Nawiliwili Kauai

GUATEMALA

HAWAII OAHU Honolulu

Kahului

PACIFIC OCEAN

MAUI

Kona

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Hilo

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New York Bermuda

Ports of Call New Orleans

Port Canaveral

Tampa

FLORIDA Freeport

Miami

ATLANTIC OCEAN

THE BAHAMAS

Key West

Nassau

Half Moon Cay

CUBA TURKS AND CAICOS

Progreso Cozumel Grand Cayman

HAITI

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

PUERTO RICO

Montego Bay JAMAICA

Belize

Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatรกn HONDURAS

CARIBBEAN SEA

COSTA RICA colombiA

VENEZUELA

PANAMA

SOUTH AMERICA

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BELIZE

Lighthouse at Belize City

For a country of its tiny size, Belize is blessed with an incredible share of natural treasures — including the world’s only jaguar preserve and the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef. Belize also offers a bounty of historical and cultural artifacts, especially in ruins of the ancient Maya civilization that made its home here.

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Diving, nature preserves and beaches.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Mayan astrological charts and pendants; tropical-fruit preserves; and nance liqueur, made with cherries grown in the Yucatán.

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jazzboo/shutterstock.com

IT’S A FACT: The Garifuna people of Belize are descendants of the original Caribbean residents, the Caribs and Arawaks.

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top shore excursions

fun trekS belize

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Altun Ha Mayan Site & River Wallace The important Mayan ruin of Altun Ha and Belize’s tropical rainforest are the stars of this tour, which begins with an exhilarating ride along Belize City’s scenic coast. The boat then enters the Belize River, called Rio Wallace (“River Wallace”) by the Spaniards during the conquistadores’ rule of the New World. Finally, an air-conditioned motor coach heads to Altun Ha, an ancient Mayan ceremonial center.

Bacab Eco Park Horseback Safari Bacab Eco-Adventure Park welcomes explorers to an afternoon of wildlife spotting and tranquil horseback riding. The adventure leads guests through the Belizean tropical forest to see black howler monkeys, parrots and iguanas amid the natural sights. Lunch is provided, as well as a swimming pool and hammocks for relaxation. Participants must be at least ten years old.

Belize Cave Tubing with Lunch Guests embark on an air-conditioned educational ride to Jaguar Jungle Camp, where they receive tubes and safety gear for the exploration through caves from ancient times. After a moderate hike to the Caves Branch River, they float leisurely on the river while enjoying views of what was once an underwater reef. The tour concludes with a lunch at Bushcamp Café. Participants must be at least eight years old and 48 inches tall.

PORT view Belize is a country with a rich natural and cultural mix — from jungle animals and colorful fauna, Mayan ruins and artifacts, to its watery landscape of more than 200 tropical island cays that make up the nearly 200-mile-long Belize Barrier Reef.

The largest, Ambergris Caye, is reached on a shore excursion where manatee-watching is a must and where a dazzling variety of colorful marine life awaits scuba divers and snorkelers. Caye Caulker, just south of Ambergris, has quiet beaches for the perfect relaxing day trip.

A short walk along Albert Street on the Belize City waterfront leads to the Fort George Lighthouse and to the nearby House of Culture Museum, which was once the governor’s residence.

The Marine Terminal houses the Coastal Zone Museum showcasing the Barrier Reef’s marine life. Mayan history, through artifacts and pottery, awaits visitors at the Museum of Belize.

Many shoppers also snap up handcarved treasures made from local wood at Market Square.

Outside the city limits, visitors flock to the Belize Zoo with its native ocelots and jaguars, or to the Community Baboon Sanctuary where Black Howler monkeys frolic. The sixth-century Temple of the Green Tomb and the Temple of Masonry Altar dominate Altun Ha, Belize’s most extensively excavated Mayan ruin. —R. V.

Tropical Adventures; ksenchik30/shutterstock.com

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins Guests explore this famous Mayan archaeological site and then have a Belizean lunch in San Ignacio Town. Next they take a relaxing scenic journey to the Mopan River and then a five-minute ferry ride across the river to the remote ruins. The tour includes lunch in the San Ignacio area.

Participants must be at least three years old.

Zipline & CryStal Cave Tubing This tour combines breathtaking views above and thrilling exploration below. Guests walk on a trail to the zipline, where they fly 500 to 700 feet through jungle flora and fauna. They then float through crystal caves. The tour concludes with a hike to a frozen waterfall. Participants must be at least eight years old and 48 inches tall. Snacks are available for purchase.

how to get to town Cruise guests take a tender from the ship to Belize’s Tourism Village, a 15-minute ride from the ship. Taxis into the city are available at the village.

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ports of call | B e l i ze

Deep-Blue

Belize

Crystal-clear turquoise water.

Abundant sea life. Temperate conditions year-round. Divers enjoy all this and more when they explore beneath Belize’s surrounding waters.

A diverse coastal geography of cays (pronounced “keys”) and offshore atolls, as well as the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, create some of the most exciting underwater experiences in the world for beginner and seasoned scuba divers alike.

Descending into Belize’s electric-blue waters, divers encounter a vast and varied ecosystem. At the Great Blue Hole, a perfectly circular coral sinkhole set off the mainland, divers can descend as deep as 200 feet to witness fascinating stalactites and limestone formations, as well as shrimp and hundreds of colorful tropical fish. Divers experienced enough for deeper waters may even spot a hammerhead or black-tip tiger shark.

But though the country boasts plenty of unique dive sites, its most famous is the Belize Barrier Reef — and for good reason. Stretching 186 miles, it’s the second-largest coral-reef system in the world, bested only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Without the reef’s protection against erosion by strong ocean waves, Belize’s Ambergris Caye likely wouldn’t exist.

And that’s not the only credit due to this natural spectacle. Divers here immerse themselves in one of the world’s most complex and diverse underwater ecosystems, with over 500 species of fish and over 100 coral species. Sites like Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Cut, a few miles south of Ambergris Caye, show off some of the ocean’s most elusive creatures, including spotted eagle rays soaring along the sandy floor and nurse sharks weaving through its narrow coral channel. There’s no telling what you might discover lurking behind the reef’s undulating sea fans, or flitting through the electric-blue currents; schools of rainbowhued tropical fish, gently coasting sea turtles and a barracuda showing off its sharp teeth are just a few thrilling possibilities. — C. L.

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Rockworth/shutterstock.com

Sacred

Center

Temple of the Masonry Altars at Altun Ha

Thirty miles north of Belize City and a few miles in from the coast lie the remains of one of the most important centers in the Mayan world: Altun Ha (Water of the Rock), a major trading center for the Maya from a.d. 250 to 900, when, like the rest of the Mayan civilization, it fell into decline.

The site consists of 13 temples and structures grouped around two plazas. Among the artifacts that have been recovered here are numerous pieces of jade, a gemstone which was important in Mayan society but is not native to the region; thus its presence is proof that Altun Ha was a trade hub. One of the pieces found is Kinich Ahau, a 6-inchhigh jade bust of the Mayan sun god, the largest piece of Mayan jade sculpture ever recovered. The image now adorns Belizean currency notes. —R. J. S.

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A little tea with your tan? Bermuda adds a British accent to just about everything except — thankfully — the weather. You’ll see businessmen in Bermuda shorts, policemen called “bobbies,” and afternoon tea taken as seriously as anywhere else where they speak the Queen’s English.

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Todd Taulman/shutterstock.com;

Bermuda

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Sun-and-fun seekers on a Bermuda beach

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Pink-sand beaches, Bermuda shorts and charming cottage architecture.

IT’S A FACT: Because of Bermuda’s small size, resident families may own only one car and often ride scooters instead.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Rum cakes, hand-blown glass and locally made perfume.

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PORT view

A Distinct British Heritage

by Debor a h Willia ms

It’s just 600 miles off the coast of North Carolina and more than 3,400 miles from London, but Bermuda has always been closer to Britain on a cultural plane. It swapped pounds and shillings for the dollar in 1970; otherwise, this fishhook-shaped chain of islands has held fast to the British adoration for pomp and circumstance.

King’s Square Here, the magnificent town clock strikes every day at noon. At every other hour, the official Town Crier, dressed in colonial costume, bellows the time and broadcasts the daily news in a booming voice.

Cricket Nothing illustrates the Bermudian passion for cricket better than the Cup Match, an annual two-day event revolving around a match between East End and West End cricket clubs. Held on the Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August, it draws some 12,000 people every year.

Afternoon Tea Most hotels and guest houses in Bermuda serve tea promptly at 4 p.m. Don’t expect a formal or stuffy affair. You’ll find everyone from “suits” to blue-jean-clad youths sipping Earl Grey, munching scones and finger sandwiches and engaging in lively conversation at the designated hour.

Bermuda Shorts The knee-length style originated with the British Army in India when Britain ruled that country. Years later, when British troops were stationed in Bermuda, they were issued shorts as part of the military’s tropical-gear kit.

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courthouses, churches and offices. They are the uniform of choice for local businessmen, who don them with a blazer, collared shirt, tie, knee socks and dress shoes.

Bobbies Bermudian police are called “bobbies” as in the mother country; in Bermuda, they all wear regulation Bermuda shorts. In Hamilton, at the intersection of Front and Queen streets, stands a landmark traffic box known as the Birdcage, named for its designer, Michael “Dickey” Bird. Just like the guards in Buckingham Palace, the designated Birdcage bobby keeps a stiff upper lip and rigid posture despite gaping stares and a multitude of camera lenses.

The Queen’s View While touring Bermuda in 1953, Queen Elizabeth II was so stirred by the incredible view of Little Sound from Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse, in Southampton Parish, that she rested at this spot longer than originally planned. Since then this site has been known as The Queen’s View. The scene that so impressed Her Majesty almost 60 years ago has remained intact. From the lighthouse, visitors can look out over Riddell’s Bay Golf & Country Club and admire Perot’s Island (named for the father of William Perot, Bermuda’s first postmaster).

how to get to town King’s Wharf, where your ship docks, is within walking distance of shopping and historical attractions in town. Buses and taxis also are available.

bermuda department of tourism

Aerial view of Bermuda

Nestled at the tip of Bermuda’s West End, King’s Wharf is home to the impressive Royal Navy Dockyard, which is steeped in history. Nearby Somerset Village boasts the world’s smallest drawbridge, opening a mere 22 inches — just wide enough to accommodate a sailboat’s mast.

On the far end of the island — you can get there by ferry or car — is the town of St. George’s, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It dates back to the historic shipwreck of Sir George Somers’ Sea Venture in 1609.

Nature lovers will be enchanted by Bermuda’s “ribbon of green,” which traverses the island from east to west, consisting of 79 national parks, nature preserves and botanical gardens featuring dazzling specimens of fruit trees, exotic plants and fragrant flowers.

On this island, only 21 miles long, you are never far from the ocean’s edge, with its soft pink sand and colorful flora.

Bermuda’s proximity to the Gulf Stream keeps the water warm — typically between 74° and 80°F — all year.

When your stomach growls, partake of one of Bermuda’s national favorite foods: fish chowder, rockfish, clawless lobster, pepper pot or conch fritters. The Bermudian diet, with African, English and American aspects, is as eclectic as the population. The English influence is apparent in Bermuda’s many pubs.

Some favorite sights: explore the Crystal Caves, snorkel beneath blue-green waters or bike along the old Bermuda Railway Trail.

Near the dock, the National Museum of Bermuda details 500 years of history and culture, displayed in military buildings of the 10-acre Keep citadel.

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Bermuda is a semitropical paradise of blooming beauty.

A profusion of flowering hibiscus hedges and other exotic blossoms grace the lawns of many homes.

Colorful budding cascades on oleander bushes, bougainvillea vines and royal poinciana trees delight the eye. Oleander gleams with abundant small pink, white or red flowers on bushes along local roads.

Bougainvillea vines win praise for masses of vibrant magenta and salmon-pink blooms. Royal poinciana is one of the world’s most beautiful trees, aglow with scarlet flowers in late summer.

Historic Bermuda cedars are treasured, too. Other distinctive trees are loquat, paw-paw, cassava and banana.

To learn more about the fantastic flora, visitors can make a stop at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens in Paget Parish, where all trees, flowers and shrubs are clearly identified. Just one mile from Hamilton, it is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Attractions include native palmetto trees, an extensive hibiscus garden, a rose garden, a frangipani collection and banyan trees, plus numerous seed-plant varieties and aromatic herbs. At Hamilton City Hall, a small but glorious garden at its blooming best from April through June is worth a visit.

Bermuda’s Blooming Beauty

by Allan A. Swenson

Pink oleander

Everyone remembers their first kiss

MaxFX/shutterstock.com

A Rose By Any Other Name Roses abound in public and private gardens but are not indigenous. So-called Bermuda Roses are mystery roses and were given local names because they could not be identified as to origin. Old Garden and Heritage Roses including China, Tea, Noisette and Polyantha varieties can be observed; the peak flowering period is from the end of October through May. Good places to see roses include Bermuda Plant Nursery in Pembroke Parish, Somers Gardens in St. George’s Parish and the Bermuda Perfumery and Gardens in Hamilton Parish.

Look around and capture Bermuda’s blooming beauty with your camera to share with gardening friends at home.

RESERVE YOUR DOLPHIN SWIM TODAY! A portion of the proceeds from Dolphin Quest supports vital marine education, conservation and research.

See the Shore Excursions Desk for tickets.

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CABO SAN LUCAS

R. Peterkin/shutterstock.com

Over the vast terrain of Los Cabos, as this gem of a port is known, sunsets glow for hours. Its lovely beaches rival those in Brazil, and the waters offshore are home to playful seals, gray whales and a medley of other marine life.

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The famed rock formation, Los Arcos, marks Land’s End — where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortés.

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: The rock arch, El Arco; whale watching; and sport fishing.

IT’S A FACT: Cabo claims to be the striped-marlin capital of the world.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Tequila, pottery and dolphinswim photos.

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ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

PORT view fun trekS cabo san lucas

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Dolphin Swim Guests gain a deeper understanding of the dolphin’s physiology and environment in this experience. They are separated into small groups to gently stroke, swim and play with the mammals, and they may be rewarded with a kiss from one of these highly intelligent creatures.

Participants must be at least five years old.

Los Arcos & Lover’s Beach Snorkel The famed rock formation Los Arcos is the highlight, but participants also see Lover’s Beach, Land’s End and a sea-lion colony. The tour includes a nature lecture and offers time for guided snorkeling. The tour includes snorkel equipment and towels, and participants can enjoy fruit and a soft drink or rum punch.

Cabo San Lucas is a vacationer’s paradise — done in style. This once-sleepy fishing village at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula now ranks as Mexico’s golfing capital and most high-end resort destination. Here, visitors indulge — and relax — in abounding sunshine upon beaches where a day of fun could include sport fishing and kayaking excursions, whale watching and, for the boldest adventurers, parasailing and ATV treks.

For a taste of cultural sightseeing, a stroll along Calle Cabo San Lucas leads to San Lucas Church, completed

by Spanish missionaries in 1746. It sits near the town’s main square, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Shoppers find their niche at the Puerto Paraíso Entertainment Plaza or within the many other shops and boutiques along nearby Marina Boulevard.

Still other adventures may include an expedition to an Indian pueblo, La Candelaria, in the nearby mountains.

— R. V.

4x4 Desert Safari This tour by 4x4 Unimog trucks begins at a private ranch that includes an isolated beach on the Pacific Ocean. Guides take participants to Casa Típica to taste and learn about the different kinds of tequila and to dine on quesadillas and salsas washed down with beer, tequila or soft drinks.

Salsa & Salsa Located at a five-star beachfront resort, this festive outing begins with two dancing chefs who lead a hands-on lesson in the making of seven authentic salsas, including a dessert version. Participants also learn how to make margaritas, which they sample accompanied by cheese quesadillas, chicken taquitos and corn chips — and then work off the calories by dancing to the soulful sounds of salsa. The day ends with relaxing on the beach or taking a dip in one of the resort’s pools.

Canyon Canopy Guests soar 200 feet above the ground and zip across spectacular canyons in a UNESCO-protected area in the high Sierras of Baja California.

Safety instruction and equipment are provided, and the tour is approved by the Association for Challenge Course Technology, with double safety lines on every activity. Participants must be at least eight years old.

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how to get to town The center of Cabo San Lucas is reached by tender from the cruise ship. After disembarking, it’s about a 15-minute walk to town. You may prefer to take a taxi.

Brian Florky/shutterstock.com; luchschen/shutterstock.com; Natali Glado/shutterstock.com, David M. Schrader/shutterstock.com.

top shore excursions

carnival cruise lines fun ashore

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ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

Is Your Tequila?

The national flag isn’t the only thing in Mexico that’s red, white and green.

ABOVE: A refreshing margarita. RIGHT: blue agave cactus.

One trendy cocktail is made of red sangrita (a mix of tomato and orange juices spiced with chilies), tequila (white or light golden) and lime juice, each served in a separate glass and lined up side-by-side.

Yes, tequila comes in several shades.

White tequila, or blanco, is colorless like water and is generally used to mix the classic margarita. The next step up in color,

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quality and taste involves aging in oak barrels. By law, the pale golden reposado must rest at least two months in the barrel, where it acquires a mellow, slightly woody taste. Añejo tequila is barrel-aged more than one year. It turns dark amber in color and is smooth and meant for sipping.

Mexican law requires genuine tequila to contain at least 51 percent blue agave.

Frank Herzog/shutterstock.com; carlos sanchez pereyra/shutterstock.com.

What Color

A plant with long, spiny leaves that make it resemble an enormous pineapple top, blue agave takes eight to 12 years to mature. Only then can the 40- to 70-pound core be harvested and boiled, and the sweet liquid mosto extracted to produce tequila.

What about the worm in the bottle, the one you’ve heard so much about? Here’s a clue. If there’s a worm at the bottom, it’s mescal — not tequila. — G. D.

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Gold and Silver Jewelry Factory

• • • • •

Handmade Gold Vases Exquisite Silver Jewelry Exotic Opals Gold Jewelry Precious Stones

Boulevard Marina E/Madero y Vicente Guerrero S/N Los Cabos | La Paz | Mazatlán

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catalina island

Dale Gast/shutterstock.com

Twenty miles and a world away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Catalina Island charms visitors with its many delightful boutiques, shops and restaurants. The unhurried pace and friendly demeanor of Catalina’s residents also explain why this tranquil island is such a popular getaway.

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Boating is just one of the many pleasures of a visit to Catalina.

top shore excursions

fun treks catalina island Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Catalina Kayak Expedition Botanical Gardens & City Tour Inside Adventure Tour

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Hollywood getaways, especially in the 1930s, when it lured such stars as Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford and Clark Gable.

Scenes of California Coastal Wild Dolphin Adventure

IT’S A FACT: A herd of North American bison has been roaming the Catalina hills since 1924, when it's believed they were brought to the island for a movie.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Art from one of the galleries in the Mediterranean-style downtown.

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Cozumel

Tony L. Moore/Shutterstock.com

This lovely stop on Mexico’s Yucatån is known for its amazing dive sites, and for well-preserved archaeological remnants of the Maya. It was once a sacred destination for that ancient civilization, making it a top destination for students of history.

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The ultimate getaway

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Beaches, diving and eco-parks.

IT’S A FACT: At the island’s south-end eco-park, whistling can cause the crocodiles to rise to the lagoon’s surface.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Silver jewelry, serapes and embroidered Mayan blouses.

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PORTS OF CALL | C o z um e l

top shore excursions

fun trekS cozumel

PORT view Cozumel neatly balances its cultural experiences with its more playful reputation for shopping. In San Miguel, the charming town that hugs the waterfront, locally made treasures include silver, turquoise and leather goods, as well as pottery, stone carvings and wooden masks from Cozumel’s artisans. The port also claims its share of duty-free shops offering diamonds, watches and designer jewelry.

The avenidas and calles of the town’s

Caverns by Jeep & Beach Combo Participants travel by 4x4 Jeep through a tropical savanna to swim in the cool waters of an ancient Mayan cavern and then enjoy a leisurely lunch at lovely Explora Beach. The tour includes a ferry ride to Playa del Carmen, an exploration of mystical Chac Tun Cavern and the pleasure of Explora’s serene white sands.

Mayan Ruins of Tulum Cruise explorers immerse themselves in the ancient Mayan world, one of Mexico’s best-preserved archaeological sites. Hidden carvings and colorful frescoes adorn crumbling temple walls, and the site features a cliff-top castle. The tour includes time to shop for Mexican handicrafts at a local cooperative center and, later, time to take a dip in the Caribbean from a tranquil white-sand beach.

Two-Reef Snorkeling by Boat This fun-filled snorkeling exploration goes to two coral-reef systems.

Guests get full snorkel instructions and a safety briefing by a PADIcertified guide before the snorkel trip to two prime spots. The first, Paradise Reef, is a series of three reefs located about 200 yards from shore. The second, Dzul Ha, boasts dazzling coral gardens. Photos are available for purchase. Participants must be at least eight years old.

Caribbean’s friendliest people, the Maya, who first settled in Cozumel some 1,700 years ago. Many still live in the thatchroofed homes designed by their ancestors.

Lunch in town should always begin with guacamole; Cozumel’s restaurants are said to serve some of Mexico’s best versions of this classic avocado dip.

Many visitors, especially families, head south from San Miguel to visit the dolphins and sea lions at Chankanaab Park. Other natural attractions include the landmark Punta Sur Lighthouse, part of an ecological and cultural preserve, where Mayan El Caracol meteorological structures have been preserved. The road to ruins also leads many visitors to the archaeological site of San Gervasio, close to San Miguel

Dolphin Swim & Ride with Lunch

in the island’s center. — C. K. W.

This family-friendly outing lets guests kiss, ride and hug gentle, playful bottlenose dolphins. Participants swim into the ocean cove for a ride on the back of a dolphin, and then they don snorkel equipment to swim alongside the affectionate creature. The excursion includes a complimentary lunch at Dolphinaris’ palapa-style restaurant, with time for shopping.

how to get to town

Passion Island by Power Catamaran This luxury tour of Passion Island offers a picture-perfect beach where guests can play or simply sway to the gentle breezes in a hammock.

Sports include kayaking, beach soccer, kite flying and trampolines, and everyone can help themselves to the Mexican dishes at the buffet, which is served all day. An open bar offers local cocktails.

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encounters are likely with one of the

The Punta Langosta pier is right in the downtown area. From the International Pier or the Puerto Maya terminal, you’ll want to take a taxi.

Elzbieta Sekowska/shutterstock.com; carnival cruise lines;.

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

core are easily explored by foot. Pleasant

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PORTS OF CALL | C o z um e l

shopping IN:

cozumel

Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town.

SEE IT? LIKE IT? BUY IT!

Safi KILIMA Tan z an i te drop pendant

Kabana A lh ambra C ollec ti on ri n g

Bulova S elf-Wi n di n g Mec h an i c al C ollec ti on watc h

Gift Collection earri n gs

Crown of light D i amon d ri n g

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Since 1963, Matis has been famous for its unique selection of handcrafted jewelry and carpets.

With 14 chain stores in Turkey and MĂŠxico, including one in Cozumel Unlimited customer service and guaranteed satisfaction for all our clients

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Seafood feast

Food for

Thought

If you’re a meat lover, you’ll be interested in carne asada, charcoal-grilled beef or pork. Or perhaps the chuleta yucateca, a pork chop soaked in a spicy marinade called adobo, then perfectly grilled and smothered with sautéed onions.

On the lighter side is mole — chicken or turkey baked in a thick, spicy brown sauce. Also pibil — chicken or pork baked in a tangy red sauce with orange juice and wrapped in banana leaves. And there are always tamales — meat or chicken seasoned with chili, rolled in dough and steamed. Seafood lovers will swoon for ceviche — fish, shrimp or conch marinated with lime or lemon, vinegar, onions, tomatoes and cilantro.

Or huachinango — red snapper, usually served whole. Those who prefer their fish filleted should try mero — fresh grouper.

Mojo de ajo is fish, conch or shrimp that is cooked in a mouthwatering butter and garlic sauce.

Other taste treats include plátanos fritos — fried plantains, a relative of the banana; queso relleno — stuffed cheese; and flan — a delectable custard with a slightly burnt topping.

Whatever your choice, beware the salsa, which NASA could import for rocket fuel.

In particular, ixnepech, a sauce made with turbocharged habanero chilies, is blowtorch-hot. For relief, try horchata, a cold soft drink made from rice or barley with added flavorings, or Jamaica (hah-MYkuh), a mellow flower-based drink. — R. N. 98

Fideicomiso para la Promoción Turística de la Riviera Maya

Traveling means expanding your horizons, and that includes trying new foods.

Here’s what’s cooking on the island of Cozumel.

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PORTS OF CALL | C o z um e l

Scouting San Gervasio Once a pilgrimage site for the ancient Maya, the tiny island of Cozumel is home to a number of fascinating Mayan ruins.

TOP LEFT: The site is remarkably well preserved. CENTER: A religious icon.

ABOVE: Ancient rites were performed here.

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photos courtesy of mexico tourism board

San Gervasio, the largest site on the island, is incredibly well preserved.

The structures at San Gervasio were used by the Maya primarily as altars and shrines and for gatherings of government officials.

The excavated site is divided into four distinct historic districts representing their periods of occupation, ranging from the early Classic period (a.d. 200 to 600) to the late Postclassic period (a.d. 1200 to 1519). Individual ruins are identified by plaques. In addition to tourist services, the site offers a snack bar and several gift shops. — S. L. C.

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A Tale of Tulum

Tulum’s awe-inspiring temple remains, set against a backdrop of aquamarine Caribbean waters, are a striking sight to behold.

Fideicomiso para la Promoción Turística de la Riviera Maya; Curtis Kautzer/shutterstock.com.

Perched on the cliffs of the Yucatán Peninsula is the ancient city of Tulum, the only Mayan city known to have been built on the coast.

Following the paths, visitors can visualize the Indian religious ceremonies that took place here and appreciate the magnificent beauty of this sacred locale. Today there is little to fear from the sacrificial pit, and the only ritual that must be followed is paying a fee for permission to use your video camera.

Generally coupled with a trip to Tulum is a visit to Xel-Há Lagoon. An oasis on a hot day, this soothing lagoon contains a national underwater park and provides a wonderful respite after one’s explorations.

TOP: An aerial view of Tulum.

ABOVE: Detail of an iconic carving.

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Mayan calendar

The Remark able

Maya

Hannah Gleghorn/shutterstock.com

The Maya fashioned one of the most advanced cultures of the Western Hemisphere during the period a.d. 200 to 900.

They flourished throughout the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico — including today’s Cozumel island — erecting huge, imposing pyramids and temples, creating striking stone sculptures, and achieving a remarkable proficiency in mathematics and astronomy before mysteriously falling into decline.

The Maya believed Cozumel to be sacred. A shrine to Ixchel, a moon goddess, invited visitation at least once in a lifetime. She could be a rather testy old crone and was often depicted with crossbones and a serpent. When feeling particularly nasty, Ixchel unleashed calamitous rainstorms and floods on the earth from a large water jug. No wonder common folk were eager to appease the goddess by visiting her shrine.

But she also had a bright side — they called her Lady Rainbow — and was worshiped as the protector of weavers and also of women in childbirth. Ixchel’s mate was Itzamná, a mellow moon god who balanced out his spouse’s temper tantrums. — R. N.

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PORTS OF CALL | C o z um e l

Nature Reigns at Cozumel’s Small Sea Not far from the busy shops, restaurants and bars of San Miguel, Chankanaab Park provides nature lovers with 450,000 square feet of pristine space to revel in.

Though the name means “small sea,” the park is really a little slice of paradise, with botanical gardens, a lagoon, a beach and a replicated Mayan village.

The sparkling Chankanaab Lagoon is home to colorful coral, fish and turtles, as well as a Dolphin Discovery facility.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are available from the beach. Pleasant pathways wind through botanical gardens where several hundred species of tropical plants thrive. The archaeological park contains reproductions of stone carvings from well-known ruins around Mexico and is staffed by guides to explain their significance. — S. L. C.

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mexico tourism board

30 years of Mexican dining excellence Great food and drinks, Mexican music and ice cold beer

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ABOVE: A cenote at Aktun Chen near Tulum. BELOW: Divers traversing a cenote filled with fresh water, so amazingly clear it feels like you’re floating on air.

Underground

Wonders

Fideicomiso para la Promoción Turística de la Riviera Maya

Cozumel has no surface lakes or freshwater rivers, but it does have many underground ponds and caves known as cenotes (sehNOH-tays). Some reach a depth of 210 feet — and to add to their mystery, the opening builds from the bottom up. A cenote forms when a combination of water and carbon dioxide dissolves the limestone.

This process cuts fissures in the rocks and creates an upward-reaching cavern resembling a reverse hole. Its vertical walls continue to erode, filling the bottom of the pit with debris, which causes the “hole” to rise. The early Maya believed cenotes were inhabited by gods and provided an underground gateway to heaven. Gifts of gratitude were dropped into the cenotes as thanks to Chac, the god of water, for the much-needed H2O. — E. W.

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ensenada

Jennifer King/Shutterstock.com

A noted commercial fishing center, Ensenada attracts boaters, divers, snorkelers, and serious anglers in search of the big one.

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Rolling hills overlook the busy port.

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Sport fishing, beaches and La Bufadora, one of the world’s largest water spouts.

IT’S A FACT: The Guadalupe Valley region is home to 80 wineries, where most Mexican wines are produced.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Silver jewelry, serapes and Aztec-style pottery, and baskets from the Kumiai and Pai Pai Indians of Northern Baja.

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ports of call | Ens e na d a

top shore excursions

fun trekS ensenada

PORT view The downtown waterfront promenade and the active fish market are the essence of the city, as are the shops along Avenida Primera, and the striking Riviera del Pacifico Convention Center with its sparkling chandeliers, murals, ballrooms and museum.

Two intriguing attractions are the Santa Tomas Winery, founded by the Dominicans in 1888, and Hussongs Cantina. The oldest bar in Baja, built around 1892, Hussongs is where the

Baja Bandidos Horseback Trail On horseback, participants ride along a scenic trail ride with stunning views of Salsipueded Bay, Todos Santos Islands and the Gold Coast.

Rancho Los Bandidos Stables is home to 55 horses that take riders through the beautiful hills of San Miguel, where the Kumeyayy tribe once resided. Riders may weigh no more than 220 pounds and must be at least four feet-seven inches tall and at least eight years old. Pregnant women and anyone with back, neck or knee problems may not participate.

Blow Hole & Winery Tour This tour showcases the natural phenomenon of La Bufadora, a blowhole from which water shoots 60 to 100 feet into the air through crevices in the cliffs. Guests can browse at stands at a local open-air market before moving on to Bodegas de Santo Tomas. It is no longer in operation, but was once the oldest winery in Baja California, founded in 1888. Select wines are available for purchase. Participants must be at least twenty-one years old to sample wine.

smiling charro (cowboy) swings his lasso across the sawdust-covered floor as vendors hawk jewelry, fresh flowers and Chiclets gum.

Twenty-one miles south, past Estero Beach, is Ensenada’s famous Blow Hole, La Bufadora, listed among the world’s largest natural water spouts.

Here, the Pacific Ocean surges into a narrow crevice and spews water high into the sky, spraying rocky cliffs and unsuspecting bystanders.

Thirty-five miles inland is Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico’s one and only wine

Jeep Adventure Tour

growing area, which welcomes wine

Jeep Wranglers take participants, accompanied by experienced guides, through Ensenada’s scenic countryside. The caravan-style expedition heads to the San Antonio de las Minas rural area, passing through typical Mexican villages in the Valle de Guadalupe. The tour includes a stop at a winery and later goes into downtown Ensenada for shopping and sightseeing. Pregnant women and guests with back or neck problems may not participate.

aficionados and those with a sense of

La Bufadora Adventure La Bufadora, a natural spout that shoots seawater high in the air, is one of Ensenada’s most famous and spectacular attractions. Besides watching this natural attraction, participants may spend time sightseeing and shopping at an open-air market.

Wine Country Tour Calafia Valley, a few miles northeast of Ensenada, is home to Mexico’s wine country, which has gained world renown in recent years. Guests visit two wineries; learn how they make wine, sherry, tequila and brandy; and sample some of the wines with assorted cheeses and biscuits. A free bottle of wine is included.

Guests must be at least 21 years old to sample wines. Please refer to Carnival's liquor policy for wine purchased on the tour.

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mariachis rattle the windows, and a

discovery. Approximately 70 wineries are scattered through the stunning valley, many vineyards choosing to grow organic grapes. The wineries Dona Lupe, La Cetto and Domecq, among others, can be experienced without reservations.

how to get to town It’s a short walk from the pier to town. Taxis and horse-drawn surreys are also available.

Alberto Loyo/shutterstock.com; carnival cruise lines; mexico Tourism Board

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

carnival cruise lines fun ashore

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o's wine.

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ports of call | Ens e na d a

A TOAST

TO BAJA

Ensenada’s renowned wine-growing region, where the majority of all Mexican wines are made, is a glorious expanse of distinctive rolling vineyards.

Blessed with an excellent microclimate, the area benefits from the moderating effects of the Pacific Ocean and from rich soil conditions, allowing vines to produce a variety of fruit. The region encompasses first-rate wine-growing valleys such as San Vicente, Santo Tomas, San Antonio de las Minas and Guadalupe, which often are collectively referred to as the Guadalupe Valley.

In the last 25 years, the region’s wines have edged into company with the respected California wine-making circles of Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, Temecula, Santa Barbara and Paso Robles. Mexico’s wines are now being distributed worldwide and have frequently been awarded celebrated wine-tasting ribbons by judges in France, Belgium and the United States.

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Ensenada’s 10-day Fiestas de la Vendimia salutes the annual harvest in August with winery tours and tastings, gourmet cuisine and live music. Yearround visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of Guadalupe Valley wines. Tastings could include the delightful red Vino de Piedra of Casa de Piedra. La Casa de Dona Lupe was among the first to produce organic red wines, honey, olive oil and various salsas; of note are its best-selling cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo and merlot. Monte Xanic, with its numerous awards, is credited with raising Mexican wines to the forefront of the industry. Casa Pedro Domecq, established in 1973, is wellknown in Mexico and Latin America for its Presidente brandy, long ranked among the best-selling brandies in the United States. — R. C.

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freeport

Ramunas Bruzas/shutterstock.com

At first sight, you’ll love Freeport for its Lucaya resort scene. Then you discover the natural side of 96-mile-long Grand Bahama Island and realize that this is much more than just another pretty tourist magnet.

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Taino Beach

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Quiet beaches, diving with dolphins and sharks, and old fishing settlements.

IT’S A FACT: For Pirates of the Caribbean scenes filmed here, moviemakers built a special maneuverable seaside platform to give the pirate-ship set the illusion of pitching and yawing.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Make-your-own perfume, Junkanoo music CDs, and paintings by local artists.

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ports of call | Fre e p or t

fun trekS freeport

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Island Drive with Shopping, Beach & Lunch A guided bus tour of Freeport takes guests past such sights as Millionaires Drive and includes shopping at Lucaya Marketplace or relaxation on the local beach. Guests also stop at a fruit market to purchase and enjoy a delicious piece of fruit.

All-Inclusive Viva Wyndham Resort Carnival guests get full access to the secluded beach and luxurious amenities at this top oceanfront resort. Recreation includes kayaking, snorkeling and volleyball. For the less active, the beach has quaint thatched palapa huts and a bar serving tropical cocktails.

Historical Windjammer Sailing The Alexander von Humbolt takes guests to a bygone era, on a voyage along the island’s coast. Crew members perform their duties using centuries-old skills, while guests can explore the decks of the ship and enjoy refreshments. Upon returning to the harbor, participants receive a certificate showing they sailed on this historic vessel.

Western Heritage Tour Participants visit five heritage sites: Mermaid Pond; Pinder’s Point Lighthouse, which guided 17th-century mariners; Hawksbill Creek, with the famous Boiling Hole geologic formation; Holmes Rock, with a nature trail leading to Josey’s Cave; and Fern Gully, a serene wetlands. The tour ends with snorkeling from a lovely beach, followed by a lunch served fresh from the grill.

Freeport Power Catamaran Snorkel This overview of Grand Bahama’s crystal-blue waters begins with a jaunt aboard a spacious catamaran. Guests sail to a reef for an hour of snorkeling, followed by complimentary lemonade, water and snacks.

Remember to bring your towel and sunscreen! Participants must be at least 10 years old. Pregnant women and guests with heart conditions are not permitted.

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PORT view The most diverse island in The Bahamas, Grand Bahama flexes its vacation muscle well beyond the metro-resort Freeport-Lucaya scene.

The ultimate island swimming experience involves dolphins at UNEXSO (Underwater Explorers Society). The Lucaya-based operation also offers scuba-diving excursions.

A number of other tour operators take you underwater for snorkeling at lovely Peterson Cay National Park or on brilliant offshore reefs, where tropical fish and spiny lobsters hang out. At Paradise Cove resort, west of the port, you can snorkel to Deadman’s Reef from the beach.

Nature lovers can head east to the lush and historic Garden of the Groves for a serene tour of Mother Nature’s finest and lunch at the café.

More active sorts can kayak and hike through Lucayan National Park, where ecosystems range from bat caves to remote beaches.

Lively activities at Our Lucaya Radisson Resort include water sports and a water slide, and a variety of restaurants and bars lie footsteps away. For more seclusion, visit Taino Beach just east of Lucaya for soft white beaches that beg for bare feet and splashing in marbled blue-green waters. The beach also is a short walk from the authentic Bahamian settlement of Smith’s Point.

For those seeking local culture, outlying beachfront settlements and funky conch shacks make the most intriguing introduction. —C.K.W.

how to get to town Lucayan Harbour lies 10 minutes west of Freeport. Taxis and limos meet all cruise ships.

Elzbieta Sekowska/shutterstock.com; carnival cruise lines.

top shore excursions

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ports of call | Fre e p or t

Flavors of

Freeport

by Sara Churchville

Conch The sweet meat of this mollusk, similar to clam, is used in various dishes in The Bahamas and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Conch chowder may remind you of Manhattan-style clam chowder, but there's nothing else like batter-fried conch fritters. The beautiful shell is prized by collectors.

The local brew

Kalik Beer

JIANG HONGYAN/shutterstock.com; istockphoto.com; Robert freeman

Locals take this Bahamas-brewed beer as seriously as any other culinary treasure of the islands. The name itself is mimicry of the sound of cowbells, an instrument in junkanoo bands. Though Heineken is a major investor in the firm, the beer — in original, light and higher-proof gold — is only available on the islands.

Androsia Batik Cloth One of the artisanal prides of The Bahamas, Androsia is made on the small island of Andros and sold all over Freeport.

The fabric is waxed, hand-dyed, cut and sewn on the island. The batiks are brightly colored and, somehow, colorfast after the first washing.

The start of something sweet

Guava

Bright batik

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If you like jellyrolls, you’ll loveThe Bahamas' signature dessert: guava duff, made from guava pulp, flour, butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, and topped with a hard sauce of butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla and rum. If you can locate guava pulp, you can make this at home.

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Tree of Life/shutterstock.com; Grigory Kubatyan/shutterstock.com; Ramunas Bruzas/shutterstock.com; Michael J. Thompson/shutterstock.com; iDesign/shutterstock.com; Arto Hakola/shutterstock.com.

ports of call | Fre e p or t

bats to

beaches

Lucayan National Park on Grand Bahama Island embraces the entire range of Bahamian ecology, from limestone caves where bats nest to mangrove tidal creeks and beautiful, secluded beachscape.

Twenty miles east of Freeport/Lucaya along a lonely road lined with Caribbean yellow pines, the park encompasses 40 acres of land and three hiking trails. On the north side of the road, the trail leads to two caves you can climb down into — doorways to one of the longest mapped underground cave systems in the world.

In the Burial Mound Cave, archaeologists once discovered the remains of ancient Lucaya people. Ben’s Cave is where you’ll find the bats (it closes in June and July for nesting season). But they’re not the only unusual creature here. A rare species of the crustacean Remipedia, with no eyes or pigmentation, was discovered and exists exclusively in the caves.

Across the road, one trail crosses a tidal creek popular with kayakers. Birds are the most gregarious wildlife in this part of the park; look for great blue herons, green herons, hummingbirds, belted kingfishers and the Bahama yellowthroat. Winter is the best season for sightings because birds are migrating and most plentiful; mornings and low tide are the best time to catch them actively feeding.

The Creek Trail boardwalk snakes through the mangroves to Gold Rock Beach — a good place for a swim and picnic. The return Mangrove Swamp Trail is older and sometimes wetter, but reveals an entirely different environment of orchids and native shrubs. All in all, Lucayan National Park is the easiest way to access the “bush,” as locals call it, without the assistance of a native guide. — C.K.W. COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: Kayaking through the mangroves; bats in a cave; secluded beach; belted kingfisher; hummingbird; blue heron.

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See your Shore Excursions Desk for details

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ports of call | Fre e p o r t

jumping Junk anoos

Beginning at 4 a.m. on December 26, the Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade is a raucous procession; masked revelers dressed in incredibly elaborate costumes parade through the streets to the pounding rhythms of goatskin drums mixed with the shrill sounds of whistles and the tinkling of cowbells. Teams of participants with names like the Vikings and the Valley Boys compete for prizes for best costumes, best theme and best float.

Parades are held in Nassau and Freeport and on most of The Out Islands. The New Year’s Day Parade on January 1 is a

Special Seashells

by the Se ashore 120

Junkanoo revelers

repeat of the Boxing Day Parade but with different themes and, accordingly, different costumes. — J. S.

There’s more to the conch than its lovely shell. The firm white meat of the conch (pronounced “konk”) makes a tasty treat any time of day. If you’ve never tried it, Freeport is a great place to indulge.

Local cooks like to perk up the mollusk’s rather bland flavor by adding a touch of island spice.

A bowl of chowder makes a good start to your conch sampling. The soup is typically prepared with tomatoes, potatoes, onions, peppers and salt pork.

When you’re in the mood for a delicious snack, try deep-fried conch fritters dipped in hot sauce. Maybe you’d prefer a conch burger, hot off the grill. At happy hour, conch makes its appearance in the raw, topped only by a squirt of lime and a dollop of zippy salsa.

So how do all these conchs get to Freeport? Look for the answer at Potter’s Cay. Sloops from The Out Islands gather at the floating market to sell their catch — fresh off the boat.

bahamas TOURISm BOARD; jo Crebbin/shutterstock.com

The Bahamas’ annual Junkanoo Festival contains many of the elements of Carnival, plus its own special blend of accoutrements.

Held annually on December 26 and January 1, this sight-and-sound extravaganza celebrates the Bahamian national culture by drawing heavily on ancient African tribal rituals. No one knows for certain where the name “Junkanoo” comes from, although it is said to be a corruption of John Canoe, the name of a former African king. The festival can be traced back to the “free” time accorded to slaves during the Christmas holiday season.

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SHACKING UP

AND CHOWING

Jock Hall & Clarence Bellot/Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

DOWN

Chopping conch for fresh salad

More than a dozen open-air, no-need-forshoes shacks populate Grand Bahama Island’s sandy shores. Here, local cooks chop up fresh conch for salad, fry up fresh fish, and dispense cold Kalik beer and Bahama Mama rum cocktails like there’s no real world beyond their beaches.

You can start your beach shack-hopping just west of Lucayan Harbour in the settlement of Eight Mile Rock, where a strip of lollipop-colored shacks known as Sunset Village sell fried chicken, stewed conch and fresh catch of the day.

In Lucaya, an old favorite, Billy Joe’s, specializes in grilled conch. Roasted conch and Gully Wash cocktails star at Tony Macaroni’s on silky-sanded Taino Beach.

Next door in Smith’s Point, Outrigger Beach Club is the place to nosh and sip. In William’s Town, check out barefoot places with names like Bikini Bottom and Toad’s on the Bay. If you’re headed to the island’s East End, stop at Bishop’s Beach Club in High Rock for authentic cracked conch, barbecued ribs, broiled lobster, burgers and a superlative get-outta-town beach. — C.K.W. 122

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Galveston

The Bishop’s Palace is a standout among Galveston’s many historic buildings.

An island off the Texas coast south of Houston, Galveston offers 32 miles of beaches and a charming historic downtown.

QUICKGUIDE

IT’S A FACT: Galveston’s 10-mile long Seawall protects the city from storms and supports the See-Wall, which the city says is the world’s longest mural.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: A piece of art or sculpture from Gallery Row.

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texas tourism board

FAMED FOR: Victorian architecture; the city has one of the nation’s largest and bestpreserved collections.

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Grand Cayman

Candis Davis/Shutterstock.com

Once the sanctuary of plundering pirates and shipwrecked sailors, Grand Cayman now is a haven for nature lovers, scuba divers and pleasure-seeking visitors from around the world. The diving is especially good in the turquoise waters that surround this former British colony. Back on land, visitors busy themselves with shopping, dining or explorations of local history and nature.

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Grand Cayman's beaches lead to superb diving.

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Seven Mile Beach, considered by expert sun seekers to be one of the Caribbean’s best and least crowded stretches of sand.

IT’S A FACT: The Cayman Islands are home to people of more than 120 nationalities.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Pirates, blue iguanas and the Caymans’ mascot, Sir Turtle.

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ports of call | G ra nd C ay m a n

PORT view fun trekS grand cayman top shore excursions

Dolphin Swim, Stingray Interaction & Turtle Farm This tour offers interaction with dolphins, stingrays and turtles. The dolphin encounter occurs on a submerged platform. Participants are then led into deeper water to swim with dolphins that push them on boogie boards.

The tour moves on to the Stingray Enclosure to interact with the gentle creatures and wraps up at the world-famous Cayman Turtle Farm.

All-Inclusive Tiki Beach-Seven Mile Beach Getaway A day at Tiki Beach Club, on Seven Mile Beach, begins with a welcome orientation and beverage, followed by a beach barbecue with unlimited Caybrew beer, rum punch, fruit punch and soda. This tour is ideal for families and guests with limited mobility. Restrooms and freshwater showers are available. For an additional fee, guests may use the beach water-sports center, beach massage center, à la carte bar and restaurant.

Coral Garden & Stingray Sandbar Guests make two stops: the beautiful, exotic Coral Garden, to swim alongside colorful fish amid the coral; and Stingray Sandbar, where hundreds of friendly, gentle stingrays greet visitors in waist-high water. The staff hold and feed the stingrays while describing the creatures’ names and habits; participants may hold the rays if they wish.

Explore Cayman by Land & Sea The tour begins aboard Nautilus, the world’s most luxurious semisubmarine, for up-close views of Cheeseburger Reef and the shipwrecks Cali and Balboa. Guests then take a bus tour along the west bay peninsula; stops include the governor’s residence on Seven Mile Beach; Cayman Turtle Farm, on Boatswain’s Beach; and the quirky town of Hell, so named for its unusual rock formations.

Sunken Ship Kittiwake & Reef Snorkel Guests snorkel around the sunken U.S. Navy rescue ship Kittiwake, a 251-foot-long vessel that lies in the pristine turquoise waters of the Cayman Islands. A second snorkel stop explores the gorgeous coral reef off Seven Mile Beach. A complimentary drink of punch is served on the way back to the ship.

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how to get to town Take the ship's tender to Royal Watler Pier, a 15-minute ride.

Turn right from the pier to explore downtown.

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Grand Cayman is well-known as a hub of international banking and finance, but more visitors are lured here by its extensive natural and man-made attractions. It’s a favorite getaway for many Hollywood celebrities, enticed by its serene beauty and by its variety of things to see and do.

The centerpiece of the island is the magnificent Seven Mile Beach, a vast expanse of powdery white sand. Famed for diving, the island offers more than 200 named sites. Other natural attractions include the Mastic Trail, a restored 200-year-old footpath that meanders through a two-million-year-old forest and mangrove swamp in the heart of the island; Pedro St. James National Historic Site, a restored great house dating from 1780; and the 59-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.

You will take a tender into port, where you'll have plenty of time to explore.

At lunchtime, save room for dessert: a slice (or more) of Grand Cayman’s world-famous rum cake. Shopping is especially rewarding in the capital, George Town, home to some of the Caribbean’s best duty-free shopping — at attractive discounts. Great finds include black-coral jewelry, luxury watches, fine perfumes and gracious dinnerware. Seekers of unique souvenirs choose caymanite — a hard stone with striations ranging in color from pale pinkish beige to deep russet — found only in the Caymans. —J. T.

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ports of call | G ra nd C ay m a n

Seagoing men have long been drawn to the Caymans.

From Privateers to

Master Fishermen

by Marjorie Klein

The wide beaches and cool caves of Grand Cayman echo with the rich history of its early inhabitants: turtles, crocodiles, pirates, sailors, soldiers, settlers and slaves.

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British army defeated Spain in 1655. The Treaty of Madrid brought the Caymans, as well as Jamaica, under British rule and made Grand Cayman a destination for settlers.

Rule BritanNia: The Settlers Settle In The first influx arrived: emigrants from England, Holland, Spain and France, plus refugees from the Spanish Inquisition

Beginnings

presence of turtle on the menu resulted

and deserters from Cromwell’s army.

Christopher Columbus first spotted the

in the animal’s decline; by 1586, crocodiles

Privateers, the genteel name for pirates

islands he called Las Tortugas on May 10,

had become so dominant that Sir Francis

such as Sir Henry Morgan who had

1503, when his ship was blown off course

Drake, the first recorded English visitor,

their governments’ permission to plunder

from Panama to Hispaniola on his final trip

renamed the islands caiman (the Carib

ships — ostensibly to retrieve wealth stolen

to the New World. The three islands, so

word for “crocodile”), from which their

from their country — discouraged these

populated with tortoises that they looked

present name Cayman is derived.

early settlers, many of whom high-tailed

like rock piles, became a way-station for

The Cayman Islands’ population stayed

it back home. Blackbeard, as well as

sailors to replenish their freshwater supply

the same — comprising primarily sailors

other pirates, found the caves, nooks

and stock up on turtle meat. Perhaps the

and pirates — until Oliver Cromwell’s

and crannies of Grand Cayman to be

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photos.com; Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Cotton was an early export of the island.

the perfect hideout. Some pirates never made it to land, their ships having been lured onto the reefs by the beacon fires of the Caymanians, who strenuously resisted these invaders.

By 1700, the first royal land grant in Grand Cayman signaled permanent settlement, followed by others throughout the island. The first recorded inhabitant

Colorful coral reefs attract divers.

was Isaac Bodden, grandson of the original settler, a soldier from Cromwell’s

grown for their own consumption. An

1937, the Atlantic, the first cruise ship

army for whom Bodden Town was named.

1802 census shows 933 people, 545 of

to bring tourists to the island’s shores,

Other districts can be traced back to that

whom were slaves.

deposited 450 wealthy, mostly elderly

period of settlement as well, including Hog

passengers ashore for the day. During

Stys, once the site of a pigpen whose

Democracy Is Born

World War II, the U.S. Navy and Coast

name — thankfully — was changed to

Self-rule for the Caymans began on

Guard operated bases on the island. When

George Town in the early 18th century in

December 5, 1831, when a historic meeting

Bob Soto opened the first dive shop in 1957,

honor of King George III.

of residents took place to form the first

Grand Cayman became the birthplace of

In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht officially

representative government and elections

recreational scuba diving.

ended privateering (although freelance

were held. The Emancipation Act of 1833

In 1962, the Caymans chose to remain

pirates continued to attack ships

brought an end to slavery on an island

a British Crown Colony, a decision that

regardless), encouraging settlers to set

where slaves now outnumbered whites

helped lead to the introduction of major

up camp permanently and call Grand

five to one.

banking legislation in 1966. The face of

Cayman home. Many of these early

Grand Cayman has changed dramatically

settlers brought slaves with them to help

A Tourist Mecca

from that first sighting by Columbus; those

farm crops such as cotton, which they

Tourism and banking became Grand

turtles and caimans that once roamed the

exported, and the corn, yams, plantains,

Cayman’s primary economic sources

island now smile at us from a respectful

melons, citrus fruit and sugarcane

in the 20th century. On February 22,

distance on T-shirts.

g r a n d c a y m a n TIMELINE 1700: Permanent settlement begins with the first royal land grant.

1503: Columbus spots islands he names Las Tortugas.

1655: The islands come under British rule.

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1831-33: First elections are held; slaves are emancipated.

1713-14: Piracy officially ends with the Treaty of Utrecht.

1962: Caymanians opt to remain a colony of Britain.

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Available at

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A Treasure for the Sea

s p ec i a l a dv e r t i s i n g f e at u r e

Caribbean Views

A Tradition of Service

by Jim Thompson

Shipwrecked in the Caribbean as a young British naval ensign in 1840, William Kirkconnell set out on an adventure that took him from ruin to riches, and forged a bond between his descendants and the Cayman Islands that would endure for generations.

Master watchmaker Rolex makes waves with the Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Rolesor, available at its Grand Cayman retail partner, Kirk Freeport.

The Submariner Date Rolesor is the absolute reference in divers’ watches.

The case features a unidirectional rotatable bezel in 18-karat yellow gold with blue Cerachrom disc. It is waterproof to a depth of 1,000 feet.

The movement is equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, highly resistant to shocks and magnetic fields, ensuring superlative chronometric precision and remarkable reliability.

For more information on this and other timepieces, visit www.rolex.com.

kirk freeport

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Rolesor

The Kirkconnell family built Kirk Freeport into an island legacy.

The Kirk Shipping empire was begun by Kirkconnell’s son, Walter. Kirk Shipping’s vessels once numbered more than 40, and plied the waters from the Caymans to Haiti, Jamaica and the United States for more than a century. The glory days of Kirk’s tall ships are today immortalized in the image of the Kirkconnell schooner, Kirk B, on the Cayman 25-cent coin.

“My grandfather, who started the company in 1896, would have been proud,” says Gerry Kirkconnell, a fourth-generation descendent of William Kirkconnell, who now runs the family’s Kirk Freeport group of duty-free shops.

As times changed, the Kirkconnells moved from shipping and built on their 134

many other enterprises. Real estate, farming, the Kirk Home Centre, the Kirk Supermarket and even a Coca-Cola distributorship are some of their ventures.

Kirk Freeport grew from a small general store, which was founded in the 1800s and later became a supermarket. The stores offer high-end goods at reduced prices.

Jewelry, perfumes, crystal and watches from such esteemed names as Cartier, Rolex, Lalique, Baccarat and Mikimoto grace the company’s 23 locations on Grand Cayman.

“It’s a big operation, but, for us, it’s just a family business,” says Gerry Kirkconnell, who oversees the shops from a modest office in the Kirk Freeport building in

central George Town. “Anyway, I’m just Gerry to everyone.”

For generations, the Kirkconnells have served the Caymans through government service and countless charitable works. Since 1962, every general election except one has seen at least one member of the family chosen for the Legislative Assembly of the Cayman Islands.

“People come here for the beautiful beaches, the clear waters and perfect weather, but the real beauty of the Caymans — and the reason we love it here — is the friendliness and warmth of the people,” Gerry Kirkconnell says with a smile. “It is a true slice of paradise.”

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Flavors of

grand cayman

by Sara Churchville

Cayman Islands Flag The islands’ flag is a pairing of Britain’s Union Jack with the Cayman Islands’ crest against a dark blue background. At the top of the crest is a pineapple, representing the islands’ one-time dependence on Jamaica. Under it a turtle, the national symbol of the Caymans, stands on a thatch rope — the manufacture of which was once a thriving industry on the islands. The Lion of England signifies the obvious ties to Britain, while the three greenand-gold stars on blue-and-white waves stand for the three Cayman islands and the sea.

Black Coral Carvings Divers thrill to come across expanses of black coral at sites off Grand Cayman, and jewelry carved from the coral is one of the island’s most popular gift items.

Cayman’s parrots are actually two subspecies of the Cuban parrot.

Grand Cayman Parrot

photos courtesy of Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Grand Caymanians once took in these loudly squawking birds as pets, but this practice is now illegal. About 4,000 Grand Cayman parrots, so-called because they are found nowhere else in the world, still remain on the island. Green, red and white, this subspecies of the Cuban parrot is the island’s national bird.

The Blue Iguana of Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Like the Grand Cayman parrot, the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana, or Cyclura nubila lewisi, is found only on the island. With its blue coloring, it should be easy to spot, but because it’s endangered and not very social to boot, it may take some searching to locate one. A subspecies of the Cuban Rock Iguana, the Blue can grow to be as long as five feet.

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Black coral growing underwater

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ports of call | G ra nd C ay m a n

Fish Stories and More

The Cayman Islands National Museum grew from rather humble beginnings. Back in the 1930s, a local named Ira Thompson collected island artifacts as a hobby.

Cayman Islands National Museum

The government purchased his ensemble in 1979, and it became

connecting hallways leading to several active exhibitions. “Founded

the nucleus for a national museum depicting Caymanian history

Upon the Seas,” a thoughtful 10-minute audiovisual presentation

and culture. Today the museum tells many interesting tales to

now on DVD, portrays the country’s dependence on its watery

more than 20,000 visitors annually.

surroundings. In the Cultural History Gallery, an especially lively

Housed in one of Grand Cayman’s oldest buildings, the museum was once a 19th-century courthouse. Works by local artists line

catboat diorama includes a moving, talking mannequin who relates fish stories and tales of the great 1932 storm. — E. W.

Cayman Q & A

How long is Seven Mile Beach?

Who is Sir Turtle?

The beautiful, powdery white sands actually stretch along the waterfront for only about five and a half miles.

The whimsical, peg-legged pirate/turtle serves as the mascot and logo of the Cayman Islands. He was designed in 1963 by Suzy Soto and later sold to the Department of Tourism for US$1. Sir Turtle commemorates the prime role played by both turtles and pirates in the islands’ history.

Why is the water surrounding the islands so clear?

There are no rivers or streams flowing from the islands into the sea, so there’s no runoff to spoil the renowned clarity of the water.

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If Grand Cayman doesn’t have any mountains, why is it called the Switzerland of the Caribbean?

In George Town alone, there are more than 500 banks, each securing a mountain of money. —G. D.

Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; digital vision photos

Seven Mile Beach

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Tell the world your story

Sterling silver charms from $25

Cardinall Ave. Harbour Drive 345.949.7477 Ext. 1605

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The Strand Canal Point Drive 345.949.8124 Ext. 1183

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ports of call | G ra nd C ay m a n

FREEDOM’S HOME

Caymanians met here on Dec. 5, 1831, and voted to form their first elected parliament.

They gathered at “the Castle” on May 3, 1835, to hear the proclamation ending slavery in the British Empire.

The mansion originally was the private home of planter William Eden. The threestory landmark was built from quarried native rock in about 1780. It was the only survivor of a 1785 hurricane, making it the Caymans’ oldest stone structure. The family abandoned it in 1877, and it was put to various uses until the Cayman government purchased it in 1991.

Restoration work on Pedro St. James took seven years to complete. Guests enter through the Visitors Center, which perches on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and surrounds a landscaped courtyard.

The featured attractions are a 20-minute multimedia theater presentation of Cayman history and a self-guided tour of the imposing great house.

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photos courtesy of Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

Known as “the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands,” the Pedro St. James National Historic Site has been likened to the United States’ Independence Hall in Philadelphia.

ABOVE: The Pedro St. James historic site, with cultural artifacts on the grounds and throughout its rooms.

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PRECIOUS MEMORIES TURn yOUR MEMORIES InTO TIMElESS TREaSURES luxury jewelry and watches for every style. a world of sophistication and glamour awaits you at Kirk Freeport with jewelry designs from David yurman, Roberto Coin, Mikimoto, Vera Wang, Erica Courtney, Marco Bicego, and a large collection of diamonds, rubies, sapphires, emeralds and other gemstones.

Visit us today at: KIRKFREEPORT.nET or on Facebook.

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photos courtesy of Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

ports of call | G ra nd C ay m a n

Regal

Retre at

During her visit to Grand Cayman in 1994, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, named in her honor.

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A lush refuge

Located on a 65-acre tract in the North Side district, the park features an estimated 40 percent of the Caymans’ 600-plus native species of plants.

Research into traditional gardens led to the addition of the Heritage Garden. Island settlers once relied heavily on their gardens, and homes boasted flowering shrubs, medicinal herbs, fruit trees and vegetable plots. The two-acre Heritage Garden showcases a restored Caymanian wooden cottage from the early-20th century. The house was relocated here and surrounded by classic flora to give visitors a better understanding of life in bygone times.

The Botanic Park is also home to the endangered Blue Iguana, found only on Grand Cayman. An estimated 150 mature Blue Iguanas remain in the wild. The park offers sanctuary in the Blue Iguana Habitat to others as part of a captive breeding program. — G. D.

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Proud Palm

Terence Mendoza/shutterstock.com

Pride of the Cayman Islands, the silver thatch palm is a ubiquitous tall tree with fanlike fronds. To fully appreciate its name, one has to observe this indigenous tree by moonlight, when the underside of the fronds beam in silvery splendor atop trunks that often grow 30 feet tall.

The frond’s qualities provide an excellent roof thatch — it’s rainproof, unusually tough and resistant to heat absorption. Once the fronds are picked, thatchers must work quickly. If the leaves dry out before use, the ends curl and the roof will leak.

At one time, silver thatch was the principal component of the islands’ main industry: rope making. While the men went to sea to fish, women and children hiked inland to gather the fronds. After hanging the leaves to dry for a few days, they split them into strands and wove them into long cords. Today, this kind of rope is found in local craft shops in the form of attractive woven hats, baskets, fans and mats. — E. W.

A memorable, unique dining experience by the beautiful Caribbean sea!

Exquisite waterfront views Delicious original Italian favorites, homemade pastas, sumptuous grilled meats, fresh seafood cuisine and the best Tiramisu on the island!

Intimate Wine Cellar for special occasions Serving lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday – opening at 3 p.m. on Sunday

Located at 65 N. Church St., Georgetown Tel. 345-949-7633 E-mail: casanova@candw.ky

See the Shore Excursions Desk for tickets

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Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Kim Bunker/istockphoto; Ocean Image Photography/shutterstock.com.

ports of call | G ra nd C ay m a n

ABOVE: Up-close and personal with stingrays. BELOW, CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: Sea fan and coral; sea anemone; hawksbill turtle.

Snorkeling

the Caymans

Swimming with fish in the sea always seems to be reserved for elite divers like Jacques Cousteau and his companions, or for island water babies who learned how to swim before they could walk. But the Cayman Islands, long a mecca for divers and marine ecologists, welcomes snorkeling aficionados to swim with sea creatures in a crystal-clear aquamarine sea. Filled with miles of healthy coral reefs, it’s the perfect home for a dazzling array of sea life. Slipping away from the constraining bonds of land, snorkelers on a soft ecotourism adventure will see the flowerlike beauty of the sea anemone, revel in splendid displays of fan-shaped coral, and be awed by reefs splashed with such vivid hues of orange, pink, violet, red and blazing yellow that they might have been created

by Picasso. — R. C.

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Discover the

adventure

Visit the Cayman Islands’ #1 land-based attraction. Meet the turtles, enjoy the wildlife, snorkel in our lagoon and splash down our water slide. It’s a full day of fun and adventure.

Opening hours: Mon – Sat 8:00am – 4:30pm | Enquire about Sunday hours Book with your Shore Excursion Desk today!

786 Northwest Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman |

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Cayman Islands Department of Tourism; Allister Clark/istockphoto.com.

ports of call | G ra nd C ay m a n

Close Encounters

ABOVE: Fishy but friendly residents of Stingray City. BELOW: The popular attraction.

One of Grand Cayman’s most popular city visits isn’t to a city at all — at least not in the usual sense of the word. The inhabitants of Stingray City are the stingrays that live underwater.

People are merely drop-in visitors who dive down to discover what makes this stretch of real estate so attractive to the rays. Non-divers flock to Stingray Sandbar, a sandy, shallow area also teeming with rays.

For tunately, the area’s southern stingrays seem to relish all the attention.

They certainly like being fed the handfuls of squid offered by cruise guests and other visitors. And they know the ropes. As soon as a tour-boat motor stops, a flotilla of rays gracefully glides onto the scene.

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From the deck of the boat, the saucershaped rays, which may reach up to six feet across, can be seen approaching.

Visitors have the choice of watching them from above the surface or jumping in the waist-high water and swimming beside them.

Before it became a popular tourist attraction, Stingray Sandbar served as a protected area where fishermen cleaned their catch en route to shore. The chance for a free lunch attracted the rays then, just as it does now. — G. D.

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PORTS OF CALL | G ra nd C ay m a n

shopping IN:

Grand cayman

Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town.

SEE IT? LIKE IT? BUY IT!

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Truly Tall Tale

Everyone loves a good story, which no doubt explains why Caymanians enjoy relating the one about the Wreck of the Ten Sails.

Memorial plaque commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's visit in 1994 to the Wreck of the Ten Sails

shutterstock.com; wikipedia.com

It’s the 18th century, and 10 Jamaican merchant ships are bound for Jolly Olde England. The passenger list includes at least one member of the royal household. The lead ship, the Cordelia, comes to grief on a reef east of Grand Cayman. Her warning signal to the others is misunderstood, and all 10 vessels founder. Residents of the island’s East End scurry to the rescue, snatching everyone — including King George III’s relatives — from the drink. The king, good sport that he is, rewards the Cayman islanders with freedom from taxation and wartime conscription. Not bad for getting your feet wet.

True? The benefits exist all right, but did they result from a daring rescue at sea?

Some say yes; party poopers who have checked it out say no. One clue is an inconsistent date for the event, ranging from 1785 to 1794. Does it really matter?

Not if you like a tall tale to go with your tall, cool drink. Enjoy! — R. N.

Ships like this one carried brave merchant seamen to the Caribbean.

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Cayman Islands Department of Tourism

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“Take only pictures; leave only footprints.”

Strong protection is in place for the Caymans’ natural treasure.

In Land We Trust As you wander around Grand Cayman, you may run into “Building of Historic Interest” signs and think, “Good idea.” Yes it is, but more important, it’s just the tip of the preservation iceberg.

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The island’s natural and man-made environments, though picturesque and inspiring, can also be fragile. Concerned citizens, knowing they have a good thing on their hands, decided the time had come to make sure their resources didn’t degrade or, worse yet, disappear entirely. They created the National Trust for the Cayman Islands in 1987. The nonprofit group has but one mission: “To preserve natural environments and places of historic significance for present and future generations of the Cayman Islands.”

A two-pronged plan is in place to do so. The Environmental Conservation element secures the most sensitive acreage against development, encourages a visiting-scientist program to spur research efforts, and identifies local wildlife in need of protection. The Historic Preservation component seeks to keep what is already in place through a Buildings and Sites Inventory, a Historic Plaque Program and Heritage Property Management. All efforts are linked through public education.

So when you hear the old saying “Take only pictures; leave only footprints,” you’ll know it’s more than just words on Grand Cayman. —R. N.

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THE SCENT OF PARADISE FIND A PARADISE OF BEAuTy AND FRAgRANCE We take beauty products seriously and that is why you will find fragrances and skin care in seven of our locations.

Kirk Freeport is the only retailer in the Cayman Islands with three boutiques dedicated to nothing but fragrances and skin care.

With over 450 different fragrances in stock, Kirk Freeport’s La Parfumerie stores are certain to have what you’re looking for.

Visit us today at: KIRKFREEPORT.NET or on Facebook.

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shopping IN:

Grand cayman

Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town.

SEE IT? LIKE IT? BUY IT!

Korite Ammoli te pen dant

RAYMOND WEIL Maes t ro watc h

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While in Grand Cayman, Visit Guy Harvey’s Flagship Store Experience the largest collection of Guy Harvey merchandise and artwork ever assembled under one roof!

After shopping Guy’s gallery, be sure to enjoy an exquisite meal at the Guy Harvey Island Grill located next door.

Dr. Guy Harvey, PhD Actively Living It. Marine scientist and artist, Guy Harvey is devoted to the conservation of our planet’s oceans and marine wildlife for future generations.

Find us on facebook facebook.com/DrGuyHarvey

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Scan for more info or visit www.GuyHarvey.com

Guy Harvey’s Gallery & Shoppe 49 South Church St. • George Town tel: 345.943.4891

9/20/12 9:25 AM

Half Moon Cay

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This 55-acre getaway in The Bahamas packs plenty of fun. Just a few choices: Splash it up at the water park, enjoy a cocktail at the open-air Bahamian bar, or shop at the craft market. Want more? Book a shore excursion to explore the island and the waters surrounding it.

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Horseback riding on the shore

top shore excursions

fun treks: Half Moon cay Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Glass Bottom Boat Half Moon Cay Snorkel by Boat Horseback Riding by Land & Sea Parasailing Stingray Adventure

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Recreation and relaxation on this private Bahamian island, also known as Little San Salvador Island.

IT’S A FACT: Half Moon Cay is 17 miles from the nearest island neighbor.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Bahamian arts and crafts sold by local vendors.

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Key West

FloridaStock/shutterstock.com

The southernmost point in the continental United States, Key West — with its balmy weather and Bohemian atmosphere — is a free spirit that holds a special place in our hearts. How can you not love a place that has a party every day to celebrate the sunset?

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Key West is the center of the universe for those who fall under its spell.

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Sunsets, the green flash (a special glint of light in the water at sunset) and Ernest Hemingway’s old haunts.

IT’S A FACT: President Harry S. Truman chose Key West for his winter White House.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Key-lime juice, conch shells and sunkentreasure replicas.

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fun trekS key west

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Key West Parasailing This ride combines the thrills of offshore powerboating with parachuting, ballooning and gliding. Guests ride in pairs and launch directly from the onboard flight deck. Participants must be at least five years old and weigh at least 95 pounds; the maximum combined weight of each pair is 475 pounds. Pregnant women and guests with back or neck injuries or heart conditions may not participate.

WORLD-FAMOUS Conch Tour Train — Hop on, Hop Off This one-hour tour, named Florida’s No. 1 guided tour for 2010 by Florida Monthly Magazine, is an historical exploration of Key’s West’s major attractions. The narrated tour features all of Key West’s most popular sites, including stops near the Southernmost Point, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, Duval Street, President Truman’s Little White House, Mallory Square, the Butterfly Conservatory and the historic seaport district. Children twelve and younger ride free.

Catamaran Sail & Snorkel The 60-foot catamaran Fury takes guests to a coral reef in the waters off Key West, which teem with dolphins and flying fish. Instruction and snorkel equipment are provided, and refreshments are served on the way back to the ship.

Glass-Bottom Boat and Conch Train Combo The entire family can explore the wonders of the underwater world from a state-of-the art glass-bottom boat on this tour. As the guide shares facts about the surrounding species, guests can feed the fish and spot all types of aquatic creatures. All guests on board must have a ticket to ensure compliance with safety regulations, so check with the Shore Excursion Desk about tickets for infants.

Discover Key West – Hop On, Hop Off The Conch Tour Train or Old Town Trolley takes riders along the appealing streets of Old Town Key West. The history of this charming little island is revealed on a drive past Ernest Hemingway’s Home and Museum, President Truman’s Little White House, the pretty harbor area, the Southernmost Point, Henry Flagler’s hotel and a Civil War fort. Stops include the Shipwreck Historeum, with the best view of the island from a 120-foot tower.

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PORT view This picturesque enclave offers delights of many kinds, from its pastel-toned homes and shops to its offbeat sunset celebration, where colorful characters ring out the day on Mallory Square.

Many visitors devote a good bit of their day to shopping on Duval Street and the network of charming routes that connect with it. Best buys include dazzling local art, tropical home accessories and hand-rolled Dominican cigars. Collectors of the unique are drawn to beautiful treasure-coin jewelry, made from authentic pieces recovered from old shipwrecks near the island.

Key West has many historic stops, most notably the landmark homes of writer Ernest Hemingway and naturalist John James Audubon; museums devoted to the shipwrecks and lore of the island’s past; and the Truman Annex, site of the winter White House during the presidency of Harry S. Truman.

Families enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory. And one of the mostoften-packed mementos is a photo snapped at The Southernmost Point, which notes Key West’s geographic status in the continental United States.

For refreshment, the Historic Seaport is filled with colorful waterfront restaurants.

The island’s signature key-lime pie stars on almost every menu — and souvenir bottles of tart key-lime juice are available for sale almost anywhere. —K. C.

how to get to town Key West’s historic Old Town, with its many charming shops and other attractions, is only a few blocks from the dock. It’s easily reached on foot, which also happens to be the best way to explore it. Old Town is split approximately in half by Duval Street, which leads to Mallory Square.

Specta/shutterstock.com; Curtis Kautzer/shutterstock.com; Mel Fisher Maritime Museum.

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Rows of cannons in Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West. INSET: Cannonballs stacked at one of the fort's exterior walls.

LOST AND FOUND

by John Anderson

Many have come to Key West to start lost lives over and find their fortune.

It should come as no surprise that a place as special as Key West has a history as unusual to match. This southernmost point on the map was the last stop for many a castaway and dreamer, and few ever looked back.

Beginnings Spanish explorers first arrived on Key West in 1521 and dubbed the place Cayo Hueso, or Bone Island, due to the 160

discovery of human bones supposedly found in mangrove clumps. But for centuries after, the area was largely left to its own devices. Eventually, settlers were drawn there for a number of reasons.

Among the new residents were Bahamians known as “conchs,” who harvested the hardwood trees; Cuban fishermen; salty New Englanders; and marauding pirates who had been plundering ships in the Caribbean for years.

Ceded to the United States in 1819, Cayo Hueso became Anglicized and was soon known simply as Key West. In 1821, U.S. businessman John W. Simonton bought the island for $2,000 and divided it into four parts; he sold three to fellow businessmen Fleming, Whitehead and Greene — you’ll find streets named after them today — and kept one for himself.

Simonton next convinced the U.S. Navy that Key West would be an ideal base of operations for the northern Caribbean region. Thus in 1823 — following Lieu­ tenant Matthew Perry’s assessment that desperados were a bigger problem than malaria and mosquitoes — the Navy sent in Captain David Porter and his West Indies Anti-Pirate Squadron. However, with the dispatching of the pirates, the islanders

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Silver

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ports of call | Ke y Wes t found themselves under Porter’s military dictatorship until a court-martial finally rid the residents of both the pirates and Porter himself.

In the 1800s, Key West was an industrious place, with fishing and sea-turtle canneries as mainstays of the economy for decades. From 1830 until the Civil War, salt production was a huge industry as well; the island supplied much of the country’s salt. But by 1860, it was the fortunes made from shipwrecks on the coral reefs just seven miles offshore that made Key West the richest U.S. town per capita.

People came from all over to bid on the salvaged bounty at the newly established customhouse. Millions of dollars’ worth of wreckage was being adjudicated on the island, supplying the fine furnishings and chandeliers found in local homes and the formal clothes people wore around town.

With the building of the reef lighthouses in the late 1800s, the profitable wrecking business began to wane. Fortunately, two other businesses picked up the slack and kept Key West in the money: sponging and cigar production. Hundreds of skiffs patrolled the surrounding waters, harvesting millions of sponges from shallow seabeds; the sale of the sponges accounted for 90 percent of all sponges sold in the United States. At the same time, the cigar industry began to flourish when Cubans came to the island to escape their country’s revolution from Spain. By 1890, 129 cigar factories were in operation on Key West.

The 20th Century and Beyond Key West was an isolated island accessible only by boat until Henry Flagler built his Overseas Railway in the early 1900s. A massive undertaking, it included one

florida keys TOURISM BOARD

The Richest Town in America

The Hemingway House and one of its 60 cats, about half of which have six toes.

of the world’s longest bridges, which connected Key West to the mainland and was completed in 1912.

While the rail business Flagler foresaw never materialized, another industry began to flourish in the 1920s with the passing of Prohibition: bootlegging. The demand for booze was met by newly rich smugglers from Key West who supplied

beer and rum from Cuba and whiskey from Nassau.

This devil-may-care environment attracted the writers for whom Key West is now famous. Ernest Hemingway lived there the longest, but Tennessee Williams, Robert Frost, Elizabeth Bishop and a long list of Pulitzer Prize winners also called Key West home at one time or another.

K E Y W E S T TIMELINE 1521: Spanish explorers arrive and name the island Cayo Hueso (Bone Island).

1821: John Simonton buys Key West for $2,000.

1819: Florida and the Keys are ceded to the United States.

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1912: Henry Flagler’s Overseas Railway is completed.

1860: Key West becomes known as the wealthiest town in America.

1982: In a humorous protest, Key West “secedes” from the U.S. and becomes The Conch Republic.

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Flavors of

key west

by Sara Churchville

Key Lime Pie This cool, creamy and, ideally, sweet-tart mixture of condensed milk, keylime juice and zest, and egg yolks is folded into a graham-cracker crust, refrigerated until congealed and served with a dollop of whipped cream.

In most parts of the country, the pie is made from the familiar green Persian limes, but to be authentic it should be made with small, yellow and very tart key limes.

Margoe Edwards/shutterstock.com; florida keys TOURISM BOARD; Andy Newman/Florida Keys News Bureau.

Key lime pie

The Tennessee Williams House

Famous Writers Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemingway lived here, and Key West still manages to lure celebrated writers who are charmed by the city’s eccentricity. Among the writers who live at least parttime in Key West are novelists Alison Lurie, Annie Dillard and Judy Blume; poet Richard Wilbur; and essayist Nancy Friday.

A popular gathering place

Saloons The Seven Mile Bridge, left in photo. On right is the original, now closed, completed in 1912.

GRAND ENTRANCE This is how you know you’ve arrived: the Seven Mile Bridge, linking Marathon in the Middle Keys to Little Duck Key in the Lower Keys.

Key West is about 40 miles farther on. First built in 1912, it was replaced by the current span in 1982.

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Sloppy Joe’s, the infamous Hemingway hangout, is the quintessential saloon in a city where friendly spots for enjoying a cold beer on a warm night, often outdoors, are almost the raison d’être. The saloon names — Hog’s Breath, Green Parrot, Lazy Gecko — still evoke the area’s history of piracy, rum running and general Margaritaville-style lazing.

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jon williams; florida keys TOURISM BOARD; library of congress.

RIGHT: The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens. BELOW: Audubon House plaque; portrait of John James Audubon.

Rescue and Rebirth in

Key West Captain John H. Geiger’s lovely 19th-century mansion, where the master wrecker and his family lived in the mid-1800s, was scheduled for demolition in the late 1950s.

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But at the 11th hour, it was saved by the Mitchell Wolfson Family Foundation. Today, the restoration, renamed the Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, holds many of the key works of artist and ornithologist John James Audubon, including 28 of his first-edition lithographs and numerous engravings dating from 1830 to 1859.

Audubon sighted and drew 18 new birds when he was in Key West in 1832 and is said to have visited the property. The house was built shortly thereafter in his honor.

The museum is situated on an acre of tropical gardens resplendent with trees and plants — each labeled with its name and country of origin — plus a variety of orchids and bromeliads, an herb garden and a period nursery.

Visitors can admire the European furnishings in the house and buy Audubon posters, as well as books on nature and local history, in the museum. Bird lovers can purchase first-, second- or third-edition lithographs in a number of sizes from the adjacent gallery. Among the most popular subjects are the bald eagle, the white-crown pigeon and the Key West dove. Every lithograph comes with a certificate of authenticity and a copy of Audubon’s field notes. —S. C.

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Paul Picone/shutterstock.com; Rebecca Bagdanoff/istockphoto.com.

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ABOVE: Pastel colors are common in Key West design. BELOW: A cool veranda.

A Rich Mix of Design

One of the first things you notice on a stroll through Key West’s narrow, tree-lined streets is the unique architecture.

Gingerbread trim, wide verandas, sloping metal roofs, overhanging eaves, cluttered Victorian details, louvered shutters and pastel colors are all part of the distinctive conch-house style that adds to the charm and character of the town.

The style dates back to the first permanent settlement here in 1822; most of the homes were built before 1900. Pirates, profiteers and poets have all heard the

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clarion call of Key West, or Cayo Hueso (Bone Island) as the Spanish called it. But the look of the tiny island reflects the blending of the diverse architectural styles of varied groups of settlers who stayed over the years: laborers from The Bahamas, cigar makers from Cuba and fishermen from New England. Florida-coast building forms are fused with Caribbean practicality and the large spaces of New England seacoast homes.

Some of Key West’s earliest settlers came from the nearby Bahamas, bringing a functional method of home construction created out of necessity. The basic structures, many of which still stand in the Bahama Village section of the town, were assembled as simple shelters against the tropical heat and rain, and built low to best withstand the fierce storms and hurricanes of the Caribbean region. To make mortar, lime was obtained by burning conch shells, then mixing the powder with sand and water. The abundant conch shells were also used in place of bricks and stones, which led to the coining of the term “conch

house,” a designation that now applies to all Key West homes.

Adding to the mix of construction modes were seafaring shipbuilders who adapted their skills to become architects and carpenters. The hand-hewn woods of cypress, yellow pine, mahogany and juniper, all readily available in the area, were put together tongue-and-groove for floors, walls and ceilings. Attic dormers were turned into additional bedrooms. And roof hatches, common on ships, permitted rising heat to escape and air to circulate. The “eyebrow” style, a Key West invention based on the classic revival architectural phase, placed a series of windows under a heavy roof overhang, another practical way to keep the hot sun out and allow cool ocean breezes in.

While the 3,000-plus structures of the Key West Historic District cover a large portion of the island, one of the largest concentrations of historic wood buildings in the United States, an easy walk through the four-block section of Old Town, offers a wonderful sampling of conch architecture. —J. A.

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A cigar-maker at work

TOP: Salsa and merengue dancers. ABOVE, FROM LEFT: Latin bongo drummer; arroz con pollo; café con leche; revolutionary leader José Marti.

Key West’s

Cuban Connection

Key West is closer to Cuba than any other U.S. city — both geographically, at less than 100 miles, and culturally.

At night spots, the rhythms of Cuban music pulsate with a beat born in Africa and influenced by jazz, Big Band, reggae, salsa and hip hop. Cuban food — a fusion of Spanish, African, Caribbean, Creole and even Chinese cuisine — also is easily found. Stop for a cup of Cuban coffee or café con leche. Dine on sweet fried plantains, black beans, arroz con pollo or a Cuban sandwich. In Key West, you don’t have to look far for Cuban music, cuisine and culture.

A New Home Cubans began emigrating to Key West in the early 1830s, establishing a strong presence and bringing with them their culture, their traditions and a thriving cigar industry. They continued through two revolutions: in 1868, when thousands came to work in Key West’s then-flourishing cigar factories, and in 1959, when millions began fleeing oppression by Communist dictator Fidel Castro.

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Cuba’s proximity became all too real with the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, when President Kennedy and Soviet Premier Khrushchev narrowly averted what historians claim was the closest the world ever came to nuclear war.

Memories Remain Key West has several tangible reminders of its Cuban past. The San Carlos Institute, on Duval Street, was founded in 1872 to preserve Cuban culture and promote freedom. Revolutionary leader José Marti ignited passion in 1892 with a stirring speech from the institute’s balcony.

Still revered today, Marti is honored with a memorial in Bayview Park.

A monument to the U.S.S. Maine, located at the historic cemetery in the center of Old Town, is another important link with Cuba.

The monument is dedicated to the more than 260 men who lost their lives when the battleship, which sailed from Key West, exploded in Havana Harbor in 1898, touching off the Spanish-American War. — J. T.

Key West once shared Cuba’s fame for cigar production. In the 1830s, Cuban immigrants poured into Key West, bringing with them their reputation as the most skilled cigar rollers (torcedores) in the world.

The island’s first cheroot factory opened in 1831. By the late 1800s, Key West was the cigar-manufacturing capital of the world.

At its peak, the island supported some 150 factories that produced more than 100 million stogies each year.

Key West’s once-flourishing reputation for hand-rolling panatelas, Churchills or coronas can be felt in Gato Village Park, on the site of a cigar-maker’s cottage dating to the late 1800s. The re-created cottage stands in a section once called Gatorville. The community was built by Eduardo Gato, the first Cuban to own a major Key West factory, for his employees.

Nearby is a monument dedicated to the cigar industry and its workers.

The industr y went up in smoke when the Great Fire of 1886 destroyed 11 factories and most of the business district.

This was followed by the unionization of workers, which drove many of the largest manufacturing companies to leave Key West. The final blow came with the use of rolling machines. By 1931, all of the island’s factories had closed.

You won’t find Cuban tobacco, but on Duval Street, workers behind glass-fronted storefronts and wooden kiosks keep the tradition of hand-rolled stogies alive. — J. T.

ARENA Creative/shutterstock.com; RoxyFer/shutterstock.com; RoxyFer/shutterstock.com; Beneda Miroslav/shutterstock.com; John M. Kennedy T./wikipedia.com; Benis Arapovic/shutterstock.com.

Hand-Rolled Heritage

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off the menu ®

YOU CAN’T MAKE THIS STUFF UP!

From 1849 to the early 1970s, marine turtles also accounted for one of Key West’s primary industries: the fishing of these stately creatures and their processing into steaks and soups. As old-time fishermen tell it, the Caribbean Sea was once filled with abundant herds of sea turtles, enough to keep several competing Key West canneries going strong. But after years of declining populations, the two sea-turtle families — . which include the green turtle, the leatherback, the hawks bill, the loggerhead and the ridley — became protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. This, of course, put an end to the cannery business in Key West.

SecondShot/shutterstock.com; The New Student's Reference Work/wikipedia.

OPEN DAILY

108 Duval St PHONE: 305-293-9939 www.Ripleys.com/KeyWest © Ripley’s Entertainment Inc.

Green-turtle soup was once a delicacy found on gourmet menus from Manhattan to New Orleans.

FROM TOP: Sea turtle; old sketch depicts the turtle cannery and kraals industry around 1923 in Key West.

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special

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Flowers

of the Sky

Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory

“Excite Your Senses, Expand Your Mind” at The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory.

The 13,000-square-foot pavilion houses a glass-enclosed greenhouse, which is home to hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic, colorful birds.

The conservatory is a top-rated attraction in Key West: ranked No. 1 by TripAdvisor and a four-time winner of the People’s Choice Award.

Visitors can examine the butterfly world with a wall-size map that depicts butterfly identification by country of origin, provides illustrated information on butterfly anatomy and physiology, and offers a detailed look at the incredible Monarch migration. Guests also get

Butterflies roam free in the pavilion.

a rare close-up view of a variety of caterpillars feeding and developing on their host plants.

The conservatory offers a journey through a collection of flowering plants, colorful birds, cascading waterfalls and trees that set the stage for the magnificent “flowers of the sky.” View 50 to 60 varieties of butterflies, over 25 bird species and some 3,500 plants that share the tropical climate-controlled environment of the greenhouse.

The final point of interest is the specially designed display nursery, offering a rare close-up look at the miracle of metamorphosis. Witness butterflies and moths develop, emerge on to their adult life cycle and get released into their idyllic environment.

Wings of Imagination, the gallery, offers the artwork of artist and founder Sam Trophia. The gift shop also offers a wide assortment of butterfly and unique naturerelated items.

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CONCH IF YOU

LOVE KEY WEST

George Burba/Dreamstime.com

The Florida Keys are home to two distinctly different varieties of conch (pronounced “konk”).

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Classic Conch style at the Key West Museum of Art & History at the Custom House

There’s the conch, a mollusk whose sweet meat tastes something like a clam and is batter-fried in fritters, stewed in chowder, or steamed and eaten in salad. The queen conch is the large occupant of the pretty pink-and-white shell that is a popular collector’s item; it’s illegal to take queen conch without a license in most U.S. waters.

Then there’s the Conch, proud human inhabitant of the Keys archipelago. You could look it up: This definition is even listed in the dictionary.

Rebellion and Reunion Residents of the Keys still call themselves citizens of the Conch Republic, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in April 2012.

Spurred by a Border Patrol checkpoint on the main road in and out of the Keys, which caused traffic jams and headaches for islanders and residents alike, Keys residents “seceded” from the Union and founded the Conch Republic. They elected a Cabinet and declared war on the United States — and immediately surrendered and requested $1 billion in foreign aid.

The Conchs returned to the union with no ill will, of course, and those who celebrate the annual Conch Republic Independence Day do so with their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks.

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Natalia Bratslavsky/shutterstock.com

The sign for famed Duval Street

NO EXCUSES

NEEDED Every day’s a party

Not that it needs one, but Key West has plenty of reasons to celebrate.

Sunsets for one. Late in the afternoon, visitors and locals alike flock to Mallory Square to be entertained by jugglers, mimes, animal trainers and musicians while applauding the sun as it sinks into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a glorious spectacle.

Around Halloween time, the costume party is raised to high art in Key West’s very own Fantasy Fest, when lavish floats and outrageously dressed (or undressed) revelers parade down the streets until the wee hours of the morning.

Most visitors don’t resist the urge to stop at one of Duval Street’s infamous bars. Key West’s claim to fame is that it was the favorite watering hole of Ernest (“Papa”) Hemingway, one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.

Key West honors its Papa for one week each July, when Hemingway Days does all things in Ernest. Literary tours, theatrical events and a marlin tournament pay homage to the big man of letters who loved big-game hunting and fishing. The festival includes a mock Running of the Bulls, in homage to the event in Pamplona, Spain, that Hemingway helped to make famous.

But the centerpiece of the week is the Ernest Hemingway Look-Alike Contest, in which white-bearded, khaki-wearing men vie to be Hemingway for a day.

Fun and games are not limited to dry land. The waters surrounding Key West teem with world-class game fish pursued month after month by hundreds of anglers looking to catch a blue-water monster, tarpon, bonefish or the elusive snook in heated competitions.

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Los Angeles

Andy Hwang/istockphoto.com

A vibrant, glittering city favored with balmy weather and an endless stretch of beach, Los Angeles also boasts lavish boutiques, eclectic eateries and a celebrity at every turn.

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Tall buildings, fast cars, swaying palms: We love L.A.!

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: The dream factory of Hollywood; ultra-luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive; and a wide variety of ethnic cultures.

IT’S A FACT: In the 1700s, the city was originally called El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles de la Porciuncula, which means Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Small Portion.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Surfer paraphernalia and a map of the stars.

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mahogany bay, isla ROATÁN

John A. Anderson/shutterstock.com.

The serene isle of Roatán is known for its splendid diving: Some 95 percent of the Caribbean’s known corals are thought to be found here. It’s also a delight for those who prefer to stay dry, offering butterfly and iguana reserves and colorful botanical gardens.

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Divers come from far and wide to explore Roatán’s spectacular reefs.

top shore excursions

fun treks mahogany bay, isla ROATÁN Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Maya Key Private Island Snorkeling with Lunch Canopy and Gumbalimba Park Best of Roatán Island Tour Mayan Princess All Inclusive Beach Escape Canopy Tour & Tabyana Beach

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: The largest barrier reef in the Caribbean, with easily accessible dive sites offering visibility from 50 to 100 feet.

IT’S A FACT: Local wildlife includes the basilisk, which is often called the Jesus Lizard because it can walk on water.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Carvedwood designs and ceramics handpainted by Lenca Indians.

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miami

Ocean Drive, the pulsing heart of South Beach near Miami

History, culture and entertainment converge with unsurpassed synergy in Miami, a city that has remade itself time and again. It began as an Old South outpost, and in latter days has been a magnet for fashion models and business moguls. It's still a hot spot for beautiful people, but you needn't be wealthy or famous to find a warm welcome here.

FAMED FOR: Neighborhoods such as Little Havana, Coral Gables and Coconut Grove.

IT’S A FACT: Many hit TV shows have been filmed or set here, from The Jackie Gleason Show and Flipper in the 1960s to Miami Vice in the 1980s and CSI: Miami today.

felix casio/shutterstock.com

QUICKGUIDE

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Postcards from an Art Deco hotel, a pink plastic flamingo, or a jersey from the Miami Heat.

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top shore excursions

fun trekS miami

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Miami Seaquarium with Airport Transfer (MIA) Marine life is the star at the Seaquarium, one of Miami’s oldest attractions.

The Seaquarium offers several marine-mammal shows and an oceanreef presentation. Visitors can feed a sea lion, watch sharks dining, touch starfish and experience other fascinating creatures.

Jungle Island Tour with Airport Transfer (MIA) Wildlife shows, exhibits and tropical landscaping create an enthralling farewell to Miami at Jungle Island, where visitors encounter playful apes and monkeys, colorful parrots and macaws, scary alligators, pretty pink flamingos and many other creatures. The museum grounds include a lakeside café.

Everglades Tour with Airport Transfer (MIA) For guests leaving from Miami International Airport, a tour of the Everglades is a memorable final look at South Florida. The adventure includes an airboat ride across the water, with likely sightings of alligators, exotic fish and tropical birds.

South Beach Experience with Airport Transfer (FLL)

Averette/wikipedia.com; Miami Tourism Board.

Guests waiting to fly home via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport can spend the time exploring Miami’s world-famous South Beach, including the historic Art Deco District. After a guided bus tour, participants can explore the area on foot, shopping at the designer boutiques along Collins Avenue or relishing lunch and a cocktail at one of the many outdoor cafés on beachfront Ocean Drive.

Family Fun at Miami Children’s Museum Learning really is fun at the Miami Children’s Museum, which is filled with interactive exhibits that engage kids’ imaginations. Besides examining traditional science topics, youngsters can climb a two-story sand castle, design their own money and explore Miami’s different cultures. Visitors of all ages can record their own CD at the World Music Studio or become a camera operator, news anchor or weather reporter at the television studio.

PORT view Miami has perhaps more cultural diversity than any other city in the country.

Little Havana is primarily a Cuban neighborhood, with a cigar factory and the Bay of Pigs Monument, while Little Haiti, a fascinating ethnic enclave, is full of Caribbean flavor.

The lovely Mediterranean-style town of Coral Gables boasts the grand Biltmore Hotel and the Venetian Pool.

In Key Biscayne, visitors can swim at gorgeous beaches, tour an historic lighthouse and participate in water sports galore. Shopping for trendy items in charming Coconut Grove makes for a fun diversion. Far west of downtown Miami, and its bustling Bayside Marketplace hosting worldclass shops, lies the Everglades, a very special wetland environment that’s home to various kinds of wildlife.

And last, but hardly least, is South Beach. Pastel promenade by day, neon nucleus of amusement by night, Miami Beach’s Ocean Drive — the heart of celebrated South Beach — has served as a colorful backdrop for countless photo shoots and film productions featuring stunning models and glitterati from around the world. Images of cottoncandy-colored buildings, scantily clad inline skaters and bronzed beauties sipping icy drinks at chic sidewalk cafés pervade fashion catalogs, international magazines and the silver screen. The dazzling scene can’t get any better. It’s no wonder the world has been captivated.

how to get to town It takes about 10 minutes to drive to downtown Miami and a few minutes more to get across Biscayne Bay to Miami Beach.

The best mode is by taxi; you’ll find cabs readily available at the port.

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The Magic City

In ultra-hip, modern Miami, it’s sometimes hard to believe anything existed before last week. But this city’s story is one of the oldest in Florida.

Seminole tribes had lived peacefully in South Florida for centuries when the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León sailed into Biscayne Bay in 1513. Then it all changed. For 50 years, the Spanish warred with the Indians. Then the French and British arrived. In 1763, the French and Indian War ended with Florida’s becoming a British colony. Shortly thereafter, Britain

swapped with Spain and traded Florida for The Bahamas.

In 1821, the United States gained control of the peninsula. During the late 1800s, northern developers began to move in. Julia Tuttle, the daughter of an early settler, persuaded Henry M. Flagler to extend his railroad from Palm Beach to Miami in 1896, and Miami became a city

FloridaStock/shutterstock.com; library of congress.

ports of call | Mi a m i

later that same year. The 1920s brought a slew of developers, and the 1930s was an era of fabulous Art Deco hotels in Miami Beach. Tourism expanded and luxury hotels were built in the 1940s. In the late 1950s, when Fidel Castro took over in Cuba, and throughout the 1960s, Cuban exiles settled in Miami and began to prosper. But the countrywide economic recession of the ’70s jolted Miami just as it did everywhere else.

The 1980s TV series Miami Vice helped make Miami the place to be again. Today, the self-proclaimed Magic City is the cruise capital of the world. Celebrities flock here, along with other visitors who appreciate the region’s dazzling energy.

Champions of a better childhood

To advocate, donate or volunteer, visit www.wementor.org

ABOVE: Miami’s glittering skyline.

BELOW: Mansion built by Florida railroad magnate Henry M. Flagler.

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So someone tried to describe to you how Miami’s so different, so exciting and so till you drop.

Know this. No tweet, snapshot or posting will ever be enough. You so have to visit to get it.

For an inspiring pre- or post-cruise experience, visit MiamiandBeaches.com or call 888.76.MIAMI. © Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau – The Official Destination Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and the Beaches.

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In this exuberant resort area, the streets are something of a local theater, and the beaches buzz with vacationers frolicking in the sun. But the best of MoBay, as the port is known, was here long before vacationers discovered the place. As at most everywhere else on the island, you’ll find warm, open-hearted people eager to share their culture.

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michael j. palmer

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MoBay, as it’s known, shimmers under the Caribbean sky.

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Plantation houses, jerk shacks and golf courses.

IT’S A FACT: When Columbus sailed into Montego Bay in 1494, he called it the Gulf of Good Weather.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Jamaican rum, jerk sauce and Blue Mountain coffee.

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PORT view fun trekS montego bay top shore excursions

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Tranopy Adventure This tour combines the Sky Explorer chairlift, the Jamaica Bobsled and a zipline canopy in one adventurous tour at Mystic Mountain. After riding the chairlift 700 feet up the mountain, participants ride the bobsled down the mountain, covering 3,280 feet of twists and turns. They then get an orientation and equipment and “fly” across the jungle canopy on a series of cables and pulleys. Lunch is included. Participants must be at least twelve years old and weigh no more than 280 pounds.

Montego Bay scores a hole-in-one with travelers in search of world-class golf, great shopping — even ghost stories. None of MoBay’s photogenic great houses is as popular among visitors as Rose Hall, said to still be haunted by the ghost of the murderous Annie “the White Witch” Palmer.

The Rose Hall area hits all three pursuits. Besides phantasmic Annie, it is well-known for its championship golf courses and for delightful shopping at The Shoppes at Rose Hall and Half Moon Shopping Village. Both tempt travelers with jewelry, Jamaican rum, and lignum vitae woodcarvings, made from the wood of Jamaica’s national tree.

When it’s time for a break, the coolest spot is downtown’s Doctor’s Cave Beach for a swim and Jamaica’s famed jerk chicken and pork. Enjoy it with the sweet bread called festival and a cup of the island’s famous Blue Mountain coffee, and you may have a true taste of paradise. —J. B. and P. P.

The tour begins with a narrated journey along Jamaica’s coastline to Dolphin Cove Negril. After a brief orientation, guests interact with dolphins in the water and experience the thrill of riding the creatures; they may even get a kiss or two. Visitors then go to Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay.

Bobsled Jamaica & Dunn’s River Falls Guests experience three top attractions: Dunn’s River Falls and, at Mystic Mountain, the Sky Explorer chairlift and the Jamaica Bobsled ride. At Dunn’s River, a guide leads participants up the 600-foot waterfall. The tour then heads to Mystic Mountain for the chairlift, rising 700 feet; guests ride the bobsled down the mountain, covering 3,280 feet of twists and turns. Lunch is included. Participants must be at least 46 inches tall, and children must be at least eight years old to ride without an adult.

Seawinds Family All-Inclusive Beach Day Guests enjoy a day of complete relaxation on the beach at one of Jamaica’s finest oceanfront properties, Seawinds Beach Club. Visitors can have a bite to eat at the Beach Grill, groove to lively Jamaican entertainment, and snorkel, kayak and sail in the blue waters of Montego Bay.

Catamaran Sail & Snorkel A state-of-the-art catamaran takes guests on a ride to either Athol or Rose Island reef for an afternoon of snorkeling and sea exploration. The 82-foot sleek ocean voyager allows for a relaxing ride to and from the reef with fellow passengers.

After donning gear and a life vest, guests descend into the clear waters. On the return, they can enjoy a refreshing complimentary rum or fruit punch.

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how to get to town Montego Bay’s downtown and shopping area is about two miles from the pier. There are two ways to get there: by jumping in a taxi or by taking an all-day shuttle that stops at all the important sites in town, including the City Center Shopping Center.

Carnival Cruise Lines; Rain Forest Adventures; Chee-Onn Leong/shutterstock.com; Rose Hall Developments Ltd.

Dolphin Swim & Doctor’s Cave Beach

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Ocho Rios: Island Village • Tel: 876 • 675 • 8998 Montego Bay: 24 Shoppes at Rose Hall • Tel: 876 • 953 • 9755 Negril: 2 Time Square Mall • Tel: 876 • 957 • 4922 Falmouth: 106 Historic Falmouth Pier. Tel: 876.632.4875

www.casadeoro.com • info@casadeoro.com • Fax: 876 • 953 • 3377

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ports of call | M onte go B ay Montego Bay’s past is as colorful as its streets today.

A Bustling Port City MoBay’s evolution from hog lard to high lords encompasses a past filled with adventure, bravery, rebellion and legendary ghosts. As with many histories of the Caribbean, the story of Montego Bay begins with Columbus.

Beginnings In 1494, when Columbus first sailed into what is now Montego Bay, he named it El Golfo de Buen Tiempo, or Fair Weather Bay. The name Montego evolved from the Spanish word for “lard,” when the bay was known as Bahía de Manteca, or Lard Bay, then the export point for lard produced from roaming herds of wild hogs hunted by the settlement’s Spanish occupiers.

Sadly, the native Taino Indians (also known as the Arawak), who had inhabited 188

jamaica tourist board; Walter Quirtmair/shutterstock.com

by Marjorie Klein

this region since A.D. 600, disappeared after 80 years of Spanish occupation, decimated by the diseases contracted from their conquerors.

The British Occupation In 1655, Spain relinquished Jamaica to Britain, surrendering with little resistance and leaving almost no evidence of its occupation. Founded in 1671, St. James was one of the poorest parishes, due to a scarcity of real towns, few inhabitants and little commerce except for lard production.

Luckily, the fortunes of the parish turned when plantation owners began bringing slaves from Africa to work their sugar crops, and the sugar economy boomed. By the end of the 18th century, Montego Bay was a bustling port city; 150 ships arrived

Sugarcane field

annually, importing slaves and supplies and exporting sugar. In 1720, Captain Jonathan Barnett subdivided a portion of his sugarcane fields and created Charles Town. Merchants and planters became wealthy and built elaborate homes, one of which became the setting for the most famous legend in the parish: the “White Witch of Rose Hall.”

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raymond-weil.com | noemia collection

Ocho Rios: Island Village • Tel: 876 • 675 • 8998 Montego Bay: 24 Shoppes at Rose Hall • Tel: 876 • 953 • 9755 Negril: 2 Time Square Mall • Tel: 876 • 957 • 4922 Falmouth: #106 Historic Falmouth Pier. Tel: 876.632.4875 Email: info@casadeoro.com • www.casadeoro.com

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ports of call | M onte go B ay

A statue of Samuel Sharpe in Montego Bay: In 1975, the government of independent Jamaica posthumously proclaimed Sharpe a national hero.

In 1774, the Montego For t was constructed to protect the town, although Montego Bay was never invaded and pirates weren’t a great threat. The only occasions the cannons were fired were to celebrate the King’s birthday or to announce a visit from the governor.

In 1795 and again in 1811, fire destroyed many parts of Montego Bay. But the most devastating destruction came during the Christmas Rebellion of 1831, a slave uprising led by Sam Sharpe, who is today listed as a national hero. Sharpe, a house slave and part-time preacher, planned a nonviolent strike that got out of hand and had an unfortunate end.

Many plantations were set on fire and

Sharpe was put on trial at the Old Court House, now the location of Sam Sharpe Square; he was tried and hung, an act that accelerated the abolition of slavery in 1834. Following this chain of events, the fortunes of the town declined, along with the sugar economy, but rose again with the development of the banana trade.

20th-Century Independence In 1908, the proud Montego Bay Citizens Association advertised their city as the most beautiful spot on Jamaica — and only a four-and-ahalf-day trip by steamer from New York. Adding to its appeal were the

curative powers of seawater, as touted

by English chiropractor Sir Herbert Barker. Doctor’s Cave — a bathing club donated to the town in 1906 by its owner, the eccentric Dr. Alexander McCatty — was promoted as well, inspiring the construction of a surrounding nucleus of small hotels.

As the century progressed, tourism became the new economy. A landing strip built during World War II became an airport, and a free port opened in 1960, followed by a cruise ship terminal. In 1962, the island became an independent nation. Today the bay once known for its lard exports worldwide now imports vacationers from across the globe.

m o n t e g o b a y TIMELINE

1494: Columbus sails into Montego Bay.

1671: St. James Parish is founded.

1655: The British conquer Spanish occupants.

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1795: Fire destroys the town.

1770: Rose Hall is built.

1831: Sharpe’s Christmas Rebellion occurs.

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FALMOUTH, MONTEGO BAY, OCHO RIOS JAMAICA WWW.JEWELSANDTIME.COM

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Flavors of

montego bay

by Sara Churchville

Jamaican National Flag “The sun shineth, the land is green, and the people are strong and creative” is the symbolic meaning of the flag. The black triangles on each side represent the strength of the people; the green triangles at the top and bottom, the lushness of the land; and the gold diagonal cross, sunlight and wealth. The flag was first hoisted in 1962, the year Jamaica declared independence from Britain.

Here’s to your health at Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Doctor’s Cave Beach wikipedia.com; TRACY STEIN; greenwood great house; ElenaKor/shutterstock.com; Arkady/shutterstock.com

Tourism in Jamaica essentially began at this beach, whose reportedly curative mineral springs, lapping waves and constantly warm temperature attracted wealthy North American and English bathers in the early part of the 20th century. The doctor in question was Alexander James McCatty, M.D., who began a private bathing club accessible only by cave. Today the cave, the club and the doctor are gone, but the beach remains a tourist attraction.

Soursop Ice Cream Made from soursop purée, ginger, lime juice, vanilla and condensed milk, soursop ice cream is one of the most popular desserts in Montego Bay. The yellowish fruit the purée is made from is sometimes called guanabana.

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Locally brewed Red Stripe beer with spicy jerk chicken

Red Stripe Beer

Delicious soursop ice cream

Few can claim to have left the island without trying this nationally produced beer at least once. Islanders swear by it as a way of cooling down after a meal of curried goat, jerk chicken or the national dish of saltfish and akee.

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FALMOUTH, MONTEGO BAY, OCHO RIOS JAMAICA WWW.JEWELSANDTIME.COM

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ports of call | M onte go B ay

LEFT: Rose Hall Great House. ABOVE: Annie Palmer’s bedroom in Rose Hall.

MoBay’s

Great Houses

Today the main remnants of this industry are the magnificent homes of the prosperous sugar barons.

Rose Hall is one of the Caribbean’s most famous great houses. Situated on a hillside ten miles outside Montego Bay, this mansion dates back to 1770 and has been restored to its former splendor. Many legends surround Rose Hall’s early mistress, Annie Palmer, the notorious, voodoo-practicing White Witch. Annie purportedly murdered her three husbands, numerous lovers and anyone who got in her way. A tour guide will gladly provide the gory details. After your tour, relax in Annie’s Pub — where Annie kept “the dungeons” — and sample a drink called the Witch’s Brew in the eerie ambience.

The ownership of Greenwood, on the same hillside but four miles farther on, is traced back to relatives of the English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The house still contains many of the Browning family’s original books, letters, musical instruments, furniture and other household items. Visitors can also walk around the grand verandas offering views of the sea and experience an early example of cross-ventilation. — M. L. Jamaica Tourist Board; jessica thomas; greenwood great house.

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE, in Greenwood Great House: The Pink Bedroom; a view from the verandah; the ballroom.

Jamaica’s second-largest city boasts a number of great houses, sprawling plantation homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when the area served as a primary port for the export of sugar and bananas.

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Shoppes at Rose Hall Montego Bay • Jamaica bijoux@cwjamaica.com 1895.indd 1

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ports of call | M onte go B ay

shopping IN:

Montego Bay

Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town.

SEE IT? LIKE IT? BUY IT!

FRUITZ Blu e Tan geri n e watc h

CHarriol N aut i c a l c a b l e r i ng wi t h di a m o nd s

Alex & Ani B an gle

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Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, spent many of the last years of their lives at Cinnamon Hill, their home in Jamaica.

Johnny Cash

and Jamaica

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Johnny Cash grew up a country boy, sang about country life, made it big in country music and, when it was time for a little R&R, turned again to the country — in the hills near Montego Bay. For nearly 30 years, Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, made their home away from home at the Cinnamon Hill great house. Surrounded by tropical beauty, the Cashes enjoyed peace, privacy and the restorative nature of the island.

“Jamaica has saved and renewed me more times than I can count,” the legendary musician, now deceased along with his beloved wife, wrote in his autobiography. Cash praised the down-to-earth atmosphere of the countryside, which he compared to his childhood home.

The Nashville star gave back to Jamaica as well. Starting in the early 1970s, Cash and his wife worked to establish an S.O.S. Children’s Village for orphaned and abandoned children in Barrett Town. The duo financed the first family home at the village, performing concerts at the nearby Rose Hall Great House to raise funds for the project.

Cash also wrote “The Ballad of Annie Palmer,” inspired by the supposed haunting of Rose Hall by its voodoo-trained mistress. All profits from the song were donated to the children’s home.

Today the longtime connection between Cash and the Children’s Village lives on. One of Jamaica’s premier musicians, Abdel Wright, who has shared the stage with U2’s Bono, traces his musical roots back to Cash. Wright was far more than just a fan; he grew up listening to Cash’s music at the country legend’s concerts at S.O.S. Village — Wright’s boyhood home. — P. P. and J. B.

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Edible

Stars Irresistible slices of carambola

The exotic-tasting fruit called carambola originated in China, where the tree is still grown both as an ornament and for its fruit. The Portuguese introduced the tree to Brazil, and from there it found its way to the Caribbean.

The spreading carambola tree normally grows to a height of about 30 feet. Its lightgreen, feathery leaves close at night and open again in the morning; they will also close up in a high wind. The small, pinkish flowers, which have a pleasant fragrance, usually grow directly out of the trunk or main branches. These are followed by the striking, bright-yellow orange waxy fruits, which give the carambola tree the appearance of a stumpy yellow cucumber.

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photos by robert freeman

by Toni Crane

The pretty carambola yields star-shaped fruit.

Carambola is popular among chefs throughout the world for the unique starshaped pieces obtained by cutting the fruit in slices. And that’s why the fruit is also called star fruit. All varieties of carambola appear much the same, up to about five inches long with five distinctive ribs running the length of the fruit that turn brown as the fruit ripens. But some varieties are much tarter than others.

Carambola contains ascorbic acid and oxalic acid; the more oxalic acid present, the tarter the fruit. When using the tarter variety, the cook can trim away the ribs, where most of the oxalic acid lies, without spoiling the star

shape. The crisp, juicy, yellow flesh, which has a lemony-apple flavor, can be eaten raw, but the fruit tends to be more delicious cooked and served with fish, or made into jellies or desserts.

The carambola is difficult to produce commercially as it should ripen on the tree and spoils very quickly once picked.

However, carambola trees can be found in many backyard gardens in the Caribbean, and the fruit is now available in the produce markets of many cities in the United States.

Try it — the pretty shape will add to the appeal of your dinner-party table.

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Tomas Hajek/Dreamstime.com; jamaica tourist board; robert freeman.

ports of call | M onte go B ay

ABOVE: Coffee plants thrive at high elevation. BELOW: The prized Jamaican crop.

Magic Be ans

Why is Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee the world’s most expensive and sought after?

Biology and economy.

Of the island’s 23,000 acres of coffee trees, only 10,000 produce Blue Mountain coffee, which legally must be planted above 2,000 feet. At this elevation, the daytime-nighttime extremes provide the perfect climate for a slow-ripening process that produces a unique bean, blue-green in color, with little resistance to pests and disease.

Its frailty means small yields. Blue Mountain coffee cherries, furthermore, are handpicked to insure optimal ripeness.

The other factor is supply and demand. Blue Mountain farmers can’t seem to grow enough coffee, so they can theoretically set their prices as high as they wish. Stateside, the beans go for $50 a pound; in Jamaica, you can buy them for about $15 a pound. — C.K.W.

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A Sticky Wicket

Cricket comes across as an utterly preposterous game to those who aren’t in the know. But to the knowledgeable, cricket is nothing of the sort.

Souvenirs, T-shirts, Usian Bolt shirts, Island wear, Crystal Jewelry, Island Jewelry Kids Shop: Swimwear, Toys, Outfits, Gifts galore Shops at Rose Hall # 10

NEW LOOK... Always Superior Flavour

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jamaica tourist board

Montego Bay, Jamaica Tel: 876 953-3236 Fax: 876 952-7174 e-mail: aanchall@hotmail.com

Cricket players

It is the national sport of Jamaica and mirrors the essence of life in this former British colony. The game has vague similarities to American baseball. But cricket games are long — and that is a real understatement. A cricket match can last 30 hours spread over five or six days, with breaks for lunch, tea and restroom visits. Given the time span of typical cricket matches, scores can range from 200 to 500 runs per team. On rare occasions, teams have tallied more than 1,000 runs in two innings. Largely because of the prowess of Jamaican cricket players, the West Indies have dominated the sport since the mid-1970s.

Jamaicans at all levels of society love their cricket. When there is no match at home, an important test match across the sea brings the entire island to a near standstill. Ears are glued to radios.

Parties begin early and continue all night because of the time difference. —D. W.

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Nassau

The focal point of Nassau, the capital of The Bahamas, has always been the harbor, which has lured gangs of buccaneers, bootleggers and various other wily adventurers over the years. Beyond the harbor are many more delights: brightly painted buildings, intriguing history and alluring shopping, for starters.

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ports of call | N as s au

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A lighthouse guards the entrance to Nassau Harbor.

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Pink-hued buildings, Junkanoo revelers and pirate lore.

IT’S A FACT: American rebels briefly occupied the British port after the two-day Battle of Nassau in 1776.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Local crafts from the Straw Market.

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ports of call | N as s au

fun trekS nassau

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Atlantis Beach Day & Discover Atlantis The Atlantis Resort is open to Carnival guests, who can explore the thrillpacked water park and relax at a reserved space on the beach — towel and lounge chair included. Shopping and casino gaming at the resort are also available, and lunch is included.

Atlantis Aquaventure Full Day with Lunch Carnival guests may explore the Caribbean’s largest water-themed attraction. The 141-acre waterscape of pools, water coasters, body slides and rivers holds over 20 million gallons of freshwater and seawater and is home to more than 50,000 sea creatures. Shopping and casino gaming are also available, and the tour includes lunch.

Nassau Parasail Adventure Participants are paired up and soar for an uninhibited seven minutes at 400 feet above the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas. They experience bird’s-eye views of Paradise Island, Atlantis Resort, Cable Beach and Nassau’s downtown. Participants must be at least eight years old, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

PORT view Slip on your walking shoes if you plan to get to know the spirit and culture of The Bahamas in one day. If you’d rather save your feet or want to add an element of romance to your visit, hire a horse-drawn surrey ride from the dock.

Near the dock, you’ll pass all of Nassau’s most important and impressive government buildings, churches and monuments. Some of downtown’s historic buildings house specialty museums, such as the intriguing Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation at the old slave marketplace and The Balcony House Museum, believed to be The Bahamas’ oldest wooden structure.

Families will want to stop at the interactive Pirates of Nassau Museum.

Downtown’s Bay Street shopping area offers everything from duty-free jewelry and perfume to the vibrant work of local artists. For the wares at the Straw Market, you’ll need cash if you want to bargain.

Among islanders’ favorite local secrets found on West Bay Street: Arawak Cay, a collection of casual and colorful eateries and shops, where fresh conch salad prepared ceviche-style is the specialty — made to order before your very eyes. On the way back, Lighthouse Beach is the perfect place to stretch out in the sun. —C.K.W.

Catamaran Sail & Snorkel A sleek catamaran takes guests to lush coral gardens filled with colorful tropical fish. Upon arrival at the snorkel spot, participants get an orientation and may then explore the reef, with time to lounge on the deck and take in the serene view. The return trip includes a complimentary drink of lemonade.

Highlights of Nassau by Jeep This caravan-style off-road adventure explores the countryside of New Providence Island; one guest drives each group of four in the Jeep, assisted by a guide giving narration by walkie-talkie. Participants learn the island’s history and pass landmarks such as the House of Parliament, Fort Charlotte and the former residences of the island’s famous and infamous residents.

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how to get to town It takes almost no time to reach the center of Nassau and its many shops and attractions — it’s all just a short walk from the pier.

Worachat Sodsri/shutterstock.com; Worachat Sodsri/shutterstock.com; Tischenko Irina/shutterstock.com; the bahamas ministry of tourism.

top shore excursions

carnival cruise lines fun ashore

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PORTS OF CALL | N as s au

shopping IN:

Nassau

Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town.

SEE IT? LIKE IT? BUY IT!

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ports of call | N as s au

Capital of

The Bahamas

As the seat of government and the hub of commercial activity, Nassau is a lively city — yet one that still retains its Old World (more specifically, British) charm. and large town houses on top of the cliff; and the poorer area ‘‘over the hill.’’

All Nassau’s most interesting sights are within walking distance of each other and are situated around Bay Street, running parallel to the waterfront, just a short walk from the cruise ship dock. Don’t overlook the Bahamas House of Assembly on Parliament Square; the National Historical Museum on Elizabeth Avenue; or the Queen’s Staircase, leading to Fort Fincastle at the top of the cliff. From here, Nassau and its environs are something special to behold.

gracious tiger/shutterstock.com

Traffic in Nassau stays to the left, as in Britain, and is directed by bobbies sporting white jackets, navy pants with red seams, and pith helmets — a tropical version of their London counterparts. A grand 18th-century European mansion is the residence of the governor-general, and the neoclassical buildings of Parliament Square serve as a backdrop for a statue of Queen Victoria.

Nassau is divided into three main areas: the commercial district, down by the waterfront; the colonial residential area with its 17th- and 18th-century mansions

Government House in Nassau, The Bahamas

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An

experience like

nowhere

else.

Only at Atlantis, can you find 20 million gallons of nonstop excitement at Aquaventure, one of the world’s largest waterparks. Visit the Mayan Temple and take the Leap of Faith into shark-infested waters. Then embark on a mile-long river ride through rolling waves and rapids.

At Dolphin Cay during our Shallow Water Interaction. Or glide alongside them on a unique hand-held scooter in our Deep Water Swim.

One day is never enough. So start planning your next Atlantis experience. There’s no such thing as too much amazing.

To book one of these once-in-a-lifetime excursions, visit your Shore Excursions Desk.

For more information, download our FREE app!

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ports of call | N as s au

Stairway

to Heaven

Visitors get a history lesson along with their exercise when ascending the stairs.

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In the early 19th century, 600 slaves began to build a level road through the limestone ridge that lies between downtown Nassau and the rest of the island to provide better access. When slavery was abolished, so was the project. What was done looked like a long stairway at the dead end of the cut. In the 1920s, a promoter noticed that there were the same number of steps as there were years in Queen Victoria’s reign, and thus the name was bestowed on the stairway. Today beautiful palm trees and an adjacent cascading waterfall make the Queen’s Staircase a shady, cool oasis with a view that takes your breath away. —L. M.

The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism

Perhaps the most unusual sight in Nassau is the Queen’s Staircase on top of Elizabeth Avenue hill, which pays homage to the 65-year reign of Queen Victoria.

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Even in daytime, the French Quarter is a romantic neighborhood.

New Orleans

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Mardi Gras, jazz music and French Creole food.

IT’S A FACT: The famed po-boy sandwich consists of French bread filled with meat or seafood topped with sauce or gravy.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Mardi Gras masks and a bottle or two of hot sauce.

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New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation/Neworleansonline.com

Its people’s diverse heritage makes this city uniquely alive with tradition and a love for one’s roots. The Big Easy has had some hard times lately, but it’s ready to party again and to entertain visitors with its food, its music and its own special take on Southern hospitality.

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Board your Caribbean cruise in New Orleans where the Jazz music is sweet and the food is delectable. Stay a night or two before or after your cruise, and enjoy a wordly city that offers endless attractions for discerning adults and the whole family too. Over 7 million guests have whet their appetites for cruising and the exotic Crescent City one vacation. Don’t get left out. BON VOYAGE!

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New York

Jeremy Edwards/istockphoto

Considered the cultural capital of the United States, New York City is an international center for the arts and entertainment and for fashion and finance. Its five boroughs offer world-class museums, performingarts venues and restaurants, as well as a vibrant and unmatched multiculturalism.

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The Statue of Liberty welcomes all to New York — and America.

top shore excursions

fun treks new york Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Manhattan Sightseeing with EWR (Newark) Airport Transfer Manhattan Sightseeing with JFK & LGA (LaGuardia) Airport Transfer

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Broadway shows, Central Park tours and delicious deli food.

IT’S A FACT: The city’s nickname, “the Big Apple,” comes from the days when “the apple” referred to the many horseracing tracks around New York.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: An “I Love New York” T-shirt, photographic scenes from street vendors, and New York cheesecake.

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Port Canaveral

Edwin Verin/Shutterstock.com

The Rocket Garden at Kennedy Space Center, featuring eight rockets used in actual missions

The deep-water harbor of Port Canaveral leads visitors to the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral. Miles of sandy shoreline stretch along the cape, and the hugely popular theme parks are not far away.

top shore excursions

fun treks port canaveral Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Kennedy Space Center Tour Airboat Tour & Alligators Universal Studios® Theme Park Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom®

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Kennedy Space Center.

IT’S A FACT: The nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has more endangered species than any other such haven in the country.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Dry-freeze ice cream and other astronaut reminders.

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Progreso

Rui Vale de Sousa/shutterstock.com

This slow-paced resort town offers a generous, well-kept beach caressed by placid waters; a pretty seaside promenade, El Malec贸n, lined with restaurants and shops; and friendly people who welcome the increasing numbers of visitors.

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The Temple of Kukulkan, also known as El Castillo, at Chichén Itzá

top shore excursions

fun treks progreso Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

All-Inclusive Family & Friends Beach Escape Chichén Itzá Mayan Ruins Discover the Yucatán and the Mayan World Mayan Ruins & Beach Break Combo Dune Buggy Exploration & Beach

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Ancient Mayan history and natural wonders on the Gulf of Mexico’s Emerald Coast.

IT’S A FACT: Thousands of pink flamingos make their home at Celestún National Wildlife Refuge, one of the world’s largest year-round flocks of the pretty pink birds.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Handmade crafts from local villages.

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Puerto Vallarta

Vivid Pixels/shutterstock.com

Relaxed and welcoming, this former fishing village now lures visitors with whitewashed villas, cobblestone walkways and a backdrop of beautiful bougainvilleas. Its intimate charm has survived the port's discovery years ago

by Hollywood celebrities and jet-setters — and then by the rest of us.

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A scenic view of the beautiful coastline of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: The mile-long Malecón, a seaside promenade featuring large sculptures by Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga and Ramiz Barquet.

IT’S A FACT: The city became a tourism hot spot after the Richard Burton-Ava Gardner movie, The Night of the Iguana, was filmed here in 1963.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: Huichol art, Raku pottery, and Talavera tile and tableware.

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ports of call | Pue r to Va l l a r t a

PORT view fun trekS puerto vallarta top shore excursions

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Canopy Adventure/Extreme Canopy Two separate excursions are offered, one a more challenging version.

Canopy Adventure covers 14 platforms up to 90 feet above ground.

Canopy participants must be at least eight years old. Extreme Canopy includes hiking, mule riding and rappelling before zip lining between platforms up to 200 feet high and on lines as long as 1,000 feet. Extreme Canopy participants must be ten years old or older. Pregnant women and those with certain physical problems may not join either tour.

Rhythms of the Night An enchanting evening begins with a cruise across Banderas Bay to the beach hideaway at Las Caletas. After dinner and partaking of drinks at an open bar, guests are entertained in an outdoor amphitheater by storytellers and a dance troupe and get to dance under the stars on the return to the ship.

Dolphin Signature Swim This small-group experience begins with a presentation on dolphin characteristics and communication techniques. Groups of five guests touch, feed, play and swim with dolphins; each group engages in 14 different activities. Lunch is included. Participants must be at least eight years old; children under age twelve must be accompanied in the water by a paying adult. Pregnant women may not join the tour.

Puerto Vallarta is a colonial gem.

Downtown is a crisscross of cobblestoned streets lined with traditional Mexican architecture and views from above of red-tile roofs that meet the sparkling aquamarine shoreline.

But any stroll within one of Mexico’s most popular resort towns should begin along the pedestrian, statue-studded boardwalk: the Malecón, with The Friendship Fountain by California artist James Bottoms and the Roman-like Los Arcos Amphitheater. A short walk from the square, Plaza de Armas, leads to Our Lady of Guadalupe cathedral and its distinguishing crowned clock tower.

A few blocks away, the Americansettled “Gringo Gulch” neighborhood still attracts Yankees who enjoy an exotic destination with the familiarity of home.

Seafaring and adventurous types may opt for whale-watching, diving with mantas or even parasailing. Lovers of sand and surf should head to Playa de los Muertos at the downtown’s southern edge.

For the rest of us, however, shopping may be the best option. The Malecón is a dazzling center for diamonds, leather, watches, silver and other fine wares, with excellent restaurants as well.

The best selections of Huichol Indian art and original cotton fashion designs are found just a block away, around Corona and Morelos streets. —R. V.

Tequila Factories & Old Town Tour

Las Caletas Beach Hideaway Legendary director John Huston chose remote Las Caletas as his private hideaway, and this tour shows why. Guests may take a guided kayak trip, snorkel in protected tropical waters or take a nature walk. Lunch with an open bar is served near the ocean. The tour includes a specially designed Kid’s Adventure Camp.

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how to get to town Most visitors take a taxi into the center of Puerto Vallarta, which is about 3 miles from where the ship docks.

mexico tourism board.

Guests get a fully guided excursion of the tequila-manufacturing process, with tasting samples of Mexico’s signature drink. The tour also features a visit to the pueblitos of the Valle de Banderas, first conquered by Francisco Cortés de Buenaventura in 1525.

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FINE SILVER COLLECTIONS

Come and discover the sophisticated side of silver.

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480 Calle Morelos PuertoVallarta, Mexico

9/25/12 3:07 PM

ports of call | Pue r to Va l l a r t a

Rediscovery

In Full Flower

by John Anderson

Puerto Vallarta remained a mostly forgotten paradise for centuries, even after Western explorers happened upon it.

It wasn’t until Hollywood came calling, only a few decades ago, that the pretty village found its niche as a resort.

Beginnings In 1525, explorer Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura, the nephew of the infamous conquistador Hernán Cortés, made landfall in the region and was unexpectedly confronted by a large force of native warriors geared for battle. With less than 100 men, and facing over 18,000 warriors, Cortés tried to convince the natives to surrender but they refused his offer.

Before taking up arms, Cortés asked his men to pray to the Virgin Mary for help;

among the Spanish was a monk carrying a flag of the Immaculate Conception. After they invoked their patroness, a brilliant ray of light suddenly illuminated the flag, leaving the warriors and Spaniards awestruck.

Believing it to be a miracle of divine grace, the two sides promptly withdrew from battle. In commemoration of the event, Cortés called the site Valle de Banderas, or Valley of the Flags, though nowadays the bay is known by the name Bahía de Banderas.

A Burst of Growth Yet Puerto Vallarta remained relatively isolated and unknown until the 1960s. In 1964, the port was finally put on the map when director John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana — starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner — in the picturesque town.

Tourists descended by the thousands, and in 1970, a new airport opened with direct flights to the United States and Europe.

The once-tiny community of expatriated Americans and Canadians swelled to a large colony of year-round residents. These days, Puerto Vallarta has a population of over 255,000 — with an estimated three million visitors each year — but it still manages to retain its charm.

mexico tourism board

Quaint streets bring Puerto Vallarta’s history alive for visitors.

For the next 300 years, the valley remained free of any permanent settlement. At the beginning of the 1800s, silver mines in the nearby mountains were the predominant source of income for the region.

By 1880, the population of Puerto de las Peñas had reached 1,500, and in 1885, a Maritime Customs Office was established and the port opened for official business.

But it wasn’t until 1918 that the settlement was finally promoted, by congressional decree, to the status of municipality; the act was capped off by a name change to Puerto Vallarta, in honor of Don Ignacio Vallarta, governor of the state of Jalisco and signer of the Mexican constitution.

After the Montgomery Fruit Company bought 70,000 acres of land in the area in 1925, the new town saw its fortunes rise even higher. With plentiful jobs at the new banana plantations, the port boomed with the exportation of the “green gold.”

p u e r t o v a l l a r t a TIMELINE 1525: Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura visits the area.

1851: Guadalupe Sánchez establishes a settlement.

1644: A shipyard is built.

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1918: Town name is changed to Puerto Vallarta.

1885: Maritime Customs Office is established.

1960s: Tourism begins booming in the charming locale.

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The Night That Changed Everything

bettman archive

Never in their wildest dreams did the inhabitants of Puerto Vallarta imagine that a Hollywood movie would change the town forever.

But the 1964 filming of The Night of the Iguana remains a defining moment in the history of the old fishing village.

The production swept into town with the biggest stars of the era in tow, led by flamboyant director John Huston.

The script verged on the surreal: A nymphet (Sue Lyon) tries to seduce a defrocked minister-turned-alcoholic tourbus guide (Richard Burton). His former lover (Ava Gardner), a lush herself, attempts to keep the pretty young thing at bay — all while an iguana chained to a jungle tree screams out for its freedom.

The personalities and their antics were as quirky offscreen as on. Burton brought

Richard Burton and Ava Gardner in The Night of the Iguana

along his real-life lover, Elizabeth Taylor, married at the time to singer Eddie Fisher.

Lyon and Tennessee Williams (the playwright upon whose work the film is based) brought their respective lovers along as well, while Gardner partied up a storm with her local beach boyfriend of the moment.

Press coverage of the various clandestine affairs, Burton’s long drinking bouts at the Bar Oceano and the charms of the cobbled village put Puerto Vallarta on the map as the hot new international vacation destination. The world read, watched and listened to the steamy gossip roll out of the town, and suddenly found itself enthralled with Puerto Vallarta:

the once-remote beach locale caught up in a swirl of Hollywood fireworks.

Burton and Taylor’s torrid love affair with each other and with Puerto Vallarta continued after the movie was made. They purchased adjoining homes in Gringo Gulch, returning often to the love nest known as Casa Kimberley. Huston stayed on as well, spending the last 15 years of his life living alternately in two separate houses.

Their presence remains in Puerto Vallarta, where visitors may find small sculptures of Burton, Taylor and Huston, as well as a small park named after Burton.

Hollywood likes to be remembered, and Puerto Vallarta has obliged. —R. C. and L.S.L.

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Me andering on

the Malecón

After an extreme makeover in 2012, Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón is the talk — and the walk — of the town. This popular seaside promenade is an outdoor sculpture garden, sand-art showplace, impromptu stage and festive dining scene, all rolled into one.

Beginning opposite Parque Hidalgo, the palm-studded walk stretches beside the sandy beach for 12 blocks. On the city side, it passes boutiques and inviting alfresco cafes, ending at Los Arcos, an open-air amphitheater named for its four ancientlooking arches. In the evening, you may catch a folkloric show, hear live Mariachi music or enjoy a classical concert.

Take a leisurely stroll, checking the beach for creative sand castles and 230

tall spires made of carefully balanced rocks. Remember also to look down. The revamped pathway sports imaginative designs telling mythical tales of the Huichol Indians. Descendants of the Aztecs, the Huichol live in isolated villages nestled in the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountains. They are known for their intricate beadwork, mimicked on the path using pebbles and volcanic stones.

Stop to admire, even touch, the many whimsical sculptures along the Malecón.

Considered the most romantic, La Nostalgia is a bronze couple sitting side by side. The

pair represents artist Ramiz Barquet’s true story of a love lost and found 27 years later.

Take a seat on the bizarre high-backed chair crowned by an octopus waving its outstretched tentacles. More weird and wonderful creatures cap adjacent chairs, all part of La Rotunda del Mar artwork. Climb the towering slanted ladder to have your photo taken with the two bronze children playing on the upper rungs. A third figure, the mother, keeps watch from ground level.

The trio make up the surreal sculpture called In Search of Reason.

The city’s icon, Caballito de Mar, is a nine-foot-high seahorse with a small boy riding on its back. It is a replica, created by artist Rafael Zamarripa, of his original sculpture installed in 1976. According to legend, the first seahorse was washed to sea during a storm and mysteriously returned after several years. It’s said this amazing story inspired the city’s catchy slogan, “Puerto Vallarta, live it more than once.” — G. D.

Bryan Brazil/shutterstock.com; Melissa Bouyounan/shutterstock.com; Slazdi/shutterstock.com; mexico tourism board.

FROM LEFT: Replica of famed Caballito de Mar statue; Barquet's La Nostalgia; one of the La Rotunda del Mar series.

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The Quiet Charm of Yelapa and Las Caletas

the17pointscale/istockphoto.com

Located 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by boat, the town of Yelapa has a certain otherworldly charm.

It could be the complete absence of roads and cars; the local moonshine, raicilla, the Mexican equivalent of absinthe, made from the maguey cactus; the palapas, open, palm-thatchedroof structures on poles that constitute most of the town’s buildings; or simply the still beauty of this small village of 1,500 inhabitants.

Nestled in a natural cove, the fishing village, whose name means “gathering place,” continues to appeal to travelers who want to commune with nature. Fishing, swimming, hiking to one of the area’s numerous waterfalls and simply relaxing on the gorgeous beach are all popular ways to while away the time.

Also to the south of Puerto Vallarta and accessible only by boat is the town of Las Caletas, which means “the coves” in Spanish.

Surrounded by jungle and tucked into the mountains, the town was director John Huston’s private getaway for many years.

Today the area is a tropical sanctuary and nature lover’s paradise. Guided nature walks introduce visitors to the many charms of the island, including various Aztec plants, exotic orchids and an aviary complete with macaws. Deer-feeding and diving with sea lions are two fun activities, and visitors can also scuba dive or take diving lessons, kayak or snorkel.

Less strenuous pursuits include yoga instruction on the beach and even paellacooking lessons. Or one can simply drowse in one of the many hammocks randomly situated in the area. — S. C.

A view of the jungle and the bay beyond, from an open-air grass hut

C

enturies ago, the Spanish brought their Old World skills and artistry in fine leather to the New World.

T

oday, México is famous for its leather products and craftsmanship.

O

ne of the widest selections of custom-made leather can be found right here in Puerto Vallarta:

ROLLING STONES ON THE

CUSTOM-MADE JACKETS & BOOTS

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M ALECÓN

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The Man Who Painted Flying Children

images by marvin perton

Manuel Lepe was as much a symbol of Puerto Vallarta as the filigreed cathedral tower of Our Lady of Guadalupe that he painted so often.

ABOVE: Manuel Lepe’s paintings.

A primitive (“naïf”) artist of note, he created images of flying children, angels and Puerto Vallarta itself that reflected his childlike exuberance and radiated color, light and jubilance. In the course of an interview, when asked why he always painted angels in the sky, Lepe responded simply, “Because Puerto Vallarta is a paradise.”

Former Mexican President Luis Echeverría named him the National Painter of Mexico. His paintings are in the private collections of notables who include England’s Queen Elizabeth II, plus ordinary people who like the joyous way in which he portrayed his subjects.

In 1981, Lepe created a huge, wallsize mural depicting Puerto Vallarta as a fanciful seaside fishing and farming village. The painting is displayed above the stairs on the second floor of Puerto Vallarta City Hall.

During his short lifetime — he died in 1982, at age 46 — Lepe created some 500 paintings. Twenty-eight are on display at his former home, which is now a public museum. His birthday, April 17, has been declared Manuel Lepe Day in Puerto Vallarta. —M. P.

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Hooked

on P.V.

The waters off Puerto Vallarta are home to a tempting variety of marine life that make this one of the world’s great sportfishing destinations — and in a region known for the pursuit of the sea’s riches, that’s saying something.

Victor Maffe/istockphoto.com; mexico tourism board.

Many visitors are content to merely dive the reefs and ogle the small, colorful specimens that flit about. Others are hooked on larger denizens of the deep.

For the game fisherman, there are bigger fish to fry in these waters: sawfish, snapper, tuna, marlin, dorado and sailfish, to name just a few. Alert divers can even grab lobster off the reefs.

Not feeling that ambitious? You can also reel in a satisfying catch at one of P.V.’s restaurants, where the claim of offering fresh seafood is no fish story.

TOP: Many sport-fishermen are lured to Puerto Vallarta. ABOVE: Here’s why!

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Tampa

SeanPavonePhoto/shutterstock.com

The Gulf Coast city of Tampa embraces its past while welcoming modern attractions such as the city aquarium and nearby theme parks. Art galleries and gorgeous beaches also reward the visitor.

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The glittering Tampa skyline

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Ybor City, the historic neighborhood founded by Cuban, Italian and Spanish immigrants.

IT’S A FACT: The magnificent Sunshine Skyway Bridge across Tampa Bay is 191 feet above the water.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers cap or a cigar from Ybor City.

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Your cruise through Hawaii takes you to four of the Aloha State’s six major islands: Kauai, Maui, Oahu and The Big Island, Hawaii. Each offers its own intoxicating mix of natural wonders and recreational activities.

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Sebastien Burel/shutterstock.com

Hawaii

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The breathtaking Na Pali Coast, on Kauai's northwest side

QUICKGUIDE FAMED FOR: Volcanoes, pineapples and surfing (which was born here).

IT’S A FACT: Iolani Palace is the only building on U.S. soil that has been the official state residence of royalty. From 1882 to 1893, it was home to the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.

SIGNATURE SOUVENIRS: A tropical-themed aloha shirt and a lei (flower garland).

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ports of call | Ha wa i i

top shore excursions

fun treks NAWILIWILI Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Aloha Kauai Adventure Hollywood in Hawaii, Movies & Waterfalls Mudbug Waterfall Safari Waimea Canyon & Wailua River Wailua River & Fern Grotto

Sebastien Burel/shutterstock.com; hawaii tourism authority

hawaiian islands Nawiliwili beach in Kauai

KAUAI: Garden of Delight Accessed through the port of Nawiliwili, Kauai is known as “the Garden Isle” simply due to its incredible lushness. The terrain ranges from the volcanic slopes of Mt. Waialeale and the desert-like beauty of Waimea Canyon to the Wailua River’s lush Fern Grotto. You can explore Kauai from its lush green valleys, cascading waterfalls and geological wonders, such as the dramatic Nã Pali coastline. The natural beauty doesn’t stop at the shoreline; the Garden Isle’s white-sand beaches and aquamarine waters are showstoppers as well.

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top shore excursions

fun treks KAHULUI

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Haleakala/Lahaina & Iao Valley Iao Valley & Maui Tropical Plantation Maui Luau Wonders of Haleakala Kahakuloa – The Secret Hidden Valley

Cliffs rise dramatically from the beach.

Haleakala Crater, Maui

MAUI: ISLAND BEAUTY It’s Maui’s largest city and its business and commercial center, but Kahului retains a small-town charm along with the white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water and balmy tropical breezes found throughout these islands. Adventurous visitors take a hike to sparkling waterfalls in the rainforest, or a drive up Haleakala Crater. Other nature lovers visit Kanaha Pond State Wildlife Sanctuary, which was originally built as a royal fish pond and now shelters numerous bird species.

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ports of call | H a wa i i

top shore excursions

fun treks HONOLULU Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Atlantis Submarine Explore & Taste Oahu’s North Shore Oahu Highlights & Polynesian Cultural Center Paradise Cove Luau Pearl Harbor VIP, Military Bases & WWII Battlefield

Waikiki Beach, Oahu

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OAHU: Meeting History and Hanging Ten

THE BIG ISLAND: Homegrown Heaven

Hawaii’s capital, Honolulu, is a vibrant city where native history mixes seamlessly with modern-day activities. Its historic district includes Iolani Palace, once home to Hawaii’s royal family, which is now the only such residence on U.S. soil. The legendary surf of Waikiki Beach isn’t far from Honolulu.

The winter months are the prime surfing season; top surfers from around the world flock here to compete in international competitions and test their skill in mastering the world’s largest rideable waves.

The waterfront is an especially important element of Hilo, known for its museums, art galleries, shops, and community gathering places such as the Hilo Farmers Market. Its top attractions include Liliuokalani Gardens, a 30-acre Japanese garden with fishponds, pagodas and rock gardens; and Wailuku River State Park, where towering waterfalls feed the famous Boiling Pots: beautiful pools that bubble so much they seem to be — well, boiling.

The picturesque town of Kona, in the heart

of the Kona Coast, was once a quiet fishing village and home to Hawaiian royalty. The outside world has discovered its beauty as well, and Kailua-Kona is now a popular place to shop, sightsee and drink in Hawaii’s many natural wonders. It also happens to be a top draw for fitness buffs, as the home of the Ironman Triathlon. Popular sites include Kailua Pier, where the sunset is said to be especially glorious; and the Ahuena Heiau, a temple that was rebuilt by King Kamehameha I and is now an officially recognized historic site.

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Rainbow Falls, in Hilo's gorgeous interior

top shore excursions

fun treks HILO

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Explore the Land of Frozen Fire Hilo Chain of Craters Hilo City & Akaka Falls Volcano National Park Hilo Historical Tour

guynamedjames/shutterstock.com; h. damke/shutterstock.com; Marty Wakat/shutterstock.com

A school of yellow tang in Kona

top shore excursions

fun treks KONA

Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your shore-excursion specialist to book today.

Atlantis Submarine Captain Zodiac Snorkel Adventure Kona Coffee Living History Farm Kona Historical Tour “Sense-Sational� Kona

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