2014-15 Princess Cruises Discovery Caribbean, Region 3 by Onboard Media

DISCOVERY CARIBBEAN

Caribbean — 2014/2015 Cruises 3

PLEASE RETURN MAGAZINE TO STATEROOM AT VOYAGE END

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AVAILABLE IN OUR TAG HEUER LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUES IN: CARIBBEAN: Aruba – Bahamas - Barbados Limegrove Cozumel – Grand Cayman - St Maarten – St Thomas ALSO AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE CARIBBEAN AND THE AMERICAS AT SELECTED FINE JEWELRY STORES. For a list of authorized retailers, visit www.tagheuer.com

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AQUARACER LADIES Maria Sharapova never stops challenging herself. Like TAG Heuer, she keeps pushing her limits and never cracks under pressure.

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W EL C OMING

REG AL PRINCES S

速

SPECIAL COMMEMOR ATIVE SEC TION

Princess Cruises Discovery

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A L EG A C Y OF C OMF OR TA BL E EL EG A NC E A Legacy of Comfortable Elegance From the stunning SeaWalk ® hovering 128 feet over the rolling ocean to the tranquility of The Sanctuary at the top of the ship, Regal Princess® epitomizes Princess Cruises’ heritage of industry innovations, a rich history that began more than 50 years ago with an irresistible business opportunity. With all hotels fully booked for the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962, local businessman Stanley B. McDonald was inspired to offer visitors an unparalleled experience. He chartered a cruise ship to take passengers from Victoria, Canada, to Seattle, where they could use the ship as a luxury hotel during their visit. McDonald’s concept proved a winning success, and he began chartering Canadian Pacific Railway’s Princess Patricia in 1965, offering sailings along the Mexican Riviera, then a brand-new cruising market. He named his

company Princess Cruises, chartering additional ships and offering sailings to Canada, Alaska and the Panama Canal. In the mid-1970s, the smash hit television show The Love Boat ® , set on a Princess Cruises ship, gave the cruise line, and the entire industry itself, an unprecedented spike in publicity. The show helped introduce the world to the idea of a cruise vacation. Princess Cruises joined Carnival Corporation & plc in 2003, becoming part of one of the largest vacation companies on the planet. Fifty Years of Excellence Princess Cruises will proudly celebrate half a century of success in 2015. From a single chartered ship, Princess Cruises has grown to become the world’s third-largest cruise line, offering passengers an opportunity to discover more about the world around them, as

Regal Princess is a marvel of engineering. 6

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well as themselves, through enriching new experiences so they can come back new. To help commemorate this significant milestone, Princes Cruises created a special Mexico itinerary, departing 50 years to the day Princess Patricia set sail on the company’s first cruise in 1965. This unique sailing will call at ports from the maiden itinerary, including Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Manzanillo, as well as newer destinations such as La Paz and Loreto. “This nostalgic cruise to Mexico will be the perfect finale to what’s sure to be a special 50th anniversary year for Princess,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “We couldn’t resist recreating, with some new touches, the very first cruise our company operated.”

A HIS T OR Y OF INDUS T R Y F IR S T S

T HE OR IGIN A L R EG A L G ODMO T HER

More Balconies In the 1990s, Princess Cruises began building ships that included an increased number of private verandas, spurring an industrywide trend in offering affordable balcony staterooms.

On August 8, 1991, Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, christened the original Regal Princess. Widely considered one of the most respected women in the world, her distinctive, assured presence underscored the importance of the occasion.

Personal Choice Princess Cruises made it a priority to give passengers more control in their cruise experience, with flexible dining and entertainment options. In another industry first, the Anytime DiningSM program allowed passengers to eat whenever they wanted and to sit with whomever they chose, while traditional dining remained available for those who preferred the classic cruise experience. A Retreat for Adults Princess Cruises was the first cruise line to offer a private onboard getaway just for adults — The Sanctuary, a plush, spa-inspired, outdoor pocket of tranquility.

“A number of Princess concepts have been adopted by much of the cruise industry: more balcony staterooms, giant poolside movie screens, behind-the-scenes tours, onboard wedding chapels, retreats for adults and, significantly, Anytime Dining.” — Alan Buckelew, former Princess Cruises CEO

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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R EG A L BIR T H: BUIL DING T HE NE W E S T P R INC E S S S HIP

ABOVE: Regal Princess and her sister ship, Royal Princess, are the largest ships in the Princess fleet. LEFT: The stunning SeaWalk速 and SeaView Bar lets passengers observe the ocean waves from 128 feet above.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Although construction on Regal Princess officially started in August 2012, work began long before, with the research, development and building of Royal Princess, Regal’s sister ship. Royal Princess served as a new prototype for the cruise line. “We had a free hand in how the ship would turn out,” said Stuart Hawkins, senior vice president of health, environment, safety and security. Given a virtually blank canvas for the award-winning Royal Princess — one of the few restrictions being that the new vessel could access Princess ports — the design team created the largest ship Princess had ever seen, while still ensuring it remained energy efficient and offered passengers an unparalleled cruising experience. Regal Princess was modeled after this remarkable ship. On Regal Princess, 80 percent of all staterooms include a balcony. The Atrium has been greatly expanded, and The Sanctuary retreat on the top deck is 20 percent larger, with new private cabanas added. What’s more, Regal Princess features SeaWalk ®, a dazzling glass-enclosed walkway cantilevered off the ship, first introduced on Royal Princess.

It took more than 2 million labor hours to build Regal Princess. On August 28, 2012, at the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy, the 500-ton keel (the lowest part of the ship) was laid in place in the building dock, indicating the beginning of construction. Just seven months later, Regal Princess was floated out, marking the first time the ship met the ocean. Following the Italian shipyard’s custom, in this important milestone event, Carolyn Spencer Brown, who served as madrina, or godmother, cut a cord that began the flow of water from the ocean and into the ship’s building dock. It took about two days to set the vessel afloat. Afterward, the ship was moved to a different dock for the final construction phase, which included the interior design. Regal Princess features a “global chic” look, blending elements from global trends in fashion, art, architecture and history. Marble and glass spiral staircases create an aura of ethereal splendor in the Atrium. The artful use of light graces the Chef’s Table Lumiere, featuring a striking curtain of fiber-optic lights surrounding the dining space. Legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright served as

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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an inspiration for the architect who designed one of the main dining rooms, with dark wood ceilings, leather wall panels and bronze metal details throughout. The staterooms have been fitted with modern padded headboards and accented in softer tones, creating a calming, cozy space. Regal Princess also includes new Deluxe Balcony staterooms, with additional room for passengers to spread out and unwind. The ship features the new Concierge Lounge, an exclusive area just for suite passengers that also serves as a private disembarkation lounge. On April 23, 2014, with construction complete, Regal Princess set out to sea from its dock for its sea trials, a series of maneuvers to test propulsion, steering and navigational equipment. Deemed seaworthy, the ship returned to dock for further exterior and interior finishing. Construction for Regal Princess was completed ahead of schedule, enabling the ship to debut early. “We’re delighted the ship is ready to welcome passengers even earlier than originally planned,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. Instead of June 2 as scheduled, the ship’s first voyage took place May 20, 2014. On her maiden voyage, the brand-new jewel of the Princess fleet sailed from Venice on a sevenday Mediterranean cruise to Athens, stopping in Corfu and Mykonos and calling overnight in Istanbul.

The top deck of Regal Princess transforms into a wonder of light and sound every evening.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Congratulations to PRINCESS CRUISES® on their new cruise ship REGAL PRINCESS®. Regal Princess is powered by four Wärtsilä 46F engines with a total output of 62 MW. The smoothly operating, environmentally friendly engines are at your constant service, providing everything from propulsion to air conditioning and lighting, ensuring a carefree transition from port to port. Wärtsilä has also equipped the cruise ship with two six-bladed fixed pitch propellers over 5 meters in diameter and six transverse tunnel thrusters and bulkhead and stern tube seals. Wärtsilä is a global leader in complete lifecycle power solutions for the marine and energy markets. By emphaz ing technological innovation and total efficiency, Wärtsilä maximizes the environmental and economic performance of the vessels and power plants of its customers. Wärtsilä is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki, Finland.

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Helping you achieve the best performance from your cruise ships Today’s cruise market is challenging. Complex regulations, rising energy costs and ever-present competition mean your ships must perform more efficiently than ever before. At Lloyd’s Register, we can help you achieve the best from your cruise ships. From approval of innovative risk-based designs to guidance on the latest green technologies, our services help you operate safely, sustainably and cost-effectively, now and through life.

Discover more at www.lr.org/cruise

Working together for a safer world

Lloyd’s Register and variants of it are trading names of Lloyd’s Register Group Limited, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Copyright © Lloyd’s Register Group Limited 2014. A member of the Lloyd’s Register group.

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THIS PRINCESS IS MAKING A SPLASH Congratulations to Princess Cruises on the evolutionary new Regal Princess 速. We welcome the exciting, next-generation of the Princess Cruises fleet to Port Everglades. Discover the power of a premier cruise port. Visit porteverglades.net or call 800.421.0188

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R EG A L HIGHL IGH T S

Featuring exciting innovations and bigger and better Princess signature venues.

Spectacular Atrium The Atrium on board Regal Princess, as well as Royal Princess, is 50 percent larger than the Atriums found on the rest of the Princess fleet. Dramatic, sophisticated and welcoming, it’s the first thing passengers see when boarding and serves as the hub of the ship, featuring an around-the-clock array of entertainment, dining and refreshment options. Columns of light sparkle down a pair of stunning glassand-marble spiral staircases, leading to the gleaming reflecting pools below. The backlit venues on the decks above seem to float in the air. “I want them to think ‘Wow! I’m really going to enjoy this ship!’” said Teresa Anderson, vice president of interior design.

Fine Arts Gallery The Princess Fine Arts Gallery on Deck 7, the Promenade Deck, boasts some of the most beautiful works created in the last century. Contemporary artists include Peter Max, Thomas Kinkade, Linda Le Kinff and Yaakov Agam. Reproductions from iconic artists such as Picasso, Chagall and Miró are also featured. “Our collection runs the spectrum from very traditional and classic to bold and contemporary abstracts,” said Karolin Jizmejian, manager of Princess Fine Arts. “Unique paintings are always in demand, but serigraphs and other print forms make art collecting accessible for everyone.” Passengers are encouraged to stop by often, as different works are on display each day. The gallery features art auctions, themed gatherings and presentations from the onboard art director.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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LEFT: The SeaWalk® extends 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship, with epic views of the ocean below. BELOW: Regal Princess and her sister ship have the largest Atriums in the fleet.

Princess Live! The first of its kind in the industry, Princess Live! is a TV studio at sea. Passengers can experience the behind-the-scenes excitement of being part of a live studio audience during interactive culinary shows, concerts, latenight comedy and game shows. The cruise director’s daily program, The Wake Show, is presented in the studio and is broadcast in staterooms. Passengers can enjoy the popular shows recorded at Princess Live! throughout the sailing on demand from their staterooms, too. SeaWalk® Only Regal Princess and Royal Princess feature the striking SeaWalk ®, a 60-foot-long, glass-bottomed walkway extending 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship and hovering 128 feet above the ocean. Passengers get a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the water as the ship is in motion. “I love watching the passengers of all ages at the SeaWalk ®. They get so excited, always taking photographs,” said Ron Goodman, cruise director for Regal Princess. “And when the sun goes down, this takes on a whole new dynamic, because the lighting system is so unique and so beautiful.”

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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SeaView Bar Directly opposite SeaWalk ® is the SeaView Bar, offering colorful cocktails and equally exciting views of the ocean through its glass-bottomed walkway, providing a stunning place to watch unforgettable sunsets. What’s more, entertaining bartenders put on “flair shows,” displaying their amazing bottle-juggling talents. Princess® WaterColor Fantasy By night, the top deck transforms into a wonderland of color and water magic, featuring dancing fountains, special music, live performers and beautiful visuals from the huge Movies Under the Stars® screen. Passengers can sit back, relax and be awed by an interactive sound-and-light production with 85 jets shooting water 33 feet into the night sky. Movies Under the Stars® On most nights, passengers can nestle into padded chairs, snack on freshly popped popcorn or milk and cookies and enjoy blockbuster movies on the largest high-definition outdoor screen at sea. A signature Princess Cruises offering, Movies Under the Stars® has been a passenger favorite for years.

The dancing fountains of WaterColor Fantasy create a wonderland of bright colors.

BR INGING T HE

SE AWA L K

T O L IF E

“Top Gee-Whiz Feature at Sea” — USA TODAY

When Princess Executive Vice President of Fleet Operations Rai Caluori and his team developed the “next big thing” for Royal Princess and Regal Princess, they didn’t just think outside the box — they thought outside the ship. SeaWalk ®, a 60-foot-long, glass-bottomed walkway, extends 28 feet beyond the starboard side of the ship, letting passengers marvel at the ocean below. “The team wanted passengers to have the feeling they were walking on water,” said Livio Rebagliati, hotel operations director for Regal Princess and Royal Princess. Bringing this magnificent innovation to life was a multistep process. During the prefabrication phase of construction, when all the pieces of the ship were built in a separate location, the base frame of the SeaWalk ® was welded to a huge steel block. When it made its way to the shipyard, this block, with the base of the SeaWalk ® attached, was welded to the side of the ship, becoming part of Deck 16. The installation of the glass enclosure soon followed. “No one else in the industry has anything like it,” said Rebagliati. “We’re so proud of the positive feedback we constantly receive from passengers about this amazing new feature — and these amazing new ships.”

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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THEIR FAVORITE CRUISE SHIP SHOULD H AV E T H E I R FAV O R I T E T V.

Elevate the guest experience with a full line of high-definition LED TVs from Samsung. Designed to offer improved brightness and contrast, they produce truly stunning images. Plus, with innovative technologies like LYNK, a proprietary digital rights management alternative, they help the cruise industry boost efficiency. See all the ways Samsung hospitality TVs make every guest feel right at home at samsung.com/hospitality .

Elevate the guest experience with a full line of high-defi nition LED TVs from Samsung. Designed to offer improved brightness and contrast, they produce truly stunning images. Plus, with innovative technologies like LYNK, a proprietary digital rights management alternative, they help the cruise industry boost efficiency. See all the ways Samsung hospitality TVs make every guest feel right at home at samsung.com/hospitality.

© 2013 Samsung Electronics America, Inc. All rights reserved. Samsung and Samsung LYNK are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. All products, logos and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Screen images simulated.

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WINING A ND DINING

Princess Cruises is renowned for its wide variety of dining and refreshment options, and Regal Princess is no exception. Delicious choices abound, from new private dining opportunities to exciting specialty restaurants and a diverse selection of casual dining options. Traditional Dining The Allegro Dining Room features a classic, multicourse dining experience at the same time each evening with the same table guests and wait staff. Leather wall panels, glossy wood ceiling inlays and bronze details are positioned to guide the eye to the exquisite Chef’s Table Lumiere.

C HEF ’ S TA BL E L UMIER E Princess Cruises was the first cruise line to introduce the chef’s table experience. Regal Princess sets the bar even higher, with the spectacular Chef ’s Table Lumiere, an enchanting dining experience like no other. Beginning with a tour of the main galley, followed by appetizers and a celebratory champagne toast, diners are guided to their table, a work of art made of mahogany, outlined in mother of pearl and topped with a stunning centerpiece fashioned from Murano glass. Once seated, a curtain of light encloses the table, creating a dramatic, intimate space and signaling the start of a sumptuous multicourse menu expertly paired with wines that complement the luxurious meal. “This is a once-in-alifetime dining experience,” said Ron Goodman, cruise director for Regal Princess.

Chef’s Table Lumiere is a dining experience like no other.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Anytime Dining Passengers who prefer to dine whenever and with whomever they want can choose from two Anytime Dining venues. The Concerto and Symphony dining rooms offer a deliciously different multicourse menu each day and feature an elegant décor of warm woods, cushioned seatbacks and unique lighting. Wine Maker’s Dinner Diners in the Symphony and Concerto dining rooms have the option of enjoying a unique experience in a circular private dining area surrounded by wine bottles — an ideal place for special celebrations. The menu was developed by Princess’ executive chef team in collaboration with several premium wine makers to pair sumptuous dinner courses with some of the best premium wines from around the world. “The Wine Maker’s Dinner matches exquisite wines with incredible food,” Goodman said, “making for an absolutely magical evening.” Crown Grill and Wheelhouse Bar Watch chefs in the open, theater-style kitchen prepare fresh seafood and mouthwatering steaks and chops. The adjacent Wheelhouse Bar, featuring live piano music, is ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink, or one of the popular whiskey sampler flights. It’s no wonder each of these fabulous venues has been honored by USA TODAY as among the “Best Steakhouses” and “Best Bars” at sea. Sabatini’s Refined yet casual, Sabatini’s is a passenger favorite that was named one of the Best Cruise Ship Specialty Restaurants by USA TODAY. The Tuscan-inspired restaurant features an à la carte menu filled with authentic Italian fare, with emphasis on premium seafood. The centerpiece of Sabatini’s is its grand wine display, featuring some of the most sought-after Super Tuscan wines. Super Tuscan Wine Tastings Regal Princess offers 25 Super Tuscan wines, more than any other cruise line. These rare wines — only 29 exist — are based on a Bordeaux blend, similar to cabernet sauvignon blended with merlot. Sabatini’s hosts Super Tuscan Wine Tastings, an opportunity to sip a variety of these exclusive wines perfectly paired with small plates from the restaurant’s menu.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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C A S UA L FA R E F OR E V ER Y TA S T E Alfredo’s Pizzeria serves hand-tossed, Neapolitan-style pies fresh from the oven. Watch chefs create your favorite pizza in the open kitchen. Wine, sangria, beer and specialty coffees are also available. Gelato features fresh, creamy, Italian-inspired gelato and ice cream delights, including alcoholic and nonalcoholic sundaes. The International Café is in the Piazza and offers a selection of panini, sandwiches, freshly baked pastries, specialty coffees, delectable desserts and even a tea tower with up to 250 blends. The Horizon Court offers a plethora of quick meals and snacks. Diners can choose from hibachi grill, rotisserie and taco stations, just to name a few. The Pastry Shop at Horizon Court is a dessert lover’s dream come true, with an amazing selection of pastries and other sweet creations. Ocean Terrace features an abundance of seafood delights, including caviar, sushi, oysters and more. Vines, voted one of the “Best Wine Bars at Sea” by USA TODAY, offers wine by the glass along with Spanish tapas and Venetian cicchetti.

TOP: Passengers can feast on seafood delights at the Ocean Terrace. LEFT: Gelato offers a wide variety of sweet treats.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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CELEBRATES

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PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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CONGRATULATIONS on your masterpiece

Immerse yourself in the remarkable opportunities onboard the Regal Princess. travelers on this extraordinary vessel. Join us for an unforgettable art collecting experience. Visit the Art Gallery on Promenade, Deck 7 Forward for more details. PRINCESS Fine Arts

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RELAX, ENJOY AND COME BACK NEW From the excitement of the Casino and Vista Lounge to the luxurious Lotus Spa and the expanded Sanctuary and its private cabanas, there are more ways to relax on Regal Princess than ever before. And the fully equipped youth and teen center ensures parents have all the time they need. Princess Casino Passengers can try their luck with the latest in exciting slot machines ranging from 1¢ to $1, plus compete in a slot tournament hosted on every cruise. Table games featuring Las Vegas-style rules are aplenty, including craps, roulette, blackjack, Caribbean stud and three-card poker. Regal Princess also hosts blackjack tournaments on each sailing. Princess Theater With unobstructed sight lines from every angle, there is not a bad seat in the house, while the sophisticated architecture, spectacular lighting effects, high-definition screens and high-energy productions guarantee passengers are in for an entertaining feast for the senses. “When you come out to see any of our production shows, I can promise you will be in for an absolutely amazing evening,” said Regal Princess Cruise Director Ron Goodman. Regal Princess debuts two new shows. Fiera! takes the audience on a whimsical journey through a fairground, featuring elaborate costumes and popular songs, while Bravo… A Regal Celebration dazzles with a unique mix of opera and musical theater. The musical revue extravaganza Spectacular!, a Royal Princess favorite, will also grace the main stage of Regal Princess. 24

The Enclave, exclusive to the Lotus Spa, features a soothing hydrotherapy pool.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Vista Lounge A more intimate entertainment setting at the aft end of Deck 7, the Vista Lounge offers comfortable seating, full beverage service and superb entertainment. By day, passengers can take part in enrichment lectures, bingo and fine art auctions. By night, the Vista Lounge takes on a more club-like atmosphere, hosting live bands and late-night comedy shows as well as themed nights and other special events. Lotus SpaÂŽ Conveniently located next to the Atrium, the Lotus Spa is the largest Princess spa at sea, with soft, warm colors and a tranquil, sophisticated dĂŠcor. Passengers can choose from a full menu of indulgent treatments to help unwind. The Relaxation Lounge, with its ocean views and calming environment, offers a great place to unwind before a massage or facial. Couples Villas are also available, featuring side-by-side treatment tables, giant bathtubs for two, steam rooms and private bathrooms. The Enclave An exclusive area in the Lotus Spa, The Enclave offers soothing heated stone beds , rela xing waterbeds and a hammam, a Turkish-style steam bath with warm marble surfaces ideal for massages and mud treatments. The Enclave also features a hydrotherapy pool with cascading rain shower and massage jets, a dry-heat sauna and an herbal steam room. Passengers can experience the therapeutic benefits of The Enclave on its own or pair their visit with a treatment from the Lotus Spa.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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The Sanctuary is an oasis of pure tranquility.

The Sanctuary A peaceful retreat just for adults, The Sanctuary is practically a vacation within a vacation. Passengers can relax in deluxe cushioned loungers and listen to calming music through noise-canceling earphones, with lunch and other light fare delivered chairside. Strategically placed rock gardens, topiaries and atmospheric lighting add to the peaceful ambiance. Sanctuary Cabanas For more privacy, Sanctuary Cabanas offer an intimate experience. These private curtained cabanas feature cushy sofas and televisions, and include a picnic lunch with a bottle of champagne. A dedicated team of attendants is on hand to cater to every need. Lotus Spa Cabanas No need to leave The Sanctuary to indulge in a spa treatment. Lotus Spa Cabanas offer passengers a day of personalized pampering, all while enjoying The Sanctuary’s phenomenal ocean views. “If you’re looking for pure bliss, relaxation and you just want all your worries to go away,” said Ron Goodman, “this is for you.” Retreat Pool Down deck from The Sanctuary is the Retreat Pool, the largest in the Princess fleet and another area exclusively for adults. Passengers can relax poolside on comfortable loungers or enjoy the privacy of a Retreat Cabana, along with a picnic lunch and wine served by a dedicated steward.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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YOU T H A ND T EEN PROGR AMS

While grown-ups relax and enjoy some rare time alone, kids and teens will be having the time of their lives, with programs and activities designed just for them. Princess Pelicans (ages 3 to 7) Youngsters can enjoy the popular Jr.CHEF@Sea program, educational workshops, even pajama and ice cream parties. The Princess Pelicans space also includes a toddler area, with bright colors, big cushy shapes and blocks, as well as a pint-sized slide. Shockwaves (ages 8 to 12) Skee-Ball, air hockey, a lounge, a DJ booth, arts-and-crafts tables and more rule this tweens-only space. Plus, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find multiple gaming stations loaded with their favorite video games. Fun activities abound, including pizza parties and sports tournaments. Remix (ages 13 to 17) Teens have a place all their own, with supervised activities designed just for them, including late-night movies, mocktail parties, formal dinners, gaming tournaments and much more. The adjacent outdoor lounge has plenty of space to relax and socialize, with a pool and a state-of-the-art sound system playing all the music they love.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Congratulations Regal Princess ÂŽ

is proud to launch the Charisma Bedding & Bath line on the newest member of your fleet â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Regal Princess. BON VOYAGE! May all your sailings be as soft and smooth as your linens. 1999 Marcus Ave. Suite 220 P.O. Box 5485 Lake Success, NY 11040 www.balticlinen.com

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L-3 Marine Systems International businesses are proud to have contributed state-of-the-art diesel-electric propulsion and fully integrated automation and navigation systems on board the new Together, we look forward to providing excellent life-cycle support as this latest luxury cruise liner takes to the sea. SAM Electronics | Valmarine | APSS | G.A. International

L-3com.com

Sovereign of the Seas, Seaward, Seabourn Pride, Star Princess, Seabourn Spirit, Club Med I, Fantasy, Westerdam, Nordic Empress, Crown Princess, Horizon, Silja Serenade, Ecstasy, Regal Princess, Monarch of the Seas, Hanseatic, Silja Symphony, Majesty of the Seas, Dreamward, Zenith, Royal Viking Queen, Club Med II, Crown Jewel, Gruziya, Costa Allegra, Barfleur, Normandie, Windward, Crown Dynasty, Costa Romantica, Kazakhstan II, American Adventure, Kong Harald, Richard With, Nordlys, Oriana, Legend of the Seas, Century, Splendour of the Seas, Sun Princess, Carnival The Complete Catering Systems Destiny, Galaxy, Costa Victoria, Grandeur of the Seas, Nordkapp, Rhapsody of the Seas, Dawn Princess, Mercury, Enchantment of the Seas, Nordnorge, Vision of the Seas, Grand Princess, Sea Princess, R One, R Two, Voyager of the Seas, R Three, YEA R R Four, R Five, R Six, R Seven, R Eight, Norwegian Sky, Seven Seas Navigator, Explorer 9 of the Seas, Aurora, Costa Atlantica, Millenium, Infinity, Adventurer of the Seas, Carnival Spirit, Radiance of the Seas, Norwegian Sun, Summit, Brilliance of the Seas, Constellation, Coral Princess, Navigator of the Seas, Island Princess, Crystal Serenity, Mariner of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Carnival Miracle, Jewel of the Seas, PontAven, Caribbean Princess, Carnival Valor, Pride of America, Norwegian Jewel, Carnival + 1985â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2014 Liberty, Pride of Hawaii, Freedom of the Seas, Crown Princess, MSC Musica, Norwegian CR S Pearl, Liberty of the Seas, Emerald Princess, MSC Orchestra, Norwegian Gem, Ventura, MSC UISE Poesia, Independence of the Seas, Ruby Princess, MSC Fantasia, Celebrity Solstice, MSC Splendida, Oasis of the Seas, Celebrity Equinox, MSC Magnifica, Carnival Dream, Silver Spirit, Azura, Celebrity Eclipse, Le Boreal, Norwegian Epic, Queen Elizabeth, Allure of the Seas, Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Austal, Disney Dream, Carnival Magic, Celebrity Silhouette, Disney Fantasy, Carnival Breeze, MSC Divina, Celebrity Reflection, MSC Preziosa, Royal Princess, Mein Schiff 3, Regal Princess, Quantum of the Seas, Mein Schiff 4, Britannia, Anthem of the Seas, Carnival Vista, NB-699, A-34 www.seaking.net

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Your Business, Our Care Timavo Ship Supply 36 Years Inside Cruise Industry www.timavoshipsupply.it

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35 YEARS

10/1/14 11:10 AM

A ME S S A GE F R OM T HE C A P TA IN “Growing up on the southwest coast of England, I watched as ocean liners sailed in and out from my local port, thinking that one day I might have the chance to work at sea. Today I stand at the helm of one of the most magnificent vessels at sea, along with my team of senior officers and talented crew. It is with great pride that I take command of Regal Princess. And I salute everyone involved who helped bring this newest addition to the Princess Cruises fleet to life.” — Captain Edward Perrin

C A P TA IN EDWA R D P ER R IN Captain Perrin has been in command of numerous Princess ships since 2006, beginning with the former Tahitian Princess sailing in French Polynesia. After attending the College of Maritime Studies in Southampton, he worked aboard several types of cargo ships before setting off on cruise ships, joining Princess Cruises in 1996. A native of Dorset, Captain Perrin grew up watching ships sail from local ports, sparking his desire to work at sea.

“It takes a talented team to bring out a new vessel of this caliber. These skilled officers bring considerable seagoing and management skills to the new ship’s maiden season.” — Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president

MEE T T HE OF F IC ER S Relief Captain Dino Sagani Captain Sagani has commanded a variety of Princess vessels, including Sea Princess, Dawn Princess, Sapphire Princess and Diamond Princess, most recently serving as relief captain on Royal Princess. Sagani was born in Trieste on the northeast Adriatic coast of Italy. Following his family tradition, he studied at the Nautical College in Trieste, one of the oldest nautical schools in Europe. He joined the Italian navy, serving on a minesweeper during the first Gulf War. After his service, he joined Princess Cruises in 1995, where he quickly climbed the ranks and was promoted to captain in 2007. Relief Captain John Foster Captain Foster most recently commanded Sea Princess and Grand Princess. He started his seagoing career as an officer cadet with Esso tankers at the age of 16. After completing his cadetship, Foster joined his first Princess ship, the original Royal Princess. He was also assigned to the new build projects of Dawn Princess, Grand Princess and Island Princess. Foster was born in the maritime city of Liverpool, on the banks of the river Mersey on the northwest coast of England, where he still resides. Chief Engineer Rosario Segreto Rosario Segreto is one of the most senior chief engineers in the Princess fleet, holding the position since 1999. In 2010, he was asked to participate in the design and development of the new class of ships that includes Royal Princess and Regal Princess, and he spent the past several years working extensively with the shipbuilding team. Segreto is from the small town of Villamassargia on the island of Sardinia, Italy, and graduated from the Nautical School in Cagliari, Sardinia, in 1980. He began his career at sea as a cadet engineer on tanker and cargo ships, joining Princess Cruises in 1988. Hotel General Manager Dirk Brand Dirk Brand oversees all hotel functions aboard Regal Princess, a position he has held on a variety of Princess ships, including most recently Royal Princess and Ruby Princess during their inaugural years. He has also worked aboard the ships of Princess Cruises’ sister company Cunard. Brand was born in Berlin, Germany, and grew up in Munich. After completing his education and apprenticeship in hotel management, he served with the air force in Sardinia, Italy. Brand began his career at sea in 1998 as a senior assistant food and beverage director during the inaugural season of Grand Princess. Staff Captain Aldo Traverso Head of the deck department and second in command on the ship, Captain Traverso joined Princess in 1998 aboard the original Regal Princess. A native of Genoa, Italy, Traverso graduated from that city’s Nautical Institute, after which he served in the navy — first at the Naval Academy in Livorno and then on board a navy vessel. He began his career at Princess Cruises as an able seaman fireman, rising swiftly through the ranks to his current position.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Your Strategic Partner for Cruise Ship Services Seaquest Marine Systems provides a range of electrical and mechanical engineering services, supplies, equipment, hotel and interior design and installation services for the rapidly growing worldwide cruise and ferry industry. We serve operators primarily from our headquarters in Singapore, teaming up with established subcontractors locally and overseas. We have more than 30 years’ experience meeting the needs of the cruise ship sector and understand its very exacting needs. Our team is comprised of highly skilled craftspeople and engineers who excel at providing the care, attention and high-quality service needed in a safe working environment. At Seaquest Marine Systems, we pride ourselves on delivering complete and professional services to all our customers, whether they buy a single item or require a complete project management package. We only use products from leading manufacturers to ensure satisfaction, whatever the size of your order.

WE PROVIDE 24/7 SERVICE www.seaquest-marine.net 27 Woodlands Industrial Park E1 #01-01 HiangKie Industrial Building Singapore 757718 Tel: (65) 6767 9662 / Fax: (65) 6767 9693

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kpsamy@seaquest-marine.net Mobile: (65) 9759 4741 mbz@seaquest-marine.net Mobile: (65) 9836 7359

10/1/14 3:53 PM

CONGRATULATIONS TO PRINCESS CRUISES The St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies congratulates Princess Cruises on its newest vessel Regal Princess®. Without a doubt, Regal Princess® will offer a unique experience and will be a delight for its passengers, offering exciting innovations and unique features. The new vessel represents the signature evolution of the cruise line’s next generation of ships. Passengers choose Princess Cruises for several great reasons: the warm and welcoming service; a relaxed and rejuvenating retreat at sea; delicious food; exclusive amenities; excellent value for their vacation dollars; and the best itineraries, which include the Port of St. Maarten. Princess Cruises has been an integral partner with the Port of St. Maarten. After more than 40 years of sailing experience, the bond can only grow stronger. Princess Cruises has demonstrated to the cruise industry that it’s a serious partner that has contributed significantly to the development of the cruise experience, with carefully planned itineraries, spectacular ships and the hospitality extended to passengers of all ages. The cruise line promises that its passengers can “Escape Completely” on their vacations, and St. Maarten is definitely a complete escape. The Port and destination of St. Maarten has developed a strategic partnership with Princess Cruises over the years, and look forward to a continued mutually beneficial relationship with the cruise line. On behalf of Hon. Romeo Pantophlet, St. Maarten’s Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications; Mark Mingo, Chief Executive Officer of the Port of St. Maarten Supervisory Board; and our staff, congratulations to Princess Cruises and welcome to Regal Princess®.

St. Maarten Harbour Group of Companies A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities, J Yrausquen Blvd. P. O. Box 5185, Harbour Village, Suite #13A Point Blanche, St. Maarten, NA

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Tel: (599) 542-8503 / Fax: (599) 542-8506 comments@portofstmaarten.com www.portofstmaarten.com

10/3/14 5:07 PM

Bonaire’s Treasures Are Not Limited to Those Beneath the Sea Shopping on Bonaire Offers Unique Riches

Visitors to Bonaire’s quaint capital, Kralendijk, will find that Bonaire offers myriad opportunities to discover different and unusual types of gifts. The stands of the Arts & Crafts Market in Wilhelmina Park are just steps from the cruise dock. The market showcases the original art, custom-tailored jewelry and local crafts of Bonaire’s artisans — all in a hassle-free, relaxed environment. Shoppers can enjoy the rhythmic beat of Caribbean-style music and the aroma of locally prepared food and beverages. Conveniently located within walking distance of the market lies Kaya Grandi, which means “long street” in the local language, Papiamentu. Housed in colorful buildings boasting the renowned Dutch architecture, boutique shops line the street, with small, intimate restaurants nestled between them. Tours are available to visit the Cadushy Distillery in Rincon, offering a unique line of liqueurs made from home-grown Bonaire products such as cactus; the Richter Art Gallery in Belnem, offering fine-art originals and prints; or to one of the ateliers of Bonaire’s driftwood artists, such as Yellow House and Driftwood Art by Dion. (For tickets, please see your onboard excursion specialist.) Bonaire offers unique products not found on other islands and delightful ways to spend time exploring this charming seaside town. And unlike on other islands, there’s not a traffic light to be found!

www.tourismbonaire.com

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TABLE

OF CONTENTS

DISCOVERY 2014–2015 Cruises

4504

26 58 80

54 56

Let Your Journey Begin

Delicious Dilemma

At Your Service

The Night Belongs to You Nighttime Activities

When the sun goes down, the curtain rises on a constellation of thrilling nighttime enticements.

Freshly prepared cuisine Dining options to match your tastes and mood — that’s dining on board your Princess ship.

78 Casino 80

Shows & Entertainment

Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle SM

Do It All or Nothing At All Daytime Activities

You’ll discover an incredible variety of activities, enrichment programs and other entertaining options each day on board.

Lotus Spa ® & The Sanctuary

Boutiques Onboard

Princess Photography

Enrichment Programs

Fine Art Auctions

photography, artwork or other material. Electronic queries only will be acknowledged. E-mail to:

Princess Cays

those of the cruise line. Princess Cruises is not responsible for any claims or offers made in

Movies Under the Stars ®

Youth & Teen Programs

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The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction, either in whole or in part, including but not limited to transmission by any means, in any form — digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise — is forbidden without express, written permission from the publisher. The magazine assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, editor@onboardmedia.com. Commentary and opinions expressed in Discovery are not necessarily advertisements appearing in Discovery.

10/9/14 4:19 PM

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Earn rewards and relax more with the Princess Cruises Rewards Visa Card! ®

Enjoy great benefits like these: • NO annual fee1 • NO foreign transaction fees1 • Earn 5,000 BONUS points after your first Princess Visa purchase2 • Earn DOUBLE points on all Princess purchases – onboard and ashore3 • Redeem points toward Princess cruises with NO blackout dates, cruise discounts, airfare discounts, Lotus Spa® treatments & other onboard amenities4

See your Princess Captain’s Circle Host or Future Cruise Consultant and apply today! 1. Offer subject to credit approval. Not everyone will qualify for the Visa Signature credit card and its benefits. If at the time of your application you do not meet the credit criteria previously established for this offer, or the income you report is insufficient based on your obligations, we may not be able to open an account for you or you may receive a Platinum card. Benefits will vary depending upon the card for which you are approved. Please review the materials provided with the Cardmember Agreement you will receive after account opening for more information about the benefits that will apply. This offer is available to new Cardmembers only. For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the credit card program, please see the Terms and Conditions.

$0 Annual Fee. 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening is applicable for the first fifteen billing cycles that immediately follows each balance transfer made within the first 45 days (the “Introductory Period”). For purchases, and for balance transfers after the Introductory Period, the variable APR is 13.99%, 16.99% or 20.99% depending upon our review of your application and your credit history at account opening. The variable APR for cash advances is 25.24%. The APRs on your account will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $2 ($.50 if you are a resident of Iowa at time of account opening). Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. Cash Advance Fee: 5% of each transaction (min. $10). Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%. The fee for the purchase of cash equivalent transactions (purchase of money orders, traveler’s checks, foreign currency, lottery tickets, gambling chips or wire transfers): Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash equivalent, whichever is greater. Disclosure of Required Credit Information: The information about the costs of the card described in this application is accurate as of July 2014. This information may have changed after that date. To find out what may have changed, call us at 866-504-8224.

2. Applicants will receive five thousand (5,000) bonus points after the first use of their account for a Purchase or Balance Transfer (that are not later returned or rescinded and will then be credited to your Princess Rewards Visa Signature Card or your Princess Rewards Platinum Visa Card Account. Balance Transfer Bonus Points: Cardmembers can earn one (1) bonus point per one dollar ($1) in balances transferred to their Princess Rewards Visa Signature Card, up to a maximum of five thousand (5,000) points. The Balance Transfer is subject to the Balance Transfer Fee set forth in the Terms and Conditions. 3. Princess Rewards Visa cardmembers will earn two (2) points for every one dollar ($1) of net purchases of Princess purchases with the credit card account, and (1) point for every one dollar ($) of net purchases made everywhere else the account is used. Restrictions apply. 4. The Princess Rewards Program offers cardmembers the opportunity to earn rewards towards discounted, reduced and even free cruise redemptions. Taxes and fees may apply. Cardmembers will be responsible for all charges incurred in connection with their cruise (including travel to port of departure). Additional charges may include, but are not limited to, gratuities, onboard purchases and other charges. Other cruise related redemption options are available such as onboard spa experience and merchandise offers. See the Terms and Conditions for complete details about this offer. The Princess Rewards Visa Card is issued by Barclaycard (Barclays Bank Delaware) pursuant to a license by Visa USA Incorporated. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa USA Incorporated.

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1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 600, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel: (305) 673-. 0400, Fax: (305) 674.9396 www.onboardmedia.com Robin Rosenbaum-Andras Senior Vice President, Marketing Carrie Julier Vice President and General Manager Norma Vila Vice President, Finance Vikki Knudsen Associate Vice President, Operations Editorial & Design MaryAnna Estomba Rousseau Editor in Chief Elizabeth Fernandez Managing Editor Virginia Gil Moghani Senior Editor Lauramay LaChance Associate Editor Brigid Cotter Corporate Communications Manager Contributing Writers/Editors John Anderson, Christine Blank, Richard Carroll, Sara Churchville, Lisa Constantino, Toni Crane, Michelle da Silva Richmond, Ginger Dingus, Joanna Hall, Brandon Hardin, Jen Karetnick, Marjorie Klein, Marty Leshner, Kelly Liszt, Linda Marx, Kate McClare, Janette McIntyre, Raymond Niedowski, Jacquelynn Powers, Patti Roth, Claudia Sánchez-Bustamante, Lynn Seldon, Jonathan Sisken, Gary Steckles, Jim Thompsom, Richard Varr, Chelle Koster Walton, Deborah Williams Virginia C. Valls Publishing Director Beth Wood Senior Art Director Dayana Ramirez Associate Art Director Christian Rosario Project Graphic Designer Raquel Figueroa Project Graphic Designer Jose Cuevas Graphic Designer Gilberto D. Perez Graphic Designer James Perdomo Production Coordinator Gail Abrams Ad Services Director Violeta Manco-Rojas Ad Services Manager Advertising Sales Tasha Riekstins Director, International Sales & Brand Marketing Rod Musum Executive Director of Sales Tyler Condon Sales Manager Jeffrey Meister Sales Manager Lèmar Scott International Sales Coordinator Video/Film Production Todd Hedge Executive Producer Dan Shaw Director, Operations Kevin Maschke Senior Editor Juan Carlos Peña Director of Photography Haley Struthers Production Coordinator Dawn Minkow Assistant Editor Alexa Caravia Videographer/Editor Port Shopping Revenue Victoria Rossi Senior Regional Marketing Manager Jimmy Marks Regional Marketing Manager/Sales Manager Robert Yonskie Regional Marketing Manager Leanne Ronellenfitch Coordinator, Cruise Revenue Port Shopping Rachel Castro Director, Operations Rina Alvarado Coordinator, Operations Nadine Winter Manager, Customer Relations

©2014 Onboard Media. No claim to original works of Princess Cruises or advertisers. Ships of Bermudan registry. 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 CANADA. 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 Princess Cruises and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. Onboard Media Inc. and Princess Cruises 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.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Turquoise waters caressing soft, sandy beaches; verdant mountains rising from lush forests; delightful shopping choices from merchants who stock wares to fulfill your heart’s desire. These are just some of the pleasures that await you on your cruise. We are happy to act as your guide with Discovery, which is both a directory of Princess® services and activities and an introduction to the ports of call you’ll be visiting. Whether you prefer to stay busy with sports and other active pursuits, or your idea of keeping a hectic schedule is squeezing in an extra massage at the Lotus Spa®, you’ll find this journey to be a perfect fit. Read on for helpful listings and other information on the onboard experiences you’ll enjoy as a passenger with Princess, from delicious dining to exclusive shopping. You’ll also find a calendar of the year’s cruises. Finally, our Ports of Call guide offers a wealth of helpful and intriguing information on Princess destinations. You’ll find fascinating insights into the culture and traditions of ports you will visit, while also learning where to find the best deals when shopping. You’ve begun a journey that we know you’ll never forget. Here’s to smooth seas, a fair wind and your most rewarding journey ever. Bon voyage! The staff of Discovery

PHOTOS BY: (BEACH) ORANGECRUSH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (UNDERWATER) VILAINECREVETTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A DV EN T UR E AWAIT S

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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HEL L O from your PRINCE S S SHOPPING HO S T

SAVV Y TR AV EL ER 2015 EDITION

BEAUTY BUZZ

HAIR AND MAKEUP TIPS FROM HOLLYWOOD INSIDERS

NIC ROLDAN

POLO’S BEST-DRESSED ATHLETE

ACCESSORIZE ON BOARD

JEWEL COLLECTIONS FIT FOR THE STARS

GO DEEP

MEET FRENCH FREE DIVER GUILLAUME NÉRY

THE HOTTEST DIVE WATCHES ON THE MARKET WANDERLUST

ON THE MOVE WITH VOGUE EDITOR KELLY TALAMAS

Naomi Watts THE A-LISTER ON CAREER RISKS, PERSONAL GAINS

FREE

HEART NECKLACE

More Than

2,000

Worth of Value

With Exclusive Special Offers and Discounts

FREE

DEL SOL BAG

A few of the resources available for your days onboard and ashore.

Welcome aboard! I’m your Princess Shopping Host — your personal shopping consultant. I’m here to save you time and money both in the boutiques onboard and in our fabulous ports of call. During this voyage, I’ll provide you with everything you’ll need to know about shopping. I’ll be hosting the live Shopping Spotlight Show and special events on watches and jewelry, and I’ll be available each evening at the Princess Shopping Desk. I’ll also provide you with maps, brochures, Passport to Value booklets and VIP cards upon request. Few things are more thrilling on a cruise vacation than shopping for dazzling treasures such as watches, diamonds and jewelry — all at amazing duty-free prices. For inside information on how you can indulge your taste for the best, be sure to read Discover Style, our celebrity-packed magazine in your stateroom — and watch the Discover Style show on your stateroom television. You’ll find even more expert guidance on your television, with video replays of the Shopping Spotlight Show and special features about our boutiques on board. With all this expert guidance, you’ll know exactly how to enjoy the unsurpassed savings and selection of shopping on vacation! At your service, Your Princess Shopping Host

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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FINALLY, YOU’RE HERE. Now is the time to do as much or as little as you like. Get out on deck and experience the fresh air, explore your ship and all its amenities. Every aspect of this vacation was designed for you because we provide you with a variety of enriching ways to discover more about yourself and the world around you.

this book of discovery. We call it that for a reason — not only because of the wonderful ports you’ll be visiting, but also because of all the distinct pleasures you will find, one by one, on your Princess ® ship. What will be your favorite venue, activity, restaurant? Enjoy the freedom to spend your days your way.

On the following pages, you can learn a bit more about what you can expect in the coming days in

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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WELCOME

ABOARD

L E T YO U R JOURNEY BEGIN

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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AT YO U R SERVICE Princess Cruises — The Consummate Host

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THE CONSUMMATE HOST

SERVICE

On your Princess® ship, gracious and attentive crew members are there to serve you and make your entire vacation memorable.

YOU FIRST NOTICED IT on the lapel of the officer who welcomed you aboard as you crossed the gangway: a blue-and-gold pin that read “Cruise.” Then you saw it again worn by the concierge, and your stateroom steward, and ... What are these pins, and what does CRUISE stand for? CRUISE began as a program to help keep the passenger experience top-ofmind for all Princess staff and crew, and that is still one of its important goals. But CRUISE is also how we recognize and reward employees for great performance. CRUISE is how we educate our employees for career and personal growth. CRUISE is how we support our employees’ health and welfare so they can perform their jobs with excellence every day. CRUISE is the vehicle through which Princess delivers our core values — we serve, we respect our team, we innovate,

we are consistent, we are accountable and we do it right — to our staff, and motivates them to live out those values and be The Consummate Host. What does CRUISE mean to you? It means you can expect consistently warm, welcoming service — from courteous greetings in the dining room at dinner to friendly smiles by the stewards — on every ship in our fleet. It means everyone on board is working together to make your vacation a relaxed, rejuvenating retreat at sea. It means all of us know your vacation memories are infinitely precious — and we want you to remember not only our spectacular ships sailing to fantastic destinations, but also how valued you felt while you were on board.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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DINING

FRESHLY PREPARED

DELICIOUS DILEMMA Your ship is a floating destination of culinary delights, with options to match every taste and mood.

ONE OF THE MOST ENTICING THINGS about your spectacular Princess® ship is the wide variety of tempting onboard options to delight your palate. From specialty restaurants and gracious dining rooms, a warm, freshly cooked meal is never far away. You can have a burger grilled to order out on deck, or grab a slice of handmade pizza to eat by the pool. Maybe all you need is some soft-serve ice cream to fend off the heat. Or keep your eyes open for cookies & milk on deck in the afternoon on sea days. From breakfast to dinner to late-night snacks, Princess raises the bar on dining at sea.

WE UNDERSTAND how important dining is to the vacation experience, which is why we put such an emphasis on the quality and range of our dining options. Our own Master Chef, Alfredo Marzi, designed the menus for our Traditional and Anytime Dining SM rooms to truly make sure the food

is the star. From our signature pastas to our lighter selections, you’ll savor freshly prepared cuisine, utilizing ingredients with regional influences.

FOR VARIETY, you can choose a specialty restaurant like Sabatini’s, SM with traditional Italian fare; the elegant Crown Grill SM or Sterling Steakhouse SM for an aged prime steak; or the Bayou Café & Steakhouse for a more Southern ambience. Ask about the Chef’s Table, yet another unique offering — you’ll be invited into the galley for champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and you'll later dine on a special menu conceived by the Executive Chef himself. Or if you happen to have a balcony stateroom, you can stay in one evening and we’ll bring the experience to you — with Ultimate Balcony Dining.

WE INVITE YOU to indulge in all this and more during your cruise.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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RESTAURANTS & DINING VENUES ON BOARD RESTAURANTS

STYLE

Main Dining Rooms*

SPECIALTY DINING

Traditional & Anytime

BREAKFAST HOURS

LUNCH HOURS

Lunch is available on days, sea days 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM turnaround and in select ports. (see Princess Patter)

STYLE

BREAKFAST HOURS

LUNCH HOURS

TRADITIONAL DINING HOURS

ANYTIME DINING

CHARGES

5:15 PM, 6 PM and 8:15 PM

5:30 PM - 10 PM

None

DINNER HOURS

Sea Days 7:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Sabatini’s

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Ocean, Pacific, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Star Princess

Specialty

Complimentary breakfast for suites only.

Port Days 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM

CHARGES

$25 per person

N/A

6 PM - 11 PM

Opening times subject to change dependent upon itinerary.

(adults & children over 12 years of age)

$12.50 per person

(children 3 - 12 years old)

No charge

(children 0 - 2 years old)

Complimentary Breakfast for Suites only.

$25 per person

(adults & children over 12 years of age)

Crown Grill

Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Star Princess

Specialty

N/A

6 PM - 11 PM

Opening times subject to change dependent upon itinerary.

$12.50 per person

(children 3 - 12 years old)

No charge

(children 0 - 2 years old) Surcharges apply for select food items regardless of the age of the passenger.

$25 per person

(adults & children over 12 years of age)

Sterling Steakhouse

Dawn, Diamond, Ocean, Pacific, Sapphire, Sea, Sun Princess

Specialty

N/A

6 PM - 11 PM

Opening times subject to change dependent upon itinerary.

$12.50 per person

(children 3 - 12 years old)

No charge

(children 0 - 2 years old) Surcharges apply for select food items regardless of the age of the passenger.

Bayou Café & Steakhouse Coral, Island Princess

Specialty

N/A

6 PM - 11 PM

Opening times subject to change dependent upon itinerary.

$25 per person and $12.50

(children 3 - 13 year olds)

No charge

(children 0 - 2 years old)

Kai Sushi Restaurant Diamond, Sun Princess

Ultimate Balcony Dining**

All Princess ships

Chef’s Table***

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Ocean, Pacific, Ruby, Sapphire, Sea, Star Princess

Chef’s Table Lumiere

Regal, Royal Princess

Specialty

N/A

5:30 PM - Midnight

Nominal pricing applies Breakfast USD $32 per couple or A $35 per couple

Specialty

7 AM - 11 AM

N/A

6 PM - 10 PM

Specialty

N/A

Onboard reservations accepted only

$95 per person with wine and $80 per person without

Specialty

N/A

Onboard reservations accepted only

$115 per person with wine and $100 per person without

ATTIRE Smart Casual Evenings: Skirts/dresses, slacks and sweaters for ladies. Pants and open-neck shirts for men.

Formal Evenings: Evening gowns, cocktail dresses or elegant pant

suits for women. Tuxedo, dark suit or dinner jacket and slacks for men.

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11 AM - 5:30 PM

Dinner USD $100 per couple or A $125 per couple

LENGTH OF CRUISE

# OF FORMAL EVENINGS

# OF SMART CASUAL EVENTS

1-4 days

1-4

5-6 days

1-5

7-13 days

5-11

14-20 days

11-17

21-28 days

17-24

29+ days

24+

10/9/14 4:25 PM

RESTAURANTS & DINING VENUES ON BOARD (CONTINUED) CASUAL DINING

STYLE

BREAKFAST HOURS

LUNCH HOURS

DINNER HOURS

CHARGES

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM - Midnight

None

Pizzeria/Trattoria

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 2:30 PM

6 PM onward

None

Burger & Hot Dog Grill

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 6 PM

(Except on Ocean and Pacific Princess)

6 PM onward

None

Casual

6 AM - 10 AM

11:30 AM - 3:30 PM

5:30 PM - Midnight

None

Casual

(Continental Breakfast)

5 AM - 6 AM

11:30 AM - 3:30 PM 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Pizzeria (poolside)

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Star Princess

Dawn, Ocean, Pacific, Sea, Sun Princess

All Princess ships

Café Caribe

Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Ruby Princess

Horizon Court

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Dawn, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Ruby, Sapphire, Sea, Star, Sun Princess

Horizon Court Bistro Regal, Royal Princess

Panorama Buffet

Ocean, Pacific Princess

Crab Shack

Casual

6 AM - 11:30 AM 5 AM - 6 AM

(Continental Breakfast)

6 AM - 11:30 AM 5 AM - 6 AM

(Continental Breakfast)

6 AM - 11:30 AM

(sea days only)

5:30 PM - Midnight

(closed for dinner Caribbean, Crown, Emerald & Ruby Princess)

None

(Afternoon Snack)

11:30 AM - 3:30 PM 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM - Midnight

None

11:30 AM - 3:30 PM 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

6 PM onward

None

(Afternoon Snack)

6 PM - 9 PM

Casual

N/A

(Venue does not operate nightly. Operates in Horizon Bistro on GP and RP.)

Fondues

Casual

N/A

(Venue does not operate nightly. Operates in Horizon Bistro on GP and RP.)

$20 per person

The Pastry Shop

Casual

6 AM - 11 AM

11 AM - 6 PM

6 PM - Midnight

None

N/A

24 hours

None

Casual

N/A

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

N/A

None

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Star Princess.

Regal, Royal Princess

Room Service

All Princess ships

Afternoon Tea

All Princess ships (Not available on Sapphire when operating in Asia)

Royal Afternoon Tea

Regal, Royal Princess (Served in Piazza)

English Afternoon Tea

Sapphire Princess (Applicable to China season only)

Pâtisserie

Coral, Dawn, Diamond, Island, Ocean, Pacific, Sea Princess

International Café

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Star, Sun Princess

Vines Wine Bar

Caribbean, Crown, Emerald, Golden, Grand Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire,^ Star Princess

6 PM - 9 PM

$20 per person

Casual

N/A

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

N/A

$20 per person with champagne and $10 per person without

Casual

N/A

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

N/A

$20 per person with champagne and $10 per person without

Casual

6 AM onward

N/A

None

Casual

24 hours

None

Casual

N/A

(4:30 PM port days)

11 AM onward

5 PM - 11 PM

Complimentary food with beverage purchase. (on select ships)

Alfredo’s Pizzeria

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM onward

None

Gelato

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM onward

Nominal a la carte pricing applies.

Casual

N/A

11 AM - 5:30 PM

5:30 PM onward

None

Ocean Terrace Seafood Bar

Casual

N/A

4 PM onward

Nominal a la carte pricing applies.

English Pub Lunch

Casual

N/A

11:30 AM - 2 PM

N/A

None

Grand, Regal, Royal, Sapphire Princess

Regal, Royal Princess

Ice Cream Bar

Caribbean, Coral, Crown, Dawn, Diamond, Emerald, Golden, Grand, Island, Regal, Royal, Ruby, Sapphire, Sea, Star, Sun Princess

Regal, Royal Princess

All Princess ships

Note: Dining options, menu selections, locations and venues may vary by ship, and actual meal times are subject to change. While room service is complimentary, charges will apply to certain food and beverage items. Corkage fee of $15 applies. ©2014 Princess Cruises. Ships of British and Bermudan Registry.

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PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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ACTIVITIES

DAYTIME

DO IT ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL FREE TIME — something each of us has precious little of these days. Of course, that’s why you take a vacation. And on your Princess ship, you’ll find you have plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous options your ship offers.

WHAT’S YOUR TYPE? Are you a fitness fanatic? Do you like arts & crafts? Do you wish you simply had more hours in the day after work and family commitments to just sit down and read a book? On a Princess voyage, we offer opportunities for every interest to be engaged, which is one of the reasons people often unexpectedly find that it is their time on the ship they remember most fondly. So now that you’re here, we encourage you to follow your mood to whatever activities and entertainment most interest you. You’ll find a full schedule of what’s offered each day in your Princess Patter. This is your time to do as much as or as little as you like. PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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RENEW YO U R S E L F BODY & SOUL

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

REJUVENATE

Rejuvenate with luxurious treatments in the Lotus Spa or on deck in ®

The Sanctuary.

SITTING OUT ON DECK, you’ll be lulled into a

THE SANCTUARY – TRULY SPECIAL.

blissful state by the sound of waves, the fresh sea air and the knowledge that while you are out here with Princess, you don’t have a single care in the world. And if you think that’s a good feeling, just imagine how you’ll feel after a massage or spa treatment!

Rejuvenate in the open air at the outdoor oasis reserved exclusively for adults, The Sanctuary, available on select ships.*

PAMPERING never felt as good as it does on a Princess ship. The onboard Lotus Spa® rivals most you’ll find on land — offering a sensational selection of services and treatments from facials, scrubs and massages to hot stone therapy, body therapy and body wraps, as well as a full-service salon should you choose to beautify after you unwind.

In this popular haven you can get a massage under a cabana to the sound of the sea lapping far beneath you. Or you can find yourself an empty chaise lounge in which to enjoy healthy smoothies, energy drinks and flavored waters. A spa menu exclusive to The Sanctuary highlights a variety of light snacks served by special Serenity Stewards. MP3 players are also available with themed playlists, so you can enjoy the soothing sounds of music.

The Lotus Spa Fitness Center offers fitness programs designed to help you maximize your wellness with Tour de Cycle, personal training and classes such as Pilates, yoga, Body Sculpt Boot Camp and TRX suspension training. The Lotus Spa Fitness Center also features world-class exercise equipment so you can tone on your own. * The Sanctuary is available on most ships. Covered cabanas not available in The Sanctuary on all ships.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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DISCOVER THE FINER THINGS AND COME BACK NEW Visit the Boutiques onboard and discover tax and duty free shopping. Enhance your shopping experience with exciting events like our Runway at Sea, trunk shows and our exclusive onboard outlet.

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BEST ONBOARD SHOPPING MAGAZINE

6 CONSECUTIVE YEARS - READERS’ CHOICE AWARD

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ENRICHMENT

EXPERIENCES

THE PRINCESS PHOTO & VIDEO TEAM CAPTURES

YOUR MEMORIES AT SEA A PICTURE IS WORTH

a thousand words —

especially of your cruise with Princess. And we offer many ways for you to relive your vacation with both photos and video including:

• Formal & casual portraits with multiple backgrounds • Candid photos from gangways and ports to onboard events • Wall portraits, turning your memories into works of art • Souvenir and decorative frames, albums & scrapbooks

• Reflections DVD, featuring video highlights from your cruise • Digital cameras, binoculars & accessories • Prints from your digital camera

PLATINUM STUDIO by Joe Craig

YOUR LIFE. OUR ART. YOUR LEGACY. Created by internationally recognized photographer Joe Craig, the Platinum Studio experience puts the focus on your inner spirit. Using creative lighting techniques, our specially trained Platinum Artist creates a unique style of art with sessions taking place in a private studio, with no session fee and no obligation to purchase.

CALL OR VISIT THE PHOTO & VIDEO GALLERY TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY!

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ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS SET SAIL WITH PRINCESS, and you’re in for an adventure that’s more than just sightseeing. You will discover an array of engaging onboard offerings to expand your cultural horizons.

An adventure in the

CULTURAL Engaging enrichment opportunities and exciting art auctions bring refinement to your cruise.

Among the wonderful offerings of our enrichment programs is an array of classes, from singing to culinary skills and art history. You can brush up on your cooking knowledge, expand your navigational awareness, or join the Zumba® Fitness dance party.* Get creative and have fun learning new craft activities and much more. Enrichment programs also present intriguing lectures on select cruises, including those focusing on the history, culture and geography of the region you are visiting.

GET INTO THE AUCTION** Our live art auctions are fun, fast-paced and offer an exciting opportunity to collect exceptional works of art. You’ll find some of the art world’s biggest stars — from Picasso to Chagall to Rockwell to Max — all represented, with hundreds of works available from contemporary art’s most popular figures. So immerse yourself, and experience our auctions, gallery events and enrichment lectures this voyage. And don’t worry about carrying your new collection off the ship, because most works are shipped to your door. * Zumba available on select voyages. ** N ot available on Ocean Princess and Pacific Princess.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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PRINCESS C AY S ®

There is a cabana with your name on it — that is, should you choose to stay on shore versus plunging into the cool blue. Of course, on your own Bahaman island, you can do it all.

THE INFINITE BLUES

of Caribbean sea and sky just seem all that much more inviting when you’re enjoying them from a secluded beach in the Bahamas. So Princess® has reserved just such a sparkling seaside retreat for our passengers. Welcome to Princess Cays.®

waves, or join a pick-up game of beach volleyball or basketball. You can paddle about the surf on an aqua bike, or relax on a towel to soak up the sun with your toes in the breakers. Local vendors offer handmade souvenirs at a straw market, while bartenders mix rum drinks at the Banana Beach Bar. And pastel bungalows may be reserved in which to relax and watch the hours go by.*

AHOY KIDS!

Pelican’s Perch offers a fantastic play area where children can build sandcastles or swashbuckle on a replica pirate galleon. It’s all you could imagine of your own Bahamian playground!

What will a day at this private paradise look like? That all depends on your mood. The dress code is extremely casual — so put on your bathing suit, grab your flip flops and come ashore. Once here, you’ll be able to select from an inviting menu of activities. You can look for fish as you snorkel in the gentle 70

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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PRINCESS

CAYS®

There’s always plenty for families to enjoy together on Princess Cays® — including fabulous snorkeling. You can reserve one of our pastelcolored bungalows to enjoy food and drinks with your own private perspective of the island.*

*Charges apply

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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MOVIES

UNDER THE STARS®

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT

Princess pioneered the concept — passengers ®

enjoying a feature film poolside on a giant screen — Movies Under the Stars . ®

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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ORDER A DRINK,

grab a bag of complimentary popcorn, get yourself a lounge chair by the pool — or even better, a coveted spot in the hot tub for the greatest show on the sea. Movies Under the Stars® is a real crowd-pleaser, with up to five movies shown poolside during the day, and two feature films at night. What a great way to take advantage of warm nights in the region. A high-tech 300-square-foot LED screen and 69,000watt stereo system assure clarity and quality of sound from wherever on the deck you might be sitting.

EVEN KIDS GET IN

on the fun. Some of the most popular offerings on the Movies Under the Stars big screen are our special Playstation® or Nintendo® Wii TM tournaments. And teens will enjoy latenight screenings just for them, while younger cruisers can take in a colorful matinee with newfound friends!

TO KEEP THE ENTERTAINMENT FRESH, there are other showings besides movies. Major sporting events such as the Super Bowl,® NBA Finals, World Series, NCAA Basketball® tournament and NCAA Bowl Championship Series™ are shown on the big screen, weather permitting.* And you’ll often find yourself grooving to a concert video of one of the world’s most popular performers.

*Satellite coverage permitting. Note: Movies Under the Stars is featured on most Princess ships.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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YOUTH

AND TEEN

Kid-sized fun that’s simply

“ S E A S AT I O N A L ”

MOMS AND DADS,

OUR YOUNGEST GUESTS

be forewarned — aside from mealtimes, you may not see your kids much on this cruise. That’s because Princess® has one of the best programs for children and teens from 3–17 of any cruise line. On days at sea and in port, the fun begins in the morning and continues throughout the day and into the evening in our supervised Youth Centers & Teen Lounges.

ages 3–7 will love our Princess Pelicans program. They can participate in a variety of programs including art projects, sports and games, educational activities, and even pizza and ice cream parties. Plus, kids can take part in fun events such as talent shows, dance parties, pajama parties and special gettogether dinners. They’ll even paint their own T-shirts and create

other custom souvenirs of their cruise.

’TWEENS WILL REVEL in Shockwaves — a special venue with activities just for them. They can enjoy parties, join sports tournaments

and scavenger hunts, watch movies, learn to cook with our Jr.CHEF@Sea program, participate in talent shows, or enjoy educational programs. Whatever their age, kids on a cruise with Princess will find fun-filled activities suited just for them.

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PARTIES • GAMES • DANCE PARTIES PLAYSTATION ® • NINTENDO ® WII TM

REMIX What’s a teen to do

SPORTS COMPETITIONS • AND MORE

on a Princess ship? Plenty — because our

Remix teen program is the hottest thing on the ocean. Come make new friends and hang in your own dedicated Teen Lounge with music, games, dance parties, yoga and Playstation.® There are hip hop classes, karaoke, mocktail parties, late-night poolside movies, talent shows, and sports competitions.

If you haven’t checked it out,

come to Remix.

It’s the place to be at sea!

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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THE NIGHT BELONGS T O YO U Step out for an evening of adventure and excitement on a ship of dreams.

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ACTIVITIES

NIGHTTIME

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME you could go out without a single worry — and have so much to choose from? It’s a rare luxury to be able to walk out of your stateroom any evening, and within a short stroll be able to take in a musical, roll the dice in a lively casino, settle into a piano bar for some cocktails and live music or dance the night away in a state-of-the-art nightclub. From comedy and magic acts to movies by the pool to champagne in an intimate lounge, there’s always more to do than you could fit in an evening. Fortunately, you’ve got many nights ahead to enjoy all the evenings Princess® holds in store for you.

Whether for a few hours in the lounge or an evening of dancing, don’t miss this chance to cut loose and be enchanted by the night.

Be sure to drop by the Atrium for the fabulous champagne waterfall, or get out on deck for a stroll beneath the stars in the balmy tropical air.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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CASINO GAMING

Princess is your

LADY LUCK The onboard casinos offer a chance to play, watch the wheel spin, press the slot buttons and bring home the winnings.

ARE YOU FEELING LUCKY? An evening of gaming and good fortune is beckoning you to the casino, where you can try your luck at any of your favorite games of chance. Our fabulous, contemporary casinos blend a bit of the excitement of Vegas with an elegant ambience to create a gaming experience unique to Princess. In these lively rooms, you can join other passengers for blackjack, roulette and, of course, an array of slot machines. There may even be a poker tournament getting under way with a seat just for you. Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re an avid gamer or just an occasional enthusiast, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love the Princess casinos. Those on our grand ships are some of the largest at sea!

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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SHOWS

ENTERTAINMENT

Music, dance & all that

JAZZ LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, please take your seats. The lights are dimming, the curtain’s opening, and the show is about to begin.

OUR ORIGINAL MUSICALS

are unforgettable — combining lavish stage sets and compelling scores with the song and dance of a troupe of professional singers and dancers. On every voyage with Princess,® you’ll have the opportunity to attend several different musical productions, each custom created just for our passengers. Check your Princess Patter each day to find out about that evening’s offering. And we’ll see you at the show!

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PRINCESS CRUISES

CAPTAIN’S CIRCLE

WELCOME TO

THE CIRCLE

Whether it’s your first cruise with Princess,® or you’ve sailed with us many times before, you’re sure to enjoy the benefits and rewards of the best loyalty program at sea.

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GOLD MEMBERS After your 1st completed cruise • Special Launch Savings • Reduced Deposit • Preferential pricing offers • Circle CenterSM Online - StandBy Program - Referral Rewards - Circle Savings AccountSM • Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Magazine • Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle eNewsletter • Free Cruise Photo Contest • Access to a Circle Host on board • Members-only onboard events • Princess Passport • Gold Member Pin

BY VOYAGE’S END, it’s likely

TO THE RIGHT YOU’LL FIND

you will have made a new circle of friends at dinner or perhaps in the fitness center, boutiques, bars and lounges of your Princess® ship. Like you, they’re all members of a very special group — those who’ve sailed with Princess, and those we hope will sail again.

a chart listing the benefits of the various levels of membership. To learn more about the program, we encourage you to visit with the Circle Host on board, who can answer any questions you may have.

WELCOME to the best loyalty program at sea. The Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle® was created to thank those passengers who cruise with us frequently — and to offer an incentive to our new passengers joining us for the very first time. A range of rewards awaits you, from exclusive onboard parties and events to access to a Circle Host on board every cruise who can answer any questions you might have about benefits. At higher levels, you’ll receive other perks like Preferred Check-In, complimentary wine tasting, complimentary Internet credit, priority disembarkation and more!

You’ll receive a special Member Number as a Circle Member. Be sure to provide this number each time you make a booking so you can be certain to take advantage of all your benefits.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE... Complete 20 cruises and you’ll earn Loyalty Commends onboard credits from $25 to $100. Other benefits include a private luncheon for the top 20 Most Traveled Passengers or a commemorative gift and bottle of champagne for the top 3 Most Traveled Passengers on each voyage.

NOTE: Captain’s Circle Benefits are subject to the terms and conditions of the Captain’s Circle Program. Please visit princess.com or your Captain’s Circle Host on board to review the full terms of the program and to obtain further details on Member benefits.

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RUBY MEMBERS From your 4th–5th cruise, or 31–50 cruise days • Exclusive shoreside access to the Captain’s Circle Help Desk phone line • Upgrade to Princess Platinum Vacation Protection - Double benefits for Accident & Sickness Medical Expense and Baggage/Personal Effects coverage - Increases Special Cancellation Credit Feature to 100% • 10% discount off the purchase of our Reflections DVD on board • Ruby Member Pin

PLATINUM MEMBERS From your 6th-15th cruise, or 51-150 cruise days • Credit toward Internet Café packages Voyage

Minutes

7 days or less

150

8 - 20 days

250

21+ days

500

• Preferred check-in at Embarkation • Platinum Disembarkation Lounge • Complimentary Cruise Atlas • Platinum Member Pin

ELITE MEMBERS From your 16th cruise on, or 151+ cruise days • Complimentary shoe polishing, laundry and professional cleaning services • Priority ship-to-shore tender embarkation • Priority disembarkation • 10% boutique discount • Complimentary Grapevine Wine Tasting • Complimentary mini-bar setup • Deluxe canapés on formal nights (upon request) • Upgraded stateroom amenities • Traditional afternoon tea in stateroom (upon request) • Elite Member Pin PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

10/8/14 9:42 AM

PLAN

A FUTURE JOURNEY

BOOK YOUR NEXT CRUISE

ON BOARD

Let a Future Cruise Sales Consultant help you plan a future getaway, and you’ll get a reduced deposit and up to $300 in shipboard credits, even if you don’t yet know where you want to sail. Book a cruise or place a deposit while you’re on board and receive a special offer — up to $300 shipboard credit per stateroom. With a reduced refundable deposit of just $100 per person, you’ll get a shipboard credit good on your next cruise with Princess. If you’re unsure of your future travel plans, simply make a deposit and take up to two years to decide. This exclusive offer is available only to our onboard passengers. See your Future Cruise Consultant for details.

Shipboard Credit*

Cruise Length

Stateroom Type

3-6 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$15 $25

7-10 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$25 $50

11-16 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$75 $100

17+ days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$125 $150

(U.S./CAN)

C heck the Princess Patter daily for office hours and location. Shipboard credit is per person, for 1st and 2nd passenger only. On Sun, Dawn & Sea Princess shipboard credit converts to AUD while in Australia.

Note: Future Cruise deposits are available to international passengers. See Future Cruise Sales Consultant for details.

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THE EXCITING NEXT GENERATION OF THE PRINCESS CRUISES FLEET Discover how our new ships’ evolutionary design builds on the hallmarks of the Princess Cruises® experience to transform the way you see the world.

Royal Princess® entered service: June 2013 Regal Princess® enters service: May 2014

From the breathtaking Atrium & Piazza – now over 50 percent larger than our other ships’ Atriums and featuring exciting new eateries – to elegant decor specifically chosen to reflect the warmth and sophistication that’s synonymous with Princess Cruises, to exciting new signature features ® like The SeaWalk , a dramatic glass-bottomed walkway which USA TODAY calls one of the “Top Gee-Whiz Features at Sea” – the next generation of the Princess fleet is sure to impress.

The Enclave

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The SeaWalk®

10/8/14 9:42 AM

Global Customer Service | Certified Appraisal | 30 Day Insurance Plan | Follow us on Facebook Member of the Dufry Group, a Swiss company established in 1865 and operating in over 60 countries | www.colombianemeralds.com

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beauty in the details.

ANTIGUA & BARBUDA • ARUBA • BAHAMAS (FREEPORT & NASSAU) • BARBADOS • CURACAO • GRAND TURK • GRENADA • JAMAICA (FALMOUTH, WHITEHOUSE, OCHO RIOS) • MEXICO (CANCUN, COZUMEL, PUERTO VALLARTA) • PROVIDENCIALES • PUERTO RICO • HONDURAS (ROATAN) SANTO DOMINGO • ST. KITTS • ST. LUCIA • ST. MAARTEN • ST. THOMAS

TAX FREE & DUTY FREE

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beauty in the details.

TAX FREE & DUTY FREE

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Shopping Spotlight

Your daily guide to onboa

Cozumel

From The Desk Of Your Prince

rd and in port shopping.

S h o p p i n g Che ckli st Find this season’s must-h ave brands!

ss Shopping Host

2(X)IST | DI

The “Island of the Swallow s” is steeped in Mayan history, renowned dive sites, and a wide variety of shoppin g experiences. Upon exiting the ship, you will find yourself in the oceanside town of San Miguel, which offers world class diamonds, tanzanite and watches in several upscale shops. For a historic experience, Liz Wadden you can take in the sites at San Gervasio, which was home to Mayan altars and shrines dating back to A.D. 300, or travel south to explore the Celarain lighthouse Punta Sur. Just as Jacque at Cousteau showed the world the Palanca r Reef, you too can discover one of the 100+ world class dive sites along the coast or head to Chankanaab Park to swim with dolphins.

H AV E A PER FEC T DAY

Bring your Shopping Spotlight newsletter into port. Tuck it into your purse or pocket and put the port at your fingertips.

Gett ing arou nd is as easy as 1, 2, 3

Visit your Fun Shopping Expert on the to pick up yourFinds gangway shopping coupons and VIP cards. If your ship is at Punta steps away—nodocked a Pier, downtown shoppin taxis necessary.Langost g is If your ship is docked Pier, take a taxi downtown. at Internationaljust Your shopping fun starts along historic waterfront at Forum Shops in downtown Cozume for the guaranteed stores l. Walk for lunch and great restaura nts

& Design

Fendi | DI Forevermark | DI Fruitz | DI / Colombian

Emeralds International

Gift Collection | DI Internatio Gucci Jewelry | Abbott's

nal Watch & Design

Jewellery & Perfumery Jewellery & Perfumery

Kabana | DI

PRINCESS SHOPPING HOST DESK HOURS:

/ DI International Watch

Dior Timepieces | DI

John Hardy | DI / Abbott's

Arrival:

nal Watch & Design

Charles Krypell | DI Crown of Light | DI / TI Day 2 Night | DI

Hublot | DI

Departure:

Blue Heaven | DI Internatio

Gucci Watches | Abbott's

F E AT U R E D P O R T E V E N TS

OFFICIAL PORT TIMES

Alex And Ani | DI

Jewellery & Perfumery

Korite | DI Marahlago | Abbott's Jewellery &

International TAG Heuer | Colombian Emeralds International / Abbott's Jewellery & Perfumery WonderStud | DI

Port Shopping Buyer’s

el Shops Downtown Cozum 1c 1d 1e

al Diamonds Internation al Tanzanite Internation al Watch & Design Diamonds Internation

Avenida Rafael Melgar

20 12

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Forum Shops

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1c 3a 21a

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Calle Dr. Adolfo Rosado Salas

Calle 1 Sur

Plaza

Avenida Benito Juarez

21b

Tender Pier

must be based on retail prices offered by authorized brand retailers, and the appraisal. Internet pricing brand names must be offers and special clearance mentioned in the sales by authorized brand valuation claims. Claims retailers cannot be accepted are based on documentatio for n received at the time of receipts, appraisals, and/or the sales transaction, i.e. certificates. written or imprinted To initiate a claim: If a problem arises during this cruise regarding a please contact your Princess purchase from a store Shopping Host onboard listed on this map, for immediate assistance. the purchase date, file If a problem arises within a claim online at our 60 days of website: customerservi Relations Department ce.onboardmedia.com at Onboard Media: 1691 or contact the Customer Michigan Avenue, Suite 600, Miami 800-396-2999 Phone: 305-673-0400 Fax: 786.276.0434 Beach, FL 33139. Toll Free: E-mail: shopping.issue Monday – Thursday, 9:00 s@onboardmedia.com a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday Hours (EST): 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Program Operator: The port shopping program is operated by Onboard relations claims relating Media, which stands behind to the buyer’s guarantee. all customer All merchants participating included in the shopping in this program have paid program. Onboard Media a fee to be pays a publishing and Onboard Media nor the promotional fee to the cruise line owns any of cruise line. Neither the retailers participating in this program. Sur

10b 10c

Viva Mexico

QUE MARK HENRY BOUTIrite and Hearts on Fire, just steps from

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& Gifts

FORUM SHOPS

al, Diamonds Off d Roof: Diamonds Internation Official Taxi Drop under One Air Conditione

4a A TOUCH OF GOLD Dollar teed Value for your

for 30 years regarded by cruise lines fine jewelry store, highly Mexican opals, pearls • Distinguished: Cozumel’s gold, diamond jewelry, topaz Factory direct prices on rubies, emeralds and Caribbean • Exceptional Savings: diamonds, tanzanite, sapphires, • Luscious Colors: Blue and Ani Glam Rock, Citizen, Alex for peace of mind • Special Brands: Bulova, Money Back Guarantee 30-Day Unconditional • Renowned: Exclusive

Guaran

al • Unsurpassed Shopping Design, Tequileria Internation Korite International Watch & On Fire, Philip Stein, Movado, Light, Kabana, Hearts • Boutiques: Crown of Terrace Bar • DI Lounge: Ocean View 1c 1d 1e

L LDS INTERN ATIONA COLOM BIAN EMERAne Specialists and Gemsto

1a 1b

ATIONA L ago to offer tax- and duty-free DIAMO NDS INTERN 20 years al was established over has now blossomed into

Emerald Dufry shop Located inside the in the world; Tax- and duty-free shopping

in St. Thomas Diamonds Internation What began as one store the world. Throughout savings to Caribbean travelers. it is one of the largest diamond retailers in shopping atmosphere Today, more than 125 locations. by providing a comfortable timepieces, distinguished themselves of luxury jewelry and elegant their history, they have service. With a vast assortment value. and outstanding customer providing unsurpassed al pride themselves in location Diamonds Internation Up to 70% off at 1a

Start your day here

• Largest selection of emeralds tanzanite sapphires, pearls, and Tisento and Troll Beads • Large selection of diamonds, Marah Lago, Quattour, CZ, Lauren G Adams, • Jewelry: Charriol, Fire free financing no payments and interest • Up to one full year of educated sales staff • Local, experienced, and

at DI -

diamonds savings on loose and set Fire, Gift Collection • Largest selection and Forevermark, Hearts on Brands: Crown of Light, • Exclusive Diamond diamond • Featuring Kabana jewelry for a bigger and brighter Trade in your diamond staff • Lifetime Diamond Upgrades: and master jewelers on Graduate gemologists • Certified GIA/EGL Appraisals: Jewelry: Select your diamond, choose the mounting Piece of • Design Your Own Dream

CARILO HA

6a 6b

Where Everything

Is Made from Bamboo

Most Recomm

from the source at incredible Since 1988: Buy direct ima collection • Tanzanite One Sightholder Shira and the newest—Ml Tanzanite: Kibo, Mawenzi, 100 cts • Safi Kilima Designer ranging from 1 to over Thousands of loose tanzanite, • Incredible Selection: a certificate of authenticity Every stone comes with Couture collection • Authentic Tanzanite: their hottest Safi Kilima see to opportunity • Don’t miss this

DEL SOL

Home to MH Alexand Jewelry color changing Alexandrite the ship! Mark Henry's natural with • Become One in a Million to vibrant mossy green cabernet red transform • Experience dramatic waiting to be discovered perfectly cut diamond, • Hearts on Fire, the most you can't afford to miss! and Tanzanite specials • Multi-color Sapphire budget to suit every style and • Mexican Fire Opal Jewelry

Store Most Recommended Hardy, Kabana, Hearts On Fire, John Watches and Jewelry Light, Charriol, Gift Collection,

on this map provide

PANAM A JACK

Since 1974

tour essentials! get all your beach and • "The" shop to visit to great prices. you know and trust at • Suncare & sunglasses in here, make great presents! for you. & caps, only available fun something casual and • Cool Panama Jack tees Panama Jack always has • Timeless and intriguing, new this week now! Find out what is • Something is on sale 16 BALLES TEROSStores in Mexico: TALLER ES DE LOS Recognized Silver

the tradition Silver Emporium that has always respected by by renowned local family to finding the most unique designs and trends Martha Vargas and silver, they are committed and designers such as and exceptional famous Mexican silversmiths to find extraordinary service Hector Salgados. Be sure reasonable prices. at jewelry and silver items Jewelry in Mexico looks for less Expensive ; #1 Store for Silver from casual to extravagant omegas and chains • Seductive silver jewelry bracelets, earrings, rings, s stones, silver sculptures • Stunning sets of necklaces, mother of pearl, semipreciou Map for a charm • .925 sterling silver with in Town: Stamp your Shopping • Look for the Silver Triangle

One of the Most Sterling Silver Authentic Mexican fine sterling jewelry from Taxco, Guerrero

and more s stones, silver sculptures • More than 70 years offering with Larimar, semipreciou • .925 sterling silver jewelry available quality and home delivery products in Mexico certifies all • Affordable prices, best of Jewelry and Silversmith • The National Chamber

10b

Vanilla, coffee, pewter, hand-blown glass • Made-in-Mexico Products: gifts and souvenirs, onyx, • Wide selection of colorful all at incredible discounts blanket, bag • 100% cotton T-shirts maraca, Mexican hat, Tequila, 2 shot glasses, • Mexican Survival Kit:

7a 7b

11c

11a 11b teed DUFRY DUTY-F REE n, Best Prices Guaran Best Brands, Best Selectio

products • Just Add Sun: Del Sol shorts, hats Shirts, beach dresses, • Color-Change Apparel: guarantee New, polarized, lifetime more • Solize™ Sunglasses: : New styles, colors and • Nail Polish & Hair Accessories accessories & nail polish Apparel, • Disney, Marvel, Pixar:

vs. US Retail liquor, tobacco and confections • Savings up to 70% off for fragrances and cosmetics, • Recommended Retailer Products • Exclusive Duty Free

g Plaz a Roy al Vill age Sho ppin

12b

12a dinary Store LOS CINCO SOLES A Unique and Extraor Simply Spectacular;

in Cozumel

art, crafts, glass and pottery Not to be Missed: Mexican handcrafted jewelry boutique • A Shopping Experience Mexican .925 silver and coffee , tequila, hot sauce and • Every Taste, Every Budget: Clothing, souvenirs, collectiblesCalle 8 • 100% Made in Mexico: corner of the flagship store at the • Come downtown to

of • Designer Jewelry: Crown Forevermark Yvel, Lauren G Adams, Stein, Piaget, Raymond Marahlago Larimar, Rebecca, I.W.C., Movado, Philip Fendi, Fruitz, Gucci, Hublot, • Fine Timepieces: Dior, Bulova, ESQ Weil, TAG Heuer, Breitling,

Pue rta May a Pier

LOCA

STARL

9a 9b 9c 9d

IUM Owned SILVER EMPOR silver stores in Cozumel. of the art of is one of the longest existing

hange Retailer World’s Largest Color-C change colors with sunlight

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3a L WATCH & DESIGN Designer your DIAMO NDS INTERN ATIONA in the Caribbean for

SSA ationa InternPier

a Puert Maya Pier

13b

13a l RON JON SURF SHOP® Surf Shop… in Cozume

The World Famous fun collectibles and accessories Famous Ron Jon T-shirts,

gear and sunscreen • The Brand You Know: trendy bags, hats, snorkel • Beach Gear: Logo towels, wear for the entire family • Surf, beach and sun sticker with every purchase your Cozumel Ron Jon • Not to be Missed: Collect

Photo Op

14b 14c

Exit to Town

14a KES & GIFTS Great Service and MAYAN FIESTA RUMCA tic Mexican Gifts,

Great Value, Authen Amazing Prices

rum cakes own Mayan 6-pack of flavors to customize your Free tastings • Choose from 9 tropical Cake; Made in Cozumel; and Mexican Vanilla Rum herbs, spices and more • Must Try: Pina Colada organic coffee, chocolates, spices • Authentic Mexican vanilla, of hot sauces, herbs and Cozumel’s largest selections • Wall of Fire: One of

Photo Op

12a

10a VIVA MEXICO Store for Mexican Gifts #1 Destination Tequila, Talavera ceramic

goods apparel, bedding & bath • Feel the Difference: Bamboo cotton as soft and 3º cooler than • Why Bamboo? Twice hats Shirts, shorts, socks, polos, • Bamboo-Soft Apparel: free to your home Ultra-soft sheets; ship • Bamboo Bed & Bath: & shorts pants, cross tanks, tees • Bamboo Fitness: Yoga

2a 2b 2c

ATIONA L TANZA NITE INTERNStore in the Caribbean for your Tanzanite prices ended

Punta Langosta Mall

Only the stores listed

12b 12c

17 2a

Museum Of Cozumel

Synagogue Calle 12 Norte

11c

Dufry Duty-Free Los Cinco Soles

Calle 7

Calle 5 Sur

Calle 3 Sur

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9b 9c 9d

Silver Emprium

Mayan Fiesta Rumcakes

Calle 2 Norte

Calle 4 Norte

Calle 6 Norte

Calle 8 Norte

3b 3c

Del Sol

Ron Jon Surf Shop

Official Taxi Drop Off

2b 2c

Cariloha A Touch of Gold

in downtown Cozume

Find these stores only

l Dow nto wn Coz ume

Guarantee

This 60-day guarantee assures buyers that the stores listed on this map Buyer’s remorse, buyer’s stand behind the quality negligence, and lost or of their merchandise. stolen merchandise are stores will repair or replace excluded from this guarantee. any unsatisfactory item, Participating excluding watches and and some other branded some other branded merchandise. merchandise carry international Watches brand warrantees and will be repaired or replaced by the brand service centers. repaired or replaced, a refund When unsatisfactory items will be offered. For tracking cannot be purposes, all merchandise store or brand service center. shipments must be authorized Many stores in port, including by the stores that do not participate guarantees. Please inquire in the program, offer their about individual store return own policies before finalizing any purchase. For purposes of determining quality and value of jewelry and branded merchandise: replacement value for insurance Only appraisals stating purposes will be accepted. retail The appraisal must come gemological laboratory from an internationally such as: EGL (USA) or recognized IGI. Valuation comparisons of watches and other branded merchandise

Only the stores listed

on this map provide

Planet Hollywood Swarovski al Diamonds Internation Watch & Design Lacoste GNC Harley Davidson Martí Cartier Kool Sunglasses

Money Back Café Punta del Cielo Oxxo Nutrisa Hecho en México Majórica Lladró La Ruta de las Indias Rosalia Zingara

Daniel Espinosa Q Bar Mont Blanc Adidas Vilebrequin Sunglas Island Pama CIBanco TAF Camasha

Roger Boots Talleres de Ballesteros 98 Coast Av. Too Late Kafri Ahal Chula

. the 60-day buyer's guarantee

CAN BALCIOGLU/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Your Shopping Spotlight newsletter will be delivered to your stateroom each night. Make sure to take it with you into port. You can also see your Princess Shopping Host for more specific information. The host’s desk hours are listed in your Princess Patter.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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One of a kind. One at a time. Each by hand.

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OBJECTS Le Vian Chocolatier® Link’ing pendant

Perfect your look with one of these little luxuries: a dramatic pendant, a sparkling ring, a shimmering bracelet or timepiece. It’s a vacation memory of the best kind.

DESIRE

Korite 18k-gold Solara pendant

Roberto Coin Pois Moi Diamond Chain Link bracelet

Chopard Imperiale ring

Gucci Bamboo bracelet in 18kt yellow gold Rolex Sea Dweller 4000

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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ART OF DECO DIAMOND GOLD, BLACK DIAMOND DIAL

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OBJECTS

DESIRE

Kabana Alhambra Collection Safi Kilima Tanzanite ring

Forevermark Fancy Oval ring

Gift Collection Tiara Diamond ring

Jewelry to rock your world: diamonds top the must-have list, but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not the only way to attract a crowd. The looks that matter? Whatever matters to you.

David Yurman Confetti Narrow bracelet

Mark Henry Pave Collection alexandrite ring

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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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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The RivieRa ColleCTion multicolor spiny oyster and mother of pearl, yellow gold

MADE IN U.S.A. Since 1975

DiamonDs international Caribbean & Mexican Riviera PrinCess CrUise line Select Onboard Jewelry Boutiques

For your nearest retailer call 800.521.5986 or visit us at www.kabana.com

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beauty in the details.

Global Customer | Certified Appraisal 30 Day Insurance Plan |us Follow us on Facebook Global Customer Service |Service Certified Appraisal | 30 Day| Insurance Plan | Follow on Facebook of the DufryaGroup, a Swiss company established in 1865 and operating in over 60 countries | www.colombianemeralds.com Member Member of the Dufry Group, Swiss company established in 1865 and operating in over 60 countries | www.colombianemeralds.com ANTIGUA & BARBUDA • ARUBA • BAHAMAS (FREEPORT & NASSAU) • BARBADOS • CURACAO • GRAND TURK • GRENADA • JAMAICA (FALMOUTH, ANTIGUA & BARBUDA • ARUBA • BAHAMAS (FREEPORT & NASSAU) • BARBADOS • CURACAO • GRAND TURK • GRENADA WHITEHOUSE, OCHO RIOS) • MEXICO (CANCUN, COZUMEL, PUERTO VALLARTA) • PROVIDENCIALES • PUERTO RICO • HONDURAS (ROATAN) JAMAICA (FALMOUTH, WHITEHOUSE, OCHO RIOS) • MEXICO (CANCUN, COZUMEL, PUERTO VALLARTA) • PROVIDENCIALES DOMINGO • ST. KITTS • ST.DOMINGO LUCIA • ST.• MAARTEN ST.LUCIA THOMAS NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE PUERTO RICO SANTO • HONDURAS (ROATAN) • SANTO ST. KITTS • •ST. • ST.• MAARTEN • ST. THOMAS

TAX& FREE DUTY FREE TAX FREE DUTY&FREE

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BluE

DiamonDs

GrEEn

DiamonDs

Exotic FirE opal

ST. THOMAS

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E-mail: info@kaysfinejewelry.com www.kaysfinejewelry.com Friend us on Facebook: Kfj Caribbean

9/4/14 4:23 PM

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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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EXPLORE A TROPICAL PARADISE

12-2 Front Street Philipsburg, St. Maarten Across Pasangrahan hotel 1.721.542.1109 pandora.sxm@boolchand.com 9002 • Havensight Mall • Bldg 2 St. Thomas • VI 00802 340.776.8550 pandora.hs@boolchand.com

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15A Main St • St. Thomas • VI 00802 340.774.3672 pandora.stt@boolchand.com Gomezplein 3-4 Punda, Willemstad, Curaçao Tel: 5999.465.4774 pandora.cur@boolchand.com facebook.com/PandoraCuracao

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DECO DIAMOND, DIAMOND DIAL ON BLUE NIGHTS CRYSTAL

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Montblanc Extreme Steel ScreenWriter Crafted for New Heights The Montblanc Extreme Steel ScreenWriter enables the writing, drawing and sketching of ideas not only traditionally on paper but also on the touch-screens of mobile devices with pen-like precision, thanks to its interchangeable Screenwriter-Disc, Fineliner and Rollerball reďŹ lls. Visit and shop Montblanc.com Enjoy ďŹ ne writing culture on your mobile devices. Download the new Montblanc Screenwriter App.

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PHOTOS BY: ALEXANDER CHAIKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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GUIDE TO

PORTS Antigua Aruba Cozumel Fort Lauderdale Grand Cayman Princess Cays St. Maarten Canada

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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PHOTOS BY: RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; DARRYL BROOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Antigua

Boaters find many cozy spots to drop anchor.

ANTIGUA

Part of the two-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda, this locale is even more focused on the waters surrounding it than you might expect. The most zealous beachgoers and sailors now favor its scalloped shores, but they were once beloved by colonial navies and smugglers.

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PHOTOS BY: RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; DARRYL BROOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Antigua boasts 365 beaches.

Quick Guide Famed for: Beaches, sailing and rich maritime history. It’s a Fact: Rock legend Eric Clapton owns a home on the island, and you can see it from the bluffs of Shirley Heights. Signature Souvenirs: Rum, hot pepper sauce and toy steel drums. How to Get to Town: The lively center of St. John’s is an easy walk from the pier. It takes only a minute or two, and you may not even lose sight of your ship.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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HOLGER WULSCHLAEGER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Antigua

Aerial view of St. John’s.

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

ANTIGUA

Called “the Gateway to the Caribbean,” Antigua has been favored by sailors since Britain’s Adm. Lord Horatio Nelson sailed into port in 1784. Today, Nelson’s Dockyard National Park is the world’s only remaining Georgian naval yard, a favorite with yachties and the site of one of the world’s top five regattas. Historic stone buildings house boutiques, restaurants and museums. Antigua’s beaches offer everything from family fun and romantic relaxation to challenging watersports. And shoppers can dive into two special areas on the island. Duty-free shopping reigns at Heritage Quay, where shops sell fine jewelry, perfumes, clothing and more. At the waterfront Redcliffe Quay, shops in colorful colonial

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buildings sell handicrafts and Caribbean artwork. When it’s time for a break, restaurants tempt visitors’ palates with Antigua’s national dish: fungi and pepperpot, a thick vegetable stew made with yam, squash, okra, eggplant, dasheen leaves (similar to spinach), plantains and pumpkin, served with salted meat and fried cornmeal dumplings. Dessert is an extra-sweet Antigua black pineapple. Don’t be surprised to see familiar faces in Antigua’s restaurants. Through the years, Eric Clapton, Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman have owned homes on this island, named the best in the Caribbean for celebrity spotting. — John Bigley and Paris Permenter

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Ports of call | Antigua

H AR BOR HIS T ORY By Deborah Williams

It was 1671 when Sir Charles Wheeler, governor of the Leeward Islands, first urged the British Crown to consider the deep, expansive bay called English Harbour, Antigua, as a seaport for the Royal Navy. By 1704, the harbor was sheltering a large part of the British fleet, which set out from here on raids and forays over the next 100 years — a period of constant power struggles between British, Spanish, French and Dutch explorers, settlers and pirates. The only remaining Georgian naval dockyard in the world achieved its greatest fame when Adm. Lord Horatio Nelson, the man who was to become Britain’s most celebrated naval hero, was headquartered there. During Nelson’s days in Antigua, the Antillean islands ranked higher in importance than the North American

colonies, thanks to sugar. The crop was so lucrative that the British government spent a fortune on the dockyard to maintain the might of the Royal Navy and to discourage invaders who sought this precious natural resource. The yard was officially abandoned by the Royal Navy in 1889, and soon fell into disrepair. It was restored and reopened in 1961 by a group of Antiguans and expatriates who formed an organization known as the Society of Friends of English Harbour. Now a national park, this area is a lively center for sailors, history buffs and anyone who enjoys a nautical atmosphere.

PHOTOS BY: JULES SWICKARD/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

LEFT: The dockyard where ships and sails were overhauled and repaired. BELOW: Adm. Lord Horatio Nelson, commander of the dockyard for the Royal Navy’s West Indies Fleet during the late 18th century.

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EXPLORE A TROPICAL PARADISE

Sterling silver charms from $25

Experience at:

Heritage Quay St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s V.C. Bird International Airport 268.562.5662 sterlings@candw.ag Find us on

Facebook

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Ports of call | Antigua

LOCAL TREASURES

Experience the distinctive Caribbean treasures that make every port exceptional.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Hats and souvenirs; Colorfully painted ceramic pots; Mojitos.

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PHOTOS BY: (HATS) KAMIRA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (POTS) ANDY DEAN PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DRINKS) RJ GRANT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

From restaurants to retailers, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much to enjoy. For a true taste of the Caribbean, look for listings of local businesses in select ports throughout this section.

PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port Baobab Company

The Baobab Company, located upstairs, represents a collection of casual, stylized and highly graphic impressions on certified organic T-shirts, cover-ups, dresses, shorts, baggies and button-downs for men, women and children. We convey the ethnic soul and culture of Antigua.

35 Heritage Quay baobabcompany.com | 268-562-8305

Exotic Antigua

Exotic Antigua specializes in clothing and accessories for men and women. Our wide selection of sundresses, sarongs, shirts, jewelry, bags and hats will make you look right at home in the Caribbean. Add a coral necklace, a floral bag or a straw hat, and pair your bathing suit with a vivid sarong. Our friendly staff can put together the perfect outfit for your day at the beach or evening out.

Redcliffe Quay Waterfront exoticantigua@gmail.com | 268-562-1288

The Giftstop & Toyshop PHOTOS BY: (HATS) KAMIRA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (POTS) ANDY DEAN PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DRINKS) RJ GRANT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Your one stop for gifts for everyone on your list. • Local crafts, dolls, steel pans and souvenirs • Rum cake, Susie’s hot sauce, jams and spices • T-shirts, beach gear, everything pirate and lots more

Redcliffe Quay facebook.com/toyshopgiftstop | 268-462-1041

Harbour View Bar & Café

From its vantage point above Exotic Antigua, Harbour View Bar & Café has a location that is pretty hard to beat. Enjoy cooling trade breezes while watching the world go by. Primarily open for breakfast and lunch, the menu includes Venetian caprese and the Captains Chicken Caesar, along with sandwiches and paninis. The famous Exotic Antiguan Banana Split is proving to be a firm favorite, as is the Vivy Rum Bat — a cricket bat served with shots of dark Antiguan Cavalier rum and English Harbour 5-year-old rum, oldfashioned rum punch and a coke or fruit punch chaser.

Redcliffe Quay Waterfront exoticantigua@gmail.com | 268-462-2972

Island Gourmet Boutique

Offering 100% Caribbean artisanal fare. Choose from a wide range of exquisite local and regional products, including fiery sauces, chutneys, fresh spices, cakes, jams, jellies, chocolate, cookbooks, woodware, linens and more.

1 Redcliffe Quay | islandgourmetboutique.com 268-734-2080

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Ports of call | Antigua

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

Tropical Adventures Await Tropical Adventures is Antigua’s most established and awarded tour company. We endeavor to provide you with only the best shore excursions during your stay.

The Excellence power catamaran, which operates the

See Antigua By Sea tour, will take you on a 100 percent circumnavigation of Antigua’s exotic coastline with a visit to the idyllic Green Island.

The Mystic sailing catamaran offers the Lobster Lunch &

Champagne Cruise. Relax with a refreshing drink as we sail to many beaches on the west coast. Enjoy a grilled-lobster lunch onboard the catamaran.

Looking for an adventure? Join the Island Safari Land Rovers, and let our fun drivers take you through the island’s uncharted territories. Make your way through Antigua’s off-road forest reserves and quaint traditional villages. Stop at a white-sand beach for a swim.

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Ports of call | Antigua

ANTIGUA’S Architecture By Marty Leshner

The island capital, St. John’s, is a neatly laid-out port city crisscrossed by cobblestone sidewalks. Colonial buildings with corrugatediron roofs and louvered West Indian-style verandas line the downtown streets.

Cathedral of St. John the Divine.

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VUKOLAU ALIAKSANDR/SHUTERSTOCK.COM

The island’s capital, St. John’s, is a neatly laid-out port city crisscrossed by cobblestone sidewalks. Colonial buildings with corrugated-iron roofs and louvered, West Indian-style verandas line the downtown streets. Twin baroque towers top the lovely Cathedral of St. John the Divine, originally built in 1682 and replaced by a stone building in 1789. Strong earthquakes hit the latter structure twice, once in 1843 and again in 1973, but the restored towers and southern section are interesting sights. Atop the hills of Shirley Heights lay the remains of Palladian arches that were once part of the barracks for Gen. Thomas Shirley, governor of the Leeward Islands in 1781. The Block House, erected at Shirley Heights in the 18th century as a stronghold, still stands.

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OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

Java 2 Go

Shipwreck 92

Zemi Art Gallery

Boardwalk, Redcliffe Quay | 268-721-6312

5 Heritage Quay | 268-562-4809

Redcliffe Quay | 268-764-9627

Heavenly Java 2 Go is a unique coffee shop situated on the boardwalk of historic Redcliffe Quay. Come and enjoy a cup of cappuccino, beers, a glass of wine or our famous JAVALIOUS Rum Punch while enjoying the view.

Established in the 1950s by a shipwrecked sailor, Shipwreck 92 is a must-visit gift, souvenir and art shop. This tradition is continued by Sonja, who personally selects the art, gifts and souvenirs as a fitting reminder of your visit.

Zemi Art Gallery offers a modern and unique approach to local arts and crafts. This intimate gallery carries an exclusive collection of indigenous and authentic art, which steps away from mass-produced souvenirs.

Spend time during the day on our cool veranda overlooking Heritage Quay. Featuring tropical drinks and a

menu of delightful soups, salads, sandwiches and a large variety of Caribbean seafood. In the evening, enjoy

VUKOLAU ALIAKSANDR/SHUTERSTOCK.COM

the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best Creole cuisine in a romantic and authentic West Indian setting.

Monday - Saturday - 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

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Ports of call | Antigua

St. John’s is known for its charming architecture.

Whether you feel like shopping or taking in some local history and culture, you’ll find a delightful experience in St. John’s, the capital of Antigua for more than 300 years.

St. John’s

Originally a busy trading area for merchants and shopkeepers surrounding the harbor, St. John’s has retained much of the charm and scale of the past while offering excellent duty-free shopping at several international retailers. Popular Antigua attractions, such as Nelson’s Dockyard and Shirley Heights, are only a few minutes away by car from the ship’s dock at St. John’s.

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SARAH CHERITON-JONES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

STYLE

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Official sponsor of

RESORTWEAR FOR THE STYLISH WOMAN

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Ports of call | Antigua

BIR DS OF A F E AT HE R When skies turn gray up north, snowbirds arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only sun-seekers heading south to Antigua. Some 150 species of birds wing their way to the island annually, about two-thirds migratory and one-third native. Among the local feathered visitors, one of the most frequently observed is the fork-tailed frigatebird. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re hard to miss during mating season, when males inflate a specialized gular pouch that puffs up their bright red chests to attract attention. Unlike most seabirds, which plunge into the Caribbean for a meal, frigatebirds do their fishing by skimming along the surface. Their feathers lack the water-resistant oils necessary for diving. If surface fishing fails, frigatebirds have an alternate means of securing their catch of the day. Known also as man-of-war birds, they pester other seabirds into dropping their prey. The frigatebirds then swoop in and snatch the fish before they fall into the water. They may be awkward on the ground, but frigatebirds are graceful in flight and delightful to watch. Their light bodies and 6-foot wingspans allow them to soar for hours without touching down.

PHOTO BY: PHAT T./SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Frigatebirds are a common sight in Antigua.

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PIZZA

SALADS

BURGERS

WINGS

SANDWICHES

WRAPS & MORE

Dine in & chill out, take out & relax, or order a delivery to your door.

big banana holding co. bigbanana-antigua.com PIZZAS IN PARADISE REDCLIFFE QUAY 11 am - 11 pm Monday - Saturday 268 480 6985 / 70

PHOTO BY: PHAT T./SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Noreen Phillips haute couture designs have graced the Caribbean fashion arena for three decades. Her collections are fashionably current, timelessly detailed and globally seamless. She says, “Women’s alluring attire should reflect elegance and drop-dead glamour.” Her store includes a range of prêt-à-porter clothing, hats and handbags.

Redcliffe Quay, St. John’s, Antigua Tel/Fax: 268-462-3127 Email: noreenphillipscouturiere@hotmail.com

BIG BANANA AIRPORT & CLUB 1761 6 am - 9 pm Monday - Sunday 268 480 6979 / 82

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

www.noreenphillipscouturiere.com

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Chocolates, Imported Cigars, Scented Candles, wide variety of Cigarettes, Wines, Sodas, Snacks

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIGHT) RUIDOBLANCO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Aruba

The dock on Palm Beach on a sunny spring afternoon.

ARUBA

It has some of the best beaches in the Caribbean and interesting inland landscapes. Aruba also draws visitors to its capital city, Oranjestad, where the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dutch heritage is evident in colorful architecture and the wares in its shops.

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIGHT) RUIDOBLANCO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Another view of Palm Beach.

Quick Guide Famed for: Palm Beach, windsurfing and jeep rides into the countryside. It’s a Fact: The unusual, sculptured-looking watapana (aka divi-divi), the national tree of Aruba, always points to the southwest. It’s shaped by the trade winds that constantly blow to the northeast. Signature Souvenirs: Wheels of Gouda and Edam cheese, aloe products and Delftware porcelain. How to Get to Town: To reach the colorful shops and attractions of Oranjestad, just walk through the cruise terminal and turn left onto L.G. Smith Boulevard.

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MEUNIERD/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Aruba

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

Colorful architecture lines Aruba’s streets.

ARUBA

Everything Dutch comes alive in Oranjestad — from gabled architecture to delicious cheeses and exquisite blue Delft china. But not all of its attractions are imported. Oranjestad’s picturesque harbor boasts many tempting boutiques at the Renaissance Mall and Marketplace. Treasures such as Mopa Mopa art await in the shops along Caya G.F. Betico Croes, a delightful setting with classic Dutch-gabled, pastel-hued store facades. The legacy at the Numismatic Museum is a rich one — literally. It contains some 40,000 historic coins and paper money from more than 400 countries. More heritage is on display at the Aruba Historical Museum. It can be reached with a walk down

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bustling L.G. Smith Boulevard to Fort Zoutman and the King Willem III Tower. At lunchtime, try a bowl of tasty keshi yena, an island specialty made with minced tenderloin and chicken stewed with golden raisins, prunes and nuts, all stuffed into a round ball of Dutch Gouda cheese. Adventurous types can explore the rugged, arid north side and famous natural bridges, or head to De Palm Island for snorkeling and swimming. It might be wise to first visit the Aruba Aloe Museum and Factory, where Aruba’s signature moisturizing miracle and sunburn remedy is extracted from the island’s bountiful aloe plants. — Richard Varr

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Weststraat #4, Shop #1, Oranjestad, Aruba | 297.583.8780 / 8785 | nash@setarnet.aw 3568.indd 1

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Ports of call | Aruba

Island Highlights By Sara Churchville

Pastechis These pastries, served at any meal and filled with dried fruit, spices and meat or seafood, are one of the island’s best-loved specialties. Natural Bridges Aruba has several bridges formed naturally from coral limestone, but one was known above all: the Natural Bridge. Spanning 100 feet and rising 23 feet above sea level, it was a national treasure. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 2005. The nearby Baby Natural is only 25 feet long and 3 feet high, but it has taken the original’s place as a favorite attraction for visitors and locals alike. Rock Formations Hikers can experience a bit of Stonehenge in the Caribbean thanks to Aruba’s as-yet-unexplained rock and boulder formations. Some of the formations are full of quartz-diorite, while others, like the ones at Ayo, are decorated with petroglyphs. A few even seem to have been stacked atop each other, though apparently not by human hands. If you scale one, you’ll be rewarded with wonderful views of the island.

PHOTOS BY: FERNANDO ARRONIZ/ARUBA TOURISM BOARD; PRASAD GONDI/WIKIPEDIA.COM; LIMEINTERACTIVE/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Sand Dunes and Lighthouses Explorers of the island’s desert topography on foot will find tumbleweed, aloe, cacti — and sand dunes. The California Lighthouse, named for a ship that sank offshore in 1910, stands amid the sweeping sand dunes of Hudishibana, on the northwest tip of Aruba. The area around the structure is a popular spot for picnics and beach strolling, and the waters off the beach offer excellent swimming and snorkeling.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A lighthouse overlooks the water from a sand dune; Pastechis, a favorite island snack; Baby Natural Bridge; Impressive rock formations.

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Hearts On Fire heartsonfire.com 877.PERFECT

Weststraat #4, Shop #1, Oranjestad, Aruba | 297.583.8780 / 8785 | nash@setarnet.aw

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Ports of call | Aruba

A Diverse, Friendly

POPULATION By Gerald Zarr

Aruba is home to a mixture of people from South America, Europe, the Far East and other islands throughout the Caribbean, though most are descended from Arawak, Dutch and Spanish ancestors. No full-blooded Amerindians remain. Keen linguists, the people of Aruba use Dutch, English, Spanish and Papiamento with ease, often all in the same conversation.

The Dutch Come to Stay With their lukewarm attitude toward Aruba, the Spanish didn’t resist too fiercely when the Dutch came calling in 1636 to seize Aruba and the sister islands of Bonaire and Curaçao. Once again, Aruba was saved from the slave trade and a plantation economy because of its poor soil and aridity. Instead, the Dutch left the Arawaks to graze livestock on the parched landscape, using the island to produce meat for other Dutch possessions in the area. With the exception of a short period during the Napoleonic Wars, when the island fell to the British, Aruba has remained Dutch. Nineteenth-Century Gold Rush In 1824, Aruba experienced its first economic boom when gold was discovered on its northern coast. 140

Underground caves at Arikok National Park.

ZINA SELETSKAYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Beginnings Two thousand years ago, the Arawak people settled Aruba and were still there in 1499 when the Spanish conquistador Alonso de Ojeda came to claim the island for Queen Isabella of Spain. The Spanish didn’t think highly of Aruba, finding it too arid for cultivation — a bad judgment call, because they missed the gold that was right under their noses and didn’t foresee the future economic boom in oil and high-rise hotels. This proved a lucky break for the Arawaks, however. Spain left Aruba alone for more than a century. Thanks to that laissez-faire approach, the native heritage is stronger in Aruba than on most Caribbean islands.

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Ports of call | Aruba

A flood of gold-hungry immigrants arrived from Europe and Venezuela, and the gold rush was on. A smeltery at Bushiribana processed over 3 million tons of raw material until 1916, when the mines were shut down. After gold petered out, Aruba became the world’s top producer of aloe, just as the sunbathing craze was taking off in the United States. One can still visit the Aruba Aloe Balm Factory and see the production process from aloe leaf to finished lotions and creams. Twentieth-Century Black Gold Rush Oil gave Aruba its next economic boom. In 1929, the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey (now ExxonMobil) built what was then the world’s largest oil refinery in San Nicolas, on the southeastern coast. This refinery employed more than 8,000 people — 16 percent of Aruba’s population — making San Nicolas the island’s second-largest city. ExxonMobil closed the refinery in 1985 during a global oversupply, but the Coastal Oil Company of Houston, Texas, reopened it in 1991.

Underground caves.

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ZINA SELETSKAYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Modern Politics and Tourism In the 1940s, Aruba began to resent playing second fiddle to Curaçao in the federation known as the Netherlands Antilles (then composed of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao and Suriname). By 1986, Aruba had enough and became an autonomous state within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, with its own constitution and a high degree of self-governance. For a while, Aruba toyed with the idea of proceeding to full independence, but decided to stay Dutch. In the capital of Oranjestad, literally “orange town” in Dutch in honor of Holland’s reigning House of Orange, a 21-member legislative assembly elected by popular vote meets regularly. The prime minister heads an eight-member council of ministers. Despite its separate status, the Netherlands is still responsible for defense and foreign affairs, and Aruba retains strong economic, cultural and political ties with the mother country and her sister islands. Before the first luxury hotel was opened in 1959, cruise ships provided the main source of visitors to the island. Since then, both ship- and land-based tourism have grown phenomenally. Aruba now boasts more than 6,000 hotel rooms and over a million visitors each year. Having surpassed oil as a source of revenue, tourism is now the mainstay of the island economy.

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fancy

GREEN DIAMONDS

exotic

FIRE OPAL

ST. THOMAS

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E-mail: info@kaysfinejewelry.com www.kaysfinejewelry.com Friend us on Facebook: Kfj Caribbean

9/5/14 9:39 AM

Ports of call | Aruba

PAPIAMENTO Spoken Here

The language, like the people, has evolved from a wonderful mix of cultures and reflects the friendly and open nature of the country and the people. Of course, most also speak English and Dutch, but Arubans have a flair for language and it is not uncommon to hear four or five languages used in a single conversation. Papiamento is a Creole language derived from African and Iberian Romance languages, with influences from Amerindian languages, English and Dutch. The language has two main dialects. Papiamento, which is spoken primarily in Aruba, and Papiamentu, heard in Bonaire and Curaçao. The name of the language is derived from “papear,” which means “to jabber” in Portuguese or “to speak incoherently” in Spanish. The name also has the same meaning as the word “parliament,” which is derived from the French word “parler” (to speak). Through the middle of the 19th century, Papiamento was the main language for written materials on the island, including hymnals and schoolbooks printed by the Catholic Church. The language thrived until Dutch was named as the official language of instruction in schools. Official or not, the locals continued to prefer their own locally grown language, with its lilting, rhythmic tones, for personal communication. Finally, in 2003, after being spoken since the 1500s, Papiamento joined Dutch as the official language of Aruba. — Jim Thompson

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Here are some words and phrases to help you communicate like a native while in Aruba. Welcome Have a nice day! How are you? I am fine My name is... What is your name? Thank you very much You are welcome See you later Very good Congratulations Goodbye Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Good night

Bon bini Pasa bon dia! Con ta bai? Mi ta bon Mi nomber ta... Con jamabo? Masha danki Di nada Te aworo Hopi bon Masha pabien Ayo Bon dia Bon tardi Bon nochi Bon nochi

DUDAREV MIKHAIL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

If someone in Aruba says “bon bini” to you, don’t think they are being forward. They are only saying “welcome” in their native language of Papiamento.

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Ports of call | Aruba

Shopping in

Aruba CURAÇAO

Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town. See it? Like it? Buy it!

GOLD RUSH

Day2Night Tanzanite interchangeable earrings

They came in search of gold. In the 1400s and 1500s, the Caribbean was teeming with Spanish speculators, adventurers, even pirates, all hunting for the precious metal. They were lured to the region by the promise of riches on the island of Oro Ruba, or “red gold” — now known as Aruba.

Sara G Split-shank cluster diamond ring, 14K white gold

Safi Kilima Kilehe trillion tanzanite bangle

Wenger Escort mens black dial with red numbers, a black strap and a stainlesssteel case.

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ARUBA’S

However, gold wasn’t discovered in Aruba until 1824, when 12-year-old Willem Rasmijn stumbled upon lumps of pure gold while tending his father’s sheep near Rooi Fluit, on the island’s north coast. Word soon got out, and a prospecting frenzy erupted on the island. The fever was quelled several years later when the Dutch government stepped in and declared the gold off-limits, establishing a mining industry of its own. For mining and processing the new bounty, the Aruba Island Gold Mining Company built the Bushiribana gold smelter, which included a stamp mill, furnaces, zinc tanks and trams. Aruba’s first pier and port, Forti Abou, was built six miles away to ship the gold. The mine was eventually sold to London-based Aruba Gold Concessions Ltd., which moved operations to the Balashi gold mill smelter, built in 1899 in the southwest of the island and considered state-of-the-art for the time. The new facility included several furnaces, tanks for cyanide refining, an ore crusher, an electrical plant and a system of three railway lines. Operations continued until 1916, when the onset of World War I made it difficult to acquire the materials needed for processing. In all, the mines in Aruba produced more than 3 million pounds of gold over nearly 100 years of production. The mines have long been out of use, but Bushiribana’s ruins offer visitors a glimpse into the island’s past. Soaring exterior walls of granite — quarried from nearby boulders — are set along Aruba’s rugged and pristine eastern coastline, with the blue waters of the Caribbean Sea just 100 feet away. The Balashi ruins are in a lush setting overlooking Spanish Lagoon and the rocky canyon of Frenchman’s Pass. The ruins can be reached on horseback, the most common transportation during Aruba’s gold rush. Several horse ranches on the island offer riding tours. Jeep tours are also available. — John Anderson

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DANNY E HOOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Aruba

Children and adults alike are frequently seen playing baseball in Aruba.

BASEBALL:

The Great Aruban Pastime Aruba has a surprising affinity for the American sport of baseball. This is all the more remarkable considering its connection to the soccer-crazed Netherlands. On average, a higher percentage of people watch baseball on TV in Aruba and neighboring Curaçao than anywhere else in the world. Baseball in Aruba dates back decades. Its amateur baseball federation was established in 1950, and today has a number of teams from each of its four largest cities: Oranjestad, Noord, Santa Cruz and San Nicolas. Even before 1950, baseball was played on sandlots and dirt fields across the island. According to one theory, American oilmen introduced baseball to Aruba in the 1920s and 1930s, forming an informal league of several teams and sharing the finer points of the game with curious locals. Since then, baseball’s popularity has spread across the island, beginning with the littlest players. Aruba’s active Little League system regularly competes internationally, with Aruba’s team representing the Caribbean region in the 2011 Little League Baseball World Series. In 2010, a team from San Nicolas won the Senior League Baseball World Series for 13- to 16-year-olds. Some of 148

these Little Leaguers have gone on to represent Aruba’s national baseball team. They also play for the Kingdom of the Netherlands during the annual World Baseball Classic, a tournament they nearly won in 2013. A number of Arubans have signed with professional teams in the United States. Xander Bogaerts, a rangy shortstop from San Nicolas, starred for the national team as a youngster and went on to become a top prospect for the Boston Red Sox in 2013, while his twin brother, Jair Bogaerts, joined the Chicago Cubs. The list of past Aruban stars includes Sidney Ponson, a pitcher with a blazing fastball who played for the Baltimore Orioles, among other teams, until 2009. Calvin Maduro played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the Baltimore Orioles before becoming a baseball scout in 2002, while Gene Kingsale played as an outfielder for several big-league teams until 2002. — John Anderson

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Ports of call | Aruba

BOWING IN THE WIND

A divi-divi tree on Eagle Beach.

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KJERSTI JOERGENSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re curious to know which way the wind is blowing on this breezy island, just take a look at the watapana. Also known as divi-divi, these flexible trees can grow up to 30 feet and have a dome-shaped canopy. However, on Aruba, the strong trade winds that caress the island influence the growth of the divi-divi, contorting it into a bowed shape. Divi-divis can bend so low their trunks sometimes run completely parallel to the parched land of the countryside.

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Ports of call | Aruba

Dutch

TREATS

Alongside the typical array of luxury goods, visitors to Aruba can discover some truly Dutch treats, including the iconic blue and white porcelain Delftware. Delftware dates to late 16th-century Netherlands and takes its name from the town of Delft, where potters and craftsmen created these works of art. The earliest Delftware styles were shaped by the influence of porcelain imported from Italy and Asia. The value — and hence the price — of a piece of modern Delftware is determined by the intricacy of design and the amount of hand painting involved. To ensure the highest quality, look for the artist’s initials on the bottom of a piece or get a certificate of authenticity to accompany your purchase. — Suzanne L. Carmel

MEDIAGRAM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Dutch influence on the island of Aruba is pervasive, and it’s decidedly apparent in downtown Oranjestad’s charming shops.

Delftware plates. 152

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Ports of call | Aruba

ARUBA TOURISM BOARD

In Aruba since 1969

It’s easy to find places to relax on the beach in Aruba.

SHIMMERING SHORES This area is known as the Turquoise Coast for good reason.

Fine Jewelry, Watches, Silver, Porcelain, Embroidered Tablecloth, Mats and Runners Wi-Fi AVAILABLE

Locations: L. G. Smith Blvd. 90-92 and at the Holiday Inn. Tel.: 297 582 3142 - Email: artistic25@yahoo.com

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Bon bini — welcome to Aruba. The island boasts some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. All of the beaches on the island are public, with the most popular situated along the southern and protected western coasts. Palm Beach is 30 yards deep with mounds of fine talc-white sand and is one of the most famous beaches in the West Indies. The shore is lined with busy resorts and the waves are usually full of active windsurfers. Closer to Oranjestad, Eagle Beach is another favorite choice. This beach is generally less crowded than Palm Beach and offers a variety of water sports. Other possibilities on the leeward coast include Druif Bay Beach, a more private beach less frequented by tourists. Toward the northern tip lies Arashi Beach, boasting an excellent offshore dive site. The easternmost tip of the island cradles a charming cove called Baby Beach, where the calm, shallow, crystal-clear water is ideal for children and snorkelers. On the windward coast to the north, hidden strips and coves cut into the brittle limestone coastline. Here the water tends to be rough — not advisable for swimming, but ideally suited for the local windsurfers and kitesurfers who especially favor Bachelor’s Beach and Boca Grandi. — Lynn Seldon

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Ports of call | Aruba

Sunny

AND WARM

BOYKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Yes, “sunny and warm” would certainly be a safe weather prediction for Aruba, where the temperature usually hovers at 82 delightful degrees Fahrenheit. But the description applies to more than just the mercury level. It’s also the forecast for the islanders themselves. Now that you’re on vacation, subject yourself to the best antidote to daily-life stress available — the smiling faces and bubbly personalities of the Aruban people. Don’t fight it! Accept that you’ve traveled through a time warp and have emerged in a different world, one where a congenial, laidback attitude is the rule rather than the exception. You wouldn’t expect anything less from a place where the national anthem proclaims: “The greatness of our people is their great cordiality.” Now that’s friendly. They’ll even go out of their way to let you know when things will be slightly delayed. One shop window recently advised: “Today’s Papers Will Be in Tomorrow.” There’s a rumor floating around that those little sunshiny smiley faces you run into back home are actually portraits of typical island residents. True or not, you’ll discover that when someone in Aruba says, “Have a nice day,” they mean it. — Raymond Niedowski Enjoying the sun on a rock formation.

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Colour Diamonds Collection

DIAMONDS & FINE JEWELRY

Downtown Bus Terminal Bldg # 108 - Oroubo Plaza, Weststraat # 13 - Oranjestad, Aruba T (297) 5830080 - F (297) 5822978 - E odiamondsnjewels@yahoo.com Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Diamonds N Jewels

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PHOTOS BY: (TEMPLE) RANTON_IVANOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FISH) VILAINECREVETTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Cozumel

Mayan temple ruins in Cozumel.

COZUMEL This lovely stop on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula is known for its amazing dive sites and for wellpreserved archaeological remnants of the Maya. It was once a sacred destination for that ancient civilization, making it a top attraction for history lovers.

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PHOTOS BY: (TEMPLE) RANTON_IVANOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FISH) VILAINECREVETTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cozumel’s reefs teem with life.

Quick Guide Famed for: Beaches, diving and eco-parks. It’s a Fact: At the Parque Punta Sur eco-park on the south end of the island, whistling can cause crocodiles in the lagoon to rise to the surface. Signature Souvenirs: Silver jewelry, serapes and embroidered Mayan blouses. How to Get to Town: 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.

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VILAINECREVETTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Cozumel

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

Sea sponges and colorful fish surround a striking brain coral.

COZUMEL

Cozumel neatly balances its cultural experiences with its more playful reputation for shopping. In San Miguel, a charming town that hugs the waterfront, tourists can find locally made treasures of silver, turquoise and leather goods, as well as pottery, stone carvings and wooden masks by Cozumel artisans. The port also claims its share of duty-free shops offering diamonds, watches and designer jewelry. The avenidas (avenues) and calles (streets) of the town’s center are easy to explore by foot. Pleasant encounters are likely with some of the Caribbean’s friendliest people, the Maya, who first settled in Cozumel some 1,700 years ago.

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Many still live in the thatch-roofed homes originally 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 attractions include the landmark Punta Sur Ecological Park and Lighthouse, home to a Mayan-ruin site, and the Celerain Lighthouse, as well as a navigation museum. The road to the ruins leads many visitors to the archaeological site of San Gervasio, near San Miguel. — Richard Varr

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Island Highlights Diving Paradise Teetering on the shelf of a 3,280-foot drop teeming with brilliantly colored marine life, Palancar Reef is the second-largest natural coral formation in the world and is considered one of the world’s outstanding diving destinations. Cochinita Pibil This traditional Yucatán Mayan dish is still one of the most popular foods served in Cozumel and throughout the region. Originally the dish was made with wild boar covered with achiote, or annatto seeds, wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in a coal-fired stone pit. Today achiote paste and banana leaves are still a mandatory part of the preparation, although the boar has been replaced by pork and an oven is the preferred cooking method. Bitter-orange juice and various local spices are added to the achiote marinade, and the banana leaves give a distinctive flavor. Mexican Flag You’ll see the distinctive green, white and red colors of the bandera mexicana, or Mexican flag, celebrated everywhere from cocktails to quilts. Green symbolizes the hope of the independence movement that ended in 1821; white, the purity of the Catholic faith; and red, the union of Mexico after its rebellion against Spain. The eagle on the crest symbolizes its Aztec heritage. Mezcal It looks exactly like tequila, but this spirit has a few important distinctions. For one, it’s made from agave plants other than the blue agaves of Jalisco that are used in true tequila. For another, the agave piñas — pineappleshaped, pulpy bulbs from which the fermentable juice is extracted — are baked in underground wood-charcoalfired ovens rather than in steam ovens, giving them a smoky flavor that’s even more enhanced in mezcal añejo, which is aged in oak barrels for at least one year.

PHOTOS BY: (SCUBA) BRIAN LASENBY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PLATE) PETER KIM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FLAG) TRAPPY76/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PLANT) TINA_RENCELJ/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

By Sara Churchville

COUNTERCLOCKWISE: A scuba diver explores a coral reef; A plate of cochinita pibil; The Mexican flag; An agave plant.

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Ruins of a Mayan temple in Tulum.

A TALE OF TULUM

Set against a backdrop of aquamarine Caribbean waters, Tulum’s awe-inspiring temple remains a striking sight.

PATRYK KOSMIDER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Perched high 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 indigenous 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 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 inland sea contains a natural underwater park and provides a wonderful respite after exploring.

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Shopping in

Cozumel Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town. See it? Like it? Buy it!

Bulova Caravelle CRYSTAL Collection: Ladies Boyfriend watch with crystal bezel

A cenote near Tulum.

Crown of Light Spark Collection: Spark brilliant ring

John Hardy Classic Chain Collection: Reversible bracelet sterling silver & 18 kt gold

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FIDEICOMISO PARA LA PROMOCIÓN TURÍSTICA DE LA RIVIERA MAYA

Kabana The Constellation Collection: A heart shaped starburst pendant, inlaid with orange, purple and red spiny oyster and mixed mother of pearl; Set in 14k yellow gold and accented with diamonds

Underground

WONDERS

Cozumel has no surface lakes or freshwater rivers, but it does have many underground ponds and sinkholes known as cenotes (seh-NOH-tays). Some reach a depth of 210 feet — and to add to their mystery, they have openings that build from the bottom up. A cenote forms when a combination of water and carbon dioxide dissolves underground limestone. This process cuts fissures in the rocks and creates upward-reaching caverns resembling reverse holes. Their vertical walls continue to erode, filling the bottom of the pits with debris and causing the “holes” to rise. The early Maya people believed cenotes were inhabited by gods and provided an underground gateway to heaven. In gratitude to Chac, the god of water, they would drop gifts into the caves. — Eleanor Wilson

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THE

REMARKABLE MAYA

The Maya were one of the most advanced cultures of the Western Hemisphere for hundreds of years, with an empire that reached its peak from A.D. 200 to 900. serpents and carried a jug of water. She is said to protect those who make the sacred pilgrimage to her shrines in Cozumel and Isla Mujeres, a trip Mayans aspired to make at least once in their lifetime. When feeling particularly nasty, Ixchel unleashed calamitous rainstorms and floods from her large water jug. No wonder common folk were eager to appease the goddess. However, she also had a bright side. They called her Lady Rainbow and worshiped her as the protector of weavers and women in childbirth. Ixchel’s mate was Itzamná, a mellow moon god who balanced out his spouse’s temper tantrums. — Raymond Niedowski

Mayan ruins in Cozumel. 168

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They flourished throughout the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico — including today’s Cozumel Island — and erected huge, imposing pyramids and temples with striking stone sculptures. They achieved remarkable proficiency in mathematics and astronomy before mysteriously falling into decline. The Maya believed Cozumel was sacred and built shrines to honor their gods. Ixchel, jaguar goddess of childbirth, fertility and healing, was said to control the tides and all water on Earth. She was often portrayed as a wise crone who wore a skirt decorated with crossbones and a crown of

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SCOUTING SAN GERVASIO Once a pilgrimage site for the ancient Maya, the tiny island of Cozumel now hosts a number of fascinating ruins.

BCAMPBELL65/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

San Gervasio, the largest site on the island, is incredibly well preserved. The structures at San Gervasio were used by the Maya people primarily as altars and shrines, and for gatherings of government officials. The site is divided into four historic districts, ranging from the early Classic Era (A.D. 200 to 1000) to the late Postclassical Era (A.D. 1000 to 1500). Plaques with a brief description of the ruinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history identify individual ruins. In addition to tourist services, the site offers a snack bar and several gift shops. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Suzanne L. Carmel Mayan arch at San Gervasio.

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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

Cappadocia

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Ports of call | Cozumel

FOOD

FOR THOUGHT

Traveling means expanding your horizons, and that includes trying new foods. Something’s always cooking on the island of Cozumel.

Spice is a hallmark of Mexican food.

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If you’re a meat lover, you’ll be interested in carne asada, charcoalgrilled 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. There’s also mole, a spicy, brown, chocolate sauce served over baked chicken or turkey, and 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 try huachinango — red snapper, usually served whole. Those who prefer their fish filleted should try fresh grouper, known as mero. Mojo de ajo is fish, conch or shrimp cooked in a mouthwatering butter and garlic sauce. Other treats include plátanos fritos, a side dish of fried plantains, relatives of the banana; queso relleno, or stuffed cheese; and flan, a delectable custard with a soft caramel topping. Whatever your choice, beware of ixnepech, a salsa made with turbocharged habanero peppers that is blowtorch-hot. For relief, try horchata, a cooling drink made from rice or barley with added flavorings, or jamaica (hah-MY-kuh), a mellow brew made from an infusion of hibiscus flowers. — Raymond Niedowski

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) IVAN CHOLAKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (LOWER) R. PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Fort Lauderdale

Discover fun on the sand and in the sky on the city’s beaches.

FOR T L AUDERDALE With more than 300 miles of navigable waterways, a waterfront park in the middle of downtown, miles of spiffy beaches and the International Swimming Hall of Fame, it’s no wonder Fort Lauderdale has a reputation for loving all things aquatic.

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) IVAN CHOLAKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (LOWER) R. PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Fort Lauderdale’s beaches seem to go on forever.

Quick Guide Famed for: Beautiful beaches to the east, unspoiled Everglades to the west. It’s a Fact: The city became the No. 1 spot for college kids on spring break after the 1960 movie Where the Boys Are was filmed here. Signature Souvenirs: Seashells, alligator trinkets and juicy oranges.

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place where the shopping is sublime, the fashions exquisite, and the attitude pure Fort Lauderdale.

Among our three world-class department stores, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s and Dillard’s you’ll find an expansive array of the most sought after names. Over one-hundred luxurious stores are available for your shopping pleasure that include Apple, Brighton, Michael Kors, J.Crew, and Williams-Sonoma to name a few. Sophisticated, in every sense. The moment you enter our Palm Court you know you’re about to experience exceptional cuisine. Dine Florida style at an inviting array of enticing restaurants including The Capital Grille, Truluck’s, Seasons 52, PF Chang’s and Blue Martini. Enjoy!

Located just minutes north of Port Everglades and steps from the beach on Sunrise Boulevard.

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PHOTOS BY: (LIMESTONE ROCKS) JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DOCK) JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

Limestone forms the craggy edge of Smith Cove in Grand Cayman.

G R A N D C AY M A N Once a sanctuary for plundering pirates and shipwrecked sailors, Grand Cayman is now 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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PHOTOS BY: (LIMESTONE ROCKS) JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DOCK) JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Grand Cayman’s Rum Point.

Quick Guide Famed for: Seven Mile Beach, considered by expert sunseekers 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: Replicas of pirates, blue iguanas and the Caymans’ mascot, Sir Turtle. 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.

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T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

Frolicking with stingrays in the waters of Grand Cayman.

GR A ND C AY M A N 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 who are drawn by its serene beauty and the variety of things it offers 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 2-million-year-old forest and mangrove swamp in the heart of the island; Pedro St. James National Historic Site,

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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 of 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. — Jim Thompson

PHOTOS BY: (STINGRAY) JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (CORAL) CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM; (FLAG) GARY YIM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (IGUANA) FRONTPAGE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, (PARROT) ELLIOTTE RUSTY HAROLD/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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Island Highlights By Sara Churchville

Black Coral Carvings Divers are thrilled 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 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 green-and-gold stars on blue-and-white waves represent the three Cayman Islands and the sea.

Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Like the Grand Cayman parrot, the blue Grand Cayman iguana (Cyclura nubila lewisi) is only found on the island. With its blue coloring, it should be easy to spot, but because it’s endangered and not very social, it may take some searching to locate one. A subspecies of the Cuban rock iguana, the blue iguana can grow to be as long as 5 feet. Grand Cayman Parrot 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, are still on the island. This green, red and white subspecies of the Cuban parrot is the island’s national bird.

COUNTERCLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Black coral growing underwater; Cayman Islands flag; A rare blue iguana, also known as a Grand Cayman iguana; A Grand Cayman parrot.

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Special Advertising Feature

ust a one minute walk from the port lies one of the Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shopping Meccas. The level of glamour, sophistication and service provided in the George Town shopping district are rivaled only by world centers such as London, Paris and New York. One of the main reasons that George Town has developed such a reputation is largely due to the Kirk Freeport network of retail stores. If you are taking advantage of the duty free prices and the absence of sales tax, and treating yourself (or someone else) to something special, you will want to make a stop at one of the Kirk Freeport stores. Kirk Freeport Plaza Ltd. is celebrating over 40 years as Caymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier retailer of duty free jewelry, watches, fragrances, leather, crystal, china and accessories. In 2003 Kirk Freeport expanded into the Bayshore mall with the largest jewelry store

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in the Caribbean, and has become the center piece of downtown George Town. Kirk Freeport has become a must see for any watch connoisseur, with over 40 watch brands in one location and one of the largest selections of Rolex watches in the world. Some of the premier houses that are represented are: Rolex, Patek Philippe, A.Lange and Sonne, Jaeger-leCoultre, IWC, Breguet, Blancpain, Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, Tag Heuer, Panerai, Chopard, Bvlgari and Chanel. These are complimented by an even broader range of fashion and designer brands. Bayshore Mall Offers everything you need for a wonderful day in port. After browsing the largest selection of luxury goods in the Caribbean, have a healthy bite at La Creperie or take a break from the gorgeous Cayman sun with a delicious ice cream cone from Haagen-Dazs.

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PHOTOS.COM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

F R O M P R I VAT E E R S TO MAS TER FISHERMEN

Seagoing adventurers have long been drawn to the Caymans.

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. Beginnings Christopher Columbus first spotted the islands he called “Las Tortugas” on May 10, 1503, when his ship was blown off course from Panama to Hispaniola on his final trip to the New World. The three islands, so populated with tortoises that they looked like rock piles, became a way station for sailors to replenish their freshwater supply and stock up on turtle meat. Perhaps the presence of turtle on the menu resulted in the animals’ decline; by 1586, crocodiles had become so dominant that Sir Francis Drake, the first recorded English visitor, renamed the islands Caiman (the Carib word for “crocodile”), from which their present name Cayman is derived. The Cayman Islands’ population stayed the same — comprising primarily sailors and pirates — until Oliver

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Cromwell’s British army defeated Spain in 1655. The Treaty of Madrid brought both the Caymans and Jamaica under British rule and made Grand Cayman a destination for settlers. Rule, Britannia! The first influx of settlers arrived: immigrants from England, Holland, Spain and France, plus refugees from the Spanish Inquisition and deserters from Cromwell’s army. Privateers, the genteel name for pirates such as Sir Henry Morgan who had their governments’ permission to plunder ships — ostensibly to retrieve wealth stolen from their country — discouraged these early settlers, many of whom hightailed it back home. Blackbeard, as well as other pirates, found the caves, nooks and crannies of Grand Cayman to be the perfect

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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 was Isaac Bodden, grandson of the original settler, a soldier from Cromwell’s army for whom Bodden Town was named. Other districts can be traced back to that period of settlement as well; among them is Hog Stys, once the site of a pigpen the name of which — thankfully — was changed to George Town in the early 18th century in honor of King George III. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht officially ended privateering (although freelance pirates continued to attack ships regardless), encouraging settlers to set up camp permanently and call Grand Cayman home. Many of these early settlers brought slaves with them to help farm crops such as cotton, which they exported, and corn, yams, plantains, melons, citrus fruit and sugarcane grown for their own consumption. An 1802 census shows 933 people, 545 of whom were slaves. Democracy Is Born Self-rule for the Caymans began on December 5, 1831, when a historic meeting of residents took place to form the first representative government, and elections were held. The Emancipation Act of 1833 brought an end to slavery on an island where slaves outnumbered whites 5 to 1. A Tourist Mecca Tourism and banking became Grand Cayman’s primary economic sources in the 20th century. On February 22, 1937, the Atlantic, the first cruise ship to bring tourists to the island’s shores, deposited 450 wealthy, mostly elderly passengers ashore for the day. During World War II, the US Navy and Coast Guard operated bases on the island. When Bob Soto opened the first dive shop in 1957, Grand Cayman became the birthplace of recreational scuba diving. In 1962, the Caymans chose to remain a British Crown Colony, a decision that helped lead to the introduction of major banking legislation in 1966. The face of Grand Cayman has changed dramatically from that first sighting by Columbus; those turtles and caimans that once roamed the island now smile at us from a respectful distance on T-shirts.

Grand Cayman

Timeline

1503

Columbus spots islands he names “Las Tortugas.”

1655

The islands come under British rule.

1700

Permanent settlement begins with the first royal land grant.

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

1831-33 1962

Caymanians opt to remain a colony of Britain.

Colorful coral reefs attract divers.

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First elections are held; slaves are emancipated.

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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 | Inquire about Sunday hours Book with your Shore Excursion Desk today! 786 Northwest Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman | info@turtle.ky

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| 1 345.949.3894

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

special advertising feature

A Treasure for the Sea 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.

C A RIBBE A N VIE WS A Tradition of Service

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner Date Rolesor

By Jim Thompson

KIRK FREEPORT

The Kirkconnell family built Kirk Freeport into an island legacy.

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. 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 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. Jewelr y, perfumes, cr ystal and watches from

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such esteemed brand names as Cartier, Rolex, Lalique, Baccarat and Mikimoto grace the company’s 23 locations in 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” Kirkconnell says with a smile. “It is a true slice of paradise.”

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While in Grand Cayman, visit the Guy Harvey Gallery & Shoppe Shop from the largest collection of Guy Harvey products under one roof. Complete selection of classic t-shirts, ladies clothing, original artwork, gifts and much more. And possibly meet Guy!

49 Church Street, Grand Cayman tel. 345.943.4891

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CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

FREEDOM’S HOME

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

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. Caymanians met here on December 5, 1831, and voted to form their first elected parliament. They gathered at “the Castle” on May 3, 1833, to hear the proclamation ending slavery in the British Empire. The mansion was originally the private home of planter William Eden. The three-story 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

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various uses until the Cayman government purchased it in 1991. Restoration work on Pedro St. James took seven years. Guests enter through the Visitors Center, which perches on a bluff overlooking the Caribbean Sea and surrounds a landscaped courtyard. The featured attractions include a 20minute multimedia theater presentation of Cayman history and a self-guided tour of the imposing great house.

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SNOR K ELING T HE C AY M A N S

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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 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, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 flower-like 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 might have been created by Picasso. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Richard Carroll

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

A diver with a bluespotted stingray.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS 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. Meet the inhabitants of Stingray City and its neighbor, Stingray Sandbar. People are merely drop-in visitors who dive down to discover what makes this stretch of real estate so attractive to the rays. Fortunately, 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. From the deck of the boat, the saucer-shaped rays, which may reach

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up to 6 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 the fierce-looking but gentle creatures. 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.

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

Shopping in Grand Cayman Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town. See it? Like it? Buy it!

Philip Stein Classic square

PROUD PAL M The silver thatch palm is a tall tree with fanlike fronds. To fully appreciate its name, one has to observe this indigenous tree by moonlight, when the undersides of the fronds beam in silvery splendor atop trunks that often grow 30 feet tall. The fronds’ qualities provide an excellent roof thatch — they're rainproof, unusually tough and resistant to heat absorption. Once the fronds are picked, thatchers must work quickly. If the leaves dry out before you use them, the ends curl and the roof will leak. At one time, the palm was the principal component of the islands’ main industry: rope making. While the men went out 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. — Eleanor Wilson

Silver thatch palm.

Forevermark Eternal pendant

Kabana Constellation Collection: Ring is inlaid with onyx, set in 14K yellow gold and accented with diamonds

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GWOEII/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Blue Heaven Blue diamond hoop earrings

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

OF THE

Cayman Keepsakes

Prides itself in “Keeping it Local”! Here you will find a splendid selection of local delights, including coffees, hot sauces, pepper jelly, sea salts and many more locally made products. We have keepsakes to suit everyone.

Royal Watler Cruise Ship Terminal | 345-916-8713

Coastal Colours

In a class all its own, Coastal Colours offers original local artwork, hand-painted glassware, fragrant soaps and lotions, along with a fine selection of resort wear and quality gift items. Coastal Colours is a lovely must-see store. Located across the street from the cruise terminal, on the left.

The Waterfront Centre | 345-945-7500

Jingle Shells THE CARIBBEAN CHRISTMAS STORE

Visit Cayman’s year -round Caribbean Christmas store, where you’ll find an outstanding array of handmade tropical ornaments, along with a fabulous selection of souvenirs and wind chimes made from beautiful sea shells. Jingle Shells is Santa’s favorite store!

Royal Watler Cruise Ship Terminal

Sterling & Stone

This small boutique sells duty-free jewelry specializing in Caymanite and sterling silver. Also selling a range of gemstones, charm bracelets and stainless-steel styles. Caymanite jewelry fashioned by local artists. At the corner of Harbour Drive in the heart of Cayman duty-free shopping.

Cayside Courtyard, Shedden Road, George Town 345-925-8955

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Cayman

Q&A

How long is Seven Mile Beach?

The beautiful, powdery white sands actually stretch along the waterfront for only about 5½ miles.

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.

Who is Sir Turtle?

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 $1. Sir Turtle commemorates the prime role played by both turtles and pirates in the islands’ history.

If Grand Cayman doesn’t have any mountains, why is it called “the Switzerland of the Caribbean”? George Town alone has more than 500 banks, a financial community which reminds many of that in Zurich. — Ginger Dingus

PHOTOS BY: ANATOLI STYF/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Where to find local mementos in port

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Grand Cayman’s clear waters let divers experience stunning

PHOTOS BY: ANATOLI STYF/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

underwater adventures.

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Princess guests enjoy an exclusive retreat.

PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) PRINCESS CRUISES; (STARFISH) ILAINECREVETTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Thomas

P R IN C E S S C AY S Located at the isolated southern tip of historic Eleuthera Island, Princess Cays® is an exclusive port of call reserved solely for Princess® guests’ enjoyment. Its 40 unspoiled acres include four adjoining cays and 1½ miles of pristine beach, and it has been landscaped with indigenous trees and plants that complement the natural beauty of this secluded port.

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) PRINCESS CRUISES; (STARFISH) ILAINECREVETTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cushion starfish inhabit the ocean floor off Princess Cays.

Quick Guide Famed for: Ultimate relaxation in a private corner of an island in The Bahamas. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Fact: You can pre-reserve an air-conditioned bungalow and any equipment you want to use on land or in the water. Signature Souvenirs: Creations from the island craft market and other shops.

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PHOTOS BY: JOHN WOLLWERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Maarten

Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island.

S T. M A A R T E N / S T. M A R T IN Half Dutch and half French, the two-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin enjoys the best that its dual heritage has to offer â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with a tropical twist. Like so many other Caribbean nations, this picturesque destination has stunning beaches, but with so many sporting facilities, shops and restaurants, it is a paradise on many other levels as well.

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PHOTOS BY: JOHN WOLLWERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

An ocean view of St. Maarten.

Quick Guide Famed for: Shopping, yacht races and clothingoptional beaches. It’s a Fact: The island is the world’s smallest territory shared by two sovereign states: the Netherlands and France. Signature Souvenirs: Duty-free spirits, including the island’s own guavaberry liqueur, and French fashions. How to Get to Town: Most ships dock at the A.C. Wathey Pier, and taxis can be hired at Wathey Square. Those docking at Great Bay can take the ship’s tender into port, or hop on a water taxi from the ship.

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RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Maarten

A colorful home in St. Maarten.

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

S T. M A A R T E N Do you speak Dutch or French? It really doesn’t matter when you arrive at this Caribbean paradise of two sovereign nations living side-by-side and celebrating distinctive influences from their European roots. And St. Maarten is the only Caribbean stop where all attractions — restaurants, shops and beaches — are a stone’s throw away from the ship, making it one of the easiest island destinations to get around in. Philipsburg, St. Maarten, on the Dutch side, is the more popular of the two stops. Live music wafts through the air and quaintly cobblestoned Front Street is lined with inviting duty-free shops, jewelry stores and boutiques,

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most of which offer a free drink to anyone entering to browse or buy. Wathey Square, across from the white 1793 courthouse that is topped with a cupola, is a lovely spot to stroll in. And both Philipsburg and French-side Marigot have history museums with exhibits going all the way back to the pre-Columbian days of the Arawaks. Philipsburg has grown even lovelier since a revitalization added enhancements, including a boardwalk that meanders between shops and the beach. Not only is it a pretty place to walk on, it also offers a lovely photo opportunity of your cruise ship in the harbor. — Richard Varr

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

Island Highlights By Sara Churchville

St. Maarten Flag First flown in 1985 , the St. Maarten flag features the colors of the Netherlands flag — red, white and blue — arranged as the St. Maarten coat of arms within a white triangle intersecting a red color on the top and a blue one beneath. The coat of arms, with a courthouse, a sprig of sage, the sun and a pelican, represents elements of solidarity with the island’s French Antillean neighbors as well as with the Netherlands. Zouk From the French Creole word for “party,” zouk may have originated in the French Antilles, but this style of dance music that combines African drumming with influences from reggae, salsa and 1980s pop music is equally popular in the clubs on the Dutch side of the island. Saba Lace On a small island about 30 miles south of St. Maarten is Saba, where lace-making has been an artisanal tradition since the late 19th century. Mary Gertrude Johnson returned to the island from a Venezuelan convent after having learned the craft, which she then passed on to the local women. Today you don’t need to travel to Saba for the delicate lace. It’s available throughout St. Maarten.

FROM TOP: St. Maarten’s flag; There’s always a party somewhere; Delicate Saba lace; Colorful blooms.

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PHOTOS BY: ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD; PRESSMASTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; DOUG RAPHAEL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; AN NGUYEN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Yellow Sage Lantana camara, or yellow sage, is the national flower of St. Maarten, depicted on the island’s coat of arms.

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PHOTOS BY: ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD; JON WILLIAMS

Ports of call | St. Maarten

Boats rest quietly in a serene harbor.

TWO NATIONS,

Side by Side in Harmony by John Anderson

The people of Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin offer proof that having the good fortune to inhabit one small island paradise is all anyone needs to coexist peacefully with folks of another nationality. Beginnings The first settlers on the northeastern Caribbean island were the Arawak Indians, a tribe of Amerindians who migrated northward from the Orinoco river basin of South America, hopping from one island to the next along their journey. Finding an abundance of saltpans and brackish water on the future Franco-Dutch isle, they named it Soualiga, or Land of Salt. Due to the lack of freshwater sources, the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population remained small. A relatively cultured and innovative people, the peaceful Arawaks introduced agriculture and pottery making. Their social structure was ruled by hereditary chieftains, which they believed possessed powers from ancestral deities known as zemis. The tribe established a network of fiefdoms throughout the Caribbean; archaeologists, however, believe the Arawaks on St. Maarten were an independent society and were free of such alliances. In the century leading up to the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Arawaks were supplanted by the Carib, a more aggressive tribe also from South America for whom the Caribbean is named. The Carib were skilled in the arts of boatbuilding, sailing and war, which explains their dominance over the region. They also harbored large quantities of gold 210

obtained through trade with the mainland, which made them the target of many expeditions. Columbus Sights an Island On his second voyage to the New World in 1493, Columbus sighted the island on his way to the Spanish settlement on Hispaniola. The fortuitous day was November 11, the feast day of St. Maarten of Tours, in whose honor Columbus named the island. There is a dispute among historians as to whether the island Columbus sighted was indeed St. Maarten or the more southerly Nevis. Regardless, the Spanish never took much interest in the 38-square-mile piece of property, and St. Maarten sat mostly uninhabited for 138 years. In 1623, after the English colonized St. Kitts, their first stronghold in the Caribbean, both the French and Dutch followed suit in 1631 with their own settlements on St. Maarten. For their part, the Dutch were in search of an outpost between their colonies in Brazil and New Amsterdam (New York). Once settled, they began producing salt, a precious preservative in the New World. Two years later, upon realizing the commercial potential of the island, the Spanish returned to reclaim their land and ran the settlers off onto neighboring islands.

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PHOTOS BY: ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD; JON WILLIAMS

In 1644, the Dutch attempted to retake St. Maarten and attacked Spanish strongholds, including the fort at Pointe Blanche. Leading the charge was the famed Dutchman Peter Stuyvesant, director of the Dutch West India Company and, later, New Amsterdam’s governor. Stuyvesant lost a leg in the monthlong campaign, thus earning the nickname Peg Leg Pete. Though the Spanish prevailed against the Dutch attack, just four years later, after reevaluating their interests in the Eastern Caribbean, they loaded their ships and sailed away. A Land Divided With the Spaniards gone, the French and Dutch quickly reestablished themselves on the island. After a spate of skirmishes, both nations signed a 1648 treaty atop Mount Concordia that divided the island between them. But despite the treaty and the islanders’ reputation for peaceful coexistence, the border changed 16 times over the next 150 years. Finally, in 1815, the Treaty of Paris established the boundary once and for all. During the 19th century, the island became a busy trading center for the export of salt, cotton and tobacco. And after the introduction of sugarcane, the island’s economy flourished with the growth of plantations. The Scene Today With the abolition of slavery in the mid-19th century, the plantations closed and the island’s prosperity came to an end, ushering in an economic malaise that continued for nearly 100 years. In 1939, the trend was finally reversed when import and export taxes were lifted, paving the way for the economic boom of duty-free shopping. In 1943, the Princess Juliana International Airport was opened, and four years later, the island’s first hotel was built. With large-scale development projects, the Dutch side of the island rapidly became a favorite vacation destination for North Americans and Europeans. In the 1980s, the French side followed suit after new government policies encouraged investment. Nowadays, St. Maarten boasts one of the most lively tourist scenes in the Caribbean.

St. Maarten

Timeline

1493

Christopher Columbus sights the island, naming it St. Martin.

1631 French and Dutch settlers arrive.

1633

The Spanish reclaim the island.

1648

The French and the Dutch sign a treaty that divides the island.

1815

The Treaty of Paris ends the border dispute.

1943 Princess Juliana International Airport opens.

A colorful shopping scene in Philipsburg. PRINCESS CRUISES DISCOVERY

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

Shopping in

St. Maarten CURAÇAO Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town. See it? Like it? Buy it!

Korite Solara pendant

Gift Collection Ribbon Diamond ring

Fendi Crazy Carats watch

A TALE OF TWO CITIES Philipsburg The capital of Dutch St. Maarten stretches across a narrow isthmus between the waters of Great Bay to the south and Great Salt Pond to the north. The bustling, contemporary town has two main downtown streets, Front Street and Back Street, spliced by narrow lanes (steegjes) supporting a slew of boutiques, eateries and shopping arcades. It wasn’t so long ago that the city needed only two small streets. But St. Maarten’s boom as a vacation resort changed all that. Two thoroughfares, Cannegieter Street (formerly Pond Fill Road) and Walter Nisbett Road (formerly Ring Road), have been added — through landfill of Salt Pond — to relieve the downtown traffic congestion. Philipsburg was founded in 1733 as a free port, a status it enjoys to this day; it’s known as “the shopping center of the Leewards.” Front Street (Voorstraat) offers the public 16 blocks of every kind of store imaginable carrying duty-free bargains on everything from watches, cameras, liquor, clothing and linens to loose gems and exotic jewelry. Also situated on Front Street is the St. Maarten Museum, where island archaeology and history are reflected in colonial maps, Spanish buttons and pipes, china plates and pottery shards. Back Street (Achterstraat) was once the site of warehouses that stored harvested salt in vast white sacks. Today

most of Philipsburg’s administrative buildings and churches are found along this road. Marigot The capital of French St. Martin is unmistakably Gallic, from the international border sign that reads “Bienvenue en Partie Française” and the khaki-clad gendarme walking his beat to the inviting sidewalk bistros and baguette-laden locals on bicycles. The original town was established in the 1680s, when the fear of raids, forcing the islanders inland to Orléans, had passed. Now stretching from the harbor to Port La Royale on the lagoon, Marigot’s handful of streets have been restored to their original charm and still contain plenty of colonial buildings with wrought-iron balustrades scattered among the more-contemporary, pastel-colored shopping arcades. The old warehouses of the esplanade, Boulevard de France, now contain smart shops and cafés sporting street-front awnings and tables with umbrellas, encouraging folks to linger all day. Visitors to Marigot can spend a leisurely afternoon browsing in chic boutiques and gourmet shops that offer the best of France, stopping in at the small museum devoted to local prehistory or strolling the yacht-filled marina, one of the best people-watching spots in town. — Raymond Niedowski

ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD

Crown of Light Blue Collection earrings with blue diamonds

The Dutch and French happily share the two-nation island. 212

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2 LOCATIONS: #46 Front Street â&#x20AC;˘ Harbor Cruise Terminal | Philipsburg, St. Maarten 721.542.2473 sales@majestyjewelers.com majestyjewelers.com heartsonfire.com

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CNABICKUM/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Ports of call | St. Maarten

Market at Marigot Harbor, St. Martin.

Bienvenue en

MARIGOT It may be hard to believe you’re actually stepping on French soil when visiting St. Martin, with its Caribbean breezes and string of pure-sand beaches. The hilly northern half of this dual-nation island is a part of France known as an overseas collectivity. Proof of nationality is quickly discovered at brasseries serving fine French cuisine, boutiques sporting a Parisian flair and supermarket shelves crowded with crusty baguettes. While cruise ships dock in Dutch St. Maarten, day excursions take guests to the heart of Marigot, St. Martin’s laid-back capital, where paintings of flower-filled island scenes hang in galleries along Rue de la République and Rue de la Liberté. Turn a corner or two and you can’t miss the impressive yachts moored within La Royale Marina. Dockside bistros spice freshly caught red snapper and spiny lobster with creamy French and Creole sauces, while the designer shops and boutiques in town are a shopper’s delight. A five-minute walk to the shores of Marigot Bay leads to a popular market where vendor stalls brim with fresh produce, handmade jewelry and carved wooden trinkets. Fine French and international restaurants — some specializing in fusion flavors — line the main street

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of Grand Case, the quaint village on the island’s northern shores. St. Martin’s prettiest beaches are at Orient Bay, a 4-mile stretch of sand often referred to as the Saint-Tropez of the Caribbean. Windsurfers skip across the aquamarine water as they cling to puffy red sails, and parasailers seem to float against the clear blue horizon. Beachside restaurants serve cooling sushi and tangy fish salads alongside upscale French cafés. The exhibit “On the Trail of the Arawaks” at Le Musée de SaintMartin displays artifacts and pottery from native tribes dating back a few millennia. Just a short drive from the capital, the Butterfly Farm features hundreds of elaborately patterned insects from throughout the world. Wearing bright Caribbean colors and a touch of citrus-scented cologne might lead to a close encounter with the fluttering creatures. For yet more dramatic Caribbean panoramas, hike up the bluff to Marigot’s aging Fort Louis. The views stretch to St. Maarten’s sailboat-filled coves and beyond — to the mountainous silhouette of neighboring Saba and, in stark contrast, to the flat and peaceful island of Anguilla to the north. — Richard Varr

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

Beautiful BUTTERFLIES La Ferme was created in 1994 when two self-described “eccentric” Englishmen, John Coward and William Slayter, chose to share their love of butterflies with the public.

SCOTT WONG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Some islanders spend their days sipping nectar under a tropical sky while splendidly hued birds fly by and the lilting sounds of exotic music play in the background. While that image may reflect the lifestyle of the jet-setters vacationing on the island, it’s also the life butterflies enjoy at the butterfly farm, La Ferme des Papillons in Marigot, on the island’s French side. La Ferme is located on St. Martin’s east Atlantic coast, on the road to Bayside Riding Club and Le Galion Beach, close to popular Orient Beach. If you consider that the average life span of a butterfly is a mere two weeks (although some can live up to nine months), that nectar and tropical-sky concept may be rather less appealing. Yet a visit to La Ferme is a delightful and enriching outing. Many species have been imported; others are homegrown in a specially created Butterfly Sphere. The lush setting offers an oasis of tranquility and harmony while providing an educational experience for people of all ages. Visitors are urged to wear bright colors and fragrances to attract the butterflies.

Breathtakingly resplendent creatures.

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

KAREN GIVENS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

La Ferme was created in 1994, when John Coward and William Slayter, two self-described “eccentric” Englishmen, chose to share their love of butterflies with the public. Since then, thousands of visitors have stopped by to see the exquisite butterflies and learn about their four-stage life cycle: developing from a microscopic egg to a strange, exotic caterpillar that sheds its skin four to six times as it grows; moving on to become a delicate pupa/chrysalis resembling a piece of elegant designer jewelry; and in early morning hours, emerging from the chrysalis as a beautiful butterfly. The guided tours provide a variety of entertaining butterfly facts and unusual insight into the butterfly’s existence. For example, butterflies usually hang from the undersides of leaves or crawl into crevices between rocks or other objects in bad weather and at night. Information is also available on butterfly gardening. More than 20,000 types of butterflies have been cataloged worldwide, and about 80 percent of the species are in the tropics. The largest is New Guinea’s Queen Alexandra Birdwing, with a wingspan of just under a foot, while the smallest, the Pygmy Blue, has a wingspan of just under an inch and can be found in the southern US. The grounds contain landscaped gardens, waterfalls and ponds filled with Japanese fish. A refreshment stand and gift shop round out the sprawling complex. — Marty Leshner

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Meisterstück Crafted for New Heights Ninety years ago, Montblanc created a writing instrument that became an icon far beyond writing culture: the Montblanc Meisterstück – a symbol for the everlasting quest of achievement. To celebrate 90 years of Meisterstück, the new Meisterstück 90 Years has red gold-plated fittings and a nib specially engraved with a commemorative “90”. Visit Montblanc.com

68 A Front Street • Philipsburg St. Maarten Tel: (721) 5422276 • E-mail: alwani@sintmaarten.net

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The thrill of yacht racing.

PHOTOS BY: SUBBOTINA ANNA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; ANDREY BAYDA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Maarten

A DAY AT THE RACES Go ahead, admit it. You’ve always wanted to be a winch wench or a grinder. Or maybe being captain of a ship for a day is more your style. Well, you’re in the right place. St. Maarten/St. Martin is the only island in the Caribbean where novice sailors get the chance to race an authentic America’s Cup yacht. Simply watching these sleek sailboats cut through the water is pretty awesome, too. You may even find a ringside seat right on the deck of your cruise ship. For over 10 years, visitors to Philipsburg have been thrilled to attend the daily 12-meter regatta. The streamlined multimilliondollar sailboats transported to the Caribbean after the 1987 America’s Cup in Fremantle, Australia, race around a shortened America’s Cup course. The fleet includes three Canadian contenders and Dennis Conner’s Stars and Stripes, the proud US vessel that won the cup after racing in nearly 350 individual matches. — Ginger Dingus

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brilliant BLUE DIAMONDS

fancy YELLOW DIAMONDS

E-mail: info@kaysfinejewelry.com www.kaysfinejewelry.com Friend us on Facebook: Kfj Caribbean

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

UNCOVERING THE ARAWAKS The museum’s permanent exhibition, “On the Trail of the Arawaks,” traces the history of this particular Amerindian tribe from its origins thousands of years ago. Archaeologists funded by the Hope Estate Archaeological Association took part in a 10-year dig to reconstruct information about Amerindian culture and populations. The Hope Estate, located near Grand Case Salt Pond, was once a plantation and is now St. Maarten’s most important archaeological site. Using carbon-14 dating, scientists concluded that St. Maarten’s first settlers built villages near Orient Bay and Grand Case around 500 B.C., bringing with them the arts of pottery and horticulture. Finds from the dig are also on display in the museum. The Arawaks traveled via canoes made from hollowed-out trees, a far cry from today’s luxury cruise ships. They migrated from their native Andes to the northeastern coast of Venezuela and on to the Antilles. Archaeologists believe that the Arawaks lived on the island now known as St. Maarten as early as A.D. 800, farming, fishing and living a quiet life. The Arawaks, known to revere their women, called the island Oualichi, meaning “the island of women.” At the museum, visitors can see the Arawaks’ eating and farming tools, ornaments made of shell and stones, a burial site and funeral gifts in large clay pots. Ceramics and animal skulls are among the many well-preserved pre-Columbian relics. The exhibit showcases artifacts of the Arawak community’s religious and spiritual life, including zemis (images of gods made from a variety of materials), astrological symbols and religious accoutrements worn by shamans. A more recent historical exhibition includes photos of the first airport built by the United States during World War II. It helped lure the first major influx of tourists to the island after the war. Many surely followed suit, because St. Maarten is now one of the Caribbean’s most popular cruise destinations. Archeologists spent 10 years discovering the secrets of the Arawaks.

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CHAMELEONSEYE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Amerindians were the earliest settlers on many Caribbean islands, but their stories sometimes get overshadowed by the more-recent history of the European settlers. Their lives come to light at the St. Martin Museum in Marigot.

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

PETAL POWER

MIKELEDRAY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Visitors to the Caribbean region canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but stare at the vivid splendor of the hibiscus flowers that blossom almost everywhere in the islands. Indeed, hibiscus rosa sinensis, as it is known to horticulturists, is an instantly recognizable island icon. One of the easiest varieties of tropical flowers to cultivate, its colors range from the deepest scarlet to delicate shades of pink, peach, yellow and white. New shades appear every year as local enthusiasts compete to breed the fullest and most colorful blooms. A little-known fact: The petals of the versatile hibiscus are dried, finely crushed and used all over the world in commercially produced herbal teas.

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

HOW TO SAY IT

It never hurts to speak more than one language, but it’s especially helpful in Dutch/ French St. Maarten/St. Martin. So here’s a quick translation guide to get you through a day on either side of this bilingual island:

Dutch • Hello: Hallo (HAH-low) • Goodbye: Dag (dahg) • How much is it?: Hoeveel is het? (whofeel es et?) • Please: Alstublieft (ALST oo bleeft) • Thank you very much: Dank u zeer (DONK oo seer)

French • Hello: Bonjour (bone JHOOR) • Goodbye: Au revoir (oh-rev-WAHR) • How much is it?: C’est combien? (say cohm-bee-EN) • Please: S’il vous plaît (seel-voo-PLAY) • Thank you very much: Merci beaucoup (mare-SEE boh-KOO)

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Jewelry Avenue Please come and collect a free pair of earrings

White Diamonds

Blue Diamonds

Black Diamonds

CafĂŠ Diamonds

Jewelry buffet: wide variety of fine jewelry, also tanzanite, emerald, ruby, sapphire, opals, larimar, rainbow topaz, and all birthstones starting from US $10 and up.

Jewelry Avenue Front Street Kannal Steeg Unit 2 Bobbyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marina Near Water Taxi Terminal and Green House Philipsburg, St. Maarten N.A. Tel: (721) 542-1237 | Fax (721) 542-1293 | USA (646) 415-7607 E-mail: jewelryavenueinc@hotmail.com

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

Special Advertising Feature

The Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit is a non-profit foundation built around Nick’s private collection of rare Hollywood relics. Encouraging kids to strive to be exceptional, there are incredible behind-the-scenes insights that no fan should miss, displays about ALIEN TERMINATOR & MEN IN BLACK and an incredible collection of lifecast faces, Hollywood stars and historical figures, like Johnny Depp & Angelina Jolie, Marlon Brando & Bogart, even Abraham Lincoln and Benjamin Franklin.

19a Front Street, Philipsburg, St. Maarten Tel: 542-4009 www.thatYodaGuy.com

Visitors to sunny St Maarten probably don’t expect to find Darth Vader and Michael Jackson nestled amidst the duty free jewelry stores. But the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit, acclaimed as one of the 3 most popular Caribbean museums in TripAdvisor’s 2013 Traveler’s Choice Awards, has that and much, much, more. The Museum is the brainchild of Hollywood creature effects wizard Nick Maley, known as “that Yoda Guy” for his contribution to the creation of Yoda for STAR WARS. Nick worked on over 50 movies, including the SUPERMAN and HIGHLANDER sagas.

Nick’s biography reads like a romantic novel. He grew up in the midst of the entertainment industry, worked with Hollywood legends like Sean Connery, Sir Anthony Hopkins and Harrison Ford, was featured in CINEMAX and HBO specials, won a place in THE GUINNESS BOOK OF WORLD RECORDS and was nominated for an EMMY.

But, at the height of his career, Nick shocked his colleagues when he and his wife Gloria traded their Ferrari for a sailboat to pursue Nick’s passion for painting... in the Caribbean. A MUST SEE for art and movie fans, the museum His paintings reflect the serenity to be found is described by many as the most surprising enin simple living, have toured the world with the terprise in the Caribbean, where rare STAR UNITED NATIONS and hang in galleries WARS production items can be purchased, and museums in 18 countries. hand signed, from a movie insider.

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The Museum Shop sells SIGNED movie memorabilia, posters, behind-the-scenes photos and storyboards… unique autographed slices of STAR WARS history that become an heirloom to pass on through the family. There’s also Nick’s celebrated Caribbean artwork and his famed Caribbean Cruise Ship Map. This romantic map, inscribed with the route of your ship, is dedicated in gold (at no extra charge) for birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries or special occasions. It’s the perfect inexpensive cruise souvenir. With a 20-40% ship discount, the Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit provides entertainment for the whole family. There’s something for every budget and if you are lucky enough to find Nick there, he will dedicate purchases and do photos with customers. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity to visit a STAR WARS celebrity.

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

SECLUDED SHORES The island’s world-famous beaches are extraordinary even by Caribbean standards. Most are bustling, but there are stretches of sand still undiscovered by the masses. With 36 beaches to choose from on the French side of the island, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. • Baie Longue (Long Bay) Rated by many as the best beach on the island, Baie Longue stretches for a mile on the western end of St. Martin. • Orient This is one of the most popular clothingoptional beaches. Hordes of beachgoers come to shuck their clothes, catch some sun and gape. Unlike the neighboring French shores, almost all beaches on the Dutch side discourage nude or topless sunbathing. These beaches are relatively close to the pier in Philipsburg.

ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD

• Great Bay Smack in the middle of town, this strip of beach provides an oasis of peace. • Simpson Bay This crescent-shaped sweep of sugarwhite sand is a center for windsurfing activity. Set against a small fishing village, Simpson Bay offers a laid-back environment. • Maho Bay This palm-shaded beach is strewn with lounge chairs belonging to the numerous beachfront resorts lining the shore.

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Ports of call | St. Maarten

45D & 97, Frontstreet - Philipsburg Phone (599) 542 2533 | Fax (599) 542 3963 MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

www.linengalore-sxm.com

Tablecloths & Napkins | Placemats & Runners and much more...

Nappes | Serviettes | Sets de table | Chemins et bien plus encore ...

FACTORY AND DOWNTOWN STORE: PHILIPSBURG, 109 OLD STREET

Passage across Polo Ralph Lauren / Michael Kors Boutique opposite Cartier

PRIVATE YACHT AND CRUISE SHIP SHOPPING: PORT OF SINT MAARTEN OUTLET

Inside Port of Sint Maarten, Harbor Shopping Village, Taxi / tour bus roundabout

Phone: +1721 5231642 | Email: beatrixdetroy@gmail.com | www.thebelgianchocolatebox.com 238

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#69-A Frontstreet | Philipsburg St. Maarten N. A. Tel: 1-721-542-1978 | USA Tel: 1.718.878.7101 dkgemsint@caribserve.net | www.dkgemsint.com

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PHOTOS BY: (LAKE) CAPPI THOMPSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SKYLINE) JAKOBRADLGRUBER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Canada

The Cains River flows through New Brunswick.

C ANADA

Home to quaint fishing villages and charming towns, Canada’s Maritime Provinces hold the treasures of both man and nature. This region’s special gems include Saint John in New Brunswick and Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia.

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PHOTOS BY: (LAKE) CAPPI THOMPSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SKYLINE) JAKOBRADLGRUBER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Vancouver skyline.

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Ports of call | Canada

NEW BRUNSWICK S AIN T JOHN Quick Guide Famed for: The Bay of Fundy, the Reversing Rapids and whale watching. It’s a Fact: New Brunswick is the only province in Canada that is constitutionally bilingual, with over 30 percent of the population speaking French. Signature Souvenirs: Dulse, a local snack made from dried seaweed, and whale-themed crafts.

FROM TOP: Low tide reveals why New Brunswick’s famous Hopewell Rocks are also known as Flower Pot Rocks; A lighthouse overlooks Peggy’s Cove.

NO VA S C O T I A H A L IFA X Famed for: Being the Canadian city with the most pubs and clubs per capita, having the world’s second largest natural harbor and hosting Atlantic Canada’s largest art collection at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. It’s a Fact: Brewmaster Alexander Keith was mayor for three terms, and his original 1820 brewery welcomes visitors with costumed guides, stories and good ale. Signature Souvenirs: Nautical items, including Theodore Tugboat and Harbor Hopper merchandise.

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PHOTOS BY: (TOP) GARY YIM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOTTOM) V. J. MATTHEW/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Quick Guide

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PAULA STEPHENS/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Ports of call | Canada

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NO VA S C O T I A SYDNEY There is much to keep guests busy in Sydney: museums, historic sites and a steady schedule of cultural activities celebrating the area’s diverse heritage.

Quick Guide Famed for: Celtic music and culture from the port’s roots as a landing point for Scottish immigrants in the 18th and 19th centuries. It’s a Fact: The port was an important naval base during World War II, when it was used to stock convoys headed to the European theater.

PAULA STEPHENS/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Signature Souvenirs: A miniature version of a Cape Breton lighthouse or of the 60-foot fiddle on the waterfront.

A summer sunset in Sydney.

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SPIRITS OF NEW YORK The Only Premium, Small Batch Vodka & Gin Available Onboard Cruise Ships

WWW.1911SPIRITS.COM

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速 Since 1979

FREE Korite速 Pendant Valued At Over $200 With Every Korite速 Ammolite Purchase

Available Exclusively at

*Excluding promotional items

Ask for the Korite certificate of authenticity as a guarantee of quality and craftsmanship.

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Let Us Tell Your Story

Sterling silver charms from $25

Introducing the new 2014 Winter Collection from PANDORA

Experience at: Barbados • Key West • Puerto Rico • St. John • Tortola 1.888.527.4473 • www.LittleSwitzerland.com

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