2015 16 CCL Caribbean POC Region 4 by Onboard Media

FUN ASHORE 2015 –16 CARIBBEAN SAILING SEASON REGION 4

FUN ASHORE GETTING THERE WITH CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

THE VIEW FROM Carnival Vista

Clear Sailing to The Future of Fun

AMBER COVE A Gem of a Port In Paradise

WHAT’S IN STORE

2015 -16 CARIBBE AN SAILING SE ASON

KEVIN HART

A Laughing Matter

Jewelry, Fashions, Gifts for All

STARRING . . . THE CARIBBEAN Movies With a Tropical Take

ISLAND EATS

Savoring Flavors Of the Destinations

GUIDE TO THE PORTS

Explore, Relax, Repeat starting on page

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

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CONTENTS 2015–2016 Sailing Season

Welcome Aboard!

A message from Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line

Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

Enhanced shore excursions, Journeys to paradise and more news from the fleet

PRETO PEROLA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The View From Carnival Vista A few of our favorite things about the innovative ship that’s the future of fun By Kelly Liszt

Amber Cove Cruise guests get a gem of a destination on the sparkling Dominican Republic coast By Cele and Lynn Seldon

A Laughing Matter Kevin Hart’s meteoric rise to comedic superstar By Lauren Comander

You are here (or will be soon). 6

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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CONTENTS 2015–2016 Sailing Season

Camera Ready | Starring: The Caribbean The tropics have been an irresistible setting for many a Hollywood blockbuster By Dorothy Cascerceri

Fun Day in Port

What to see, where to go, how to save — it’s all at your fingertips

Island Eats A guide to eating (and drinking) your way through the Caribbean By Cele and Lynn Seldon

PRETO PEROLA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

with the Fun Finds Map

Objects of Desire

Jewelry and watches from the top names in design are sparkling keepsakes of the perfect cruise vacation

Guide to Ports

History, culture and attractions in the ports of call, including the top shore excursions

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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™ and A Diamond is Forever™ are Trade Marks used under license from The De Beers Group of Companies. ™, © Forevermark Limited 2015. Forevermark™,

I T ’ S A LO N G J O U R N E Y TO B E CO M E T H E O N E . In our constant pursuit of absolute beauty, every Forevermark® diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection. This is why less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are worthy of the Forevermark® inscription our promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.

1-800-51-JEWEL • www.DiamondsInternational.com

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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 & General Manager Editorial & Design Virginia C. Valls Publishing Director Virginia Gil Senior Editor Kate McClare Project Editor Beth Wood Senior Art Director Dayana Ramirez Associate Art Director Christian Rosario Project Graphic Designer Raquel Figueroa Project Graphic Designer Jose Cuevas Graphic Designer Kat Williams Graphic Designer James Perdomo Production Coordinator Gail Abrams Ad Services Director Violeta Manco-Rojas Ad Services Manager Contributing Writers/Editors John Anderson, John Bigley, Christine Blank, Richard Carroll, Dorothy Cascerceri, Sara Churchville, Lauren Comander, 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, Paris Permenter, Jacquelynn Powers, Patti Roth, Claudia Sánchez-Bustamante, Cele Seldon, Lynn Seldon, Jonathan Siskin, Gary Steckles, Jim Thompsom, Richard Varr, Chelle Koster Walton, Deborah Williams Advertising Sales Tasha Riekstins Director of Cruise Shopping Anna Riekstins Director of International Sales & Brand Marketing Rod Musum Executive Director of Sales Tyler Condon Sales Manager Lèmar Scott International Sales Coordinator Video/Film Production Todd Hedge Executive Producer Dan Shaw Director of Operations Juan Carlos Peña Director of Photography Caroline Keith Associate Producer Kevin Maschke Senior Editor Enrico Caschetta Assistant Editor Alexa Caravia Videographer/Editor Port Shopping Revenue Jimmy Marks Retail Program Manager Robert Yonskie Regional Marketing Manager Port Shopping Rachel Castro Director of Operations Rina Alvarado Operations Coordinator Anaias Gonzalez Operations Sales Coordinator Nadine Winter Customer Relations Manager

©2015 Onboard Media. No claim to original works of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE or advertisers. Ships’ registry: PANAMA AND THE BAHAMAS 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 CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. Onboard Media Inc. and CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE 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. Cover image by: Mary Ellen Matthews/Corbis Outline

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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MESSAGE

MT ID S E HE PR

Welcome aboard! On behalf of all of us at Carnival Cruise Line, thank you for allowing us the privilege of creating fun, unforgettable vacation experiences for you and making memories that we hope will last a lifetime! Today, it’s all about Carnival Vista! While I am equally proud of all the ships in our fleet (including the vessel you are on!), I can’t wait to share with you some of the exciting features you can find on our newest, largest, most innovative ship yet. When I joined Carnival Cruise Line in February 2015, this was one of the things I was most excited about — a truly groundbreaking ship, which I’ve been very proud to be a part of as we get it ready for all of our guests to enjoy it starting in May 2016. Carnival Vista takes its name to heart, offering incredible top-deck spaces and indoor/ outdoor venues that provide guests with amazing views of the sea from virtually every angle onboard. She features a number of exciting, one-of-a-kind innovations, such as the SkyRide suspended cycling experience; the first IMAX Theatre on a cruise ship; Kaleid-o-Slide (our first tube slide); and our first onboard brewery in the RedFrog Pub! Not to mention our popular Fun Ship 2.0 activity, entertainment and dining choices such as Guy’s Burger Joint, developed in tandem with Food Network star Guy Fieri; and the cocktail pharmacy-themed Alchemy Bar. We have added some truly unique and exciting options to create what we believe is the ultimate vacation experience. The ship also offers the widest variety of stateroom choices in the Carnival fleet, from Havana Cabanas to Family Harbor accommodations and Cloud 9 Spa staterooms, as well as our wide variety of standard accommodations — you will have so many options to choose from. I’m getting excited just thinking about it . . . We can’t wait for you to experience all that this fantastic ship has to offer! Now, I don’t want to give everything away. So I invite you to read all about the ship in this edition of Fun Ashore! You can also learn about the other exciting activities we have going on in this issue. Of course, the talented team members onboard your ship are always there if you need anything. Once again, thank you for choosing Carnival Cruise Line for your vacation! Bon voyage!

Christine Duffy President Carnival Cruise Line 12

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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FUN TAKES: Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

ONBOARD

ACTIVITIES

Jump in — the fun is fine! Day or night, there’s always something fun to do on a Carnival cruise, including lots of interactive activities. So, jump right in — it’s fun!

Youth Programs: Simply put, Carnival makes it fun for kids, and the line’s newest program, Camp Ocean, features more than 20 0 new marine-themed activities. Good Sports: Activities include ongoing pool and lido deck games, shuffleboard, ping pong, volleyball, basketball, miniature golf, a jogging track, varied fitness classes and even soccer, dodgeball, and a ropes course on a few ships. In Good Taste: Those who consider eating a contact sport will want to head to one or more of the cooking classes offered onboard, where chefs might teach you how to cook a steakhouse-style steak — and then give you a bite. Mix It Up: Mixology classes at the appropriately named Alchemy get you into the mixing action, while mixology competitions let you create and mix your own custom drink — with the winning cocktail featured onboard for the rest of the cruise. Groove for St. Jude: This fun dance activity is held once each cruise to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where seriously ill children and their families get world-class care. Participants receive a “Care to Play” T-shirt and wristband, with 100 percent of donations going directly to St. Jude, Carnival’s primary charitable partner. Showcase of Stars: Guests are the showstoppers during this talent show.

Hasbro, The Game Show: This rollicking participatory show puts guests right in the middle of their favorite Hasbro games, with larger-than-life adaptations of Yahtzee Bowling, Operation, Connect 4 Basketball and other classics. Playlist Productions: Talented performers and stunning stage effects interact in this high-tech show. Guests are invited to sing along and dance in — and out of — their seats. FROM TOP: Groove for St. Jude participants have a great time for a great cause; a family plays Hasbro, The Game Show. 14

Keep up with all the good times by checking your daily Fun Times.

PHOTOS BY: (SPA) WAVEBREAKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Superstar Live Karaoke: Singing live with a rockin’ four-piece band while the crowd goes wild? ’Nuf said — or, maybe make that ’nuf sung.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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SPA

SERVICES

Rest, relax and rejuvenate. You can only play so hard, after all.

Sometimes you need a vacation from your vacation. All that lounging in the tropical sun. The constant strain of lifting cocktails. The exhausting ordeal of dancing all night. When will it end? Seriously? You actually want all this to end? Of course not. But you do need to show some love to your skin and hair, and your feet and back will thank you for the pick-me-up massage between nightclub sessions. Which brings us — and you — to the onboard spa and salon, where, for a fee, you can literally get head-to-toe pampering to prepare yourself for another round of fun. Hair & Beauty Salon The Caribbean sun can be harsh on skin and hair, so treat them to one of the many indulgent services at the salon. You might even want to slip in here before your first outing, to prep your skin to do a slow brown instead of a fast burn. Cloud 9 Spa Select ships offer pampering treatments at Cloud 9 Spa, which includes a thalassotherapy pool. Soaking in this seawater bath imparts special benefits from vitamins and trace minerals, and water jets offer an extra dose of “aaaahhhh!” But wait, there’s more. Medi-Spa “In addition to our sophisticated menu of soothing spa treatment and therapies in the spectacular Cloud 9 Spa, we have a variety of offerings as part of our popular Medi-Spa program,” says Daniel Materassi, vice president of spa operations. “These non-surgical procedures include both the use of Botox and Dysport for the elimination of wrinkles and fine lines, as well as Restylane, which leaves skin beautiful and younger looking. Combining a Medi-Spa treatment with our vast array of massages and facials makes for a perfect way to spend the day at our luxurious spa.” Body Care Soothing, energizing back and foot rubs are just the beginning. Now’s the time to add something new from the massage menu. Start your cruise with a seaweed detox, go for an energy-rebuilding herbal poultice in the middle and come back any time for a hot-stone massage. Have you been contemplating acupuncture for lingering discomfort or pain? Licensed acupuncturists are standing by.

PHOTOS BY: (SPA) WAVEBREAKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Guy Things In addition to the regular menu of spa, men get some cool extras: classic barbershop shaves, facials that soothe the skin and even a little touch-up to erase the gray. Oh boy! Teen Treats Ditch mom, dad and the sibs and go for spa services created with you in mind. Massages, mani-pedi services, hair styling and specialized fitness classes are just what you need — just what we all need, really, but you don’t have to deal with the rest of us here. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

MY FAVORITE MARTINI

Ivan M. Jankovic, beverage operations manager on Carnival Glory, shared this refresher from Alchemy Bar, the vintage-themed cocktail “pharmacy” where expert mixologists prescribe the perfect antidote to the same-old same-old. You can create your own custom concoctions with their help, or do some serious studying at martini tastings and other events.

WHAT’S IN STORE

Sweet Deals and Sweeter Memories at the Fun Shops Now that you’ve relaxed and refreshed yourself on this cruise, we think you’re ready for a little retail therapy. Start your rejuvenation at the Fun Shops. These onboard boutiques offer an incredible variety of treats and treasures. You’ll find the latest styles from some of the world’s most sought-after brands, and with tax and duty free prices, you’ll never have a better opportunity to make them your own — or to make a big impression on the people on your gift list. Here’s where you can take home the top names in cosmetics, fragrance (for men and women), fashion, jewelry and watches, including many choices you’ll find only onboard. Got a whiskey or scotch connoisseur on your gift list? Our premium brands will hit the spot. Looking for a cute outfit for lunch with a friend, a fine timepiece to keep you on track or a brilliant diamond or gemstone necklace to glam things up in the club tonight? It’s all here. But it’s not really about the things you buy — it’s about the memories they capture. The Fun Shops’ expert associates love nothing more than helping you commemorate the cruise by guiding you to the perfect purchase. They’re even more thrilled to help you create unique memories by orchestrating an unforgettable wedding proposal, graduation celebration or other special happening. Here onboard, shopping really is an event. You never know when a party’s going to pop up and give you a chance to design your own jewelry, taste delicious cocktails or discover new designers. The prices are even more irresistible, with lots of bonus buys and one-of-a-kind deals. Many are one-time-only, so be sure to check your Fun Times for the latest news on shopping events and promotions. “We’re proud of the selection and the unbeatable prices at the Fun Shops, but that’s really just the beginning,” says William Butler, vice president of retail services. “From exciting events to caring, expert associates, it’s all about creating special moments and putting the guest at the center of it all.” The Fun Shops are open on sea days and in the evening when the ship has left port. Stop by and let us help you find something fun and fabulous!

Revved Up Mojito Martini Ingredients 2 ounces Bombay Sapphire Gin 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1 ounce simple syrup ½ ounce dry vermouth 5 mint leaves Method Combine liquid ingredients in a shaker, pour over ice and add mint leaves.

PHOTOBY: (COUPLE) DOTSHOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DRINK) HANS GEEL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (KAYAK) BLUEORANGE STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (LADY WITH COCKTAIL) WAVEBREAKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Try something new at Alchemy Bar.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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SHORE

EXCURSIONS Enhanced port tours create unforgettable experiences. Whiling the afternoon away in a luxury villa with your own personal chef and wait staff. Dining with friends at a world-famous restaurant. Hunting for buried treasure with the kids.

PHOTOBY: (COUPLE) DOTSHOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DRINK) HANS GEEL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (KAYAK) BLUEORANGE STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (LADY WITH COCKTAIL) WAVEBREAKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

This is how the other half goes on vacation, right? Nope. It’s how you go on vacation, when you take one of Carnival’s enhanced shore excursions. Carnival has dramatically expanded its shore excursion offerings, adding exclusive experiences, customized private tours and family-friendly enhancements such as complimentary beachside activities, value pricing and free tours in select ports for children under age 5. The enhanced options give Carnival cruisers nearly 1,200 unique landside experiences in more than 50 ports of call throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, the Bahamas, Canada, New England, and Central and South America. “Shore excursions are an important part of the Carnival vacation experience, and we’ve gone to great lengths to provide our guests with even more choices and offer families unique value-added services and pricing options that are exclusive to Carnival,” says Amilcar Cascais, vice president of tour operations.

HERE’S JUST A TASTE:

Exclusive “Only-On-Carnival” Tour Options

• Cozumel: La Casa en la Playa — Five hours of luxury and authentic Mexican cuisine for up to 30 people at a beach house with a personal chef and wait staff. • Ocho Rios: Eat, Drink & Dance — Includes a delicious meal at Miss T’s Kitchen, featured on Guy Fieri’s Family Cruise on Food Network.

Family-Friendly Services and Tours

• Freeport: Family Beach Escape — Sandcastle building competitions, treasure hunts and face painting for the kids; relaxation and tropical drinks for the grown-ups. With lunch and water-craft rentals for all. • Nassau: Family Treasure Hunt with Lunch at Blue Lagoon — Discover hidden treasures, collect clues and answer trivia questions to win the Pirate’s Bounty! Then soak up the sun and enjoy lunch at Blue Lagoon Island.

Unique Valued-Added Options

You have lots more choices if you’re looking for a more authentic landside experience, with exclusive private tours tailored to your personal preferences. Experienced local guides take you beyond mere sightseeing for a truly up-close-and-personal view of the destination. Finally, there’s the Shore Excursion Best Price Guarantee — the only one of its kind in the cruise industry, providing a 110 percent refund (as a shipboard credit) in the unlikely event that you find a better price on a similar tour.

FROM TOP: Splashing it up on one beach; relaxing by another.

Visit the onboard shore-excursion desk for full details or to book one of these enhanced tours. You’ll find even more treks listed in the Destinations section of Fun Ashore. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

SEEKING

NEW HORIZONS

Carnival Journeys takes you farther.

Ever wish you could get to know a little more about the spectacular destination you’re visiting with Carnival? Well, this one’s for you. Carnival Journeys, a limited series of special sailings, takes cruisers on amazing voyages that fully immerse them in the culture and adventure of the destination. Launched in late 2015 and continuing through 2016, Carnival Journeys sails to destinations throughout the Caribbean, Central America, Hawaii, Mexico and the Bahamas. The collection also offers special onboard experiences in dining, entertainment and enrichment.

INTRIGUING ITINERARIES

On unique, longer journeys of 9 to 15 days, you’ll get to explore less traveled, more exotic locations, such as Tobago, Grenada, La Paz, Martinique, Bonaire and Ixtapa.

AMAZING ACTIVITIES

On these cruises, getting there really is a big part of the fun. Carnival Journeys voyages include shipboard experiences tailored to each itinerary, with the intent of presenting authentic local experiences: • Authentic Eats: Chefs from each destination present onboard cooking demonstrations and, for a fee, bring guests to their restaurants and to local markets in search of delectable regional specialties. • Local Entertainment: Participants get a close-up look at their destination through performances of music, dance and other folkloric shows onboard or in port. • Throwback Sea Day: Step back to 1987 and have a retro day at sea with all the trimmings of 1980s cruising: pool and deck games; old-school dining options (save room for the midnight buffet!), a white-glove Captain’s Celebration and more.

• Crew Connections: The ship’s captain, cruise director, hotel director and other crew members host informative question-and-answer sessions about shipboard life — and then perform in a special show you do not want to miss! Christine Duffy, Carnival president, says the cruise line created Carnival Journeys “to offer our existing customers even more options while helping us to attract those guests who have not had the opportunity to sail with Carnival and may be enticed by these longer, more exotic itineraries.” To learn more, visit carnival.com/journeys. Martinique is one of Carnival Journeys’ featured destinations.

PHOTO BY: DARRYL BROOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

• Academy of Fun: Enroll in the Academy of Fun (full scholarships for all!) and you’ll get a lively education. Learn celestial navigation from a ship officer, get schooled in social media, improve your photography skills — with these and other onboard courses you’ll discover that learning can be the most fun of all.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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The View From

CARNIVAL VISTA By Kelly Liszt

It’s clear sailing ahead for the innovative ship that’s the future of fun.

Behold Carnival Vista, the biggest ship Carnival Cruise Line has ever built. The 133,500-ton vessel will be Carnival’s most innovative ship yet, bringing fun to nearly 4,000 guests on exciting itineraries in the Mediterranean and Caribbean. “As our largest and most innovative ship, Carnival Vista is the result of years of planning and the efforts of thousands of workers who designed and constructed this magnificent vessel,” says Ben Clement, the cruise line’s vice president of newbuilds. “Nearly two years under construction, Carnival Vista takes the Carnival cruise experience to unprecedented heights with a number of unique innovations not found on any other ship. It is truly the ‘future of fun.’ ” 20

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Carnival Vista, the cruise line’s biggest and most innovative ship yet; the Kaleid-o-Slide; Havana Bar & Pool; high-tech treatments in the atrium.

Christine Duffy, Carnival’s president, says the ship “builds on our position as the number one cruise line for families. We’ve created some truly exciting spaces aboard Carnival Vista that families will simply love. From nautical-themed Family Harbor staterooms and the first IMAX Theatre at sea to massive outdoor spaces featuring our largest water slide ever and the one-of-a-kind Sky Ride suspended cycling experience, both the young and the young at heart will have a vacation of a lifetime on Carnival Vista.” The ship also offers unforgettable dining experiences, says Gus Antorcha, executive vice president of guest shipboard operations. “Dining is a highlight of any vacation and on Carnival Vista, we’re offering the widest variety of culinary options at sea,” Antorcha says. “Whether it’s a delicious hand-crafted burger created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri at Guy’s Burger Joint, lobster rolls and other New Englandinspired fare at the new Seafood Shack, a craft beer at our first-ever onboard brewery at the RedFrog Pub or an intimate meal at the Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse, there’s something for every mood or taste aboard Carnival Vista. And don’t forget 24-hour ice cream and pizza!” As if anyone could forget 24-hour ice cream and pizza. So, whether you’re reading this before or after Carnival Vista’s May 2016 debut, get ready to be thrilled. Bigger Ship, Even Better Guest Experience SkyRide is a thrilling suspended cycling experience on the upper deck — an industry first. Step inside one of the capsules and put the pedal to the air, powering your way around an 800-foot-long track encircling the ship’s rope course and enjoying the view 150 feet above the ocean. Ready to cool off? Head to WaterWorks and hop inside the grooviest waterslide ever. The Kaleid-o-Slide is a 455-foot-long twister, the cruise line’s longest slide and its first raft-riding tube ever. Brilliant light effects inside

simulate the feeling of sliding through a kaleidoscope, making for an exciting, colorful whoosh downward, ending with a brisk, refreshing splash. For a more refined way of cooling off, the Havana Bar and Pool at the stern of the shop on the Promenade Deck is just the place. It’s an exclusive tropical paradise by day and a lively, fun-for-everyone music and dancing hotspot by night. Enjoy the ocean view and old-time Cuban resort atmosphere while taking a dip in the pool, relaxing in the spa or lazing on a sun lounger. Find a seat at the nearby Havana Bar and sample complimentary Cuban-style snacks. Sip a Cuban cocktail such as a classic mojito with muddled fresh mint, or try a traditional daiquiri while taking in the gorgeous seascape. If beer is more your thing, the next-generation RedFrog Pub has something extra special: its own microbrewery right on board. The RedFrog Pub features live music, games, great bar snacks — everything there is to love about Carnival’s popular RedFrog Pubs, only with a selection of signature microbrews handcrafted in vats nearby. The ship also boasts the first IMAX Theatre at sea, part of the Carnival Multiplex that also includes the multi-dimensional Thrill Theater. The massive screen stands a towering three-decks high. Grab some popcorn (from the nearby concession stand), settle in your seat and enjoy first-run movies as you sail along the ocean. A World of Dining Options Fasten your taste buds and get them ready for a culinary adventure. Sushi and Asian favorites, Italian dishes and made-to-order pizza, sizzling steaks, lobster rolls, juicy burgers, tasty tacos, tried-and-true comfort food and more — they’re all available on board. And on Carnival Vista, many of these dining venues feature al fresco seating on the Promenade Deck, so you can enjoy your meal with an extra helping of breathtaking ocean view. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Family Harbor stateroom; Cherry On Top; RedFrog Pub.

Fun Finds in the Fun Shops The ship takes shopping to the next level — literally. Already an irresistible destination for those in search of fine jewelry, watches, fashion and more, the Fun Shops on Carnival Vista need a second deck to fit all that style. And the sweet life gets even sweeter at Cherry On Top, the candy-and-more store, where you’ll find a special counter serving premium ice cream and all the luscious toppings you could ask for. Innovative Accommodations It looks like Carnival has gone the extra mile — or rather, the extra square foot — with exclusive accommodations, starting with the Havana staterooms and suites. Step inside one of these and feel like you’ve come home to your own island resort. Conveniently located near the Havana Bar, pool and club, each room features unique, tropical décor. Havana Cabanas kick it up a notch with extralarge outdoor lounging space. And Havana Cabana suites include a luxurious rain shower inside as well as a welcoming hammock waiting outside. Family Harbor staterooms and suites, also a Carnival Vista exclusive, feature fun, nautical décor and are spacious enough for the whole family to spread out and relax in comfort. Their strategic location near the Family

Harbor Lounge helps, too. This 24-hour spot serves breakfast in the morning and yummy snacks during the day. (Cookies and milk, anyone?) Families can also take advantage of the lounge’s concierge service, great for making specialty dining reservations, shore excursion plans and more. Here’s what’s even better: Families staying in Family Harbor staterooms and suites enjoy other benefits too, like kids under 12 eating free in most specialty onboard restaurants. Parents get a night off with a free evening of Night Owls late-night activities. All the Fun Ship 2.0 Bells and Whistles There’s plenty of fun for all, not just families. The ship includes all the elements of Fun Ship 2.0, a collection of entertainment, dining and recreation initiatives the cruise line rolled out in 2011 and has featured on all its new ships. Guest favorites include Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, RedFrog Pub, Havana Bar, Punchliner Comedy Club and Hasbro, The Game Show, a live version of several popular Hasbro board games. The Future of Fun So immense and so innovative, Carnival’s latest is, for now, in a class all its own. But that will soon change. Be on the lookout for a yet-to-be-named Vista-class vessel, making its debut in 2018.

VITAL STATISTICS LAUNCH

May 2016

GUESTS 3,954

ONBOARD CREW 1,450

WEIGHT

133,500 tons

LENGTH

1,055 feet

ITINERARIES

Summer 2016 in Europe, with year-round Caribbean voyages starting in November 2016

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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WHATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S YOUR FUN FIND? It's the memory you bring home to remember this perfect vacation forever.

Ta x & Dut y Free Find your favorite brands at the lowest prices guaranteed!

THE FUN SHOPS [ onboard ]

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AMBER COVE Carnival creates a gem of a destination on the sparkling Dominican Republic coast. Amber Cove is one of the hottest cruise ship destinations in the Caribbean — and it’s not just because of the great weather. It’s in the heart of the breathtaking Amber Coast in the northern region of the Dominican Republic, and is just five miles from the bustling historic beach town of Puerto Plata. When Amber Cove welcomed its first Carnival Victory guests in the fall of 2015, a cruise ship hadn’t called at Puerto Plata since the 1980s. The $85 million cruise center is now able to introduce 8,000 visitors daily to this very special part of the Dominican Republic, with two berths and facilities covering 30 acres. “ This is a ver y exciting development,” says Francisco Javier, tourism director of the Dominican Republic. “The new port gives cruise passengers an opportunity to see another part of the Dominican Republic, our Amber Coast, which hasn’t been available as part of cruise itineraries in nearly thirty years.” The use of “amber” in the name of the new port is appropriate, since the region’s amber mines are among the richest in the world. Dominican Republic amber is 90 percent clearer than other amber and contains 10 times more insects than the Baltic variety. Amber is fossilized tree resin, and insects are often caught in it when it’s secreted; the more insects in the amber, the more valuable the gem. The hit 1993 movie Jurassic Park, the original tale of modern-day dinosaurs created from ancient DNA found in amber-trapped insects, was partially filmed in the Dominican Republic.

PHOTOS BY: (BEACH SUNSET) EMIN KULIYEV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (AMBER) VILOR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PUERTO PLATA) DMITRY CHULOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

By Cele & Lynn Seldon

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PHOTOS BY: (BEACH SUNSET) EMIN KULIYEV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (AMBER) VILOR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PUERTO PLATA) DMITRY CHULOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Plenty to Do at This Port Situated in a stunning coastal inlet, with a lush tropical landscape, towering mountains and more than two dozen waterfalls as a backdrop, the port proper features dramatic architecture and design elements that echo the region’s colonial past. Cobblestone streets and plazas lead to everything an arriving guest could want, including a welcome center, a shore excursions pier and transportation hub. Its convenient recreation areas include a large pool with slides and other water features, a selection of water sports and three different cabana rental options. A vibrant marketplace offers locally sourced crafts and souvenirs — plus amber sales, of course — and visitors can enjoy lively themed restaurants and bars. “We are constantly looking for new ways for our guests to enjoy their cruise experience, and it is always exciting to add new destinations to our itineraries — especially in the Caribbean, where many of our passengers have been before,” says Giora Israel, senior vice president of global port and destination development for Carnival Corporation. “Because Amber Cove is easily accessible, it gives our guests a convenient gateway to the Puerto Plata region.” Shore excursions out of Amber Cove are ranked as some of the best in the Caribbean. Dozens of options include dolphin tours; snorkeling; swimming in a natural river pool; horseback riding on the beach; cross-country adventures in 4x4 Terracross buggies; coffee plantation visits featuring traditional Dominican dishes and local fruit and rum; and speedboat trips to appropriately named Paradise Island, one of the area’s top snorkeling and scuba diving destinations. Nearby Ocean World, one of the region’s largest marine adventure parks, also offers a range of opportunities to experience and interact with marine life, including dolphin and stingray encounters, a sea lion show and snorkeling with sharks. Touring nearby Puerto Plata also has been very popular with Amber Cove visitors. The historic city was founded as the village of La Isabella in the late 1490s by Christopher Columbus and his brother, Bartolomé, and is the site of Fort San Felipe, the first fort built by European settlers in the New World. Puerto Plata is home to many artist studios, rum and cigar factories, the Amber Museum and the Malecón, a three-mile-long beachfront boardwalk with even more restaurants, bars and shopping. Many cruise memories have already been made in and near Amber Cove. To start making some of your own, contact your onboard shore-excursion specialist. FROM TOP: Carnival Victory, which began visiting Amber Cove in fall 2015; amber gemstones, plentiful in this part of the Dominican Republic; view from Fort San Felipe in nearby Puerto Plata. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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A Laughing Matter | Kevin Hart

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A MATTER By Lauren Comander

Philadelphia phenomenon Kevin Hart’s meteoric rise from Buffalo wing target to history-making headliner.

Back when Kevin Hart was known as Lil’ Kev the Bastard and trying out his stand-up routines across the City of Brotherly Love, the young comedian wasn’t feeling much love. The comedy scene was a small one, where hopefuls stood in small rooms before unruly crowds who thrived on seeing wannabes flop. Still, when he took the mic on a seemingly promising night and launched into a series of jokes, Lil’ Kev didn’t see it coming. But he certainly felt it. A Buffalo wing — minus a bite — nailed him in the face. “Simply because the person wasn’t happy with my style of comedy!” he recalls incredulously. So what did Lil’ Kev do, other than maybe wipe the sauce from his cheek? “I politely got off the stage, but I came back the following week. It’s not about how you get knocked down. It’s about how you get up. I’ve always gotten back up. Always.” Nearly two decades later, he got back up on a Philadelphia stage, this time with a gold mic stand and as Kevin Hart. With some impressive titles after his name: Comedy Superstar (Rolling Stone). Comedic Genius (MTV Movie Awards). And that night in August 2015, a new one: First Comedian to Sell Out an NFL Stadium (Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field, in front of 53,000 people). You can be sure there were no Buffalo wings hurled on stage. He scored a touchdown with his hometown performance, garnering rave reviews from fans and critics alike — and it’s all captured on film for Kevin Hart: What Now?, released by Universal Pictures. “Being the first comedian to ever sell out a football stadium is unreal, and having the opportunity to make history in the city I’m from is amazing!” he says. “It’s a dream come true.”

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A Laughing Matter | Kevin Hart

No dream seems too big for Hart. He has completed three wildly successful comedy tours, hosted Saturday Night Live twice and starred in blockbusters such as The Wedding Ringer and Ride Along — not to mention his role for the small screen, a fictionalized version of himself on Real Husbands of Hollywood. He has four major Hollywood films (at last count) scheduled for release in 2016. The 36-year-old with a net worth, according to Forbes, of $28.5 million says that despite his rocky start, he never doubted success would follow. Still, he’s brutally honest about his early days. “I sucked in the beginning!” he says. “[My jokes were] black-white/these are the things/don’t you hate it when . . . It wasn’t personal.” Along came mentor Keith Robinson, who convinced Hart to open up about life’s challenges so his audience could relate and laugh along with him. “I became a person that has emotion,” he says. “That’s something I had to learn, and it became the key to success: not being afraid to open up and be myself on stage.” For better or worse, Hart had the material to draw on from his rough-and-tumble upbringing in 28

Philadelphia. His parents divorced when he was around 4 years old. His mother, Nancy, raised him and his older brother in a studio apartment while his father chased a drug habit and drifted between lockup and rehab. He gives her credit for his success because she taught him to stay the course. “She said I could have whatever I wanted as long as I put my mind to it,” he says. So when Hart told her he’d be pursuing a career as a comedian, she didn’t laugh. She gave him a year, agreeing to pay his rent while he worked the circuit. “So I put my all into it and worked my hardest to obtain my goal,” he says. As his star rose, he heeded the advice of his predecessors. Jerry Seinfeld advised him not to be afraid of talking about things others aren’t talking about and to never fear creativity. Chris Rock told him to travel the world and be funny everywhere.

PHOTOS BY: (THIS PAGE) INFUSNY-244/INFPHOTO.COM/CORBIS; (RIGHT PAGE) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

FINDING HIS VOICE

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FAMILY MATTERS

When he’s not crisscrossing continents on tours and movie sets, Hart prefers to kick back in his opulent suburban Los Angeles mansion with his family, especially the children he shares custody of with ex-wife Torrei Hart: daughter Heaven, 10, and son Hendrix, 7. “My kids think I’m the coolest thing walking the earth – If they didn’t, that would be a problem!” Hart says. “I’m a fun dad!” He’s also a taskmaster determined to hand down a strong work ethic and an appreciation for their privileged lifestyle. “I believe in rules,” he says. “Do your work. Succeed in school. Treat others with respect.” That said, the funnyman routinely draws chuckles by spotlighting his own family’s warts, something they don’t take personally “because it’s never done with an intent to hurt,” he explains. But there are some topics Hart won’t broach: “I certainly won’t touch political humor or homophobia. You don’t want to be a person that seems degrading or attacking. I’m a positive person who motivates people to do better.”

PHOTOS BY: (THIS PAGE) INFUSNY-244/INFPHOTO.COM/CORBIS; (RIGHT PAGE) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

HART HEALTH

Kevin Hart at Spike TV’s 2013 Guys Choice awards.

Hart, a self-described fitness freak who visits the gym daily and regularly posts pictures of his workouts online, is determined to get his fans moving too. During his What Now tour, he teamed up with Rally Health and Nike to organize 5K runs with his fans on show days. “Mental health and physical success go together, and it’s all about giving people that little push,” says Hart, who sometimes makes his workout a family affair by sweating alongside his kids. The comedian has always enjoyed an active lifestyle and is a favorite of the NBA All-Star Celebrity game, winning MVP four times. Fitness, he says, is no joke. “I’m just a guy trying to take care of myself. You get one body and if you don’t take care of it, you lose your life. Exercise and eat right.” His favorite food to splurge on? Believe it or not — Buffalo wings.

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A Laughing Matter | Kevin Hart

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS 2016 Ride Along 2

Hart says he remains grounded and relatable, but also has to keep up with his self-proclaimed identity as a “comedic rock star.” “I have my fair share of jewelry!” says the confessed watch fanatic with a penchant for bling. “It’s about putting on a show. I can’t have the title of ‘Comedic Rock Star’ if I’m not going to fit the identity of a rock star, so I get all the bells and whistles to ring true to the title. I enjoy my stuff — I have no complaints at all!” The What Now tour, which traveled on eight tractor-trailers, reportedly cost $7 million to $8 million to produce. “I want to woo people the minute I walk onto the stage, and I want my fans to walk away with an experience,” he says. Hart, known for getting very little sleep, shows no signs of slowing down. “Stand-up comedy is something that I will always do!” he vows. “I’m a comedian first. I love it!” But he continues to look for ways to expand his brand and says offers for roles and projects continue to pour in, bigger and better than ever. “My goals are simply to become a mogul. I have my hand in a lot of pots, and I want the pots to continue to cook.”

2016 Central Intelligence 2016 The Secret Life of Pets 2015 Get Hard 2015 The Wedding Ringer 2014 Ride Along 2014 Think Like a Man Too 2013- Real Husbands PRESENT of Hollywood (TV series) 2013 Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain 2012 Think Like a Man 2011 Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain 2010 Kevin Hart: Seriously Funny 2010 Little Fockers 2009 Kevin Hart: I’m a Grown Little Man 2004 Soul Plane

HOLLYWOOD’S GOLDEN BOY

2016 Kevin Hart: What Now?

2003 Scary Movie 3

FROM TOP: Will Ferrell as James and Kevin Hart as Darnell in Get Hard, a Warner Bros. Pictures release; Hart as Cedric, gambling at Planet Hollywood in Screen Gems’ Think Like a Man Too.

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CAMERA READY

By Dorothy Cascerceri

The tropics have been an irresistible setting for many a Hollywood blockbuster. So cue the romantic sunset and the balmy breezes, bring out the historic attractions and get ready to be entranced. They may represent completely different genres, but the movies Cocktail and Pirates of the Caribbean have one thing in common: their Caribbean setting. In fact, this alluring region has been the backdrop for many Hollywood blockbusters. Its crystal-clear blue seas, towering palm trees and white-sand beaches have taken center stage in many famous films starring big names such as Tom Cruise, Johnny Depp and Sandra Bullock. Their breathtaking settings transport viewers from dark popcorn-scented theaters to Jamaica, the Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, St. Thomas and other tropical paradises. And the best part? Many of the most memorable scenes were shot outdoors, which means you may be able to stand on the very beach where Edward and Bella celebrated their romance, or put yourself in some other dramatic or romantic scene. Jamaica The 1988 film Cocktail, starring Tom Cruise, is one of the most famous films shot in Jamaica. It captures the love story between an ambitious New Yorker turned island bartender, played by Tom Cruise, and his paramour, played by Elisabeth Shue. The movie, known for its hit song, The Beach Boys’ “Kokomo,” was shot mainly on Jamaica’s North Shore and features breathtaking resorts in Ocho Rios. Remember the steamy, sultry waterfall scene where Cruise and Shue made out to the reggae sounds of Jimmy Cliff playing in the background? That was filmed at Dunn’s River Falls, while most of Cruise’s Negroni slinging happened at Dragon Bay Beach. More recently, the romantic aura of Montego Bay was essential

to How Stella Got Her Groove Back, a 1998 romantic comedy starring Angela Bassett and Taye Diggs in an adaptation of Terry McMillan’s best-selling novel. Another Cruise film, Knight and Day, co-starring Cameron Diaz, was filmed at Frenchman’s Cove Beach in Port Antonio, arguably one of the most picturesque beaches on the island; it once attracted Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. In this action-packed thriller from 2010, Diaz’s character, June, awakes on the beach with no recollection of how she got there. One cell-phone call results in an enemy bombardment of the area, which forces her and Cruise to run for their lives. You can reenact their frantic exit, but you’ll probably prefer to merely lounge on the sand, crack open a coconut and enjoy the view. St. Thomas People don’t usually associate vampires with the sunny Caribbean, but Magens Bay in St. Thomas was a filming location for Breaking Dawn: Part 1, part of the highly popular Twilight series. The 2011 film starred Kristen Stewart and teen heartthrob Robert Pattinson. The St. Thomas scene shows them as newlyweds Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, relaxing and enjoying their honeymoon. According to reports, film equipment was brought in on a barge, nearly 60 residents were employed on the shoot, and the crew spent close to $1 million at area businesses during the week they were there. St. Thomas was also the setting for a few scenes in the 2008 Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett film The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, even though most of the film was shot in New Orleans. Parts of the film, which tells the story of a man who ages backwards, were staged at Honeymoon Beach on Water Island, which has a population of only 200 people.

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Puerto Rico It’s no surprise that Pirates of the Caribbean was filmed in the Caribbean, given the title, and that the fourth installment in the franchise, On Stranger Tides, used Puerto Rico for much of its scenery. Castillo San Cristóbal, part of San Juan’s National Historic Site in Old San Juan, stands in for the Cadiz Fort, located in Cadiz, Spain, according to the film. Do you remember when Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow rowed Angelica, played by Penelope Cruz, out to sea in a small wooden boat? The island he dumped her on is Palominito Island, a private island near the El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. St. Martin Speed 2: Cruise Control, the action thriller starring Sandra Bullock, is probably best known for its dramatic ending, in which a cruise ship crashes into an oil tanker. The scene was shot in Marigot, St. Martin, which of course was not destroyed by the explosion in the film. What actually blew up was a façade constructed by the crew that extended the real town into the harbor. Ironically, the director chose St. Martin for filming because it’s not generally prone to tropical storms — but during set construction, Marigot was hit by a hurricane, which forced the crew to rebuild much of the set they had already worked on. Grand Cayman The portrayal of the Cayman Islands as a tax haven in the 1993 Tom Cruise movie The Firm, based on the eponymous John Grisham novel, had the financial-services industry up in arms, but Grand Cayman tourism officials no doubt loved the breathtaking natural landscape it showcased. Seven Mile Beach on the island’s west shore was a predominant filming location. The tiny capital of George Town, another site where scenes were filmed, offers a historic walking tour that highlights memorable moments from the film.

Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow in Puerto Rico, which provided scenery for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, starring Johnny Depp.

Bit Parts Various Caribbean destinations have made only brief appearances in major films — and not always as themselves. The Godfather: Part II (1974) has Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, stand in for Havana, Cuba. (That’s the El Embajador Hotel where Michael and Fredo are having their last good brotherly moment together.) In the ending of The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Morgan Freeman’s character walks across a beach in Zihuatanejo, Mexico, but the scene was actually shot in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. St. Croix gets to play itself in Trading Places (1983), where newly rich Eddie Murphy, Dan Aykroyd and friends relax in style on the beach. The ending is decidedly less happy in Silence of the Lambs (1991), when unspeakably evil serial killer Hannibal Lecter shows up Bimini, Bahamas. The film hints that he has followed his former psychiatrist there in order to kill him. But the actual resolution is left on the cutting-room floor.

Top-Grossing

MOVIES FILMED OR SET IN THE CARIBBEAN Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest $1.06 billion Tenth-highest-grossing movie worldwide Filmed in St. Vincent, the Bahamas and Dominica Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides $1.04 billion 16th-highest-grossing movie worldwide Filmed in Puerto Rico Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End $963.4 million Filmed in Dominica

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn- Part 1 $283.5 million worldwide Filmed in St. Thomas

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FUN DAY IN PORT

Bring your Fun Finds Map into port. Tuck it into your purse or pocket and put the port at your fingertips.

CAN BALCIOGLU/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Fun Finds Map is available from your onboard Shopping Expert at any of their live events or scheduled desk hours. Check your Fun Times for more information.

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Island

EATS Here’s how to eat (and drink) your way through the Caribbean.

Cruising through the Caribbean means getting to taste lots of island cuisine — a unique and flavorful experience that’s an essential part of your travels. Caribbean fare is generally considered to be a fusion of native Amerindian, African, European, Asian, East Indian and even Arab ingredients and flavors. Individual islands and groups of islands have also developed their own styles and dishes over the centuries, so each port of call on your Caribbean cruise may lead to a new dish you’ve never tried. Carnival offers many shore excursions with a culinary focus, where you can not only eat like a local but sometimes even learn to cook like one, too. Fresh lobster in Antigua, Jamaican jerk in Ocho Rios, mofongo in San Juan, pumpkin soup in St. Thomas — check out the “Fun Treks” listing in each port section of Fun Ashore, and consult your onboard shore-excursion specialist. If you’re cruising the islands over the holidays or during religious events, the annual Carnival or other festivals and celebrations (like the local “independence day ”), you might also enjoy cer tain traditional dishes highlighted during those times. Of course, Caribbean fare can also sometimes be quite spicy, so it’s always best to inquire about the seasoning of a dish before taking that first bite. Either way, just be sure to have an ice-cold Caribbean beer close at hand!

PHOTOS BY: (PLANTAINS) MICHAELPUCHE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MANGO) TATIANA DAVIDOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEER) ALCHENA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PAPAYA) PIM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MOJITO) BONITAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

By Cele & Lynn Seldon

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Here’s a mouthwatering list of some possibilities you’ll find in the islands once you’re docked.

PHOTOS BY: (PLANTAINS) MICHAELPUCHE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MANGO) TATIANA DAVIDOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEER) ALCHENA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PAPAYA) PIM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MOJITO) BONITAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Ackee: This unusual scrambled eggs-like tropical fruit is frequently served with saltfish, onions, hot peppers and more. Asado: A general term for roast pork, asado is particularly popular on islands with a strong Spanish heritage — such as Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Asopao (ah-so-pow): A famed soup served throughout Puerto Rico, with ingredients including chicken, ham, rice, tomatoes, peppers, onions, olives and capers. Beer: Almost every island seems to have a brewery these days. Some cold ones to look for include Jamaica’s Red Stripe; Kalik and Sands in the Bahamas; Carib from Trinidad and Tobago; Banks and 10 Saints (aged in Mount Gay Rum barrels) in Barbados; Aruba’s Balashi; the Dominican Republic’s Presidente; and Puerto Rico’s Medalla Light.

Conch: The national dish of the Bahamas, conch is a sea mollusk that can be served as ceviche (raw, with lime juice), fried (think conch fritters), steamed and in soups and stews or atop a salad.

Mango: Th is color f u l tropical fr uit is often featured in spiced chutney for curries and other uses.

Fungi (foon-gee): This is a popular side dish in the U.S. Virgin Islands that is made of boiled cornmeal with okra.

Mofongo: The national dish of Puerto Rico, it’s made with unripe fried plantain or other root vegetables mashed with garlic, olive oil, fried pork, broth and other ingredients.

Ginger beer: This carbonated sweet drink made with ginger is often mixed with beer or rum for varied adult beverages.

Papaya: This island-staple fruit is often served for breakfast or used in stews, sauces and island rum drinks.

Goat: Often served in goat stew t h r oughout t he i s l a nd s , t h i s flavorful meat is combined with dumplings, tomatoes, green papaya, breadfruit and seasonings for a hearty stew. Curried goat is quite popular in Jamaica and other islands with a histor y of Indian immigrants.

Pasteles: Beloved in Puerto Rico and elsewhere (especially during Christmas), pasteles are banana leaves stuffed with savor y or sweet fillings and then boiled.

Bread pudding: Prepared with varied sweets and spices — and even the occasional splash of rum — bread pudding is one of the Caribbean’s most famous desserts.

Jamaican patties: Seemingly found on every corner (and beach) of Jamaica and elsewhere in the islands, these famed fried pastries are typically stuffed with varied meats, vegetables and spices.

Callaloo: This island side dish of greens is traditionally made with taro or amaranth (spinach is sometimes substituted), plus okra, meat and other foods.

Jerk: This fiery style of cooking meat and seafood is famous in Jamaica, thanks to a tasty blend of herbs and peppers. Wash it down with a Red Stripe, mon!

Pepperpot: A varied stew served throughout the Caribbean (often called “souse” in the Bahamas), pepperpot can include lots of different meats, vegetables, fungi (see above) and herbs and spices. Plantains: Fried, boiled or even made into potato chip-like chips, plantains are island staples not to be missed. Rice & beans: This is a popular side dish on many menus in the Caribbean; you may see them referred to as “rice and peas.”

Rum: They love their rum in the islands. Notable rum-loving islands include Puerto Rico (which exports thousands of gallons of rum to the U.S.), Jamaica, the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands and Barbados. Saltfish: Typically prepared with meaty white fish like cod, saltfish was originally salt-cured and –dried fish prepared to endure long voyages between the Caribbean and Europe. It’s now a popular breakfast dish in the islands as well as an ingredient for pelau, a dish often made of beef, chicken, saltfish, rice, pigeon peas, vegetables and spices. Yams: These sweet-potato-like vegetables are popular side dishes throughout the islands. A similar island root vegetable, boniato, also is popular. Yuca: Sometimes listed as cassava, yuca is a starchy vegetable often served boiled, baked or fried. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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OBJECTS

DESIRE

Perfect your look with one of these little luxuries: a dramatic pendant, a sparkling ring, a shimmering bracelet or timepiece. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a vacation memory of the best kind. Le Vian Ocean Wave Gladiator Ring

Crown of Light Orchid Ring Gucci G-Timeless Collection

Kabana Alhambra Collection Earrings

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande

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OBJECTS OBJECTS

DESIRE DESIRE

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.

Marahlago Surf Necklace

Mark Henry Royale Collection Ring

Safi Kilima Kilehe Trillion Tanzanite Bangle

TrueLove Diamonds Infinity Bracelet

Forevermark Halo Ring

Fendi Selleria

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CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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Guide to

PORTS Cabo San Lucas Catalina Island Ensenada Hawaii La Paz Los Angeles Mazatlรกn

CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Puerto Vallarta

OF THE

See our guide to the distinctive creations that make the Caribbean so exceptional, in select ports.

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Catalina Island

Los Angeles

Ensenada

New Or Galveston

Cabo San Lucas

Mazatlรกn

MEXICO

GULF OF MEXICO

Progreso

Puerto Vallarta

Costa Maya Belize City CENTRAL AMERICA

KAUAI

BELIZE

Nawiliwili

OAHU

GUATEMALA

HAWAII

Honolulu Kahului MAUI

PACIFIC OCEAN

Kona

BIG ISLAND HAWAII

Hilo

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Bermuda

Jacksonville

New Orleans

PORTS of Call

Port Canaveral

Tampa

FLORIDA Freeport Fort Lauderdale Miami THE BAHAMAS

Key West

Nassau

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Half Moon Cay

CUBA TURKS AND CAICOS

greso

Grand Turk

Cozumel

Amber Cove

Grand Cayman

Montego Bay

DOMINICAN St. Thomas San Juan HAITI REPUBLIC PUERTO La Romana RICO

Falmouth Ocho Rios JAMAICA

St. John St. Maarten/ St. Martin

St. Kitts

Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatรกn

Antigua

Dominica

CARIBBEAN SEA HONDURAS

St. Lucia Barbados

Aruba Curaรงao COSTA RICA

Bonaire

Cartagena COLOMBIA

VENEZUELA

PANAMA SOUTH AMERICA Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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GALYNA ANDRUSHKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

Land's End glows under the setting sun at Cabo San Lucas.

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

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FUNTREKS

TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS Here are just a few of the many tours you can experience during your visit. See your onboard shore-excursion specialist to book today. Please ask about age requirements, physical considerations, proper dress and other details.

Camel & Mexican Outback Adventure

An action packed unique adventure takes you to an oceanside ranch including activities such as tortilla making, tequila tasting, nature walk, camel ride on a pristine beach and typical Baja style meal

Santa Maria & Chileno Bay Eco Snorkeling

Experience the wonders of the Sea of Cortez’s waters when you snorkel Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay. You'll take a 24-foot. Zodiac boat past Land's End for photo opportunities of Lover’s Beach, the Sea Lion Colony and the Arch.

Luxury Day Sail

GALYNA ANDRUSHKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Kick back on our newest adventure onboard a deluxe Benetau sailboat. Let the tropical winds carry you over the turquoise waters to the secluded surrounding beach areas.

Dolphin Swim

Here's your chance to turn your dreams of swimming with dolphins into reality.

Cabo by Land & Sea

Quick Guide

Experience the beautiful coastline of Cabo San Lucas from two unique perspectives. Board a catamaran for a 40-minute journey to the tip of the longest peninsula in the world. See pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the dramatic rock monument of Los Arcos while enjoying a refreshing beverage. Back on land, board a motor coach and visit the local glass-blowing factory to observe the talents of native craftsmen. Travel north and visit the mission church and plaza in the picturesque town of San Jose del Cabo.

Famed for: The rock formation El Arco, whale watching and sport fishing. It’s a Fact: Cabo claims to be the striped-marlin capital of the world. Signature Souvenirs: Tequila, pottery and dolphin-swim photos. How to Get to Town: A tender brings visitors from the ship to the pier. After disembarking, it’s about a 15-minute walk to town. You may prefer to take a taxi.

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Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

PORT VIEW

Many visit Cabo for its boating or other water sports.

Things We Love About Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas is a vacationer’s paradise — done in style. This once-sleepy fishing village at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula now ranks as Mexico’s golfing capital and a high-end resort destination. Here, visitors indulge and relax in abounding sunshine upon beaches where a day of fun could include sport fishing and kayaking excursions, whale watching and, for the boldest adventurers, parasailing and ATV treks. For a taste of cultural sightseeing, a stroll along Calle Cabo San Lucas leads to San Lucas Church, completed by Spanish missionaries in 1746. It sits near the town’s main

square, which is surrounded by shops and restaurants. Shoppers find plenty to enjoy at the Puerto Paraíso Entertainment Plaza, or within the many other shops and boutiques along nearby Marina Boulevard. Still other adventures may include an expedition to the Amerindian pueblo of La Candelaria in the nearby mountains. The many tours along the scenic 20-mile corridor connecting Cabo San Lucas with San José del Cabo pass a string of remote beaches and grassy golf courses that shout “world-class” on this strip of the Pacific coastline. — Richard Varr

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Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

PHOTOS BY: (BOATS) MEXICO TOURISM BOARD; (COCKTAIL) NITR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

MEXICAN PARADISE By Richard Varr

Cabo San Lucas’ emergence as a favorite go-to place has been relatively recent. The once-unknown port on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula has more than made up for lost time, but never in a way that mars its unique charm. Upscale restaurants and hotel resorts line the streets and beaches, and delightful small shops add a European flavor to the downtown area. When seen today, it’s indeed hard to believe that less than a century ago Cabo San Lucas was a sleepy fishing village — with just a few hundred residents. It was only in the last three decades that development boomed in the Los Cabos area. The population tripled during the 1990s, when tourists discovered this Mexican paradise and came to bask on sun-drenched beaches, putt on championship golf courses and relax in high-end resorts. Beginnings Long before Spanish explorers ever set eyes upon the more than 1,000-mile-long Baja Peninsula, nearly 50,000 native Indians had made this remote part of the peninsula home. One of these primitive tribes of hunter-gatherers, the Pericú Indians, settled along the narrow southern tip. The initial voyages by Spanish explorers Hernán Cortés in 1535 and Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1642 provided the gateway to European colonization, though it was Cortés’ navigator, Francisco de Ulloa, who is credited with first sighting Cabo San Lucas in 1537. Colonization and the Age of Pirates The desert terrain and the lack of water initially thwarted Spanish settlements. But British and Dutch buccaneers found the coastline’s secluded inlets to be ideal hiding places from which they could emerge and prey on passing Spanish galleons sailing between Manila and Spain. A momentous raid ensued in 1587: The pirate vessel commanded by the Englishman Thomas Cavendish emerged from its hidden berth along the Cabo San Lucas shoreline and plundered the Spanish galleon Santa Ana. In an attempt to end the terror, in 1602 Spain dispatched General Sebastián Vizcaíno to find safe ports for the

Boaters love the waters off Cabo.

galleons. During Vizcaíno’s journeys, Cabo San Lucas was given its name and placed under the patronage of St. Luke. Soon afterward, the Spanish built a fort at Cabo San Lucas in an attempt to deter lingering pirate activity. The fort did just that and settlers began to trickle into the area. In 1730, the Jesuits established the San José del Cabo mission 20 miles east of Cabo San Lucas, in what is now the town of the same name. Both settlements became fishing villages whose economies eventually became dependent on fishing and fish canning. Significant growth, however, was never realized in Cabo San Lucas because its parched land lacked a viable water supply. Modern-day Cabo San Lucas In the early-20th century, Cabo San Lucas remained low-key, with a population of only around 400. By the 1930s, however, word had gotten out that if one was a fan of fishing and pristine beaches, Los Cabos was the place to go. Interest grew even more after World War II, attracting Hollywood movie stars such as Bing Crosby and Desi Arnaz. Development continued with exclusive hotels and first-rate restaurants. The tourism floodgates opened wide with the completion of the peninsular highway in the mid-1970s. Before then, 1,000 miles of rugged dirt roads had hampered travel to this corner of paradise. Next came an international airport, a modern marina and, perhaps most important, a freshwater pipeline. Cabo San Lucas was on its way to becoming a grand resort town. Today, cruise ships call regularly at this lively port. Visitors can take part in everything from water sports and golf to fascinating day-trip excursions. Cabo San Lucas has morphed from a sleepyvillage past to become one of Mexico’s most-traveled destinations in the 21st century.

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What Color is

YOUR TEQUILA?

PHOTOS BY: (BOATS) MEXICO TOURISM BOARD; (COCKTAIL) NITR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

By Ginger Dingus One classic cocktail is made of red sangrita (a mix of lime, orange juice and grenadine spiced with chilies), tequila (white or light golden) and lime juice, each served in a separate glass and lined up side-by-side. Yes, tequila comes in several shades. White tequila, or blanco, is colorless like water and is generally used to mix the classic margarita. The next step up in color, quality and taste involves aging in oak barrels. By law, the pale-gold reposado must rest at least two months in the barrel, where it acquires a mellow, slightly woody taste. Añejo tequila is barrel-aged for more than one year. It turns dark amber in color and is smooth and meant for sipping. Mexican law requires genuine tequila to contain at least 51 percent blue agave. A plant with long, spiny leaves that make it resemble an enormous pineapple top, blue agave takes eight to 12 years to mature. Only then can the 40-to-70-pound core be harvested and boiled, and the sweet liquid mosto extracted to produce tequila. What about the worm in the bottle that you’ve heard so much about? Here’s a clue. If there’s a worm, it’s not tequila — it’s mezcal.

Margaritas are one of the tastiest ways to enjoy tequila.

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Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

CABO'S FAMED ARCH a dinosaur drinking water. On a boat trip cruising the area, the navigator points out other formations, including one that resembles a pig’s head. The tall, jagged one, he says, is an inverted map of Baja California. Use your imagination. On the way, the boat passes by Playa Amor (Lovers Beach), tucked between boulders, a popular spot sunbathers reach by water taxi. But the real reward — rounding the southernmost point of Baja — is views of both sides of the arch. No isolation can be found these days: Plenty of sea lions and pelicans are always around to keep you company.

Land's End rock formations at the very end of the Baja peninsula near Cabo San Lucas.

PHOTO BY: ALYSTA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Once isolated by a thousand miles of rugged, uninviting desert, Cabo San Lucas now receives good publicity as a place where environmental protection and development blend in harmony. Parched mountains crumble into coastal surf, punctuated with shoreside golf-course greens and golden sunsets. Highly touted is the rock formation called Los Arcos, marking Land’s End — where the waters of the Pacific meet the Sea of Cortés. When the tide is right, a sandy shoal appears and leads through the arch itself, a portal to geology. From a distance, the rock formation resembles

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The Exotic Opal comes in 20 different colors. We carry a large collection of Charms in gold 14k/18k and silver .925/.950

We Make Dreams Come True!

Blvd. Marina e/esq. Pez Marlin y Francisco • Madero, Local 4-A Exterior Plaza Náutica Col. Centro Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., C.P. 23410 • Tel.: 624.143.2845

The Magic of Huichol art: Intricate designs, vibrant colors and sacred symbols. The art expresses spiritual beliefs dating back many hundreds of years. Blvd. Marina, Local 23 Interior de la Plaza Gali, Colonia Centro Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., C.P. 23450 • Tel.: 624.141.6716

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Ports of call | Catalina Island

CATALINA ISLAND

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

Quick Guide Famed for: Hollywood getaways, especially in the 1930s, when it lured such stars as Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. It’s a Fact: A herd of North American bison has been roaming the Catalina hills since 1924, when it’s believed they were brought to the island for a movie.

Boating is just one of the many pleasures of a visit to Catalina. 52

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Signature Souvenirs: Art from one of the galleries in the Mediterranean-style downtown.

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FUNTREKS

Catalina Kayak Expedition

Explore the otherwise inaccessible coastline of Catalina Island in a stable, sit-on-top, two-person kayak. Kayak the water and glide over kelp forests alive with colorful fish and marine life, with likely sightings of bald eagles, osprey, sea lions and porpoise. Conservancy certified guides will interpret your journey to Frog Rock, where you'll beach your kayak to stretch your legs or enjoy a refreshing swim.

Catalina Parasailing

Enjoy amazing views of Catalina Island and the town of Avalon as you soar 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean! Sitting side by side, you and another guest then take off directly from the onboard flight deck. You'll experience the thrill of gliding through the air, high above the ocean and the town below, all while taking in the beauty and tranquility surrounding you.

Catalina Zipline Adventure

Starting almost 600 feet above sea level in the hills overlooking Avalon, this 3,700 foot zip line is comprised of five heart pounding zips across Descanso Canyon, flying towards the ocean on the final one! Reach speeds of up to 45mph while crisscrossing Descanso Canyon. Soar 300 feet above the canyon floor with breathtaking views of the ocean. Learn about the unique flora, fauna, and history of the island from our naturalist trained guides and interpretive signs on each platform.

Dolphin Runner Adventure

Be one of the lucky few to enjoy an intimate and action packed Dolphin Adventure. Watch wild dolphins, humpback whales, sea lions and other marine life in their natural habitat during season. Dolphins love to swim alongside the RIB Runner, military grade vessel, you'll enjoy their antics as they jump and play in our wake. Get up close and personal onboard our 12 passenger Zodiac to observe, listen and learn about these magnificent sea mammals.

OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port Two's Company of Avalon

Two’s Company of Avalon DALE GAST/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

There is so much that makes this jewelry store special. We offer designs by local and international artists, including Steven Ruse, Ayala Bar, Holly Yashi, Clayton Porter, Shelli Kahl, Indigo, Boma, local artist Jody Jewett and more, as well as art tiles and blown glass. Open daily. Just a 5-minute walk from the boat landing.

Crescent Avenue at the foot of the Green Pleasure Pier familyjewelsofcatalinaisland.com | 310-510-1748

Jewels of Interest

Sister store of Two’s Company of Avalon, we feature beautiful artisan jewelry, art glass, unique home décor and a little vintage. You’ll find us in the Atwater Corridor, in the Atwater Building. Find us and receive a special discount. Open daily.

119-B Sumner Avenue familyjewelsofcatalinaisland.com | 310-510-9441

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Ports of call | Ensenada

Rolling hills overlook the busy port.

ENSENADA

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

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Quick Guide Famed for: Mediterranean weather, internationally known Baja-Med cuisine, the best wines in Mexico and the unparalleled hospitality and warmth of its people. It’s a Fact: Two legendary auto races, the Baja 500 and Baja 1000, are held in Ensenada’s deserts and mountains.

FUNTREKS

Signature Souvenirs: Pottery, baskets and accessories crafted by the native Kumiai, Kiliwa, Cucapah and Pai Pai people. How to Get to Town: It’s a short walk from the pier to the main shopping district.

Baja Bandidos Horseback Trail

On horseback, participants ride along a scenic trail ride with stunning views of Salsipuedes Bay, Todos Santos Islands and the Gold Coast. Rancho Los Bandidos Stables is home to 55 horses that take riders through the beautiful hills of San Miguel, where the Kumeyaay tribe once resided.

Blow Hole & Tasting Tour

This tour showcases the natural phenomenon of La Bufadora, a blowhole from which water shoots 60 to 100 feet into the air through crevices in the cliffs. Guests can browse at stands at a local open-air market before moving on to Bodegas de Santo Tomás. It is no longer in operation, but was once the oldest winery in Baja California, founded in 1888. Select wines are available for purchase.

Jeep Adventure Tour

Jeep Wranglers take participants, accompanied by experienced guides, through Ensenada’s scenic countryside. The caravan-style expedition heads to the San Antonio de las Minas rural area, passing through typical Mexican villages in the Valle de Guadalupe. The tour includes a stop at a winery and later goes into downtown Ensenada for shopping and sightseeing.

La Bufadora Adventure JENNIFER KING/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

Wine Country ATV Adventure

After a short drive you will arrive at Guadalupe Valley, hop onto your very own single-seater ATV as you maneuver your way thru the vineyards and olive trees in the country side, convoy style following your guide for 1 hour ride enjoying the breathtaking landscape and beautiful views of the Guadalupe valley and the mountain ranges.

OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

Bazar Casa Ramirez

At Bazar Casa Ramirez, discover high-quality Talavera pottery and ceramics, wrought-iron pieces and papier-mâché figurines. This lovely two-story shop also offers an ample selection of amazing Mexican folk art, including figurines and designs inspired by Día de Muertos as well as a wide variety of unique crosses, mirrors, nativity scenes, woodcarvings and sterling silver.

Mario’s Silver Shop

Enjoy our selection of Mexican sterling silver (.925 and .950), fashion handbags, fine handcrafted guitars, lovely collectible figurines and more — all tax-free.

498 López Mateos Avenue, Centro

496 López Mateos Avenue, Centro 646-178–8209 Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Ensenada

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Step down, explore, play and relax with the magic that Ensenada has to offer Baja 1000 off-road race was born in Ensenada and is considered among the five best races in the world. For more than 35 years, thousands of cyclists have come here each year to pedal along the coastline during the Rosarito–Ensenada 50-mile fun ride. Ensenada is home to one of Mexico’s biggest research centers. A large share of the population are scientists, physicians and other academics. They add a special cultural and educational atmosphere to the area, which brings many visitors back to learn more. The jewel of the crown is Ensenada’s thriving wine country. It’s just 15 minutes northeast of downtown on the Wine Country Route in Guadalupe Valley, or a 30-minute southbound ride to La Antigua Ruta del Vino (Old Wine Country Route. You’ll discover many vineyards and wonderful settings to taste extraordinary wines and pair them with spectacular cuisine, surrounded by scenic beauty of the countryside. Ensenada is the biggest municipality in Mexico, and offers many opportunities to explore its vast natural resources such national forests, desert oases, amazing seafood and incredible beaches on the Pacific and the Gulf of California. Don’t hesitate to enjoy Ensenada’s endless adventures.

PHOTOS BY: (BARRELS) JAMES MATTIL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (WINE GLASS) HORIYAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Ensenada, the land of Mexican wines, is a progressive seaport and excellent rest and relaxation destination in Baja California. The third-largest city in the state, it is an ideal location for scuba diving, whale watching, fishing, discovering marine life and surfing — yes, surfing. Todos Santos Bay has been recognized as the No. 6 surfing destination in the world, offering monumental waves comparable to Hawaii’s pipeline. Explore this beautiful port city, home of a spectacular wine country, abundant cultural and recreational activities, unique gastronomic adventures and warm hospitality. Wander along the waterfront and explore the Mercado Negro, where fishermen bring in fresh treasures from the sea in their daily catch. Enjoy the local cuisine; Ensenada’s talented chefs and winemakers have received international recognition for farmto-table cuisine, fresh seafood and delicious wines and craft beers. Yes, Ensenada has everythingfrom fine dining on the oceanfront to delicious seafood served from street carts. Ensenada has a vibrant annual calendar of internationally recognized events, such as the Newport Beach to Ensenada International Yacht Race, a 300-boat sailing regatta that’s taken place for more than 65 years. The SCORE International

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Ports of call | Hawaii

Your cruise through Hawaii takes you to four of the Aloha State’s eight major islands: Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island, Hawaii. Each offers its own intoxicating mix of natural wonders and recreational activities.

Quick Guide Famed for: Volcanoes, pineapples and surfing. It’s a Fact: Iolani Palace is the only building on US soil that has been the official state residence of royalty. From 1882 to 1893, it was home to the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani. Signature Souvenirs: A tropicalthemed aloha shirt and a lei (flower garland).

FROM TOP: Getting barreled in a tube, one of the most difficult feats; fresh pineapples.

THIS PAGE: (MAIN) EPICSTOCKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOTTOM) PANNA STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM OPPOSITE: (MAIN) NOEL POWEL/SHUTTERSTOCK; (BOTTOM) DEBORAH KOLB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

HAWAII

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Kauai

NAWILIWILI THIS PAGE: (MAIN) EPICSTOCKMEDIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOTTOM) PANNA STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM OPPOSITE: (MAIN) NOEL POWEL/SHUTTERSTOCK; (BOTTOM) DEBORAH KOLB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

FUNTREKS

• Aloha Kauai Adventure • Hollywood in Hawaii, Movies & Waterfalls • Mudbug Waterfall Safari • Waimea Canyon & Wailua River • Wailua River & Fern Grotto

FROM TOP: A rainbow hovers over a waterfall in Waimea Canyon; Hula dancers on the beach.

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Ports of call | Hawaii

Maui

KAHULUI FUNTREKS

• Haleakala/Lahaina & Iao Valley PHOTOS BY: (TOP) DEBORAH KOLB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOTTOM) IDREAMPHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

• Iao Valley & Maui Tropical Plantation • Maui Luau • Wonders of Haleakala • Kahakuloa – The Secret • Hidden Valley

Oahu

HONOLULU FUNTREKS

• Atlantis Submarine • Explore & Taste Oahu’s North Shore • Oahu Highlights & Polynesian Cultural Center • Paradise Cove Luau FROM TOP: Juggling fire; waiting for a wave in Waikiki. 60

• Pearl Harbor VIP, Military Bases & WWII Battlefield

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Ports of call | Hawaii

The Big Island

HILO

FUNTREKS

• Explore the Land of Frozen Fire • Hilo Chain of Craters • Hilo City & Akaka Falls • Volcano National Park

FROM TOP: Rainbow Falls in the gorgeous interior; bananas at the farmers market.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT CROW/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; ALEXEY KAMENSKIY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

• Hilo Historical Tour

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Ports of call | Hawaii

The Big Island

KONA

FUNTREKS

• Atlantis Submarine • Captain Zodiac Snorkel Adventure • Kona Coffee Living History Farm • Kona Historical Tour

FROM TOP: Kailua-Kona sunset; close-up view of tiki statues at Pu‘uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park.

PHOTOS BY KUMA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; HENNER DAMKE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

• “Sense-Sational” Kona

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Ports of call | La Paz

View from Balandra Beach, one of La Paz's many secluded shores.

LA PAZ

It takes its name from the Spanish for “peace,” and this laid-back Baja locale has been a peaceful, outof-the-way destination since Spanish explorer Hernan Cortés first visited in 1535. Yet there’s plenty going on in La Paz, located on the southern end of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula. On land, you’ll find excellent shopping and dining along the bayfront malecón and fascinating history and culture in the nearby town of Todos Santos. Visitors also enjoy snorkeling and kayaking in the Sea of Cortés, which is home to dolphins, sea lions and other amazing marine creatures.

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PHOTOS BY: (BEACH) CSP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PELICAN) THOMAS CRISTOFOLETTI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

A pelican on a beach in La Paz.

Quick Guide Famed for: Diving and whale watching in the Sea of Cortés, which the great marine scientist Jacques Cousteau called “the aquarium of the world.” It’s a Fact: John Steinbeck based his popular novella The Pearl on a folk tale he heard on a visit to La Paz in 1940. Signature Souvenirs: Cultured pearls; locally made crafts from the Artisan’s Market; art from one of the galleries in Todos Santos.

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Ports of call | Los Angeles

The sun glows over Los Angeles.

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

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) MICHAEL C. GRAY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIGHT) ALBO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Rodeo Drive is one of the world's most famous shopping addresses.

Quick Guide Famed for: Hollywood, ultra-luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive and a wide variety of ethnic cultures and cuisines. It’s a Fact: In the 1700s, the city was originally called El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles de la Porciúncula, which means Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Small Portion (of land). Signature Souvenirs: Surfer paraphernalia and a map of the stars’ homes.

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

Waves lap the Mazatlán shore at sunrise.

MAZATLÁN Dubbed the “Pearl of the Pacific,” Mazatlán has grown from a quaint colonial town to a booming resort destination that’s widely regarded as one of Mexico’s most friendly beach destinations.

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FUNTREKS

All Inclusive Beach Resort Getaway

Spend the day at the exclusive El Cid Marina Beach Club where you will enjoy all inclusive food and drinks.

Mini Speed Boat & All Inclusive Beach Escape

HARRIS SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Enjoy a wonderful 1.5 hour fully narrated tour inside the channels of the biggest marina in Mexico and be the captain of your own 14-foot custom mini-boat.

Mexican Show, Sightseeing & Shopping

Discover the heart and soul of Mazatlán on this cultural and shopping combination tour.

Colonial Villages of Sierra Madre

Take a tour of the legendary Sierra Madre mountains that rise behind Mazatlán, separating coastal Mexico from the interior.

Salsa & Salsa

Salsa-making has never been so much fun… Create delicious salsas and learn how to dance salsa!

Quick Guide Famed for: Twelve miles of sandy beaches, shrimp and a resplendent historic zone with cobbled streets and restored historic architecture. It’s a Fact: Mazatlán’s balmy waters serve as the meeting point for the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a dynamic underwater ecosystem. Signature Souvenirs: Silver jewelry from nearby mining towns, a handmade leather mask and ceramics from the art studios in the Centro Histórico (Old Town). How to Get to Town: Cruise ships dock at the commercial port, which is a 15-minute walk to the Centro Histórico. Taxis are also available outside of the terminal. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

PORT VIEW

The picturesque Centro Histórico is a popular destination.

Things We Love About Mazatlán Mazatlán’s stunning coastline, complete with glitzy hotels and sandy beaches, has earned this Mexican port stop the welldeserved reputation of an ideal beach town. But a short stroll further inland reveals there’s more to Mazatlán than just sun and sandy beaches, including a picturesque city center rich in history and culture. Stroll over cobblestoned streets to Centro Histórico (Old Town) and discover newly revived 19th-century buildings washed in a vibrant palette of pastels, a place where the traditional mingles with the new. The centerpiece is the Teatro Ángela Peralta, named for a famous opera singer. This beautifully restored Italian-style theater is at the heart of the city’s

cultural renaissance, a lively transformation that has turned a section of the city that had once been left to decay into a thriving cosmopolitan arts district. Music now fills the streets, with sidewalk cafés standing side-by-side with modern art galleries and restaurants offering traditional Mexican cuisine. Lovers of the great outdoors will also have a plethora of options, from taking a day trip to the offshore beach paradise of Isla de la Piedra, to testing their sportfishing skills on the local tuna, swordfish and marlin. For sweeping panoramic views of the ocean and the city, there’s the 45-minute hike out to El Faro lighthouse, dating back to 1879 and towering over 500 feet above sea level on top of Cerro del Creston. — Joanna Hall

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

Island Highlights Beginnings Mazatlán dates back to prehistoric times, although the city itself is fairly new. Spanish conquistador Nuño de Guzmán burned his way through what is now the state of Sinaloa in 1531. In the 18th century, English and French pirates used Mazatlán’s hill-screened harbor as a lair from which to pounce upon rich galleons plying the coast. The Spanish responded by establishing a small presidio on the harbor and watchtowers on Cerro del Vigia (Lookout Hill).

The City Blossoms In the late 19th century, the railroad arrived and the port was modernized. Improvements included a grand opera house: Teatro Angela Peralta, named for the beloved coloratura soprano who visited in August 1883. Mazatlán boasts the busiest port between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal. In the 1970s, the city expanded to include the white-sand beaches known as Playa Norte, located north of the original old port town. High-rise hotels now line the Zona Dorada tourist area, and the city’s industrial and commercial base serves an increasingly affluent population.

FROM TOP: Old colonial building in Mazatlán; the coast of Mazatlán.

PHOTOS BY: (DOOR) HUGO BRIZARD/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (COAST) TYLER BOYES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

19th-Century Turbulence Mazatlán’s growth in a newly independent Mexico was abruptly curtailed during the Mexican War, when US forces marched in and closed the port. Then, in 1864, French forces, supporting Emperor Maximilian against the Mexican patriot Benito Juárez, bombarded the city and controlled it for several years. These and other incursions gave rise to the tradition of window bars and iron fences, which have become ornamental features in finer neighborhoods.

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

CHOCOLATE: A GIFT FROM THE GODS By Chelle Koster Walton

Everyone’s favorite sweet indulgence traces its roots to Mexico, where ancient civilizations considered it a divine blessing from the gods. Who could dispute such heavenly origins? Chocolate residue found in a Maya pot dating to 400 B.C. suggests that the prehistoric dwellers of Mexico and Central America may have been the first to use the beans of the wild cacao in their diet. Mexico’s modern day chocolate factories continue the ancient and tasty Maya tradition. The Maya usually drank chocolate for ceremonial reasons, including weddings, royal celebrations and religious occasions, but it was also served as a luxurious treat. It was a long process to turn cacao beans into the frothy, bitter beverage they enjoyed. They first washed the beans and dried them in the sun, then toasted them and ground them to a paste in a mortar. After mixing the paste with water, the women would pour the liquid chocolate from container to container to build up a thick froth, or whisk it with a special tool called a molinillo. Finally, they added vanilla, chili peppers and sometimes a touch of honey. Spanish Conquistadors developed a taste for it and eagerly transported chocolate to their homeland, where fellow countrymen, well, ate it up. It didn’t take long before all of Europe, and the rest of the world, was enamored with chocolate.

MAYA-STYLE HOT CHOCOLATE

Boil water over medium-high heat and add cinnamon sticks. Reduce to 2½ cups. Remove cinnamon sticks; add vanilla bean. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to low and add chocolate and honey. Stir until chocolate melts. Remove from heat and discard vanilla bean. Whisk briskly until foamy, sprinkle with cayenne and serve.

ALENA OZEROVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

3 cups water 2 cinnamon sticks 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons wild honey pinch of cayenne pepper

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OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port Golden Star Sports Bar + Restaurant

Open from 7 a.m. to 4 a.m. for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Golden Star Sports Bar + Restaurant offers fresh seafood, chicken, steaks and hamburgers. We feature daily live music, high-definition TVs and nearby beach access. Ask about the daily bar specials.

ALENA OZEROVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

204 Avenida Playa Gaviotas, Zona Dorada / 52-669-160-1629 / Wi-Fi Zone

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, completed in 1899, rises above the main square.

PEARL OF THE PACIFIC By Richard Varr

It takes only a short stopover to see why Mazatlán is called the Pearl of the Pacific. Dramatic ocean views and golden beaches welcome visitors to this traditional Mexican town.

TRAVEL BUG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

For a bit of “real Mexico,” stroll the old town’s zócalo, or main square — Plaza Revolución — where chatty children and visitors alike stop for cooling shaved-ice treats. It’s where the dual spires of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception tower over the square, as they have for more than a century. A quick walk through Plaza Machado, with its colonial architecture and bustling sidewalk cafés, leads to the bright-pink façade of Teatro Angela Peralta, a restored 19th-century opera house. Along the waterfront, the Malecón links the old town with the hotel-packed Zona Dorada. Pedestrians enjoy shimmering ocean views along this pathway dotted with maritime-themed statues, including the centerpiece Fisherman’s Monument, a tribute to Mazatlán’s fishing heritage. The aptly named Zona Dorada, Spanish for Golden Zone, offers a full day of shopping, dining or just sun-worshiping on the beautiful beach. A hike up to the El Faro lighthouse affords excellent views. Kids can marvel at sea lions and tropical fish at Mazatlán Aquarium. And seekers of solitude can find it at Playa Los Cerritos and Playa Las Brujas, both with golden sand and hardly a crowd.

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ee Fr

s Pa y Da

LAS FLORES BEACH RESORT GOLDEN ZONE Walking distance: Spa and shopping District

TRAVEL BUG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

www.lasflores.com.mx

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PHOTOS BY: VIVID PIXELS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

The coast of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta.

PUERTO VALLARTA Relaxed and welcoming, this former fishing village now lures visitors with whitewashed villas, cobblestone walkways and a backdrop of beautiful bougainvilleas. Puerto Vallarta’s intimate charm has survived the port’s discovery years ago by Hollywood celebrities and jetsetters — and then by the rest of us.

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FUNTREKS

Las Caletas Beach Hideaway

Discover the secluded all-inclusive tropical paradise of Las Caletas, accessible only by sea. Your day includes a buffet lunch, all beverages, guided snorkeling and kayaking tours, parrot encounters, nature walks and yoga. Children 5 and under are free!

Dolphin Swim Experience with Lunch

Seize the opportunity to swim with Pacific bottlenose dolphins! The staff will provide an informative presentation about these amazing mammals. Following this brief orientation, you will enter the water, under the supervision of a trainer, and enjoy the opportunity to play with, learn about and swim with the dolphins as you engage in 10 different activities.

Pirate Ship Adventure PHOTOS BY: VIVID PIXELS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Enjoy some swashbuckling fun with snorkeling, beach time, watersports, an open bar, continental breakfast and all-you-can-eat lunch included! Children 5 and under are free!

Rhythms of the Night

Enjoy a spectacular journey to a spiritual land that time forgot as you step back to a time of pagan mysticism and legend.

Ultimate Canopy - Zip, Ride & Slide

Some say less is more – we disagree!! More is more fun when it comes to adventure, and the Canopy Max offers the most activities packed into one fun-filled day of adventure.

Quick Guide Famed for: The mile-long Malecón, a seaside promenade featuring large sculptures by Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga and Ramiz Barquet. It’s a Fact: The city became a tourism hot spot after the Richard Burton and Ava Gardner movie The Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1963. Signature Souvenirs: Huichol art, Raku pottery and Talavera tile and tableware. How to Get to Town: Most visitors take a taxi into the center of Puerto Vallarta, which is about 3 miles from where the ships dock. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

PORT VIEW

Puerto Vallarta perches on the Pacific Ocean.

Things We Love About Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is a colonial gem. Downtown is a crisscross of cobblestoned streets lined with traditional Mexican architecture. But any stroll within one of Mexico’s most popular resort towns should begin along the Malecón, the pedestrian, statue-studded boardwalk featuring The Friendship Fountain by California artist James Bottoms and the Roman-like Los Arcos Amphitheater. A short walk from the square, the Plaza de Armas leads visitors to the cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its distinguishing crowned clock tower. A few blocks away, the “Gringo Gulch” neighborhood still attracts American expatriates who enjoy living 82

in an exotic destination with all the comforts of home. Seafar ing and adventurous t y pes may opt for whale watching, diving with manta rays and even parasailing. Lovers of sand and surf should head to Playa de los Muertos at the downtown’s southern edge. For the many, however, shopping may be the best option. The Malecón has a dazzling array of diamonds, leather, watches, silver and other fine wares, as well as excellent restaurants when it’s time for a break. The best selections of Huichol Amerindian art and original cotton fashion designs are found just a block away, on Corona and Morelos Streets. — Richard Varr

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta’s seaside promenade glows at night.

By John Anderson

Beginnings In 1525, explorer Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura, the nephew of the infamous conquistador Hernán Cortés, arrived in the region and was unexpectedly confronted by a large force of native warriors geared for battle. With less than 100 men, and facing over 18,000 warriors, Cortés tried to convince the natives to surrender but they refused. Before taking up arms, Cortés asked his men to pray to the Virgin Mary for help; among the Spanish was a monk carrying a flag of the Immaculate Conception. After they invoked their patroness, a brilliant ray of light suddenly illuminated the flag, leaving the warriors and Spaniards awe-struck. Believing it had been a miracle of divine grace, the two sides promptly withdrew from battle. In commemoration of the event, Cortés called the site Valle de Banderas, or Valley of the Flags, though nowadays the bay is known by the name Bahía de Banderas. Rediscovery For the next 300 years, the valley remained free of any permanent settlement. At the beginning of the 1800s, silver mines in the nearby mountains were the predominant source of income for the region. By 1880, the population of Puerto de las Peñas had reached 84

1,500, and in 1885 a Maritime Customs Office was established and the port opened for official business. But it wasn’t until 1918 that a congressional decree finally promoted the settlement to the status of municipality. The act was capped off by a name change to Puerto Vallarta, in honor of Don Ignacio Vallarta, governor of the state of Jalisco and signer of the Mexican Constitution. After the Montgomery Fruit Company bought 70,000 acres of land in the area in 1925, the new town saw its fortune rise even higher. With plentiful jobs at the new banana plantations, the port boomed with the exportation of the “green gold.” A Burst of Growth Puerto Vallarta remained relatively isolated and unknown until the 1960s. In 1964, the port was finally put on the map when director John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana in the picturesque town. Tourists descended by the thousands, and in 1970 a new airport opened with direct flights to the United States and Europe. The once-tiny community of expatriated Americans and Canadians swelled to a large colony of year-round residents. These days, Puer to Vallar ta has a population of over 255,000 — with an estimated 3 million visitors each year — but it still manages to retain its charm.

KARAMYSH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

IN FULL BLOOM

Puerto Vallarta remained a mostly forgotten paradise for centuries, even after Western explorers happened upon it. It wasn’t until Hollywood came calling, only a few decades ago, that the pretty village found its niche as a resort.

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

YELAPA AND LAS CALETAS

Located 45 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by boat, the town of Yelapa has a certain otherworldly charm.

KARAMYSH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Quiet Charm of

Its appeal derives from many things, including the complete absence of roads and cars, the thatchedroof structures on poles known as palapas that constitute most of the town’s buildings and simply the still beauty of this small village of 1,500 inhabitants. Nestled in a natural cove, the fishing village of Yelapa, the name of which means “gathering place,” continues to appeal to travelers who want to commune with nature. Fishing, swimming, hiking to one of the area’s numerous waterfalls and simply relaxing on the gorgeous beach are all popular ways to while away the time. To the south of Puerto Vallarta, and accessible only by boat, is the town of Las Caletas, which means “the coves” in Spanish. Surrounded by jungle and tucked into the mountains, the town was director John Huston’s private getaway for many years. Today, the area is a tropical sanctuary and nature lover’s paradise. Guided nature walks introduce visitors to the many charms of the island, including various Aztec plants, exotic orchids and an aviary complete with macaws. Popular activities revolve around nature, such as feeding deer, swimming with sea lions, kayaking and snorkeling. Visitors can also scuba dive or, if they’re still learning, take diving lessons. Of course, not all activities are so energetic. Plenty of visitors to Las Caletas spend their time simply drowsing in one of the many hammocks randomly situated in the area. — Sara Churchville

Yelapa’s inviting beach. 86

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

Hooked on

PUERTO VALLARTA The waters off Puerto Vallarta are home to a tempting variety of marine life that makes this one of the world’s great sportfishing destinations. In a region known for the pursuit of the sea’s riches, that’s really saying something.

PHOTOS BY: MARVIN PERTON; INGRID MAASIK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Many visitors are content to merely dive the reefs and ogle the small, colorful specimens that flit about. Others are hooked on larger denizens of the deep. For the game fisherman, there are bigger fish to fry in these waters: sawfish, snapper, tuna, marlin, dorado and sailfish, to name just a few. Alert divers can even grab lobster off the reefs. Not feeling that ambitious? You can also reel in a satisfying catch at one of Puerto Vallarta’s restaurants, where the claim of offering fresh seafood is no fish story.

Many sportfishermen are lured to Puerto Vallarta. Here’s why! 88

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OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port The Blue Shrimp

The Blue Shrimp Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta features fresh shrimp, lobster, fish and oysters. They offer shrimp served in over 30 different ways. Their dedication to quality is found in every aspect of this family owned and operated eating establishment. Mention this magazine for your FREE appetizer.

Olas Altas 336 Col. Emiliano Zapata www.theblueshrimp.com 322-22-24246 | 322-22-31840

Si Se単or Beach Restaurant

Taste the authentic flavors of Mexico at Si Se単or Beach Restaurant. They offer a complete menu of traditional Mexican recipes and popular house specialties. The full-service bar mixes up the best frozen margaritas in town, plus they add the liquor right at your table to your specifications. Please mention this magazine for your FREE appetizer.

PHOTOS BY: MARVIN PERTON; INGRID MAASIK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Amapas 114-C Col. Emiliano Zapata www.sisenorbeach.com 322-22-20577 | 322-22-38238

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