2016-17 PC Caribbean POC R1 by Onboard Media

Caribbean â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2016/2017 Cruises

PLEASE RETURN MAGAZINE TO STATEROOM AT VOYAGE END

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TABLE

OF CONTENTS

VOYAGES Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises 2016 - 2017 Cruises

24 42

20 20

Let Your Journey Begin

The Night Belongs to You

At Your Service

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

2 4 Delicious Dilemma

Nighttime activities

Freshly prepared cuisine

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

2 6 Do It All or Nothing At All Daytime activities

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

Lotus Spa® & The Sanctuary

The Shops of Princess

Princess Photography

Enrichment Programs

Fine Art Auctions

Movies Under the Stars®

Youth & Teen Programs

40 Casino 42

Shows & Entertainment

Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle SM

Future Cruise Planning

Internet Services

The contents of this magazine are protected by copyright. Reproduction, either in whole or in part, including but not limited to transmission by any means, in any form — digital, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise — is forbidden without express, written permission from the publisher. The magazine assumes no responsibility for the safekeeping or return of unsolicited manuscripts, photography, artwork or other material. Electronic queries only will be acknowledged. E-mail to: editor@onboardmedia.com. Commentary and opinions expressed in Voyages: Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises are not necessarily those of the cruise line. Princess Cruises is not responsible for any claims or offers made in advertisements appearing in Voyages: Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises.

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Earn Points Toward Your Next Cruise Apply today for a Princess Cruises® Rewards Visa® Card!

✓✓

✓✓ ✓✓ ✓✓

5,000 bonus points after your first Princess Visa purchase, enough to redeem for a statement credit of up to $50 toward your next cruise!* Opportunity to redeem points for onboard gifts and services* Redeem points toward Princess Cruises purchases with no blackout dates* No annual fee or foreign transaction fees**

For more information visit princessvisa.com/PC44

**Annual Fee: $0.0% introductory APR on balance transfers will apply for the first 15 billing cycles that immediately follow each balance transfer made within 45 days of account opening (the “Introductory Period”). For purchases, and for balance transfers after the Introductory Period, the variable APR is 14.24%, 17.24% or 21.24% depending upon our review of your application and your credit history at account opening. The variable APR for cash advances is 25.49%. The APRs on your account will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $0.50. Balance Transfer Fee: 3% (min. $5.00). Cash Advance Fee: 5% (min. $10.00). Foreign Transaction Fee: 0%. The fee for the purchase of cash equivalent transactions (purchase of money orders, traveler’s checks, foreign currency, lottery tickets, gambling chips or wire transfer): 5% (min. $10.00). This information is accurate as of 7/1/2016 and is subject to change after this date. Contact 800-307-0341 or visit Princessvisa.com for updated information and for more information about the terms of this offer. *Please review the application and Terms and Conditions for details regarding the reward program and bonus points offer.

Princess Cruises Gift Card Treat your loved ones or that special someone to a gift they’re sure to love.

Choose from a variety of gift card designs

WHAT YOU WHAT YOU and denominations WILL RECEIVE WON’T RECEIVE vv Easy and convenient redemption options ✓✓ 0% Introductory APR vv Flexibility use for an for first 15tomonths*

✕✕ Annual fees existing cruise booking ✕✕ Foreign or onboard service transaction fees ✓✓ 5,000 bonus points after vv Expedited available for plastic gift cards your first delivery purchase* ✕✕ Blackout dates For more information v✓ v ✓Send a digital gift card instantly online through e-mail Opportunity to redeem on travel rewards visit princess.com/giftcard points for onboard gifts At this time, Princess Cruises Gift Cards are only available for purchase by residents of the United States and Canada. Please note that Princess Cruises Plastic Gift Cards cannot be mailed to Canada so Canadian residents wishing to purchase a Gift Card and services*

should select the Digital Card option. Digital gift cards redeemed by Canadian residents can only be used towards cruise passage for bookings made in US Dollars or on board all Princess vessels at the passenger services desk. Princess Cruises Gift Cards cannot be applied towards cruise passage for bookings made in Canadian Dollars. Standard Gift Cards have no expiration date. Promotional Gift Cards may carry an expiration date which will be printed on the Promotional Gift Card. Gift Cards do not incur any dormancy fees for non-use. Gift Cards are not credit, debit, or charge cards, and have no implied warranties. Princess® does not accept responsibility for lost, damaged or stolen Gift Cards, or any unauthorized use of Gift Cards. Gift Cards have no value until activated at time of purchase, and Gift Cards will not be activated until payment is verified. Gift Cards will be activated when delivered, and will be active upon receipt by the customer. Gift Cards cannot be reloaded, meaning funds may not be added to Gift Cards after activation. Once activated, Gift Cards may not be resold; resale or attempted resale is grounds for seizure and cancellation of the Gift Card without compensation. Gift Cards are not refundable or redeemable for cash, except where required by law. Princess may refuse, cancel or hold for review Gift Cards and Gift Card orders in cases where it suspects fraud, mistake, alteration, issuance in an incorrect denomination, or violations of law, policies or these Terms and Conditions. Gift Cards are issued by Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. Princess and the issuer reserve the right, and holders or purchasers of a Gift Card agree that, Princess and the issuer may at any time change these Terms and Conditions, as permitted by law.

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Deep roots bloom forever.

Diamonds International | Na Hoku | R&I Patton St. John, USVI | Mati Jewelers Made in the USA | kabana.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 and General Manager Editorial & Design Virginia C. Valls Publishing Director Kate McClare Managing Editor Beth Wood Senior Art Director Dayana Ramirez Art Director Christian Rosario Associate Art Director Raquel Figueroa Associate Art Director 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, Suzanne L. Carmel, Richard Carroll, Sara Churchville, Michael De Freitas, Michelle da Silva Richmond, Ginger Dingus, Joanna Hall, Jen Karetnick, Marjorie Klein, Marty Leshner, Linda Marx, JoAnn Milivojevic, Raymond Niedowski, Paris Permenter, Cele Seldon, Lynn Seldon, Jonathan Siskin, Iliana Soto, Jim Thompson, Richard Varr, Chelle Koster Walton, Deborah Williams, Deborah Wilson, Eleanor Wilson, Gerald Zarr. Advertising Sales Anna Riekstins Director of International Sales & Brand Marketing Rod Musum Executive Director of Sales Tyler Condon Sales Manager Stephanie Yonskie International Sales Coordinator Video/Film Production Todd Hedge Executive Producer Dan Shaw Director, Operations Kevin Maschke Senior Editor Juan Carlos Peña Director of Photography Enrico Caschetta Assistant Editor Alexa Caravia Videographer/Editor Port Shopping Revenue Robert Yonskie Manager of Cruise Revenue Vince Mikulus Regional Marketing Manager Andrew Vrzal Regional Marketing Manager Jimmy Marks Retail Program Manager Port Shopping Jennifer Szewczyk Director of Operations Rina Alvarado Operations Coordinator Anaias Gonzalez Operations Sales Coordinator Nadine Winter Customer Relations Manager

©2016 Onboard Media. No claim to original works of Princess Cruises or advertisers. Ships of Bermudan registry. All rights reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Printed in CANADA. All articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of Onboard Media Inc. or Princess Cruises and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. Onboard Media Inc. and Princess Cruises specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk. We and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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™ and A Diamond is Forever™ are Trade Marks used under license from The De Beers Group of Companies. ™, © Forevermark Limited 2016. 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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Turquoise waters caressing soft, sandy beaches; verdant mountains rising from lush forests; delightful shopping choices from merchants who stock wares to fulfill your heart’s desire. These are just some of the pleasures that await you on your cruise. We are happy to act as your guide with Voyages, which is both a directory of Princess® services and activities and an introduction to the ports of call you’ll be visiting. Whether you prefer to stay busy with sports and other active pursuits, or your idea of keeping a hectic schedule is squeezing in an extra massage at the Lotus Spa®, you’ll find this journey to be a perfect fit. Read on for helpful listings and other information on the onboard experiences you’ll enjoy as a passenger with Princess, from delicious dining to exclusive shopping. You’ll also find a calendar of the year’s cruises. Finally, our Ports of Call guide offers a wealth of helpful and intriguing information on Princess destinations. You’ll find fascinating insights into the culture and traditions of ports you will visit, while also learning where to find the best deals when shopping. You’ve begun a journey that we know you’ll never forget. Here’s to smooth seas, a fair wind and your most rewarding journey ever. Bon voyage! The staff of Voyages

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

A DV EN T UR E AWAIT S

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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T H E PA N D O R A S T O R E AT ARUBA Paseo Herencia Palm Beach Noord, Aruba 297.586.5625 ST. THOMAS 31 Main Street St. Thomas VI, 00802 340.774.3672

ARUBA L.G. Smith Blvd 15 Oranjestad, Aruba 297.587.7060

ST. MAARTEN 12-2 Front Street Philipsburg, St. Maarten 1.721.542.1109

ST. THOMAS Havensight Mall • Bldg. 2 Suite B St. Thomas VI, 00802 340.776.8550

ST. MAARTEN 5 Harbour Point Village Philipsburg, St. Maarten 1.721.542.9364

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL MALL 1455 NW 107th Ave Doral, FL, USA, 33172 305.471.4713

BAHAMAS 329 Bay Street Nassau, Bahamas 242.698.0539

BRICKELL CITY CENTRE 700 Brickell Ave Miami, FL 33131 305.450.0000

CURACAO Heerenstraat 4B, Punda Willemstaad, Curacao 5999.465.4774 THE MALL OF SAN JUAN 1000 San Juan Blvd. Puerto Rico, 00924 787.302.0404

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C AV I A R C O L L E C T I O N S

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M Y L A G O S M Y W AY

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

On the following pages, you can learn a bit more about what you can expect in the coming days in our magazine: Voyages: Charting a New Course with Princess Cruises. We call it that for a reason — not only because of the wonderful ports you’ll be visiting, but also because of all the distinct pleasures you will find, one by one, on your Princess ship. What will be your favorite venue, activity, restaurant? Enjoy the freedom to spend your days your way.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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WELCOME

ABOARD

let your journey begin

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at your service

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THE CONSUMMATE HOST

SERVICE

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

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

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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DINING

DESIGNED FOR FRESH

delicious dilemma Your ship is a floating destination of culinary delights, with options to match every taste and mood. ONE OF THE MOST ENTICING THINGS

FOR VARIETY, you can choose a specialty

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

restaurant like SHARE by award-winning chef Curtis Stone; Sabatini’s SM with traditional Italian fare; the elegant Crown Grill SM or Sterling Steakhouse SM for an aged prime steak; or the Bayou Café & Steakhouse for New Orleans Cajunand Creole-influenced dishes and ambience.*

WE UNDERSTAND

how important dining is to the vacation experience, which is why we put such an emphasis on the quality and range of our dining options. We’ve designed the menus for our Traditional and Anytime Dining SM rooms to truly make sure the food is the star. From our signature pastas to our lighter selections, you’ll savor freshly prepared cuisine, utilizing ingredients with regional influences.

*Venues vary by ship; check your Princess Patter or Princess@Sea for availability.

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Ask about the Chef’s Table, yet another unique offering — you’ll be invited into the galley for champagne and hors d’oeuvres, and you’ll later enjoy an exclusive multi-course dinner with a menu created by the Executive Chef on board. Or if you happen to have a balcony stateroom, you can stay in one evening and we’ll bring the experience to you — with Ultimate Balcony Dining.

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

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PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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ACTIVITIES

DAYTIME

do it all or nothing at all FREE TIME — something each of us has precious little of these

days. Of course, that’s why you take a vacation. And on your Princess ship, you’ll find you have plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous options your ship offers.

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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renew yourself body & soul

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

REJUVENATE

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

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

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

The Lotus Spa Fitness Center offers fitness programs designed to help you maximize your wellness with Tour de Cycle, personal training and classes such as Pilates, yoga and TRX suspension training.

THE SANCTUARY – TRULY SPECIAL. Rejuvenate in the open air at the outdoor oasis reserved exclusively for adults, The Sanctuary, available on select ships.* In this popular haven you can get a massage under a cabana to the sound of the sea lapping far beneath you. Or you can find yourself an empty chaise lounge in which to enjoy healthy smoothies, energy drinks and flavored waters. A menu exclusive to The Sanctuary highlights a variety of light snacks served by special Serenity Stewards.

* The Sanctuary is available on most ships. Covered cabanas not available in The Sanctuary on all ships.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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discover the finer things and come back ne w ÂŽ

Visit The Shops of Princess onboard and discover tax and duty-free shopping. Enhance your shopping experience with exciting events like our Runway at Sea, trunk shows and our exclusive onboard outlet.

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PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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ENRICHMENT

EXPERIENCES

The Princess® Photo & Video team captures

your memories at sea A PICTURE IS WORTH a thousand words — especially of your cruise with Princess. And we offer many ways for you to relive your vacation with both photos and video.

PLATINUM STUDIO by Joe Craig

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

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

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

An adventure in the

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

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

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

*Zumba available on select voyages.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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MOVIES

UNDER THE STARS®

t h e s k y ’s the limit

Princess® pioneered the concept — guests

enjoying a feature film poolside on a giant screen — Movies Under the Stars.® 34

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ORDER A DRINK,

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

EVEN KIDS GET IN

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

TO KEEP THE ENTERTAINMENT FRESH, there are other showings besides movies. Major sporting events such as pro football playoffs, pro basketball finals, baseball championships and college bowl games are shown on the big screen.* And you’ll also find special events such as the Academy Awards® presented under the stars.*

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

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YOUTH

AND TEEN

Kid-sized fun that’s simply

“seasational”

MOMS AND DADS,

OUR YOUNGEST GUESTS

’TWEENS WILL REVEL

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

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

in Shockwaves — a special venue with activities just for them. They can enjoy parties, join sports tournaments and scavenger hunts, watch movies, learn to cook with our Jr.CHEF@Sea program, participate in talent shows, or enjoy educational programs. Younger explorers can take part in fun science experiments or learn about the people, places and cultures of where they’re sailing. And with the help of Animal Planet,TM they’ll discover where their favorite animals live in the world and learn new tips on how to take care of their pets at home! Whatever their age, kids on a cruise with Princess will find fun-filled activities suited just for them.

Note: Pacific Princess offers youth/teen programs only when 20 or more children, ages 3-17, are traveling on a given voyage.

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PARTIES • GAMES • DANCE PARTIES PLAYSTATION ® • NINTENDO ® WII TM SPORTS COMPETITIONS • AND MORE

remix What’s a teen to do

on a Princess ship? Plenty — because our Remix teen program is the hottest thing on the ocean. Come make new friends and hang in your own dedicated Teen Lounge with music, games, dance parties, group challenges or theme nights and Playstation.® There are hip hop classes, karaoke, mocktail parties, late-night poolside movies, talent shows, and sports competitions.

If you haven’t checked it out,

come to Remix.

It’s the place to be at sea!

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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the night belongs to you Step out for an evening of adventure and excitement on a ship of dreams.

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

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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CASINO

GAMING

Princess® is your

lady luck

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

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

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PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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SHOWS

ENTERTAINMENT

Music, dance & a little

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

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

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PRINCESS CRUISES CAPTAIN’S CIRCLE

welcome to

the circle

Whether it’s your first cruise with Princess,® or you’ve sailed

with us many times before, you’re sure to enjoy the benefits and rewards of the best loyalty program at sea.

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

RUBY MEMBERS

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

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

TO THE RIGHT YOU’LL FIND a chart listing the benefits of the various levels of membership. To learn more about the program, we encourage you to visit with the Circle Host on board, who can answer any questions you may have. You’ll receive a special Member Number as a Circle Member. Be sure to provide this number each time you make a booking so you can be certain to take advantage of all your benefits.

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

Ruby Members get all Gold Member benefits plus the Ruby benefits.

From your 4th–5th cruise, or 31–50 cruise days • Exclusive shoreside access to the Captain’s Circle Help Desk phone line • 10% discount off the purchase of our Reflections DVD on board • Ruby Member Pin

PLATINUM MEMBERS Platinum Members get all Ruby Member benefits plus the Platinum benefits.

From your 6th-15th cruise, or 51-150 cruise days • Internet credit • Preferred check-in at Embarkation • Platinum Disembarkation Lounge • Complimentary Cruise Atlas • Platinum Member Pin

ELITE MEMBERS Elite Members get all Platinum Member benefits plus the Elite benefits.

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

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

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PLAN

A FUTURE JOURNEY

book your next cruise

on board

Let a Future Cruise Consultant help you plan a future getaway, and you’ll get a reduced deposit and up to $300 in shipboard credits, even if you don’t yet know where you want to sail.

Book a cruise or place a deposit while you’re on board and receive a special offer — a reduced refundable deposit of just $100 per person plus, you’ll get a shipboard credit of up to $300 per stateroom good on your next cruise with Princess. If you’re unsure of your future travel plans, simply make a deposit and take up to two years to decide. This exclusive offer is available only to our onboard guests. See your Future Cruise Consultant for details.

Shipboard Credit*

Cruise Length

Stateroom Type

3-6 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$15 $25

7-10 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$25 $50

11-16 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$75 $100

17-44 days

Interior/Oceanview Balcony/Mini/Suites

$125 $150

(U.S.)

C heck the Princess Patter or Princess@Sea daily for office hours and location. Deposits and shipboard credits are per person per deposit per booking, based on double occupancy. Future Cruise Deposits will be automatically refunded if not applied to a new booking within two years from date of purchase. Shipboard credit applies to the holder of the Future Cruise Deposit only, and is not applicable to upper berth passengers. Shipboard credits are non refundable and may only be used on a single voyage and expires at the end of that voyage. For cruises 45 days or more, the reduced deposit and onboard credits do not apply. The reduced deposit requirement for these bookings may vary based on booking dates, and a fare discount of 3% is provided. Note: Future Cruise deposits are available to international guests. See Future Cruise Consultant for details.

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PLAN

A FUTURE JOURNEY

digital daily events with princess@sea! Princess@Sea is your FREE mobile-friendly connection to ship events, information, account details and access to purchase Internet plans. Connecting is easy as 1-2-3!

turn your device

1 on airplane mode 2 connect to ship’s wifi 3 open your web browser*

*If Princess@Sea does not open as your default web page, type “login.com” into your browser. Internet access via satellite is significantly slower than high-speed connections on shore. Princess Cruises reserves the right to block or filter certain high bandwidth activities such as adult sites, file sharing, VPN, and video streaming. Internet and communications services are not guaranteed to be available at all times due to the nature of satellite communications, which are subject to itinerary and possible disruption from weather and various obstructions. Princess Cruises is not responsible for any content transmitted via the Internet, nor does it guarantee privacy or data security. Please note that plans support only one device at a time.

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HAVE A PER FEC T DAY

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

CAN BALCIOGLU/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Your Shopping Spotlight newsletter will be delivered to your stateroom each night. Make sure to take it with you into port. You can also see your Princess Shopping Host for more specific information. The hostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk hours are listed in your Princess Patter.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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RUMS, RUM CAKE & GOURMET TREATS

Proudly Baked in Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Bahamas. We Ship Worldwide

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Available throughout the Caribbean. www.tortugarumcakes.com #tortugamoments

10/10/16 5:38 PM

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.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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BluE

DiamonDs

GrEEn

DiamonDs

Exotic FirE opal

ST. THOMAS

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

9/4/14 4:23 PM

OBJECTS

DESIRE

Perfect your look with one of these little luxuries: a dramatic pendant, a sparkling ring, a shimmering bracelet or a top-quality timepiece. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a vacation memory of the best kind.

Le Vian Ocean Wave Gladiator ring

Crown of Light Orchid ring Bulgari Serpenti watch

Kabana Alhambra Collection earrings

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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for Him

for Her

Men’s Fine Leathers

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

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

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OBJECTS

DESIRE

Jewelry to rock your world: Diamonds top the must-have list, but they’re not the only way to attract a crowd. The looks that matter? Whatever matters to you.

Marahlago Surf necklace

Danyal Paraiba Orion’s Belt ring

Safi Kilima Kilehe Trillion tanzanite bangle

TrueLove Diamonds Infinity bracelet

Forevermark Halo ring

Fendi Selleria watch

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Shopping Made Easy

Become a Savvy Traveler. For only $25, this value package includes over $2,000 in deals from our guaranteed shops ashore. You’ll also find hundreds of dollars in free gifts — even diamond jewelry! Whether you’re looking for luxury items or souvenirs for family and friends, the Savvy Traveler is your must-have for shopping in our ports of call.

See your Princess Shopping Host to purchase your very own Savvy Traveler.

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FUNTREKS

TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

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.

Coco Caña Lounge

Coco Caña Lounge offers a unique gastronomic experience mixed with the warmth and the party soul of the local people. Come to enjoy the best Dominican cocktails while dancing with us!

Amber Cove Port, Maimon Bay; Buildings 18, 7 & 30 Instagram: @cococanaloungerd

El Cibao Coffee Shop

El Cibao is entirely dedicated to the ancient and noble drink of coffee. In a friendly environment you can: • Enjoy the taste of espresso, cappuccino, different cold coffee drinks, smoothies and desserts • Learn about the process of coffee manufacturing • Buy high-quality Dominican organic coffee, packaged in different sizes

Amber Cove Port Building 2/B, Maimon, Puerto Plata 829-974-5996 or 809-895-6376 lscordari@naturabellasrl.com Facebook: Cafeteria "Café el Cibao"

VIP Catamaran to Cayo Arena with Lunch

Enjoy a unique coral island in the Dominican Republic. Prepare to be served as royalty onboard a VIP catamaran equipped with bar, comfortable seating and restrooms. You’ll cruise to the amazing Ensenada beach and then to Cayo Arena for a guided snorkeling tour, swimming or just relaxing.

Deluxe Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

Relax on one of the island’s finest luxury catamarans during a fun-filled adventure on the high seas. Soak up the scenery on the way to Sosua for a guided snorkeling tour that brings you among Sosua’s living corals and a myriad of tropical fish in every color of the rainbow.

Outback Dominican Adventure with Lunch

Experience a way of life that has remained unchanged for over a century. You’ll see how coffee and chocolate are locally grown, harvested and processed, then meet a local family in their countryside home and visit a local school (subject to local school holidays). The last stop of the day is at a beautiful secluded beach.

Island Treasures

Dolphin Swim & Ocean World Day Pass

Next to the Amber Cove sign at the dock 829-344-4613

All Inclusive Coconut Cove Beach Break

Your one-stop shopping emporium, Island Treasures offers gifts for everyone on your list. It is locally owned and operated, with friendly service and great prices. Island Treasures carries over 2,000 items, from local arts and crafts, souvenirs, Caribbean décor, chimes and apparel to table and wall art and a wide variety of T-shirts. Stop by and say hi to Ana — hers is the friendliest store in town!

Quick Guide Famed for: Endless fun at pools and beaches; shopping and dining along the Malecón; swimming with dolphins, stingrays and even sharks at Ocean World.

You’ll interact with two playful dolphins on a 20-minute swim in deep water. After a brief orientation, you’ll get to hug, kiss, dance with and feed the dolphins. A dorsal pull by two dolphins, foot push and swimming with dolphins is sure to be the highlight of your visit to Amber Cove Puerto Plata.

Have it all when you visit our private Coconut Cove Beach. An open-air truck takes you on rugged outback roads for a peek into rural life. Then enjoy our white-sand oasis at your leisure. Experience the many water sports, take a short trek on local trails or just lounge on the beach with an island cocktail. The day includes a buffet-style lunch of sumptuous Dominican cuisine and locally grown fruits.

It’s a Fact: Fort San Felipe in nearby Puerto Plata is one of the oldest military colonial period fortresses in the region, dating back to 1577. Signature Souvenirs: Jewelry made from top-quality amber, found in great abundance here; art and handicrafts from local galleries and markets. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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

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CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

OF THE

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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GUIDE TO

PORTS

CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Amber Cove Antigua Aruba Barbados Belize Bermuda Bonaire Canada Cartagena Costa Maya Cozumel Curaรงao Dominica Fort Lauderdale Grand Cayman Grand Turk Montego Bay Panama Canal Princess Cays Roatรกn St. Kitts St. Lucia St. Maarten St. Thomas

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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PHOTOS BY: (PUERTO PLATA BEACH) RYAN RICHTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Colorful cottages welcome you to Amber Cove, a multi-faceted destination on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

amber cove

This idyllic spot in the Dominican Republic offers all you could ask for in a Caribbean vacation: a little history (including pirate lore), a little culture (fine and folk art, delicious food) and a lot of fun with the many recreational opportunities. Does your idea of fun involve relaxing on a beach with a tropical drink in hand? Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of that, too.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Beach in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port Coco Caña Lounge

Coco Caña Lounge offers a unique gastronomic experience mixed with the warmth and the party soul of the local people. Come to enjoy the best Dominican cocktails while dancing with us!

Amber Cove Port, Maimon Bay; Buildings 18, 7 & 30 Instagram: @cococanaloungerd

El Cibao Coffee Shop

PHOTOS BY: (PUERTO PLATA BEACH) RYAN RICHTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Amber Cove Port Building 2/B, Maimon, Puerto Plata 829-974-5996 or 809-895-6376 lscordari@naturabellasrl.com Facebook: Cafeteria "Café el Cibao"

Island Treasures

Next to the Amber Cove sign at the dock 829-344-4613

Quick Guide Famed for: Endless fun at pools and beaches; shopping and dining along the Malecón; swimming with dolphins, stingrays and even sharks at Ocean World. It’s a Fact: Fort San Felipe in nearby Puerto Plata is one of the oldest military colonial period fortresses in the region, dating back to 1577. Signature Souvenirs: Jewelry made from top-quality amber, found in great abundance here; art and handicrafts from local galleries and markets. PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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

Ports of call | Antigua

Boaters find many cozy spots to drop anchor.

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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

Antigua boasts 365 beaches.

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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HOLGER WULSCHLAEGER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Antigua

Life in St. John's is centered on the harbor.

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

antigua

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

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Antigua

har bor his t or y By Deborah Williams

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

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

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

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Antigua

antigua and bar buda museum For a look back at Antigua’s colonial past, visit this historical museum, housed in the Old Court House. Colonial artifacts, sugar-plantation displays and a life-size replica of an Arawak Indian dwelling can all be found here.

Shipping was important to Antigua’s past.

PHOTOS BY: (POTTERY) THANAPUNSHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SHIP ILLUSTRATION) ROBERT FREEMAN.

Ancient pottery

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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

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

PHOTOS BY: (POTTERY) THANAPUNSHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SHIP ILLUSTRATION) ROBERT FREEMAN.

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

Monday - Saturday - 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

www.hemingwayantiqua.com PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Antigua

OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

Baobab Company

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

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

St. John’s

Zemi Art Gallery

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

Redcliffe Quay | 268-764-9627

St. John's is a charming stop for duty-free shopping.

st yle SARAH CHERITON-JONES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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

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

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

www.noreenphillipscouturiere.com

antigua’s favourite

SARAH CHERITON-JONES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

pizzas wings burgers sandwiches wraps & more

Pizzas in Paradise, Redcliffe Quay, Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, 268 480 6985 17º61º, V.C. Bird Intl Airport, Old & New Terminal Open daily 7am-9pm, 268 480 6979 www.bigbanana-antigua.com

hotel, restaurant, sushi bar & lounge

With its understated yet sophisticated décor, exclusive waterfront location and first class concierge services, South Point offers a truly unique and sophisticated boutique hotel experience in the heart of historic English Harbour, the Caribbean’s yachting capital. The restaurant boasts a dining deck entirely over the water, covered by a state of the art pergola – Our International menu, live sushi counter and signature cocktails is sure to become a favorite choice for lunch or dinner during your stay.

info@southpointantigua.com tel: + 1 268 562 9600

www.southpointantigua.com

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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

Ports of call | Aruba

Colorful boats tie up at the dock on Palm Beach.

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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

Another view of Palm Beach.

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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MEUNIERD/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Aruba

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

Colorful architecture lines Aruba’s streets.

aruba

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

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Aruba

Island Highlights By Sara Churchville

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

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

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

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

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fancy

GREEN DIAMONDS

exotic

FIRE OPAL

ST. THOMAS

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

9/5/14 9:39 AM

Ports of call | Aruba

A Diverse, Friendly

population By Gerald Zarr

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

The Dutch Come to Stay With their lukewarm attitude toward Aruba, the Spanish didn’t resist too fiercely when the Dutch came calling in 1636 to seize Aruba and the sister islands of Bonaire and Curaçao. Once again, Aruba was saved from the slave trade and a plantation economy because of its poor soil and aridity. Instead, the Dutch left the Arawaks to graze livestock on the parched landscape, using the island to produce meat for other Dutch possessions in the area. With the exception of a short period during the Napoleonic Wars, when the island fell to the British, Aruba has remained Dutch. Undergound caves at Arikok National Park have been traced back thousands of years to Aruba's native cultures.

ZINA SELETSKAYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

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Ports of call | Aruba

Nineteenth-Century Gold Rush In 1824,Aruba experienced its first economic boom when gold was discovered on its northern coast. A flood of gold-hungry immigrants arrived from Europe and Venezuela, and the gold rush was on. A smeltery at Bushiribana processed over 3 million tons of raw material until 1916, when the mines were shut down. After gold petered out, Aruba became the world’s top producer of aloe, just as the sunbathing craze was taking off in the United States. One can still visit the Aruba Aloe Balm Factory and see the production process from aloe leaf to finished lotions and creams.

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

ZINA SELETSKAYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Twentieth-Century Black Gold Rush Oil gave Aruba its next economic boom. In 1929, the Standard Oil Company of New Jersey (now ExxonMobil) built what was then the world’s largest oil refinery in San Nicolas, on the southeastern coast. This refinery employed more than 8,000 people — 16 percent of Aruba’s population — making San Nicolas the island’s second-largest city. ExxonMobil closed the refinery in 1985 during a global oversupply, but the Coastal Oil Company of Houston, Texas, reopened it in 1991.

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Ports of call | Aruba

Shopping

and take Aruba’s Lifestyle home

Biba Dushi means ‘living the good life’ in our local language,

It’s Aruba’s ThisPapiamento. area is known aslifestyle the which we embrace every day and we encourage you to take a piece of it home with you. Turquoise Coast for good reason.

Available exclusively at Coconuts Retail Stores and Atlantis Submarines.

Buy Bon bini — Local welcome to Aruba. The island boasts some of the best beaches At Coconuts we support local suppliers and artists You’ll find the in the most Caribbean. All of the beaches on the island are public, with the most unique souvenirs and clothing, locally designed and made. popular situated along the southern and protected western coasts. Palm Beach is 30 yards deep with mounds of fine talc-white sand and is one of the most famous beaches in the West Indies. The shore is lined with busy resorts and the waves are usually full of active windsurfers. Closer to Oranjestad, Eagle Beach is another favorite choice. This beach is generally less crowded than Palm Beach and offers a variety of water sports. Other possibilities on the leeward coast include Druif Bay Beach, a more private beach less frequented by tourists. Toward the northern tip lies Arashi Souvenirs, Accessories and Beachwear Beach, boasting an excellent offshore dive site. The easternmost tip of the At Coconuts Retail Stores you’ll find high quality island cradles a charming cove called Baby Beach, where the calm, shallow, beachwear and souvenirs. Stroll the seashore in crystal-clear water is ideal for children and snorkelers. style with sporting swimwear and accessories On the windward coast to the north, hidden strips and coves intolike theO’Neill, Body from premier beachcut brands Glove, Reef, 69 Slam Vitamina A. Whether it’s brittle limestone coastline. Here the water tends to be rough — notand advisable a day of playand under the sun or a night of romance for swimming, but ideally suited for the local windsurfers kitesurfers who under the stars, Coconuts’ extensive selection especially favor Bachelor’s Beach and Boca Grandi. — Lynn Seldon of swimsuits, sunglasses, beach toys, dresses, sandals and gifts will meet all your fashion and souvenir needs.

Locations: Coconuts Occidental: The biggest of all Coconuts stores can be found beachside at the Occidental Hotel in Palm Beach. Renovated in 2015, this location offers everything you need for a beach day, souvenirs and more. The store also has an Activity Desk to book island tours and other activities. Open: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm daily. Coconuts at De Palm Pier: Located on a pier between RUI Palace and Hilton Resort this store is worth a visit for its location alone. Booking tours and activities is also possible. Open: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm daily. Coconuts at De Palm Island: When visiting the all-inclusive attraction De Palm Island you will automatically be drawn into Coconuts. Open: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm daily. Atlantis Submarines: Located waterfront downtown Oranjestad, this shopping location is where you board for the Atlantis Submarine tour. Open: 8:30 am 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday.

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

ARUBA TOURISM BOARD

shimmering SHOP AT COCONUTS … shores

Special Advertising Feature

Treasure Coins of the Caribbean

Piece of Eight

By Bernard Reller, American Numismatic Association R-159127 Copyright 2014 Shortly after Christopher Columbus “discovered” the New World in 1492, Spanish conquistadores arrived to conquer and subjugate the indigenous peoples of present day Mexico, Central and South America and exploit the vast riches of silver and gold found there. They soon established mines and mints to refine metal and strike coins for trading in the colonies and to finance the ever expanding debt of the Spanish Monarchy in Europe. The wealth and produce of the New World was shipped to Spain via convoys of sailing ships guarded by heavily armed galleons which carried most of the silver and gold. Many of these convoys would fall victim to violent hurricanes and marauding pirates. The units of currency of the Spanish colonies were the silver real and the gold escudo and valued at sixteen reales to one escudo. The coins of the New World were first produced under crude conditions. A thin slab of metal would be poured, then discs or “planchettes” would be cut from this bar. The planchettes were further clipped to a precise weight then hand struck between two hand carved dies. Early coins carried on one side an image of pillars and waves. The other side carried a simple shield bearing lions and castles. Later, more elaborate shield designs were introduced to represent 90

various other lands under the control of Spain. With the introduction of the screw press in 1732, these gradually gave way to round “milled” coins known as “Pillar Dollars” and the later “Bust Dollars” bearing a likeness of the monarch. Minting in the colonies continued until 1825. For 300 years, Spanish coins served as the currency for much of the world including the early North American Colonies. The Spanish eight real coin or famous “piece of eight” was based on the avoirdupois ounce of approximately 28 grams. The gold “doubloon” later came to apply to other denominations of gold coins. The Spanish “piece of eight” ultimately gave rise to the United States dollar. Over the years, most of this crude Spanish coinage found its way into the melting pots of Europe and the world, but today treasure hunters and salvage divers, using modern equipment, are recovering long-lost caches of treasure, much of them in the waters of the Caribbean. The most famous shipwreck treasure was found in the waters of the Florida Keys. The Spanish galleon Nuestra Senora de Atocha struck a reef and sank on September 6, 1622. After 15 years of searching the waters, famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher, and his company Treasure Salvers

Reller Atocha Coin

Coins available at Touch of Gold Inc., discovered the main wreck site on July 20, 1985. They ultimately recovered over 160,000 Spanish Colonial coins and over 1,000 eighty pound silver ingots. The Atocha has the distinction of being the richest Spanish treasure galleon recovered to date. Currently around the Caribbean, shipwreck treasure in the form of gold and silver jewelry is frequently worn by salvage divers, sailors, adventurers...and of course by their women. The trend harkens back to those swashbuckling days... when pirates roamed the Spanish Main...and life was lived on “the edge.”

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Shipwreck Treasure Coins Greek & biblical coins Authentic & certified yesterday, today and forever

Touch of Gold

JEWELERS

Oroubo Plaza - L.G. Smith Boulevard, Weststraat # 13 (Next to the Main Bus Terminal) - Oranjestad - Aruba Tel: (297) 588-9587 - Fax: (297) 588-5361 - E-mail: togaruba@gmail.com

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Ports of call | Aruba

papiamento Spoken Here

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

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

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

DUDAREV MIKHAIL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

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Ports of call | Aruba

Shopping in

Aruba CURAÇAO

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

Safi Kilima Cushion tanzanite pendant

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

Lauren G Adams Eau Collection bracelet

Citizen World Chronograph A-T watch

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) GRAHAM TOMLIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIGHT) JOHN WOLLWERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Barbados

Palms sway at Bottom Bay, near Bridgetown.

bar bados With manicured gardens, a centuries-old parliament and plenty of polo games and cricket matches, charming Barbados wears its British heritage like a comfortable tweed coat. But Barbadians have added their own twists to these traditions.

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) GRAHAM TOMLIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIGHT) JOHN WOLLWERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The marina in downtown Bridgetown.

Quick Guide Famed for: Sugarcane plantations, landscape paintings and cricket matches. It’s a Fact: The island’s signature Crop Over Festival started, as its name suggests, as a celebration of the end of the sugarcane harvesting season. Signature Souvenirs: Rum, flying fish (yes, they do fly — well, glide at least) and cricket paraphernalia. How to Get to Town: The downtown area of Bridgetown is located about a mile from the cruise ship pier, about 10 minutes away by taxi. Shuttle buses also are available. The shuttle pick-up point is just to the right of the cruise terminal; drop-off and pick-up for the return trip to the terminal is at the head of Broad Street. PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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PIXACHI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Barbados

t hings we love about

Bridgetown's promenade is a scenic walkway.

bar bados Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, is a favorite among travelers who want to see “the real Caribbean.” A bustling metropolis in its own right, it doesn’t have the touristy feel some hot spots do. And the island’s panoramic landscape is among the most lush and majestic in the southern Caribbean. Hiking and driving tours of seaside villages, plantations, gardens and 17th-century English country churches make Barbados a great place for adventure or relaxation. Diving is the grand pursuit here: Underwater visibility usually exceeds 100 feet and provides

stunning views of magnificent hawksbill turtles and more than 50 varieties of fish gliding through shallow reefs. Popular dive sites include Dottins Reef, Maycocks Bay, Shark Bank and others. Duty-free shopping is as close as the cruise ship terminal at Bridgetown Harbor, where dozens of shops offer everything you would expect: collectible watches, big diamonds and other outrageously luxurious goods not found in any other port. In Bridgetown, Broad Street is home to vendors specializing in fine local products such as watches, gold jewelry, crystal, perfumes and locally produced Barbados rum and liqueurs. — Jim Thompson

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Ports of call | Barbados

Island Highlights

By Jim Thompson Flying Fish Called “land of the flying fish,” Barbados has a special reverence for this unusual marine creature, which is depicted on currency, in sculptures and in the national tourism authority's logo. Using large pectoral fins like wings, the fish can leap from the water and “fly” for up to 45 seconds at speeds of over 40 mph.

Currency Vivid colors and a fixed rate of two Barbadian dollars to one US dollar make it simple to understand Barbados’ currency. The blue $2 bill and the seven-sided silver $1 coin with the image of a flying fish on the face are the most-used currency on the island. Cou-Cou Tracing its roots to the island’s African ancestry, cou-cou — a Caribbean polenta — has been a staple in Barbados since the early colonial days. Made from cornmeal mixed with okra, pepper, butter and water, cou-cou is paired with flying fish to make the island’s national dish. Rum “Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum.” This liquid libation, distilled from molasses and sugarcane juice, was born in Barbados (Mount Gay Rum dates to the 1600s) and has refreshed thirsty rebels from pirates to America’s colonial revolutionaries. George Washington insisted on having a barrel of Barbados rum at his 1789 presidential inauguration.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Flying fish gliding above the water; Barbados flag atop the Parliament Buildings in Bridgetown; rum cocktail; cou-cou with vegetables; Barbados dollar notes.

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PHOTOS BY: (FLYING FISH) BARTUCHNA@YAHOO.PL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BARBADOS FLAG) V. J. MATTHEW/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DOLLARS) KAREN HADLEY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (POLENTA) ALENAKOGOTKOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DRINK) DMITRY LOBANOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Barbados Flag Adopted on the island’s first Independence Day in 1966, the flag of Barbados incorporates two bands of blue to symbolize the ocean, a central band of yellow for the sand and a black trident. The three points of the trident represent a democratic government of, for and by the people.

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Ports of call | Barbados

cane & cricket By John Anderson

Barbados had felt other cultural influences before the British arrived and left their indelible stamp. from the British Isles became the backbone of the labor force prior to the use of African slaves. Contemporary Times Even as the economy started suffering in the 1800s, cane cultivation was still the dominant industry. But since having gained independence from Britain in 1966, tourism has flourished. Even as Barbados enjoys a healthy economy in its own right tofay, it continues to cherish one British tradition. When Barbados hosts England in a cricket Test Match, English fans flock to the island to watch the national sport of both countries in a carnival-like setting. Some of Barbados’ most celebrated modern heroes are cricket players, including Clyde Walcott, Frank Worrell and Everton Weekes — the “Three Ws,” all knighted in the 1960s — as well as Garfield “Gary ” Sobers, considered to be the greatest cricketer of all time.

PHOTOS BY: (CRICKET MATCH) MAT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOWLER) AHMAD FAIZAL YAHYA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BAT) RYAN JORGENSEN - JORGO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RED BALL) TEREKHOV IGOR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Beginnings As early as 1600 B.C., Amerindians canoed across dangerous currents to arrive first in Barbados, followed centuries later by tribes such as the Arawak and the Carib. But the Indians had abandoned the island by the time it was discovered by Europeans in the 1500s. It wasn’t until Portuguese sailors landed here on their way to Brazil in 1536 that Barbados finally got its name, meaning “bearded ones,” from the “bearded” aerial roots of the abundant fig trees on the island. When the first British settlers landed here in 1627, Barbados was uninhabited and the settlers established Holetown on the island’s western coast. In 1639, together with the British governor and the Anglican Church, a local House of Assembly was elected to rule the island, an unusual amount of autonomy for a British colony. Sugarcane was introduced in the 1650s, and as demand for sugar took off, local plantations struggled to find workers to harvest the labor-intensive crop. White indentured servants

Cricket remains a favorite pastime in Barbados.

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SUNBURY PLANTATION HOUSE

Ports of call | Barbados

Sunbury Plantation House has been around for more than 350 years.

at home with the past By Michelle da Silva Richmond

When gentleman farmer Matthew Chapman — one of Barbados’ original settlers — arrived from England and built his plantation house around 1660, he was unaware that it would reign as one of the island’s foremost tourist attractions some 350 years later. The Chapman Plantation included a sugar plantation and a cattle mill by the time Chapman died in 1693, after which it changed hands — and names — several times. When brothers John and George Barrow purchased the estate in 1775, they renamed it Sunbury, after their childhood home in Kent, England. Known today as Sunbury Plantation House, the property is owned by the Melville family, who opened it as a museum in January 1984. After a fire in July 1995 nearly destroyed the great house,

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a meticulous restoration returned it to its former glory, and it reopened the following year in its present incarnation. The estate serves as a historical tribute to the genteel side of Barbados’ history, with antique furnishings, a unique collection of horse-drawn carriages and farm implements and both china and silver, attesting to its storied past. The grounds, gardens and small wooded area surrounding the house are also open to the public and offer a romantic venue for weddings and other special events.

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Special Advertising Feature

Calypso Rum Cake: Homestyle Taste Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Island-Made

he Calypso Rum Cake is a local favorite enjoyed by the many tourists visiting the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados. These homestyle rum cakes bursting with delicious flavour are made with generous portions of premium rum.

Flavours include Vanilla, Lemon-Ginger, Coffee, Chocolate and Great Cake. Only sold in Barbados, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to leave the island without these tasty souvenirs to share with family and friends. And stock up for yourself and savour the warm hospitality in every bite.

Come visit our store in the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, Barbados

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Ports of call | Barbados

born free Green vervet monkeys roam as they like in Barbados, but you may prefer to meet them at the Barbados Wildlife Reserve.

The green vervet monkey can be seen throughout Barbados.

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PHOTOS BY: (MONKEY) VOLODYMYR BURDIAK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Here, the agile monkeys move freely through the mahogany forest. An estimated 8,000 primates scamper in and out of the refuge as they please during the day, generally returning in time for scheduled afternoon snacks. Opened in 1985, the nearly cage-free reserve houses deer, mongooses, agoutis, iguanas and armadillos, plus five types of tortoises and dozens of bird species. Brick pathways, open to both people and animals, wind through the woods, and there are wonderful natural-history exhibitions to observe and photograph. Remember to watch your step if you walk to the flamingo pond and through the huge, screened aviary.

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PHOTOS BY: (UNDERWATER) ERIC LEMAR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (HOUSE IN THE OCEAN) BRANDON BOURDAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Belize

Belize’s barrier reef is one of the longest in the world, making it a popular spot for divers.

b e li z e For a country of its tiny size, Belize is blessed with an incredible share of natural treasures — including the world’s only jaguar preserve and the Western Hemisphere’s longest barrier reef. Belize also boasts numerous historical and cultural artifacts, especially in the ancient ruins of the Mayan civilization that called Belize home.

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PHOTOS BY: (UNDERWATER) ERIC LEMAR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (HOUSE IN THE OCEAN) BRANDON BOURDAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The ultimate waterfront property.

Quick Guide Famed for: Diving, nature preserves and beaches. It’s a Fact: The Garifuna people of Belize are descendants of the original Caribbean residents, the Caribs and Arawaks. Signature Souvenirs: Mayan astrological charts and pendants, tropical fruit preserves and nance liqueur, made with cherries grown in the Yucatán. How to Get to Town: Cruise guests take a tender from the ship to Belize’s Tourism Village, a 15-minute ride from the ship. Taxis into the city are available at the village.

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CLIMBERJAK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Belize

t hings we love about

The ruins at Tikal present fascinating Mayan history.

b e li z e

Belize is a country with a rich natural and cultural mix — from jungle animals and colorful fauna to Mayan ruins and artifacts to its watery landscape of more than 200 tropical island cays making up the nearly 200-milelong Belizean Barrier Reef. The largest one, Ambergris Caye, can be reached on a shore excursion where manatee-watching is a must, and where a dazzling variety of colorful marine life awaits scuba divers and snorkelers. Caye Caulker, just south of Ambergris, has quiet beaches for a relaxing day trip. A short walk along Albert Street, on Belize City’s waterfront, leads visitors to the Fort George Lighthouse and to the nearby House of Culture Museum, which was 112

once the governor’s residence. The Marine Terminal houses the Coastal Zone Museum, which showcases the barrier reef’s marine life. Mayan history, through artifacts and pottery, awaits visitors at the Museum of Belize. Many shoppers also snap up hand-carved treasures made from local wood at Market Square. Outside the city limits, visitors flock to the Belize Zoo, with its native ocelots and jaguars, or to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, where Black Howler monkeys frolic. The si x th-centur y Temple of the Green Tomb and the Temple of Masonr y Altar dominate Altun Ha, Belize’s most extensively excavated Mayan ruin. — Richard Varr

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Come visit

CLIMBERJAK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Freeles Samp

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PHOTOS BY: (BERMUDA) TODD TAULMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Bermuda

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

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PHOTOS BY: (BERMUDA) TODD TAULMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Sun-and-fun seekers on a Bermuda beach.

Quick Guide Famed For: Pink-sand beaches, Bermuda shorts and charming cottage architecture. It’s A Fact: Because of Bermuda’s small size, resident families may own only one car and often ride scooters instead. Signature Souvenirs: Rum cakes, handblown glass and locally made perfume.

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PHOTOS BY: (KRALENDIJK) RENE SPUTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Bonaire

Boats tie up at Kralendijk, the capital.

b o n air e

Considered one of the best diving locales in the Caribbean, Bonaire remains largely unspoiled. You won’t find a single traffic light on the entire island.

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Quick Guide Famed for: Coral reefs, sea turtles and flamingos. It’s a Fact: Bonaire’s only significant export is salt, which is cultivated in shallow, man-made ponds and salt beds. Signature Souvenirs: Dutch cheese, chocolate and miniature rustic cottages known as kunuku. How to Get to Town: It doesn’t take long to reach Bonaire’s center; the ship docks right in town. Downtown is just a twominute walk away.

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WHOLESALE & RETAIL

BONAIREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LARGEST SELECTION OF FINE WINE, LIQUORS AND TOBACCO Fine Cigars from our Full-Size Humidor A wide variety of liquors and aperitifs from around the world, including: bourbon, champagne, cognac, gin, grappa, imported beers, port, rum, tequila, single malt, vodka, whiskey, wines Pre-order your stock online at: www.bonairegiftshop.com and we will have it ready for you before you arrive in Bonaire.

Kaya Grandi 13, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles Tel.: (599) 717-2201 E-mail: bonaire@gmail.com Website: www.bonairegiftshop.com

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PHOTOS BY: (LAKE) CAPPI THOMPSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GARDEN) V. J. MATTHEW/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Ports of call | Canada

The Cains River flows through New Brunswick.

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

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PHOTOS BY: (LAKE) CAPPI THOMPSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GARDEN) V. J. MATTHEW/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Public garden in the center of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Your ship may reposition to Canada at the end of the Caribbean season. For more information on experiencing these spectacular destinations, please see your onboard Future Cruise Sales Consultant or visit princess.com.

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Ports of call | Canada

new brunswick: s aint john Quick Guide Famed for: The Bay of Fundy, the Reversing Rapids and whale watching. It’s a Fact: New Brunswick is the only province in Canada that is constitutionally bilingual, with over 30 percent of the population speaking French. Signature Souvenirs: Dulse, a local snack made from dried seaweed, and whale-themed crafts.

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

nova s cot ia: h a li f a x Famed for: Being the Canadian city with the most pubs and clubs per capita, having the world’s second largest natural harbor and hosting Atlantic Canada’s largest art collection at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. It’s a Fact: Brewmaster Alexander Keith was mayor for three terms, and his original 1820 brewery welcomes visitors with costumed guides, stories and good ale. Signature Souvenirs: Nautical items, including Theodore Tugboat and Harbor Hopper merchandise.

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

Quick Guide

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PAULA STEPHENS/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Ports of call | Canada

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nova s c ot ia: sydney There is much to keep guests busy in Sydney: museums, historic sites and a steady schedule of cultural activities celebrating the area’s diverse heritage.

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

PAULA STEPHENS/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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

The sun sets on another active day in Sydney.

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Ports of call | Cartagena

car t agena Formally known as Cartagena de Indias, this city on the Caribbean Sea offers a unique mix of military for tresses and Spanish colonial architecture. Walls that were erected around the city and under the sea in the 17th century are still standing and can be visited today. Forts and strongholds transport visitors back to the days when the city often had to defend itself against pirates.

Quick Guide Famed for: The walled Old City, cool beaches and sizzling nightlife. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Fact: Cartagenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic buildings are a favorite setting for filmmakers. Signature Souvenirs: Coffee, Colombian emeralds and handmade leatherwork.

The Old City glimmers at night.

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PROEXPORT COLOMBIA

How to Get to Town: Take the free shuttle bus from the ship to the end of the pier to get a taxi.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Walled City - Cartagena Calle San Juan de Dios #3-99 U.S. Customer Service Center: (210) 858-9758 www.misteremerald.com

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Ports of call | Cartagena

Carnaval revelers in Cartagena.

t hings we love about

car t agena It’s all here — colonial architecture, a 17th-century fort, fine beaches, a massive cathedral, excellent restaurants and a gold museum. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cartagena is a wonderful city for walking. Cartagena’s walled Old City and fortress are the center of social life and shopping. If you are looking for a special gift, remember that Colombia is arguably the world’s finest source of emeralds: A dazzling 98 percent of the world’s emeralds are mined here. The white-sand beach of Playa Blanca is nearby,

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but most visitors prefer to walk the battlements and stroll through underground passages in the fort or soak up the colonial style of the Old City, with its redtile roofs covering colorful, flower-filled courtyards and balconies. The Museo del Oro y Arqueología has a wonderful collection of gold and pottery from the ancient Sinú culture. Nestled in the cliffs above the fortress, the flowered patios and buildings of the Convento de la Popa offer a perfect spot for photos of the city, especially at sunset. — Jim Thompson

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Located on the 1st floor, Main Corner of the Pierino Gallo Mall

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Ports of call | Cartagena

a vibrant spanish herit age

by Linda Marx

The beautiful old seaport of Cartagena has been given many sobriquets, from Diplomatic City to perhaps the most important, Best-Fortified City.

A City Under Siege Although the Spanish built some strategic fortresses, the city by the sea was attacked repeatedly by English, French and Dutch pirates. During the 17th century, the Spanish royals decided that the only way to totally protect themselves from these attacks was to build the thick protective wall that still surrounds the Old City. Cartagena declared its independence from Spain on November 11, 1811; it was the first city in the region to do so. In 1821, Spain surrendered to troops led by the noble South American patriot Simón Bolívar. Shortly afterward, Cartagena was incorporated into the nation of Colombia. Independence also led to the ouster of the Inquisition Holy Court Office, which the Roman Catholic monarchs had established in 1610 after a royal decree by Spain’s King Phillip II. Completed in 1770, the Inquisition Palace remains today with its original Spanish features intact. Contemporary Days Although Cartagena spent centuries defending itself against European enemies, its modern-day residents welcome friendly international visitors who want to share their love of art, architecture, music and dance, all steeped in charm and tradition.

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PHOTOS BY: (TOP) ALICE NERR/SHUTTERSTOCK; (BOTTOM) ALEXMILLOS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Beginnings Cartagena, named after the port of Cartagena in Spain’s Murcia region, was founded in 1533 by Don Pedro de Heredia in a section where the Caribbean Calamari people lived. The city was a major center of early Spanish settlement in the A mericas , and was also a thriving slave port. It became the treasure city of the Spanish Main, from which shipments of precious gems were sent to Spain from the New World.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Cartagena

a li f e of devotion One of Cartagena’s most beloved sites is the Church of San Pedro Claver, named for the Jesuit priest who became the first clergyman from the New World to achieve sainthood. Devoting his life to the miserably treated Africans who were bought and sold in Cartagena, Claver called himself “a slave to the slaves.” Pope Leo XIII wrote, “No life, except the life of Christ, has moved me so deeply as that of Peter Claver.” Claver was born in Verdú, Spain, on June 26, 1580. He entered the Jesuit order of Roman Catholic priests in 1602 and later sailed to Cartagena, where he was ordained in

1616. For the next 40 years, he ministered to the poor and the abused, regularly visiting hospitals and homes. He showed no favor to the wealthy and elite, who had to stand in line behind their “lesser” neighbors if they wanted Claver to hear their confessions. Claver died in 1654, after coping for four years with a degenerative illness that confined him to his room for most of that time. He was canonized in 1888. Today the Cloister, where Claver lived and died, has become a shrine that is visited reverently and usually in silence. A museum on the grounds tells the story of Claver’s extraordinary life.

PHOTO BY: (LEFT) SORIN COLAC/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (OPPOSITE PAGE) HOLGER METTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

The Church of St Peter Claver.

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Inside the walled city.

t h e o l d c i t y ’s ageless charm The charm and romance of El Centro in Cartagena make it one of the city’s most popular and beloved areas.

PHOTO BY: (LEFT) SORIN COLAC/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (OPPOSITE PAGE) HOLGER METTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

A wall around El Centro encloses the Spanish Colonial buildings, many with facades in different colors. The area is jam-packed with elegant mansions, monasteries, churches, shops, sculptures, plazas and palaces. With bustling crowds gathering both day and night, people watching is a popular pastime here. Strolling along winding streets, visitors pass horse-drawn carriages, outdoor cafés, bistros, torch-lit restaurants, overhanging balconies and shaded porches. Locals, tourists and international celebrities dine on rich pastries and sip Colombian coffee while enjoying the sights and sounds of the historic city. Visitors are drawn to the Museo del Oro y Arqueología, which boasts a respected collection of gold and silver pottery from the Sinú culture; the Palacio de la Inquisición in Plaza Bolívar, a stellar example of colonial architecture; and the Muelle de los Pegasos, the old port of Cartagena on the Bahía de las Ánimas. — Linda Marx

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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PHOTOS BY: REMUSACHE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, RAMUNAS BRUZAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Ports of call | Costa Maya

The Mayan ruins at Chacchoben, about 45 miles west of Costa Maya.

costa maya Situated on the Caribbean coast of the Yucatán Peninsula near Mexico’s border with Belize, Costa Maya leads to the peninsula’s lush interior and stirring Mayan ruins. It also boasts the world’s second-largest coral reef system, home to more than 60 types of coral and some 500 species of fish.

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PHOTOS BY: REMUSACHE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM, RAMUNAS BRUZAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Crystal–clear water surrounds the Costa Maya beach.

Quick Guide Famed for: Mayan archaeological sites, ceviche and diving. It’s a Fact: Many historians believe that the winners of the Mayan precursor to soccer, pok-ta-pok, were beheaded to honor the gods. Signature Souvenirs: Hammocks, replicated Mayan masks and blue agave tequila. How to Get to Town: Majahual is about five minutes from the pier. A limited number of taxis are available at the tourist village exit.

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

Ports of call | Cozumel

Ruins of a Mayan temple face the sea.

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

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

Cozumel’s reefs teem with life.

Quick Guide Famed for: Beaches, diving and eco-parks. It’s a Fact: At the Parque Punta Sur eco-park on the south end of the island, whistling can cause crocodiles in the lagoon to rise to the surface. Signature Souvenirs: Silver jewelry, serapes and embroidered Mayan blouses. How to Get to Town: The Punta Langosta pier is right in the downtown area. From the International Pier or the Puerto Maya terminal, you’ll want to take a taxi.

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VILAINECREVETTE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Cozumel

t hings we love about

Sea sponges and colorful fish surround a striking brain coral.

cozumel

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

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Many still live in the thatch-roofed homes originally designed by their ancestors. Lunch in town should always begin with guacamole; Cozumel’s restaurants are said to serve some of Mexico’s best versions of this classic avocado dip. Many visitors, especially families, head south from San Miguel to visit the dolphins and sea lions at Chankanaab Park. Other attractions include the landmark Punta Sur Ecological Park and Lighthouse, home to a Mayan-ruin site, and the Celerain Lighthouse, as well as a navigation museum. The road to ruins leads many visitors to the archaeological site of San Gervasio, near San Miguel. — Richard Varr

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Introducing the

Angelika Ring The

Infinity Ring

Commemorate your cruise with our signature TrueBlueÂŽ, Vivid Brown & Vogue Black Diamond collections, renowned for using only the most sought-after colored diamonds.

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Ports of call | Cozumel

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

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

By Sara Churchville

FROM TOP: A scuba diver explores a coral reef; a plate of cochinita pibil; the Mexican flag; an agave plant.

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Ports of call | Cozumel

Visitors flock to ruins of the Mayan temple at Tulum.

a t al e o f t ulu m Set against a backdrop of aquamarine Caribbean waters, Tulum’s awe-inspiring temple remains a striking sight.

PATRYK KOSMIDER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Perched high on the cliffs of the Yucatán Peninsula is the ancient city of Tulum, the only Mayan city known to have been built on the coast. Following the paths, visitors can visualize the indigenous religious ceremonies that took place here, and appreciate the magnificent beauty of this sacred locale. Today there is little to fear from the sacrificial pit, and the only ritual that must be followed is paying a fee to use your video camera. Generally coupled with a trip to Tulum is a visit to Xel-Há Lagoon. An oasis on a hot day, this soothing inland sea contains a natural underwater park and provides a wonderful respite after exploring.

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Ports of call | Cozumel

Shopping in

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

Hublot Classic Fusion Dwyane Wade

A cenote near Tulum.

Crown of Light Unity ring with champagne diamond

John Hardy Classic Chain Collection reversible bracelet in sterling silver and 18k gold

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FIDEICOMISO PARA LA PROMOCIÓN TURÍSTICA DE LA RIVIERA MAYA

Kabana Rose Collection pendant

Underground

wonders

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

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Cozumel

nature reigns at cozumel’s small sea Not far from the busy shops, restaurants and bars of San Miguel, Chankanaab Park provides nature lovers with 450,000 square feet of pristine space to revel in.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEXICO TOURISM BOARD

Though the name means “small sea,” the park is really a little slice of paradise, with botanical gardens, a lagoon, a beach and a replicated Mayan village. The sparkling Chankanaab Lagoon is home to colorful coral, fish and turtles, as well as a Dolphin Discovery facility. Snorkeling and scuba diving are available from the beach. Pleasant pathways wind through botanical gardens where several hundred species of tropical plants thrive. The archaeological park contains reproductions of stone carvings from well-known ruins around Mexico and is staffed by guides to explain their significance. —Suzanne L. Carmel Turtles make their home in the park.

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PHOTOS BY: HARRIS SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOARDWALK) JACOB WHYMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Curaçao

Willemstad’s waterfront is lined with colorful buildings as pretty as dollhouses.

curaçao Willemstad, Curaçao’s picturesque capital, is built around a well-formed natural harbor and glows in soft pastel shades. The Dutch influence pervades the port, with its manor houses, neatly kept streets and delicious varieties of cheese and chocolate.

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PHOTOS BY: HARRIS SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOARDWALK) JACOB WHYMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Step into the beautiful waters surrounding Curaçao.

Quick Guide Famed for: Dutch architecture, plentiful shopping and Christoffel National Park. It’s a Fact: The Amstel Brewery on the island is the only one in the world that uses seawater in its beer recipe — desalinated, of course. Signature Souvenirs: Wooden shoes, painted porcelain windmills and Curaçao liqueur. How to Get to Town: Willemstad’s shopping area, called Punda, is about a 15-minute walk from the pier. Some visitors prefer to take a taxi.

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Curaçao

LUCIA PITTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A building in Willemstad’s Old Town.

things we love about

curaçao

Willemstad is a history museum within itself. One look at its classic waterfront reveals why this natural harbor and scenic city center are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The brilliant Caribbean hues of the Dutch-designed buildings along Santa Ana Bay, with their rows of gable-roofed townhouses gleaming with red tiles, make this one of the most photographed Caribbean waterfronts. Just getting from the Punda district to Otrobanda is a treat: over Santa Ana Bay on the swinging 19th-century Queen Emma Bridge. Crossing into Otrobanda, you’ll find winding and narrow streets with gabled, Dutch-style houses that delight sightseers and locals alike. Many visitors begin with a trolley tour from Fort Amsterdam, where a British cannonball remains embedded in the 1769 Dutch Reform Church. Popular destinations include the renowned Kurá Hulanda Museum of African history, which courageously highlights the past slave trade, and the Mikvé IsraelEmanuel Synagogue — the oldest one in the Western Hemisphere, dating from 1651 — which has a unique floor of beach sand. Amid the kaleidoscope of colors in Otrobanda’s Floating Market is a vast selection of fresh tropical fruits and vegetables, unloaded from Venezuelan schooners. More-lasting mementos are available in the Punda district, along Heerenstraat and Breedestraat, where bargains range from cameras to highend jewelry. If you’re in the market for something to help you remember this colorful island, the famed Curaçao liqueur or a wheel of Edam or Gouda cheese is a wise choice. — Richard Varr

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OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port CARIBBEAN PARADISE

Caribbean Paradise

• Batik and exotic beach and resort wear • Ladies sarongs, beach cover-ups, short and long sets, dresses, caftans • Embroidered linen, Indian clothing, batik dresses, swimwear, beach towels, bags • Men’s Hawaiian shirts, color-change T-shirts, logo polos, shorts, children’s clothing • Souvenirs: banana-leaf photo albums, chess sets, ladies’ and men’s straw hats, caps • Authorized distributor for Rima Beach World beachwear

31 Heerenstraat | cp@jethani.com | 599-9-461-9822

PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | Dominica

dominica This island sparkles like a magnificent green emerald set in a pool of shimmering blue water. Its verdant rainforests are crisscrossed by rushing rivers and dotted with mountain lakes and cascading waterfalls; flora takes on mesmerizing proportions.

Quick Guide Famed for: Eco-tourism, waterfalls, tropical gardens and whales. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Fact: Hundreds of tiny bubbles created by underwater volcanic vents give Champagne Bay its name. Signature Souvenirs: Carib crafts, grass mats and reed baskets.

One of Dominica's shimmering waterfalls. 158

PHOTOS BY: (WATERFALL) SORIN COLAC/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

How to Get to Town: The ship usually docks in town. If you arrive at Woodbridge Pier, you can take a shuttle to begin exploring this stunning port.

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Ports of call | Fort Lauderdale

fort lauderdale

With more than 300 miles of navigable waterways, a waterfront park in the middle of downtown, miles of spiffy beaches and the International Swimming Hall of Fame, it’s no wonder Fort Lauderdale has a reputation for loving all things aquatic.

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

PHOTO BY: IVAN CHOLAKOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Famed for: Beautiful beaches to the east, unspoiled Everglades to the west.

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

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

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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

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

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

Grand Cayman’s Rum Point.

Quick Guide Famed for: Seven Mile Beach, considered by expert sunseekers to be one of the Caribbean’s best and least-crowded stretches of sand. It’s a Fact: The Cayman Islands are home to people of more than 120 nationalities. Signature Souvenirs: Replicas of pirates, blue iguanas and the Caymans’ mascot, Sir Turtle. How to Get to Town: Take the ship’s tender to Royal Watler Pier, a 15-minute ride. Turn right from the pier to explore downtown.

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t hings we love about

Yes, you can swim with stingrays in the waters of Grand Cayman.

grand cayman Grand Cayman is well-known as a hub of international banking and finance, but more visitors are lured here by its extensive natural and man-made attractions. It’s a favorite getaway for many Hollywood celebrities who are drawn by its serene beauty and the variety of things it offers to see and do. The centerpiece of the island is the magnificent Seven Mile Beach, a vast expanse of powdery-white sand. Famed for diving, the island offers more than 200 named sites. Other natural attractions include the Mastic Trail, a restored 200-year-old footpath that meanders through a 2-million-year-old forest and mangrove swamp in the heart of the island; Pedro St. James National Historic Site,

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a restored great house dating from 1780; and the 59-acre Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. You will take a tender into port, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore. At lunchtime, save room for dessert: a slice (or more) of Grand Cayman’s world-famous rum cake. Shopping is especially rewarding in the capital of George Town, home to some of the Caribbean’s best duty-free shopping — at attractive discounts. Great finds include black-coral jewelry, luxury watches, fine perfumes and gracious dinnerware. Seekers of unique souvenirs choose caymanite — a hard stone with striations ranging in color from pale pinkish beige to deep russet — found only in the Caymans. — Jim Thompson

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

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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WE HAVE SOME OF THE FRIENDLIEST LOCALS YOU WILL EVER MEET. ( THAT GOES FOR OUR PEOPLE TOO. )

Stingray City, Grand Cayman

Welcome to your new favourite port-of-call in the Caribbean. We hope you enjoy your stopover with us by making the most of every minute you have in the Cayman Islands. We look forward to having you back for a longer stay in the future, so that you can ďŹ nd your Caymankind in even more of our unique experiences.

visitcaymanislands.com

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

Island Highlights By Sara Churchville

Black Coral Carvings Divers are thrilled to come across expanses of black coral at sites off Grand Cayman, and jewelry carved from the coral is one of the island’s most popular gift items. Cayman Islands Flag The islands’ flag is a pairing of Britain’s Union Jack with the Cayman Islands’ crest against a dark-blue background. At the top of the crest is a pineapple, representing the islands’ one-time dependence on Jamaica. Under it, a turtle, the national symbol of the Caymans, stands on a thatch rope — the manufacture of which was once a thriving industry on the islands. The Lion of England signifies the obvious ties to Britain, while the three green-and-gold stars on blue-and-white waves represent the three Cayman Islands and the sea. Grand Cayman Blue Iguana Like the Grand Cayman parrot, the blue Grand Cayman iguana (Cyclura nubila lewisi) is only found on the island. With its blue coloring, it should be easy to spot, but because it’s endangered and not very social, it may take some searching to locate one. A subspecies of the Cuban rock iguana, the blue iguana can grow to be as long as 5 feet. Grand Cayman Parrot Grand Caymanians once took in these loudly squawking birds as pets, but this practice is now illegal. About 4,000 Grand Cayman parrots, so-called because they are found nowhere else in the world, are still on the island. This green, red and white subspecies of the Cuban parrot is the island’s national bird.

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

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PHOTOS.COM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

from privateers to master f ishermen

Seagoing adventurers have long been drawn to the Caymans.

By Marjorie Klein

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

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

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

hideout. Some pirates never made it to land, their ships having been lured onto the reefs by the beacon fires of the Caymanians, who strenuously resisted these invaders. By 1700, the first royal land grant in Grand Cayman signaled permanent settlement, followed by others throughout the island. The first recorded inhabitant was Isaac Bodden, grandson of the original settler, a soldier from Cromwell’s army for whom Bodden Town was named. Other districts can be traced back to that period of settlement as well; among them is Hog Stys, once the site of a pigpen the name of which — thankfully — was changed to George Town in the early 18th century in honor of King George III. In 1713, the Treaty of Utrecht officially ended privateering (although freelance pirates continued to attack ships regardless), encouraging settlers to set up camp permanently and call Grand Cayman home. Many of these early settlers brought slaves with them to help farm crops such as cotton, which they exported, and corn, yams, plantains, melons, citrus fruit and sugarcane grown for their own consumption. An 1802 census shows 933 people, 545 of whom were slaves. Democracy Is Born Self-rule for the Caymans began on December 5, 1831, when a historic meeting of residents took place to form the first representative government, and elections were held. The Emancipation Act of 1833 brought an end to slavery on an island where slaves outnumbered whites 5 to 1. A Tourist Mecca Tourism and banking became Grand Cayman’s primary economic sources in the 20th century. On February 22, 1937, the Atlantic, the first cruise ship to bring tourists to the island’s shores, deposited 450 wealthy, mostly elderly passengers ashore for the day. During World War II, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard operated bases on the island. When Bob Soto opened the first dive shop in 1957, Grand Cayman became the birthplace of recreational scuba diving. In 1962, the Caymans chose to remain a British Crown Colony, a decision that helped lead to the introduction of major banking legislation in 1966. The face of Grand Cayman has changed dramatically from that first sighting by Columbus; those turtles and caimans that once roamed the island now smile at us from a respectful distance on T-shirts.

Grand Cayman

Timeline

1503

Columbus spots islands he names “Las Tortugas.”

1655

The islands come under British rule.

1700

Permanent settlement begins with the first royal land grant.

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

1831-33 1962

Caymanians opt to remain a colony of Britain.

Colorful coral reefs attract divers.

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First elections are held; slaves are emancipated.

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CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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

f r e e d o m ’s home

Known as “the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands,” the Pedro St. James National Historic Site has been likened to the United States’ Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Caymanians met here on December 5, 1831, and voted to form their first elected parliament. They gathered at “the Castle” on May 3, 1833, to hear the proclamation ending slavery in the British Empire. The mansion was originally the private home of planter William Eden. The three-story landmark was built from quarried native rock in about 1780. It was the only survivor of a 1785 hurricane, making it the Caymans’ oldest stone structure. The family abandoned it in 1877, and it was put to

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

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TORTUGA DUTY-FREE LIQUORS Â®

ESTABLISHED 1984

The Finest Rums and Liquors at the BEST DUTY-FREE PRICES in the Caribbean! Cruise ship Recommended and Guaranteed, WE DELIVER TO YOUR SHIP! VISIT OUR FACTORY AND BAKERY located at Tortuga Rum Ave.

Home of the world famous TORTUGA Rum & TORTUGA Rum Cake. Free Rum and Rum Cake samples at all our Grand Cayman locations.

Visit our locations in the Heart of George Town at Royal Watler Terminal & South Terminal Pick Up Your TORTUGA Cinnamon-Raisin Rum Cake, Only Available In The Cayman Islands! 5339.indd 1

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

s n o r k e li n g the caymans

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Swimming with fish in the sea always seems to be reserved for elite divers like Jacques Cousteau and his companions, or for island water babies who learned to swim before they could walk. But the Cayman Islands, long a mecca for divers and marine ecologists, welcomes snorkeling aficionados to swim with sea creatures in a crystal-clear aquamarine sea. Filled with miles of healthy coral reefs, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the perfect home for a dazzling array of sea life. Slipping away from the constraining bonds of land, snorkelers on a soft ecotourism adventure will see the flower-like beauty of the sea anemone, revel in splendid displays of fan-shaped coral and be awed by reefs splashed with such vivid hues of orange, pink, violet, red and blazing yellow that might have been created by Picasso. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Richard Carroll

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

A diver faces a bluespotted stingray.

close encounters One of Grand Cayman’s most popular city visits isn’t to a city at all — at least not in the usual sense of the word. Meet the inhabitants of Stingray City and its neighbor, Stingray Sandbar. People are merely drop-in visitors who dive down to discover what makes this stretch of real estate so attractive to the rays. Fortunately, the area’s southern stingrays seem to relish all the attention. They certainly like being fed the handfuls of squid offered by cruise guests and other visitors. And they know the ropes. As soon as a tour-boat motor stops, a flotilla of rays gracefully glides onto the scene. From the deck of the boat, the saucer-shaped rays, which may reach

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up to 6 feet across, can be seen approaching. Visitors have the choice of watching them from above the surface or jumping in the waist-high water and swimming beside the fierce-looking but gentle creatures. Before it became a popular tourist attraction, Stingray Sandbar served as a protected area where fishermen cleaned their catch en route to shore. The chance for a free lunch attracted the rays then, just as it does now.

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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

OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

TAG Heuer Calibre 8 watch

Sterling & Stone

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

Kabana Eden Collection butterfly pendant

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

Crown of Light Galaxy bracelet

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Discover the

adventure

Visit the Cayman Islands’ #1 land-based attraction. Meet the turtles, enjoy the wildlife, snorkel in our lagoon and splash down our water slide. It’s a full day of fun and adventure. Opening hours: Mon – Sat 8:00am – 4:30pm | Inquire about Sunday hours Book with your Shore Excursion Desk today! 786 Northwest Point Road, West Bay, Grand Cayman | info@turtle.ky

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| 1 345.949.3894

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Ports of call | Grand Turk

g r and tur k Turks and Caicos is an idyllic archipelago of islands and cays with 230 miles of white, sandy beaches and some of the world’s most preferred dive sites. The main island is Grand Turk, where the capital, Cockburn Town, boasts pretty frame houses with gingerbread verandas.

Quick Guide Famed for: Pristine beaches, thrilling scuba diving and pretty pink flamingos. It’s a Fact: After orbiting the Earth in 1962, astronaut John Glenn’s Friendship 7 space capsule splashed down off Grand Turk.

The waters off Grand Turk promise incredible diving.

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PHOTO BY: (VIEW) RAMUNAS BRUZAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Signature Souvenirs: Natural sea salt, seashell art and colorful postage stamps.

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) MICHAEL J. PALMER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; RIGHT) CO LEONG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Ports of call | Montego Bay

MoBay, as it’s known, shimmers under the Caribbean sky.

montego bay In this exuberant resort area, the streets are something of a local theater, and the beaches buzz with vacationers frolicking in the sun. But the best of MoBay, as the port is known, was here long before vacationers discovered the place. As at most everywhere else on the island, you’ll find warm, open-hearted people eager to share their culture.

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) MICHAEL J. PALMER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; RIGHT) CO LEONG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Doctor's Cave Beach

Quick Guide Famed for: Plantation houses, jerk shacks and golf courses. It’s a Fact: When Columbus sailed into Montego Bay in 1494, he called it the Gulf of Good Weather. Signature Souvenirs: Jamaica rum, jerk sauce and Blue Mountain coffee. How to Get to Town: Montego Bay’s downtown and shopping area is about 2 miles from the pier. There are two ways to get there: by jumping in a taxi or taking an all-day shuttle that stops at all the important sites in town, including the City Center Shopping Center.

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COL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Montego Bay

Doctor’s Cave Beach

t hings we love about

montego bay Montego Bay scores a hole-in-one with travelers in search of world-class golf, great shopping and even ghost stories. None of MoBay’s photogenic great houses are as popular among visitors as Rose Hall, said to still be haunted by the ghost of the murderous Annie “the White Witch” Palmer. The Rose Hall area hits all three pursuits. Besides phantasmic Annie, it is well known for its championship golf courses and delightful shopping at The Shoppes at Rose Hall and Half

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Moon Shopping Village. Both tempt travelers with jewelry, Jamaica rum and lignum vitae wood carvings made from the wood of Jamaica’s national tree. The coolest spot is downtown’s Doctor’s Cave Beach for a swim followed by a taste of Jamaica’s famed jerk chicken and pork. Enjoy this treat with sweet festival bread and a cup of the island’s famous Blue Mountain coffee, and you may have a true taste of paradise. — John Bigley and Paris Permenter

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Ports of call | Montego Bay

Island Highlights By Sara Churchville

Jamaican National Flag “The sun shineth, the land is green and the people are strong and creative,” is the symbolic meaning of the flag. The black triangles on each side represent the strength of the people; the green triangles at the top and bottom, the lushness of the land; and the gold diagonal cross, sunlight and wealth. The flag was first hoisted in 1962, the year Jamaica declared independence from Britain. Doctor’s Cave Beach Tourism in Jamaica essentially began at this beach in the early 20th century, when wealthy North American and English bathers were attracted by its purported curative mineral springs, lapping waves and constantly warm temperature. The doctor in question was Alexander James McCatty, who began a private bathing club accessible only by cave. Today, the cave, the club and the doctor are gone, but the beach remains a tourist attraction.

Red Stripe Beer Few can claim to have left the island without trying this nationally produced beer at least once. Islanders swear by it as a way of cooling down after a meal of curried goat, jerk chicken or the national dish of akee and saltfish.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Jamaican flag; Doctor’s Cave Beach; delicious soursop ice cream; locally brewed Red Stripe beer.

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PHOTOS BY: (FLAG) DAVID N MADDEN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEACH) COL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (ICE CREAM) ELENAKOR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEER) GREENWOOD GREAT HOUSE

Soursop Ice Cream Made from soursop purée, ginger, lime juice, vanilla and condensed milk, soursop ice cream is one of the most popular desserts in Montego Bay. The yellowish fruit from which the purée is made is sometimes called guanabana.

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IGNITE SOMETHING O N LY T H E P E R F E C T C U T C A N U N L E A S H A DIAMONDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S BRILLIANCE.

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H E A R T S O N F I R E S T O R E S , A U T H O R I Z E D R E TA I L E R S , H E A R T S O N F I R E . C O M

Shoppes at Rose Hall | Montego Bay Island Village Plaza | Ocho Rios Historic Port of Falmouth | Falmouth 876.953.4600 jewelsandtime.com

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Ports of call | Montego Bay

a plant ation

past By Marjorie Klein

WALTER QUIRTMAIR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Sugarcane field.

Like many other Caribbean ports, Montego Bay looks back on a past formed by a plantation economy and marked by adventure, rebellion and ghost stories — a tale that usually begins with Christopher Columbus. Beginnings In 1494, when Columbus first sailed into what is now “Montego” Bay, he named it “El Golfo de Buen Tiempo,” or Fair Weather Bay. The name Montego evolved from the Spanish word for “lard,” when the bay was known as “Bahía de Manteca,” or Lard Bay, because it was the export point for lard produced from roaming herds of wild hogs hunted by the settlement’s Spanish inhabitants. Sadly, the native Taíno people (also known as the Arawak), who had inhabited this region since A.D. 600, disappeared after 80 years of Spanish occupation, decimated by the diseases contracted from their conquerors.

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Ports of call | Montego Bay

The British Occupation In 1655, Spain relinquished Jamaica to Britain, surrendering with little resistance and leaving almost no evidence of its occupation. Founded in 1671, St. James was one of the poorest parishes, due to a scarcity of real towns. There were few inhabitants, and there was little commerce besides lard production. The fortunes of the parish turned when plantation owners began bringing slaves from Africa to work their sugar crops, and the sugar economy boomed. By the end of the 18th century, Montego Bay was a bustling port city; 150 ships arrived annually, importing slaves and supplies and exporting sugar. In 1720, Capt. Jonathan Barnett subdivided a portion of his sugarcane fields and created Charles Town. Merchants and planters became wealthy and built elaborate homes, one of which became the setting for the most famous legend in the parish: The White Witch of Rose Hall.

Montego Bay

Timeline

1494

Columbus sails into Montego Bay.

1655

The British conquer Spanish occupants.

1671

St. James Parish is founded.

1770

Rose Hall is built.

1795

Fire destroys the town.

1831

Jamaican folklore dancers. 194

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Sharpeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas Rebellion occurs.

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PRIMAVER A COLLECTION

Montego Bay: Shoppes at Rose Hall

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PHOTOS BY: JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD; JESSICA THOMAS; GREENWOOD GREAT HOUSE

Ports of call | Montego Bay

m o b a y ’s great houses

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Rose Hall great house; Annie Palmer’s bedroom in Rose Hall; Greenwood great house ballroom.

Jamaica’s second-largest city boasts a number of great houses, sprawling plantation homes dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, when the area served as a primary port for the export of sugar and bananas. Today the main remnants of this industr y are the magnificent homes of the prosperous sugar barons. Rose Hall is one of the Caribbean’s most famous great houses. Situated on a hillside 10 miles outside Montego Bay, this mansion dates back to 1770 and has been restored to its former splendor. Many legends surround Rose Hall’s early mistress, Annie Palmer, the notorious, voodoo-practicing White Witch. Annie purportedly murdered her three husbands, numerous lovers and anyone who got in her way.

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A tour guide will gladly provide the gory details. After your tour, relax in Annie’s Pub — where Annie kept “the dungeons” — and sample a drink called the Witch’s Brew in the eerie ambience. The ownership of Greenwood, on the same hillside, but 4 miles further on, is traced back to relatives of English poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning. The house still contains many of the Browning family’s original books, letters, musical instruments, furniture and other household items. Visitors can also walk around the grand verandas offering views of the sea. — Marty Leshner

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Montego Bay: Shop 6, Shoppes of Rose Hall Tel: 876-953-2254 Email:Customerservice@theroyalshop.com

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ROYAL SHOP GIA and EGL certified Diamonds.

Recommended and Guaranteed by Major Cruise Lines.

Montego Bay Cruise Terminal Tel: 876-953-2254 Email:Customerservice@theroyalshop.com

10/1/15 3:52 PM

Ports of call | Montego Bay

a t e e t h - t a n g li n g t i m e by JoAnn Milivojevic

It’s a fruit that delights all the senses. When ripe, it mimics the setting sun, turning a scarlet-golden hue, and its sweet fragrance scents an entire room. Its slippery-soft texture and honey-peachy flavor is heaven in your mouth. fingernails. Mission impossible. I managed to loosen a few, but seemingly hundreds were embedded. The effect was like a stubborn popcorn kernel stuck between each one of your teeth. Images of dental floss and toothpicks danced in my head. Ugh. Nigel caught my eye from across the boat. I grinned at him, careful not to reveal my pearly whites for fear of exposing the mango threads that dangled from my teeth like dreadlocks. In my hand dripped the culprit that stole my smile. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Nigel ambled across the deck. “Le’ me show you how to eat mango de island wey,” he whispered. He picked one up and began to knead it slowly. “You roll it round and round,” he instructed, “mash it up good.” A mango the size of a grapefruit looked more like an orange in his large, calloused palms. He bit the thin skin, peeled back a sliver and sucked out the juice. He handed me the fruit and I sipped the sweet nectar. Voilà! Oh joy, oh rapture, oh sunset in my mouth. I could now have my mango and eat it too!

PHOTOS BY: ELXENEIZE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; MAKS NARODENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

It’s the mango. But beware! If you don’t know how to eat fresh mango, you could get tangled up in more than you bargained for. My affair with the mango began during a gentle sailing excursion in the Caribbean. Though melt-in-your-mouth a mango may be, many varieties are riddled with long fibers that catch and cling between your teeth. Biting into a mango, the way you would a peach, is no way to eat this fruit. It’s like eating a peach filled with hair. But before I could turn my back on the scrumptious fruit, I was duly rescued by Nigel, a Caribbean-born able-bodied landscaper. He taught me how to eat mango “de island wey.” Under a powder-blue sky, warm breezes propelled our sailboat from one small island to its nearby sister island. The crew had brought along a variety of island produce, including mangoes. I had just eaten my first one. The sweet juice stuck to my hands, the honey-peachy taste lingered on my lips, and the tangling fibers invaded my teeth. My tongue pulled furiously at the threads. I tried to be lady-like and discreetly pick at the fibers with my

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Ports of call | Montego Bay

Shopping in

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

Hearts on Fire Beloved pendant

Alex & Ani Stackable set

technicolor

temptations If a pickled parrot lands next to a hummingbird, would you find they are closer to a big bamboo or to a dirty banana? Whichever one you answered — you’re absolutely right. Pickled Parrot, Hummingbird, Big Bamboo and Dirty Banana are all colorful Jamaican tropical drinks. What these concoctions have in common are tropical fruit juice, plus Jamaica rum or Tia Maria. For a Purple Rain drink, just mix vodka, Blue Curaçao, fruit syrup, lime juice and grenadine. It’s No Problem

blends fruit juices with coconut rum and crème de banana. Here’s a simple recipe dating from the heyday of the sugar plantations: “sour, sweet, strong, weak.” The translation? Mix one part lime juice, two parts sugar, three parts rum and four parts fruit juice (your choice). For Pur ple R ain without the haze or Pickled Parrot without the punch, skip the “strong” kick. Then see if you can find the real hummingbird near that big bamboo. — Ginger Dingus

Shinola The Gomelsky watch

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PHOTOS BY: BOULE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; CREPESOLES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

TrueLove Diamonds Angelika ring

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Ports of call | Montego Bay

and jamaica

For nearly 30 years, Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, made the Cinnamon Hill great house their home away from home. Surrounded by tropical beauty, the Cashes enjoyed peace, privacy and the restorative nature of the island. “Jamaica has saved and renewed me more times than I can count,” the late, legendary musician wrote in his autobiography. Cash praised the down-to-earth atmosphere of the countryside, which he compared to his childhood home. The Nashville star gave back to Jamaica as well. Starting in the early 1970s, Cash and his wife worked to establish an SOS Children’s Village for orphaned and abandoned children in

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Barrett Town. The duo financed the first family home at the village by performing concerts at the nearby Rose Hall Great House to raise funds for the project. Cash also wrote “The Ballad of Annie Palmer,” inspired by the supposed haunting of Rose Hall by its voodoo-trained mistress. All profits from the song were donated to the children’s home. Today the connection between Cash and the Children’s Village lives on. One of Jamaica’s premier musicians, Abdel Wright, who has shared the stage with U2’s Bono, grew up at the SOS Village, where he often saw Cash perform in concert. — John Bigley and Paris Permenter

PHOTOS BY: (JOHNNY CASH) CATWALKER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; OPPOSITE PAGE) JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD.

Johnny Cash grew up a country boy, sang about country life, made it big in country music and, when it was time for a little R&R, turned again to the country — in the hills near Montego Bay.

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a stick y wicket Cricket comes across as an utterly preposterous game to those who aren’t in the know. But to the knowledgeable, cricket is nothing of the sort. It is the national sport of Jamaica and mirrors the essence of life in this former British colony. The game has vague similarities to American baseball. But cricket games are long — and that is a real understatement. A cricket match can last 30 hours spread over five or six days, with breaks for lunch, tea and restroom visits. Given the time span of typical cricket matches, scores can range from 200 to 500 runs per team. On rare occasions, teams have tallied more than 1,000 runs in two innings. Largely because of the prowess of Jamaican cricket players, the West Indies has dominated the sport since the mid-1970s. Jamaicans at all levels of society love their cricket. When there are no matches at home, important test matches across the sea bring the entire island to a near standstill. Ears are glued to radios. Parties begin early and continue all night because of the time difference. — Deborah Williams

Cricket players.

PHOTOS BY: (JOHNNY CASH) CATWALKER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; OPPOSITE PAGE) JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD.

We carry a beautiful and extensive collection of

Souvenirs, T-Shirts, Usain Bolt shirts, Bob Marley shirts, Island wear, Crystal and Island Jewelry Swimwear, Toys, Outfits, Gifts galore

Shoppes at Rose Hall # 10

Montego Bay, Jamaica Tel: 876 953-3236 e-mail: aanchall@hotmail.com

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Ports of call | Montego Bay

edible s t ars

Irresistible Slices of Carambola By Toni Crane

The exotic-tasting carambola fruit originated in China, where the tree is still grown as both an ornament and a fruit. The Portuguese introduced the tree to Brazil, and from there it found its way to the Caribbean. But some varieties are much tarter than others. Carambola contains ascorbic acid and oxalic acid: the more oxalic acid, the tarter the fruit. When using the tarter variety, the cook can trim away the ribs, where most of the oxalic acid lies, without spoiling the star shape. The crisp, juicy, yellow flesh, which has a lemony-apple flavor, can be eaten raw, but the fruit tends to be more delicious cooked and served with fish or made into jellies or desserts. The carambola is difficult to produce commercially because it needs to ripen on the tree and spoils very quickly once picked. However, carambola trees can be found in many backyard gardens in the Caribbean, and the fruit is now available in the produce markets of many cities in the United States. Try it — the pretty shape will add to the appeal of your dinner-party table.

PHOTOS BY: (CARAMBOLA) THEWADA1976/SHUTTERESTOCK.COM; SMIT/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SOCCER BALL) NATTANAN726/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The spreading carambola tree normally grows to a height of about 30 feet. Its light-green, feathery leaves close at night and open again in the morning; they also close up during high winds. The small, pinkish flowers, which have a pleasant fragrance, usually grow directly out of the trunk or main branches. These are followed by the striking, bright-yellow-orange, waxy fruits, which give the carambola tree the appearance of a stumpy yellow cucumber. Carambola is popular among chefs throughout the world for the unique star-shaped pieces obtained by cutting the fruit in slices. That’s why the fruit is also called star fruit. All varieties of carambola appear much the same, up to about 5 inches long with five distinctive ribs running the length of the fruit that turn brown as the fruit ripens.

The pretty carambola yields star-shaped fruit. 204

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MAKE VACATION A PIECE OF CAKE Available throughout the Caribbean. We Ship Worldwide. Proudly Baked in Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Bahamas.

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www.tortugarumcakes.com #tortugamoments

10/10/16 3:51 PM

Ports of call | Panama Canal

A transit of the Panama Canal is an extraordinary experience. It’s a nine-hour journey through the massive system of locks that enables ships to short-cut through Panama instead of sailing around South America. Ships are lifted and lowered a total of 170 feet as they pass between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, crossing over the Isthmus of Panama and then to the Continental Divide.

Quick Guide Famed for: One of the greatest engineering feats ever accomplished; the canal has been listed among the seven wonders of the modern world. It’s a Fact: According to the Panama Canal Museum, workers building the canal dug enough dirt to bury the island of Manhattan 12 feet under. Signature Souvenirs: A miniature steam shovel or other memorabilia from the museum store

FROM TOP: Entrance to Panama Canal; a resident of the Panama jungle.

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PHOTOS BY: (PANAMA CANAL) JIM LIPSCHUTZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FROG) DIRK ERCKEN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (COLON) DON FINK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (CAVE) SEAPHOTOART/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

panama canal

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colón Panama’s second-largest city stands on the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal. Historic sites such as Fort San Lorenzo are close by, but the port’s history is worth exploring as well. And as the largest duty-free shopping zone in the Americas, it’s one of the great shopping experiences of any vacation.

Quick Guide Famed for: Its location on the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal.

PHOTOS BY: (PANAMA CANAL) JIM LIPSCHUTZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FROG) DIRK ERCKEN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (COLON) DON FINK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (CAVE) SEAPHOTOART/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

It’s a Fact: The city was founded in 1850 by Americans building the Panama Railroad, which created a faster route to California during the gold rush. Signature Souvenirs: Orchid-themed gifts (the Holy Ghost Orchid is a national symbol) and Panama Canal memorabilia.

p u e r t o li m ó n Originally a major export point for Costa Rican goods, Puerto Limón has emerged as an important gateway to the nation’s interior. Ecotourism is now an important pursuit for visitors, whose many other choices include shopping and enjoying the beach.

Quick Guide Famed for: Rainforests, jungle wildlife and canal boats. It’s a Fact: Bananas are Costa Rica's top export, but they were first planted to feed railroad workers. Signature Souvenirs: Cigars, embroidered blouses and wooden bowls.

FROM TOP: A view of Colón from the harbor; natural cave on the Caribbean shore of Costa Rica.

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Princess guests enjoy an exclusive retreat.

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

Ports of call | St. Thomas

p r in c e s s c a y s Located at the isolated southern tip of historic Eleuthera Island, Princess Cays® is an exclusive port of call reserved solely for Princess® guests’ enjoyment. Its 40 unspoiled acres include four adjoining cays and 1½ miles of pristine beach, and it has been landscaped with indigenous trees and plants that complement the natural beauty of this secluded port.

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

Cushion starfish inhabit the ocean floor off Princess Cays.

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

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Ports of call | Roatán

PHOTOS BY: TONY MORAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (UNDERWATER) JOHN A. ANDERSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A perfect beach awaits in Roatán.

r o at án

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

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Quick Guide Famed for: Housing part of the largest barrier reef in the Caribbean Sea, with easily accessible dive sites offering visibility from 50 to 100 feet. It’s a Fact: Local wildlife includes the basilisk, which is often called the Jesus lizard because it can run across water. Signature Souvenirs: Carved wooden designs and ceramics hand-painted by Lenca natives.

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PHOTOS BY: (RUINS) MBOE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PANORAMIC SHOT) ST. KITTS TOURISM BOARD

Ports of call | St. Kitts

Historic Brimstone Hill Fortress offers fascinating history and breathtaking views.

st. kitt s

Often regarded as the jewel of the Caribbean, this volcanic island offers some of the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most dramatic panoramas and dynamic photo opportunities. Formally named St. Christopher, St. Kitts is part of the two-island nation of St. Kitts and Nevis (pronounced NEE-vis).

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PHOTOS BY: (RUINS) MBOE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PANORAMIC SHOT) ST. KITTS TOURISM BOARD

An aerial perspective of the island.

Quick Guide Famed for: The romantic aura that makes this place a popular honeymoon destination. It’s a Fact: In 2007, St. Kitts and Nevis became the smallest nation to host the Cricket World Cup. Signature Souvenirs: Locally designed batik print clothing and sculptures created from dried coconut shells. How to Get to Town: You can walk to the historical center at Basseterre in just a few minutes — no taxi needed.

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DARRYL BROOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Kitts

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

St. Kitts is a colorful stop in the Caribbean.

st. kitt s

Through the centuries, changes in governments gave many Caribbean islands a mélange of influences seen in cuisines, languages and architectural styles. St. Kitts’ British heritage is showcased at Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, where one needn’t be a military buff to enjoy the view of Nevis, Montserrat, Saba, St. Maarten and St. Barts on a clear day. An even loftier summit is found atop Mount Liamuiga, an allday challenge. The easiest sightseeing experience is aboard the his-

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toric St. Kitts Scenic Railway, a 30-mile ride around the island aboard a narrow-gauge railway that once carried sugarcane from the plantations. The train returns to the capital of Basseterre, the home of the island’s shopping scene, where batik and local artwork are especially popular buys. For serious shoppers of crystal, gold jewelry, watches, china and porcelain, shops along the Circus and in the Pelican and TDC malls offer a wide assortment of tempting, duty-free goods. — John Bigley and Paris Permenter

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

Island Highlights By Raymond Niedowski

National Flower The flamboyant, a flowering tree with vibrant red-andyellow blossoms and long black seedpods, blooms from May to August. It’s also known as the royal poinciana, after Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy, the island’s first French governor. No matter what you call it, St. Kitts has chosen this beauty as its national flower. Honored Heritage St. Kitts may be small, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have its own coat of arms. The main features include a barge in full sail, a red chevron, royal poinciana flowers and a Carib native’s head flanked by a fleur-de-lis and a rose. These symbolize the island’s early inhabitants and its French and English influences.

National Bird St. Kitts also has a national bird — the brown pelican. Graceful and swift, these large brown-and-white creatures with seemingly never-ending beaks patrol the sea for tasty morsels, soaring in lazy curves before plunging toward lunch or dinner. What better symbol of the island than these free spirits?

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The St. Kitts coat of arms; a royal poinciana flower; the flag waving on Brimstone Hill Fortress; a brown pelican.

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PHOTOS BY: (FLOWER) CASPER1774 STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SHIELD) ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FLAG) ALLEN FURMANSKI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PELICAN) MICHAEL D. SKELTON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

St. Kitts Flag The colors of St. Kitts’ national flag reflect the past and present — green for the land’s fertility, red for the struggle from colonial slavery to independence, black for the island’s African heritage and yellow for — what else? — the year-round sunshine. Its two white stars represent hope and liberty.

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YELLOW EMERALDS BLUE DIAMONDS

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

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

ST. KITTS TOURISM BOARD

St. Kitts offered European nations an important base in the Caribbean.

a fertile land

St. Kitts boasts some of the oldest settlements in the entire Caribbean.

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For centuries, the island of St. Kitts had been an attractive home to various tribes. Its rich, productive, volcanic soil earned it the name Liamuiga, or “fertile land,” by the Carib people who arrived around A.D. 1300. It was the northernmost island in the Caribbean that the tribe would settle. St. Kitts’ central location made it an important base for trade throughout the Caribbean. On his second voyage to the New World in 1493, Christopher Columbus discovered the island and named it San Jorges. Inaccuracies in maps of the time made it difficult to distinguish between the islands, and San Jorges was misidentified and renamed San Cristobal after Columbus’ patron saint. The name was later anglicized to St. Christopher. Though widely known as St. Kitts, its formal name remains St. Christopher Island. In 1623, hungry for a foothold in the Caribbean, Englishman Thomas Warner landed on St. Kitts and claimed it as the first British territory in the West Indies. He established a colony a year later.

A French ship badly in need of repair appeared in the harbor in 1625 after a run-in with the Spanish army. Warner took pity and allowed the French to settle on the island, which made St. Kitts the first French colony in the Caribbean. St. Kitts changed hands numerous times between the French and English throughout its early history, until the 1783 Treaty of Versailles definitively recognized British rule. The island’s economic fortunes were bolstered when they began to harvest sugarcane in 1640, eventually becoming the leading sugar producer in the Caribbean. But from the late 1800s onward, sugar industry profits began a long, slow decline. In 1967, St. Kitts, along with its sister island, Nevis, became an associated state of Britain, and attained full independence as a single nation in 1983. With its intriguing coves, exhilarating hiking paths, dramatic panoramas and palm-lined beaches, St. Kitts is a classic Caribbean destination.

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bastions of bravery

JASON PATRICK ROSS/SHUTTERESTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Kitts

The Citadel at Brimstone Hill Fortress

Perched on a hill high above the northern coast of St. Kitts is a 38-acre stronghold aptly referred to as the Gibraltar of the West Indies, otherwise known as Brimstone Hill Fortress. The massive fortress, which played a pivotal role in the battle for control of the Leewards, takes its name from the lingering odor of sulfur (brimstone) constantly being released from nearby volcanic vents. In 1690, after dislodging the French from the island, the British decided to construct the behemoth. Over the following decades, some 2,000 slaves worked every day to build five bastions linked by walls of burnt-black stone 7 to 12 feet thick. Fifty cannons were positioned in strategic locations across the walls. Its British builders believed that Brimstone’s vantage point at 800 feet above the Caribbean Sea made it impregnable, but it was stormed successfully by the French in 1782. After their surrender, as a tribute to their bravery, the British soldiers were permitted to march out in uniform with drums beating and colors flying. A year later, the British retook the fort and accorded the French the same honor. Of the original five bastions, three have been fully restored, including the Prince of Wales Bastion, which was completed in 1973. The old barracks and officers’ quarters now contain interesting displays of artifacts and paintings related to the fort’s construction. Etched into the inside walls of the barracks, the names of many of those who fought and died at the fortress are still visible, silent but powerful reminder of the island’s violent past. — Michael De Freitas and Deborah Wilson

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

Life Is Cool

Located close to the taxi stand, Life Is Cool has a wide variety of souvenirs as well as jewelry such as Caribbean topaz, larimar and Australian opal. We have the lowest prices, guaranteed, and our friendly staff can put together the perfect outfit for your day. Shop for gifts for everyone and pick up your free souvenir.

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Shells Souvenir

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a wide range of clothing, souvenirs and watches at Shells Souvenir, with a large variety and the best quality in silver jewelry. Stop at Shells for resort wear, beachwear, accessories and lots more. Collect your free Caribbean souvenir while you shop.

Shivas Souvenir

Offering unparalleled quality and unparalleled prices, Shells Souvenir has a wide selection of clothing, including exclusive surf collections. Select gifts for everyone and pick up your free souvenir.

Tropical World

With more than 17 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience, Tropical World specializes in clothing and accessories. Our wide selection of 100 percent cotton T-shirts, dresses and beach wear will make you feel right at home in the Caribbean. Shop for gifts for everyone and select your free souvenir.

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THE E TE RNAL MOVE ME NT Ulysse Nardin, from the movement of the sea to the perpetual innovation of Haute Horlogerie. For over 170 years, the powerful movement of the ocean has inspired Ulysse Nardin in its singular quest: to push back the limits of mechanical watchmaking, time and time again.

Marine Chronometer 60 hours power reserve Self-winding manufacture Silicium technology ulysse-nardin.com

nickcolors@gmail.com

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

the whistle blows

Since the first sugarcane was planted in St. Kitts’ fertile soil around 1650, sugar has been the mainstay of the island’s agriculture-based economy. In 1912, the small individually owned estate mills and boiling houses scattered throughout the island were replaced by one large sugar refinery capable of processing the island’s entire crop. During this time, a narrow-gauge railway was built between the pier in Basseterre Bay and a drop-off point about a mile north in order to haul cane and construction material for the new factory. By 1925, the railway had been extended around the island in a single loop, and remains in operation today. In all, the railway covers 40 miles and 26 bridges. The original steam locomotive, Number 8, taken out of service many years ago, still sits in the sugar factory’s yard. During the peak harvest period, the new diesel engines haul over 2,700 tons (900 wagon loads) of cane each day. Currently, the railway is one of only six operating systems in the Caribbean. It still remains a vital part of the island’s economy. So railway enthusiasts needn’t fret — the clatter of wheels and locomotive whistles will be heard for many years to come. — Michael De Freitas

PHOTO BY: JASON PATRICK ROSS/SHUTERSTOCK.COM

The railway cuts through the verdant St. Kitts countryside.

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FAST REAK LY B G I IN SERV LUNCH DA AND

ST.KITTS' ONLY

HOME-MADE GOURMET

GELATO COFFEE

FRESH PASTRIES

SANDWICHES & WRAPS SMOOTHIES

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GOURMET CHEESE

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UNIQUE STYLE. YOUR WAY. Port Zante • R.L.Brashaw Int’l Airport PO BOX 14 • Basseterre St.Kitts 869.466.5853 • ICJEWELS@SISTERISLES.KN

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PHOTOS BY: LUCIA PITTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; MAX EAREY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Ports of call | St. Lucia

The Pitons, also known as the Twin Peaks, stand like sentries on St. Lucia’s coastline.

s t . lu c i a The island’s striking landscape is washed with greenmantled mountains, broad swaths of sand, exotic rainforests and a steaming volcanic crater. This is one of the Caribbean’s most romantic places, and many visitors end up falling in love with St. Lucia itself.

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PHOTOS BY: LUCIA PITTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; MAX EAREY/SHUTTERSTOCK

Boats come ashore on Marigot Bay.

Quick Guide Famed for: The twin volcanic peaks called the Pitons and palm-studded beaches. It’s a Fact: When French King Louis XVI controlled the island, he ordered mineral baths built for the benefit of his troops. Signature Souvenirs: Batik or silk-screened fabrics and paintings by local artists. How to Get to Town: If your ship docks at La Place Carenage, take a three-minute ferry ride into town. If it docks at Pointe Seraphine, just walk down the gangway and you’re there.

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ALICIA DAUKSIS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Lucia

The Soufrière waterfront

T HINGS WE L OVE ABOU T

s t . lu c i a

On the southwest coast of romantic St. Lucia, the island’s famed twin peaks — 2,620-foot Gros Piton and 2,460-foot Petit Piton — are among the Caribbean’s most photographed sights, appearing to rise from the sea at the water’s edge. These volcanic heights are for experienced climbers only. But hikes in the misty rain forest below, home of the rare St. Lucian parrot, offer plenty of satisfaction for the less seasoned and for couples in search of romantic getaways. At the Sulphur Springs volcano, travelers walk to the edge of the volcano that last erupted two centuries ago. Nearby, the Diamond Waterfalls and Gardens cascade in a spray of “diamond” twinkles,

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and locals and visitors can soak in steamy mineral baths built alongside the ruins of the baths commissioned by French King Louis XVI. Castries, St. Lucia’s capital, is also its shopping hub, thanks to duty-free malls offering treasures such as fine jewels and crystal. Here, fragrant spices, including cinnamon and nutmeg, hint at the fertility of this citrusscented island. The island’s spices also liven up Creole cuisine. Favorite dishes such as green fig and saltfish are served in local hideaways in the fishing village of Anse La Raye and in tiny Gros Islet, which is famous for its Friday night parties. — John Bigley and Paris Permenter

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

Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Philipsburg lies on the Dutch side of the island.

s t . maar ten/ s t . m a r t in

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

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

An ocean view of St. Maarten.

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

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RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

t hings we love about

A colorful home in St. Maarten

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

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

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Island Highlights By Sara Churchville

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

FROM TOP: St. Maarten’s flag; always a party somewhere; delicate Saba lace; colorful blooms.

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

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

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PHOTOS BY: ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD; JON WILLIAMS

Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Boats rest quietly in a serene harbor.

two nations,

Side by Side in Harmony by John Anderson

The people of Dutch St. Maarten and French St. Martin offer proof that having the good fortune to inhabit one small island paradise is all anyone needs to coexist peacefully with folks of another nationality. Beginnings The first settlers on the northeastern Caribbean island were the Arawak Indians, a tribe of Amerindians who migrated northward from the Orinoco river basin of South America, hopping from one island to the next along their journey. Finding an abundance of saltpans and brackish water on the future Franco-Dutch isle, they named it Soualiga, or Land of Salt. Due to the lack of freshwater sources, the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population remained small. A relatively cultured and innovative people, the peaceful Arawaks introduced agriculture and pottery making. Their social structure was ruled by hereditary chieftains, which they believed possessed powers from ancestral deities known as zemis. The tribe established a network of fiefdoms throughout the Caribbean; archaeologists, however, believe the Arawaks on St. Maarten were an independent society and were free of such alliances. In the century leading up to the arrival of Christopher Columbus, the Arawaks were supplanted by the Carib, a more aggressive tribe also from South America for whom the Caribbean is named. The Carib were skilled in the arts of boatbuilding, sailing and war, which explains their dominance over the region. They also harbored large quantities of gold 238

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

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PHOTOS BY: ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD; JON WILLIAMS

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

St. Maarten

Timeline

1493

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

1631 French and Dutch settlers arrive.

1633

The Spanish reclaim the island.

1648

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

1815

The Treaty of Paris ends the border dispute.

1943 Princess Juliana International Airport opens.

A colorful shopping scene in Philipsburg. PRINCESS CRUISES VOYAGES

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

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

Gucci Bamboo bracelet

Gift Collection Ribbon diamond ring

Fendi Crazy Carats watch

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

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

ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD

Shopping in

Danish Design Men's watch

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Market at Marigot Harbor, St. Martin.

Bienvenue en

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

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

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Beautiful butterflies By Marty Leshner

Some islanders spend their days sipping nectar under a tropical sky while splendidly hued birds fly by and the lilting sounds of exotic music play in the background. While that image may reflect the lifestyle of the jet-setters vacationing on the island, it’s also the life butterflies enjoy at the butterfly farm, La Ferme des Papillons in Marigot, on the island’s French side. La Ferme is located on St. Martin’s east Atlantic coast, on the road to Bayside Riding Club and Le Galion Beach, close to popular Orient Beach. Since Coward and Slayter founded La Ferme, thousands of visitors have stopped by to see the exquisite butterflies and learn about their four-stage life cycle: from microscopic egg to caterpillar to chrysalis and, finally, to beautiful butterfly. Many species have been imported; others are homegrown in a specially created Butterﬂy Sphere. A visit to La Ferme is a delightful, enriching outing. The grounds contain landscaped gardens, waterfalls and ponds filled with Japanese fish. A refreshment stand and gift shop round out the sprawling complex. Guided tours provide a variety of entertaining butterfly facts and unusual insight into the butterfly’s existence. Information is also available on butterfly gardening. The lush setting offers an oasis of tranquility and harmony while providing an educational experience for people of all ages.

Visitors can learn how these breathtaking creatures came to be.

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SCOTT WONG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

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brilliant BLUE DIAMONDS

fancy YELLOW DIAMONDS

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

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

At home in the water:

the st. maarten marine park By John Anderson

Dive deep With water activities such as boating, fishing and snorkeling an essential part of the St. Maarten experience, the Marine Park is vital to supporting the island’s many attractions. For scuba enthusiasts, there are 28 dive sites within the park boundaries that stretch along St. Maarten’s shoreline, including natural and man-made reefs and ageold shipwrecks. Divers and boaters can explore around the

park’s islets, such as Guana Key, Molly Beday and Cow & Calf, each designated an Important Bird Area for local and migratory birds. Sea-life sanctuary Also located within the park and just off the southernmost tip of the island is the 12-square-mile Man of War Shoal Marine Park. Established in 2010, it is the country’s first legally protected area, which includes a restricted conservation zone. The zone is home to some of the island’s last pristine reefs, as well as a sanctuary for a wide array of marine life. Whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and the rare queen conch flourish in the protected area, with sea life populations increasing by up to 20 percent in just two years since the park’s designation. Eight reefs are also found here, including Proselyte Reef, named for a Spanish warship that sank in 1801. Divers can see a number of period artifacts at the popular and important archaeological site, such as cannons, large anchors, barrel hoops and pottery.

Thanks to the Marine Park's protection, divers get to experience vibrant sea life like this.

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BCAMPBELL65/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

St. Maarten’s many bays and white-sand beaches are obvious draws for visitors to the island. But take a dip off Dawn Beach or in the crystal-blue tidewater of Simpson Bay, or anywhere along the Dutch island’s coastline, and you’re now swimming within the waters of the St. Maarten Marine Park. Established in 1997 by the St. Maarten Nature Foundation to manage, conserve and restore the island’s marine natural and cultural resources, the expansive park extends out from the shoreline to a depth of 65 feet on the east coast and 100 feet in the south.

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Wild Times in the Tropics: the st. maarten zoological park & botanical garden By John Anderson Lions, tigers and bears? Not quite, but the largest zoo in the Caribbean does offer visitors an up-close and personal view of the flora and fauna of the region, with a colorful collection of more than 300 birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Located on the north shore of the Great Salt Pond opposite Philipsburg, the St. Maarten Zoological Park & Botanical Garden opened in 1991 and features a number of rare species indigenous to the neotropics, which also includes Central and South America. The zoo’s origins are said to have been inspired by a popular mini zoo in the backyard of a local policeman, who teamed up with a local veterinarian to build the St. Maarten zoo from the ground up. Monkeys and more Visitors can join a guided tour starting at the main entrance and leading past an exhibit of the capybara, the world’s largest rodent, which can typically weigh up to 140

pounds (think guinea pig on steroids). The zoo has several varieties of monkeys, including the green vervet monkey, which is native to Africa but is now found wild on St. Kitts and St. Martin. The endangered cotton-top tamarin, with its signature mane of flowing white hair, comes from Colombia and is one of the smallest primates — you can catch a glimpse of Willie, who was born at the zoo in 2010. And while you won’t find any tigers or other big predators at the zoo, you can visit Ziggy and Marley, two ocelots with beautiful spotted coats similar to those of jaguars. A range of colorful parrots, macaws and toucans are found in the bird exhibit, along with the bright-red scarlet ibis, which grows redder as it ages. The zoo displays reptiles such as the spectacled caiman, a cousin of the crocodile; resident caimans include Indy, who was rescued from a local restaurant display. And for unwinding after the exciting animal encounters, kids can make like Jack Sparrow on the zoo’s pirate-themed playground and ship.

PHOTOS BY: (MONKEY) VERVET MONKEY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MACAW) F9PHOTOS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

FROM LEFT: Vervet monkey; blue-and-yellow macaws.

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Visitors can experience the thrill of yacht racing.

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

Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

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

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WELCOME TO PORT ST. MAARTEN

LIVE IT. HAVE IT. BE IT.

N°1 ST. MAARTEN N°1 PORT IN THE CARIBBEAN

ON LAND.

ON WATER.

FANTASTIC PHILIPSBURG.

Jeep safaris, bus tours, hikes, guided Harley-Davidson tours, quad bike excursions, casinos, nightlife, zip-lining, butterfly and bird watching, health spas, Maho Beach plane-spotting, you name it we have it.

Snorkelling, deep sea fishing, jet-skiing, yachting, kayaking, swimming, sunbathing, 37 world-class beaches, yacht charters, boat tours, you name it we have it.

Considered the duty-free mecca of the Caribbean, Philipsburg, a mere 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal or a 5-minute ride by water taxi, our “city” awaits the curious cruise passenger Fantastic Philipsburg has something for everyone!

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WHETHER ON LAND OR WATER, THE CHOICES ARE ENDLESS FOR CRUISE PASSENGERS TO SPEND THEIR TIME ON OR AROUND OUR DELIGHTFUL ISLAND. OUR WORLD IS YOUR OYSTER.

37 PRISTINE BEACHES, 300+ GOURMET RESTAURANTS MORE THAN 50 TOURS AND EXCURSIONS. THE DUTY FREE SHOPPING MECCA OF THE CARIBBEAN - PHILIPSBURG. WWW.PORTSTMAARTEN.COM

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Salt mounds

old salts The story of St. Maarten/St. Martin stretches back to the days when seafaring Amerindians first paddled their dugout canoes to its unspoiled shores. These early explorers, known as Arawaks, soon discovered a valuable commodity: salt.

PHOTO BY: PATRICIA HOFMEESTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

The worth of their find was not immediately recognized. Even the early European settlers did not exploit the bountiful mineral, choosing to grow sugarcane instead. But when drought struck in the late 1700s, the sweet life was threatened, and at last salt had its day in the sun. On the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first salt-harvesting day in 1789, more than 7,000 people attempted to claim the crusty, crystallized jewels emerging from the dry seabed. The St. Martin Salt Company was born out of the chaos, and during the next three years, an estimated three million barrels of salt were shipped to Europe and North America. Salt production continued well into the 20th century. The practice finally ceased in the late 1940s, leaving a dozen salt ponds scattered around the island. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Ginger Dingus

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Special Advertising Feature

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

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

The Museum Shop sells SIGNED movie relics, posters, behind-the-scenes photos and storyboards… unique autographed slices of STAR WARS history that become an heirloom to pass on through the family. There’s also Nick’s celebrated Caribbean artwork and his famed Caribbean Cruise Ship Map. This romantic map, inscribed with the route of your ship, is dedicated in gold (at no extra charge) for birthdays, honeymoons, anniversaries or special occasions. It’s the But, at the height of his career, Nick shocked perfect inexpensive cruise souvenir. his colleagues when he and his wife Gloria traded their Ferrari for a sailboat to pursue With a 20-40% ship discount, the Yoda Guy A MUST SEE for art and movie fans, the museum Nick’s passion for painting... in the Caribbean. Movie Exhibit provides entertainment for the is described by many as the most surprising enHis paintings reflect the serenity to be found whole family. There’s something for every budget terprise in the Caribbean, where rare STAR in simple living, have toured the world with the and if you are lucky enough to find Nick there, WARS production items can be purchased, UNITED NATIONS and hang in galleries he will dedicate purchases and do photos with hand signed, by the stars. customers. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opand museums in 18 countries. portunity to visit a STAR WARS celebrity.

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

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

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Cultural chronicles st. maarten museum brings the island’s varied history to life By John Anderson From its ancient pre-Columbian origins, through turbulent European settlement times and into the modern era, St. Maarten boasts of a rich and varied history. And while it may be difficult to image an Arawak village on the present-day site of a gleaming casino hotel, the St. Maarten Museum helps bring the island’s story to life with an array of artifacts, photographs and reference material. Located down a tree-shaded side street in the capital city of Philipsburg and sandwiched between souvenir and gift shops, the unassuming museum was established in 1993 by the St. Maarten National Heritage Foundation and works closely with such organizations as the St. Maarten Archaeological Center and Musée de Saint-Martin (St. Martin Museum) in Marigot. Forces of nature Nearly every aspect of St. Maarten is explored at the museum, starting roughly 15 million years ago with a fascinating geology that includes a piece of crystallized limestone taken from a rock formation at Port Blanche. A 3D map takes visitors back 1 million years, when St. Maarten was part of a single “super island” with what

is now Anguilla and St. Barts. A sea-level rise of 115 feet and volatile tectonic shits — with frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity — eventually separated the one island into three. Another force of nature, hurricanes, are also chronicled at the museum and show the devastating and lasting effects these storms have had on the development of the island. Visitors can read about past hurricanes and watch a video of monster Hurricane Luis, which hit the island in 1995. Natives and others People have lived on St. Maarten for several millennia, and the museum carefully highlights the many different cultures and eras of the island. An Arawak dugout canoe, or piroque, is on display along with tools and fishing nets employed by the early inhabitants from A.D. 600 to 1200. St. Maarten’s colonial period, beginning with the first Dutch settlement in 1631, is told with early maps and military relics from Fort Amsterdam. A memorable display is a model of the war frigate H.M.S Proselyte. The exhibit includes artifacts from the ship, which sank in full view of Philipsburg in 1801.

PHOTOS BY: (IRON) NATTAPOL SRITONGCOM/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (LAMP) EKY STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

The museum shows artifacts like this charcoal iron and oil lamp, used by St. Maarten's Dutch settlers.

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Jewelry Avenue Please come and collect a free pair of earrings

White Diamonds

Blue Diamonds

Black Diamonds

CafĂŠ Diamonds

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

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

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FACTORY AND DOWNTOWN STORE: PHILIPSBURG, 109 OLD STREET

Passage across Polo Ralph Lauren / Michael Kors Boutique opposite Cartier

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

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

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) HANK SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIGHT) STEVE HEAP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | St. Thomas

Boats fill Charlotte Amalie's harbor.

st. thomas Once the home of notorious pirates such as Captain Kidd and Blackbeard, St. Thomas still offers plenty of treasure in its duty-free shops and remains the commercial capital of the Caribbean. It has a rich history and offers fascinating sightseeing opportunities.

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) HANK SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIGHT) STEVE HEAP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Ninety-Nine Steps.

Quick Guide Famed for: A swashbuckling past as the home of pirates such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd. It’s a Fact: Charlotte Amalie, the island’s capital, was originally called Taphus, from the Dutch word for “beer hall.” Signature Souvenirs: Diamonds, crystal, high-end fashions and perfumes. How to Get to Town: Historic downtown Charlotte Amalie is about 1½ miles from the ship’s dock. Taxis are plentiful.

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BE PART OF OUR STORY Kirk Freeport Plaza Ltd. has been a premier retailer of duty-free jewelry, watches, fragrances, leather, crystal, china, and accessories in the Cayman Islands since 1972.

TRADITION : QUALITY : SELECTION Owned by the Kirkconnell family, local business and community leaders for six generations, Kirk Freeport is proud to be the Official Rolex Retailer of the Cayman Islands. Visit Bayshore Mall: Home to the largest jewelry and watch store in the Caribbean, hosting the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sought after luxury brands, local eateries, pharmacy, souvenirs, free Wi-Fi, and much more. Look for the red

TURN RIGHT WHEN YOU EXIT THE PORT

roofed mall on the George Town waterfront

Bayshore Mall & Cardinall Ave Grand Cayman : 345 949 7477 : kirkfreeport.com

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Shop for KORITE jewelry exclusively at

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