2018 CCL Fun Ashore Caribbean Region 3 by Onboard Media

FUN ASHORE 2017 –18 CARIBBEAN SAILING SEASON REGION 3

FUN ASHORE GETTING THERE WITH CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

2 017-18 CARIBBE AN SAILING SE ASON

LL COOL J Living the Legacy

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

BRINGING THE BIG SHOWS TO LIFE

CARNIVAL HORIZON

UNITED WE SAIL

THE FUN SHOPS NEW WAYS TO ROCK YOUR STYLE

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

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CONTENTS 2017–2018 Sailing Season

WELCOME ABOARD! A message from Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.

FUN TAKES Big things on the horizon (Carnival Horizon), fun with the family, tropical brews and more news from around the fleet.

KONSTANTTIN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

CELEBRITY PROFILE: LL COOL J He’s risen from upstart rapper to acclaimed artist, and LL Cool J keeps blazing new trails. By Elizabeth Fernandez

CARNIVAL ADVENTURES It’s fun out there! And thanks to a comprehensive approach to shore excursions and other cruise experiences, the fun begins even before you board.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN With a state-of-the-art rehearsal studio and some of the world’s most talented casts and crews, showtime at sea is more exciting than ever. By Sharon Geltner

You are here (or will be soon). 2

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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CONTENTS 2017–2018 Sailing Season

THE FUN SHOPS What’s happening at The Fun Shops? Plenty! Exciting new looks in the stores, the famous brands you’ve always wanted to try, events that make shopping completely unforgettable — all at amazing tax and duty free savings.

JAMES BOND ROCKS THE CARIBBEAN dashing spy’s movies. By Michelle da Silva Richmond

A FUN DAY IN PORT What to see, where to go, how to save — it’s all at your fingertips with the Fun Finds Map.

ICEMANPHOTOS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Jamaica, the Bahamas and other island locales play a supporting role in many of the

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

GUIDE TO PORTS History, culture and attractions in the ports of call, including the top shore excursions.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Exclusively sold at Diamonds International SafiKilima.com amber cove antigua aruba barbados belize bermuda cabo san lucas costa maya cozumel curacao grand cayman grand turk jamaica key west orlando nassau playa del carmen puerto vallarta roatan san juan st. kitts st. lucia st. maarten st. thomas tortola

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8400 NW 31st Street, Suite 520, Miami, FL 33166 Tel: (305) 673.0400, Fax: (786) 558.1063 www.onboardmedia.com

Robin Rosenbaum-Andras Carrie Julier Jennifer Zawadski

Senior Vice President, Marketing Senior Vice President Director of Operations

Editorial & Design Virginia C. Valls Publishing Director Kate McClare Editor Ryan Slattery Managing Editor Iliana Soto Associate Editor Beth Wood Senior Art Director Jose Cuevas Graphic Designer Carlos Suarez-Murias Associate Art Director 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, Ginger Dingus, Elizabeth Fernandez, Gloria Geanette, Sharon Geltner, Jen Karetnick, Marjorie Klein, Marty Leshner, Linda Marx, JoAnn Milivojevic, Raymond Niedowski, Paris Permenter, Michelle da Silva Richmond, Cele Seldon, Lynn Seldon, Melissa Alvarado Sierra, Jonathan Siskin, Jim Thompson, Richard Varr, Chelle Koster Walton, Deborah Williams, Deborah Wilson, Eleanor Wilson, Gerald Zarr. Advertising Sales Rudi Riekstins Director of Sales and Cruise Revenue Anna Riekstins Director of International Sales & Brand Marketing Rod Musum Executive Director of Sales Elyce Kolder International Sales Coordinator Video/Film Production Todd Hedge Director/Executive Producer Juan Carlos Peña Director of Photography Kevin Maschke Post-Production Supervisor Caroline Keith Producer Iris Cegarra Editor

Port Shopping Revenue Vince Mikulus Regional Marketing Manager Will Oldham Regional Marketing Manager Andrew Vrzal Regional Marketing Manager Jimmy Marks Retail Program Manager Port Shopping Rina Alvarado Operations Coordinator Candice Ewing Operations Coordinator Nadine Winter Customer Relations Manager

©2017 Onboard Media. No claim to original works of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE or advertisers. Ships’ registry: BAHAMAS, MALTA, PANAMA All rights reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Printed in CANADA. All articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of Onboard Media Inc. or CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. Onboard Media Inc. and CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk. We and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. Cover image by: Peter Yang

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and

™

are Trade Marks used under license from The De Beers Group of Companies.

MESSAGE

MT ID S E HE PR

Dear Valued Guest, On behalf of all of us at Carnival Cruise Line, I’d like to personally welcome you aboard and say thank you for allowing us the privilege of creating fun, unforgettable vacation experiences with you! We’re always looking for fresh new ways to enhance what we offer our guests. Our team takes great pride in continuously bringing new innovations and features to life on board each of the ships in our fleet. And we are proud to showcase some of these exciting new experiences in this edition of Fun Ashore. As you can see from our cover photo, rap legend LL Cool J has made a special appearance in this issue in recognition of our Lip Sync Battle Carnival program. We invite you to channel your inner pop star at sea during this authentic re-creation of the immensely popular show, produced in collaboration with Spike TV and part of the diverse entertainment lineup aboard Carnival Cruise Line. World-class entertainment is one of the things Carnival does best, with offerings such as the Carnival LIVE concert series, bringing new, exciting talent to the line-up every year. Carnival also hosts a record 25,000 shows a year at our Punchliner Comedy Clubs. Many of our exciting new entertainment choices are tuned to perfection at our own state-of-the-art land-based rehearsal venue, Carnival Studios. Be sure to check out the Fun Times each day and listen for announcements from your cruise director so you can experience everything we have to offer! We’re committed to enhancing every aspect of your experience — which includes, of course, onboard shopping.

As part of an ongoing effort to provide our guests with the widest variety of choices at sea, we have recently transformed the shipboard shopping experience across many of our ships with renovated spaces and popular items from some of the world’s best-known retailers, including Victoria’s Secret, Swarovski, Pandora, TAG Heuer and others. Through these enhancements, our guests can enjoy some “retail therapy” and take home a unique and memorable keepsake from your Carnival vacation. Carnival continues to make investments in other areas as well. We’ve upgraded dining options on many ships, including the addition of popular favorites Guy’s Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina, as well as new pop-up sushi venues on several ships and the New England-inspired Seafood Shack on many others. We’ve also enhanced the outdoor fun on several of our ships with splashy new WaterWorks aqua parks. We think you’ll love them. Meanwhile, we can’t wait for you to experience our newest ship, Carnival Horizon, debuting in spring 2018. Of course, we know that some of the best vacation memories are also made ashore, which is why our Carnival Adventures program takes fun, excitement and convenience to a whole new level, bringing you shore excursions, ground transportation and other services to create a highly memorable concierge-like experience for all of our guests. You can read all about these features and much more on the following pages. Once again, thank you for choosing Carnival, America’s Cruise Line, for your vacation! Have a great time and Bon voyage!

Christine Duffy President Carnival Cruise Line 10

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FUN TAKES

Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

UNITED WE SAIL

FROM LEFT: Carnival Horizon Cloud 9 Spa; Havana Pool.

Carnival Horizon brings together the essential elements of the cruise. Sky, sea and land come together on the horizon, and so too are they united on Carnival Horizon. The new ship in the Vista Class is all about unity. It’s easy to see the harmonious theme coming to life throughout the vessel and its many spectacular features. Bringing the three elements together is a breeze with SportSquare, where guests can hit the sea running, playing or cycling. Here, guests will find some of their favorite (previously landlocked) activities such as outdoor soccer, volleyball, ping-pong, mini bowling and more. Those seeking to reach new heights can get swept off their feet with SkyRide, an exhilarating two-lane bike course suspended 150 feet in the air, and SkyCourse, an insanely fun and challenging rope course high above the deck. It’s a truly elevated experience at sea. One of the most exciting pairings in this unifying ship, however, has to be the merging of two of Carnival’s greats: Seuss at Sea and WaterWorks. Splash into big fun with the first-ever Dr. Seuss WaterWorks, only aboard 14

Carnival Horizon. Here, guests can find their favorite Dr. Seuss characters as well as two can’t-miss centerpieces: The Cat’s Hat and Fun Things, dual slides that take you through the wacky world of red and blue with side-by-side racing action. There are lots of other exciting ways the new ship is raising the bar set by her older sister, Carnival Vista. For starters: Carnival's first teppanyaki restaurant at sea; BBQ guru Guy Fieri's first full-service version of his smash-hit Guy's Pig & Anchor eatery; a whole new stateroom category (an aft view with extended balcony in Family Harbor); and an exciting new gift shop layout. Meanwhile, continents come together with Carnival Horizon’s unique list of itineraries and destinations. From Europe and Bermuda to the Caribbean and transatlantic voyages, guests can choose from an expansive list of exotic tours to experience aboard this remarkable new ship — which means that wherever you’re headed, you’ll find your destination on the horizon. — Iliana Soto

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FAMILY FUN The only question is, where to begin? Now that you’re all here, it’s time to create great family stories — Carnival-style. Families really dig Carnival (it’s the No. 1 cruise line for families) and for good reason. With dedicated spaces for each member of the gang, everyone gets busy exploring. Features vary by ship, but you’re bound to find something for everyone in the clan. Cheers from Colin Presby, Carnival Vista brewmaster.

Cheers!

Fill your mug with local flavor, at Carnival Vista RedFrog Pub and Brewery. Thirsting for a taste of the tropics? You have several satisfying choices on Carnival Vista, home of the RedFrog Pub and Brewery, the only brewery at sea. Each is a flavorful reminder of the ports visited by the ship. Miami Guava Wheat, for instance, was inspired by the popular pastries of Miami’s Cuban culinary scene. “Since Carnival Vista began sailing from Miami, I’ve become fascinated by tropical fruit and Cuban cuisine so I’m beyond thrilled to create Miami Guava Wheat for our guests to enjoy,” says Colin Presby, the ship’s expert brewmaster. Miami Guava Wheat delivers a light body and palatepleasing notes of the tangy tropical fruit. Along with the refreshing brew, guests can enjoy ThirstyFrog Port Hoppin’ IPA, which delivers aromatic floral and hoppy notes with tropical and citrus overtones for continued island vibes; ThirstyFrog Caribbean Wheat, an unfiltered wheat beer with flavors of orange and spices; and FriskyFrog Java Stout, a rich and creamy take on a traditional stout with hints of coffee. Guests can find these proprietary blends, along with a full selection of craft beer, on their next cruise aboard Carnival Vista. — Iliana Soto

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE. Soaking fun and aerial thrills await with WaterWorks, where families cool off and splash together for hours. SportSquare gets you in the game with soccer, volleyball and basketball, while indoor warriors can get game with pool, foosball and ping-pong. YOUTH PROGRAMS. Kids can get creative with talent shows, finger-painting and dancing at hula parties thanks to Camp Carnival, while teens enjoy playing video games, singing karaoke songs and even going on exciting shore excursions through the Circle “C” and Club O2 programs. No matter the age, there’s always something exciting for kids happening onboard. IMAX. Offered on select ships, the IMAX theater experience brings families together to enjoy a great movie (from Hollywood blockbusters to award-winning documentaries) on a truly huge screen, with stunning visuals and powerful sound to match. SERENITY. When mom and dad need a vacation from the vacation, the Serenity spa is the place to disconnect and recharge their batteries. While the kids and the cruise fun will still be close by, parents will be spending time in another world. Hammocks for two, an exclusive bar and the salty ocean breeze will surely help mom and dad unwind. SEUSS AT SEA. The playfully quaint world of Dr. Seuss goes aquatic with Seuss at Sea, where the kiddos and their families enjoy whimsical parades, enchanting story times, and green eggs galore. This is fun for kids of all ages, including those who are kids at heart. SHORE EXCURSIONS. Carnival knows how to have fun both on board and ashore. By hand-selecting the best local tour providers and taking care of all the details, the Carnival Adventures crew makes sure families and other groups have extraordinary excursions in every port. Tours abound and include exploring ancient cities, interacting with gentle sea animals, zip-lining through tropical jungles and so much more. (For more, see “Carnival Adventures” in this issue.) Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

SMOOTH

Sailing When the U.S. Coast Guard called upon a Carnival ship to divert from its course in order to help a nearby vessel in trouble, the Carnival captain complied without hesitation. But aid was rendered with no disruption or delay of passengers’ vacations, for Carnival’s Fleet Operations Center was able to offer a faster course for reaching the distressed ship. The quietly successful maneuver was one of numerous victories made possible by Carnival Corporation’s three Fleet Operations centers (FOCs) — in Hamburg, Germany; Seattle, Washington; and Miami, Florida, which opened in late 2017. They’re the most technologically advanced in the commercial maritime industry. The FOCs provide state-of-theart tracking and data analysis for Carnival Corporation’s entire fleet, enabling real-time information sharing between ships and onshore support teams. The centers use Neptune, a cloud-based technology from Microsoft, to capture thousands of data points and provide real-time analytics for 28 distinct parameters of navigational safety. Not only do they enable immediate response to existing conditions, but they can also perform predictive analysis to further improve safety and operational performance. "Our teams have done a remarkable job in developing the most sophisticated and capable system in the cruise and commercial maritime industry for taking safety management to a completely new level,” says Vice Admiral Bill Burke (ret.), chief maritime officer for Carnival Corporation. And if the teams and their systems work properly, you’ll never know it, says Richard Miller, vice president of Nautical & Safety Operations. “If your cruise goes off without a hitch, the Fleet Operations Center is doing its job,” he says.

Industryleading Fleet Operations Centers bring safety and performance to new levels.

FROM TOP: Carnival Corporation's newest Fleet Operations Center enables real-time voyage monitoring, for maximum safety and efficiency.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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ISLAND STYLE S T E R L I N G S I LV E R J E W E L R Y INSPIRED BY SUM M ER

T H E PA N D O R A S T O R E AT ARUBA Paseo Herencia Noord, Aruba 297.586.5625

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

THE MALL OF SAN JUAN 1000 San Juan Blvd. Puerto Rico, 00924 787.302.0404

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BAHAMAS 329 Bay Street Nassau, Bahamas 242.698.0539

CURACAO Heerenstraat 4B, Punda Willemstad, Curacao 599.9.465.4774

BRICKELL CITY CENTRE 700 S. Miami Ave • 3rd Level Miami, FL 33131 786.220.1817

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

ST. MAARTEN 12-2 Front Street Philipsburg, St. Maarten 721.542.1109

ST. MAARTEN 5 Harbour Point Village Philipsburg, St. Maarten 721.542.9364

ST. THOMAS Main Street at Drake’s Passage 5124 Dronningens Gade St. Thomas VI, 00802 340.774.3672

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

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Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

FUN AT YOUR

FINGERTIPS

Carnival’s smartphone app just keeps getting better and better, with a growing list of can’t-cruise-without-it features: • Booking tool for purchasing shore excursions. • On select ships, view your photos on the app and order digital or print copies. • Chat feature (for a low activation fee). • Day-by-day schedule of onboard activities.

PHOTO BY: MICHAELJUNG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Carnival HUB app is the ultimate cruise companion.

• A “favorites” feature that shows you see which events your friends plan to attend. • Search tool to locate family and friends on board. • Dining menus from onboard restaurants. • Itinerary details. • Searchable deck plans, with key areas highlighted. • Daily weather reports.

Download

your free Carnival HUB at the Apple or Google Play app store.

• Countdown clock that keeps track of the time until your cruise departs. The Carnival HUB app is free to download from Google Play and iTunes. You can access it through your ship’s free WiFi and, except for the chat feature, it’s free to use on board. To avoid roaming charges from your cell provider, use it on airplane mode.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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”The Diamonds that move with every heartbeat you take.”

DancingCollection The

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Cover Story | LL COOL J

g n i v i L e h t cy

He’s risen from upstart rapper to acclaimed artist, and LL Cool J keeps blazing new trails.

a g Le

By Elizabeth Fernandez

Described in the Washington Post as “rap’s first true superstar,” LL Cool J has had a trailblazing career. Since first making a name for himself in the 1980s in New York City’s young hip hop scene, he has become a multi-platinum Grammy Awardwinning recording artist as well as an actor, author and entrepreneur. He’s a living legend, an innovator whose impact reaches far beyond the rap world — all the way to the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors, which made him its first solo rap honoree in 2017. “I never could have predicted that I’d still be out here rocking it more than two decades after my debut,” LL said recently, wearing one of his trademark grins. “But here I am.”

On the Rise Raised by his grandparents in Queens, New York, James Todd Smith — the future LL Cool J — started rapping when he was 9, inspired by rap pioneers Treacherous Three and influenced by rock and roll legend Fats Domino. As early as 13, he was already in demand. Jay Philpot, better known as DJ Cut Creator, recognized his raw talent and wanted to work with him. “But I told him, yo, you’ve got to ask my grandmother,” LL reminisced in a recent episode of Oprah’s Master Class. After young James’ grandmother made Philpot promise to keep him out of trouble, they began making music together. Under his new stage name, an abbreviation for “Ladies Love Cool James,” LL honed his skills, making demo tapes with equipment he’d received from his supportive

grandfather, a musician himself. Before long, he attracted the attention of famed producer and Def Jam co-founder Rick Rubin. By 1984, he was considered Def Jam’s flagship artist. His platinum debut album Radio was one of the earliest commercially successful hip hop albums. After that came a string of hit records, including the triple platinum Bigger and Deffer, his biggest of all time, featuring “I Need Love,” the first-ever successful rap ballad. This was quickly followed by Walking with a Panther in 1989 and the doubleplatinum Mama Said Knock You Out a year later. It was a smash success and the title track won LL his first Grammy. With his music career soaring, in 1992, LL landed his first major acting role in Toys, sharing the screen with the legendary Robin Williams. He gained success as quickly as he had in the music world, and by 1995 had landed his own sitcom, In the House. He released even more groundbreaking albums, including the double-platinum Mr. Smith, packed with well-received songs like “Doin’ It” and “Hey Lover,” which won him yet another Grammy. On his next album, 1997’s platinum-selling Phenomenon, LL collaborated with fellow iconic rappers like Method Man, Redman and DMX.

Beyond the Music Since 2000, LL has released six more albums, including No. 1 debuting platinum G.O.A.T. and 10, featuring tracks produced by Pharrell Williams. His Authentic, released in 2013, included a broad range of collaborators who have admired and been

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I never could have predicted that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d still be out here rocking it more than two decades after my debut, but here I am. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; LL Cool J

PETER YANG

Vitatem ipicatu stibus eatqui occus cum harum elesto tem iunt que solo quo et earcid et doluptam nonserat. Axima nusciistem es

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PETER YANG

Cover Story | LL COOL J

To be able to come from the corner of Farmers Boulevard in Queens, banging on a garbage can, all the way to the Kennedy Center Honors, that’s a long journey. — LL Cool J influenced by LL through the years, such as Snoop Dogg, Fitz and the Tantrums, Eddie Van Halen and Seal, as well as famed R&B super group Earth, Wind & Fire. In 2012, the two-time Grammy winner hosted the Grammy Awards, a gig that would last for a record five years. He’s continued acting, appearing in more than 30 movies opposite such stars as Queen Latifah (The Last Holiday); Al Pacino, Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz (Any Given Sunday); and Robert De Niro (Grudge Match). He received a Blockbuster Award for his comedic performance in Deep Blue Sea. He stars in the long-running primetime drama NCIS: Los Angeles, winning four NAACP Image Awards in a row for his role as Special Agent Sam Hanna. He has also expressed himself in books, from his 1997 autobiography I Make My Own Rules to his 2002 children’s book, And the Winner Is. He’s having a blast serving as both host and producer of Lip Sync Battle, Spike TV’s most-watched original program ever and a two-time Emmy nominee. Celebrities such as Dwayne Johnson and Anne Hathaway have flocked to the show, but two guests have eluded him. “I want to see Obama versus Michelle — that would be amazing,” he told BUILD Series. “Can you imagine Obama doing Busta Rhymes?” He still finds time for music, touring in 2017 to play music festivals like Jazz in the Gardens in Miami. “It’s my first love, going out and playing live music,” he told Billboard. He’s been giving back to the people of his hometown since 2004, with Jump & Ball, a free and fun-filled camp every Saturday and Sunday during the month of August for hundreds of kids from Southeast Queens. The program was developed as an opportunity for the kids in the community to not only learn the game of basketball but also to learn team building and leadership skills critical to life off the court.

“A Long Journey”

The last two years have been filled with awards and accolades: He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in January 2016 and the W.E.B. Du Bois Medal — Harvard’s highest honor in the field of African and African-American Studies — in October 2017. That very same week, he got his fourth nomination for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Finally, in December 2017, he received the Kennedy Center award — one of his most meaningful awards in a career full of them. As he told The New York Times, “To be able to come from the corner of Farmers Boulevard in Queens, banging on a garbage can, all the way to the Kennedy Center Honors, that’s a long journey.”

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Cruise Guests Star in

Lip Sync Battle Carnival Do you have what it takes to be a star, just by belting out a tune without actually singing a note? Here’s your chance to find: by competing on Carnival’s own version of the hit TV show Lip Sync Battle, offered through an exclusive partnership w it h Spi ke T V (wh ich be comes Pa ra mou nt Ne t work in January 2018). Performed live on select Carnival ships, Lip Sync Battle Carnival is an authentic re-creation of the popular show hosted by LL Cool J. While the rap legend isn’t part of the shipboard production, the show is otherwise quite true to the original. Contestants perform at the beginning of their cruise. Two finalists are selected, and work with Carnival’s onboard entertainment experts to perfect their performance. Then, it’s showtime! The second round is a full-scale production — costumes, sets and lighting — and the finalists interpret their chosen song by re-creating a scene from a well-known music video. The winner is selected by an audience vote and receives a special prize unique to the reality show. Lip Sync Battle Carnival further expands on the already wide range of entertainment options on board, which includes Carnival Live, Playlist Productions, The Punchliner Comedy Club and Hasbro, The Game Show. “We’re delighted to offer this exciting new entertainment activity to our guests,” says Carnival President Christine Duffy. “Lip Sync Battle Carnival takes the brand’s participatory fun to the next level, providing our guests with a chance to showcase their talents and demonstrate their creativity with their fellow guests cheering them on.”

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Audubon House & Tropical Garden Tours

Explore the elegant mid-19th century home of Captain John Geiger, a wealthy maritime pilot and master wrecker. Wander lush tropical gardens that evoke John James Audubon’s paintings of the 22 birds of the Florida Keys. Visit the Audubon House Gallery and Museum Store and take home your own piece of Key West history with an original hand-colored Audubon lithograph or unique item.

GARDENS ARE AVAILABLE FOR WEDDINGS AND CORPORATE EVENTS

OPEN DAILY 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (LAST TOUR 4:15) (305) 294-2116 • 205 Whitehead St. www.audubonhouse.com

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Cover Story | LL COOL J

CAR EER

highlights STUDIO ALBUMS

1985 Radio 1987 Bigger and Deffer 1989 Walking with a Panther 1990 Mama Said Knock You Out 1993 14 Shots to the Dome 1995 Mr. Smith 1997 Phenomenon I think when you move past your fear and you go after your dreams wholeheartedly, you become free. Know what I’m saying? Move past the fear.

2000 G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) 2002 10 2004 The DEFinition 2006 Todd Smith 2008 Exit 13 2013 Authentic TOP TV AND MOVIE ROLES

1992 Toys

— LL Cool J

1999 Any Given Sunday 1999 Deep Blue Sea 1999 In Too Deep 2000 Charlie’s Angels 2001 Kingdom Come 2002 Rollerball 2003 Deliver Us from Eva 2003 S.W.A.T. 2006 Last Holiday Since 2009

NCIS: Los Angeles

2013 Grudge Match Since 26

2015 Lip Sync Battle

(producer and host)

KATHY HUTCHINS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

2005 Slow Burn

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Shopping Made Easy

Find the FUN in Shopping. 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 Fun Finds Coupon Book brings the fun to shopping in our ports of call.

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

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Live life in color. PICTURED HERE: NATURAL RUBY AND SAPPHIRE.

A ARUBA • BARBADOS • BONAIRE • CABO SAN LUCAS • COZUMEL • CURACAO • GRAND CAYMAN • GRAND TURK • GRENADA JAMAICA • JUNEAU • KETCHIKAN • MAZATLAN • NASSAU • SAN JUAN • SKAGWAY • ST KITTS • ST MAARTEN • ST THOMAS

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TA N Z A N I T E D R E A M S C

E C

T I O

ARUBA • BARBADOS • BONAIRE • CABO SAN LUCAS • COZUMEL • CURACAO • GRAND CAYMAN • GRAND TURK • GRENADA JAMAICA • JUNEAU • KETCHIKAN • MAZATLAN • NASSAU • SAN JUAN • SKAGWAY • ST KITTS • ST MAARTEN • ST THOMAS ARUBA • BARBADOS • BONAIRE • CABO SAN LUCAS • COZUMEL • CURACAO • GRAND CAYMAN • GRAND TURK • GRENADA JAMAICA • JUNEAU • KETCHIKAN • MAZATLAN • NASSAU • SAN JUAN • SKAGWAY • ST KITTS • ST MAARTEN • ST THOMAS

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Fun Ashore | Carnival Adventures

CARNIVAL

ADVENTURES It’s fun out there! And thanks to a comprehensive approach to shore excursions and other cruise experiences, the fun begins even before you board.

When you get home from this cruise, chances are you won’t be thinking of it as a series of disconnected pieces but as one continuous experience, all the pieces aligned into one unforgettable Carnival vacation. That’s the idea behind Carnival Adventures. It’s a comprehensive approach to the cruise vacation, taking several once-separate elements and aligning them into one seamless experience. It begins even before you arrive on board — taking you from the airport to your ship, from your ship to your shore excursions and finally to the moment you realize you want to do it all again.

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The Adventure Begins It seems mundane, but the airport pickup and transfer process could be the most important part of your cruise. It can set the tone for the whole vacation, so Carnival Adventures’ transfer specialists work hard to make sure it starts right. The experience begins with a friendly greeter to direct arriving guests to their comfortable motor coach. The welcoming treatment continues right up to your arrival in port, as you embark the ship. “We’re always looking for ways to enhance the experience,” says Alberto Chocron, director of commercial strategy and business for Carnival Adventures. “We put the fun in Carnival Adventures from the beginning — from the moment you get to the airport to the moment of your return.” Excursions that Excel As you head out to sea you’ll have a lot to look forward to, both on and off the ship. If you didn’t sign up for shore excursions when you booked your cruise, there’s still time — and it’s easier than ever. You can visit the

ABOVE: The private beach house of La Casa en La Playa, a special excursion in Cozumel. LEFT: The Carnival HUB app in action.

onboard excursion desk or simply book through the Carnival HUB app, which is free to download to your smartphone and free to use through the ship’s complimentary WiFi (talk about smart!) You’ll find an ever-changing selection of tours, which are regularly tweaked and upgraded to be more in line with your interests. “There’s always something new. We’re always refreshing things,” says Erika Tache, Carnival’s director of product development, tour operations. She leads Team Orange, the onboard excursions staff. They’re easy to spot: Just look for the bright orange polo shirts and the big, friendly smiles. Team Orange is something like a concierge service for shore excursions, helping both individual and group cruisers get the most out of their visits. “They’re the first ones on the ship before the cruise starts and the last to come back from a tour,” says Tache. They’re dedicated to personal service on and off the ship. Carnival doesn’t make its groups wait for their tour guides in the hot sun on the pier. “We meet guests in a lounge on the ship and lead them directly to their tour bus or car,” she says. “On family tours we give assistance to families, like carrying their strollers for them.” Tache and her team are continually developing tours tailored for today’s traveler, offering experiences that are more authentic, more relevant, less “been there done that.” Guests can visit local communities to get a truer sense of the people and their culture. There’s also a growing list of exclusive tours for guests who prefer to be in smaller groups where they can enjoy personalized experiences. In Freepor t, the Bahamas, for instance, guests can try My Bahamian House, a delightful day on a private beach with a personal chef, an in-house bartender and recreation such as kayaking and snorkeling. Want to reserve a different private beach or arrange a special tour themed just for your group? How about a supervised outing just for the kids, with a seat where you can relax and watch the fun in true comfort? See Team Orange. Carnival Adventures also has a generous assortment of tours offering unique and even profound experiences. Social impact tours enable guests to give back to the communities that offer such unforgettable vacation memories to visitors from around the world. Tache is proud of the tours that work with an orphanage in Cozumel and a school in Montego Bay, among other projects. Not only do these projects help the communities, but they also offer a glimpse at the islands’ everyday reality. “People go to the ports for many reasons,” says Tache, “but they never really see the place. Now you do have the opportunity to do it all.” Guests on select sailings can choose Cozumel Plus tours that offer extended stays in the Mexican port. With more time in port, you can explore and enjoy so much more: Get a closer look at the famed archaeological site Chichén Itzá or try the thrills of swimming with whale sharks.

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Fun Ashore | Carnival Adventures

All tours are offered only after thorough research, to keep the long-standing promise of offering the best tours at the best price and with absolute peace of mind (your ship will never leave without you if your tour is delayed returning to port). “We always research the tours a lot,” Tache says. Five researchers are assigned to the ports to make sure Carnival’s high standards are upheld and look for details to recommend the best tours. They know the can’t-miss experiences each port is known for, so you’re always on the right tour in the right port at the right time. To encourage quality, Carnival recognizes its top tour operators with awards based on guest feedback. The first top award, 2016 Tour Operator of the Year, went to Experiencias Xcaret (Naturama Tours & Adventures), whose tours include the adventure parks Xenses,

Need to Know More? Shore Excursions: Carnival.com/shore-excursions Airport Transfers: Carnival.com/cruise-transfers Carnival MasterCard: Visit Carnival.com and click the Carnival MasterCard link. El Castillo, the famed pyramid at Chichén Itzá. The ancient Mayan site is part of the Cozumel Plus program, in which guests can spend more time exploring.

Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Xplor in Playa del Carmen near Cozumel. Carnival also is proud of the guest feedback it receives about staff. “It’s amazing the number of comments that have the name of a Carnival Adventures team member,” says Renata Ribeiro, Carnival’s senior vice president, guest commerce.

Use the Carnival MasterCard and earn reward points faster than ever.

The Rewards of Cruising With so much expert knowledge of Caribbean and Alaska ports, the Carnival Adventures staff is the perfect choice to manage the Future Cruise and FunPoints loyalty programs. They do so much more than take your cruise reservation. “They’ll book your whole cruise,” Ribeiro says. “They’ll help you plan your whole vacation.” Want to visit Alaska? Carnival Adventures will tell you the best times to go and help you choose the perfect shore excursions to get in everything you want to see and do. They can also help you get the most of your membership in FunPoints, the loyalty program offered in partnership with MasterCard. The program gives you reward points whenever you use the Carnival MasterCard for purchases from Carnival or anywhere else that accepts MasterCard. Points are generous: 20,000 just for joining, and twice the points for anything you purchase within Carnival. Then use your FunPoints toward the purchase of future cruises or onboard products and services.

Team Orange is always ready with information, service and smiles.

All About the Guest It’s all about creating the best possible experience for the guest. From the moment you decide to book a cruise to the moment you realize you’re having so much fun you have to do it again, Carnival Adventures takes care of the details so you can focus on the fun. “We always try to put ourselves in the mind of the guests,” Ribeiro says. “They’re on vacation — they shouldn’t have to think too much.”

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Carnival Studios | Behind the Curtain

BEHIND CURTAIN THE

With a state-of-the-art rehearsal studio and some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most talented casts and crews, showtime at sea is more exciting than ever. By Sharon Geltner

Scene from Flick, a Carnival show from Playlist Productions.

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America Rocks, from Playlist Productions.

Outside a rehearsal room at Carnival Studios, the sign reads, “Studio 2.” But it sounds more like Studio 54, with the cast belting out Chic’s 1978 disco hit “Le Freak” (“Ah, freak out!”). Down the hall, in a larger studio, two dozen dancers get a signal from their choreographer and suddenly spring into the air like wild animals. Around the corner, in a band room, musicians are working on a jazz tune. All the action takes place at Carnival Cruise Line’s high-tech rehearsal space, a $5 million complex that holds six large performance studios and eight band rehearsal rooms and offers state-of-the-art audio, Bluetooth and LED equipment. The giant entertainment space covers 44,500 square feet under 35-foot ceilings, with empty space reserved to develop future productions for mega-class ships. It opened in May 2017, west of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This means Carnival guests get to enjoy the gold standard of onboard entertainment, with an even larger selection of entertainment on board, says Chris Nelson, Carnival’s senior director of entertainment. “We’ve raised the bar high,” he says. “Cruise ship entertainment has evolved and this is a new ilk of performances. The choreography is very technical and the vocals are complex. We have partnered with Broadway, Las Vegas and London’s West End designers and choreographers. Our music program has expanded and engages the emotional center of our guests.” The Best for the Best To bring the shows to life, Carnival hires the top talent from 20 cities around the world. More than 3,000 people audition each year; an additional 2,400 apply online. The cruise line hires just 10 percent of the applicants, the high-quality “triple threats” who can sing, dance and act.

Technicians come from all over the world, and Carnival’s versatile musicians often play in several different styles, from jazz to country. “We don’t just hire a band,” Nelson says. “We hire each musician, teach them material and form a band. This creates cohesion and bonding. Our unique approach is a game changer for our guests.” Perhaps they’re lured by the quality of the equipment they get to work with. “Carnival is the only cruise line to equip every studio with a complete sound system that mirrors the ship and technical operator for rehearsals,” Nelson says. The land-based Carnival Studios has also freed up space on the ships that once had to be used for rehearsals. That has reduced congestion on board and creates more room for programming and guest staterooms. There are 20 to 120 performers and entertainment technicians in Carnival Studios at one time. More than 1,000 performers and technicians come through annually. They rehearse four to six weeks, twice a year. Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse Some More Carnival has prioritized treating its casts well, fostering a happy, energetic vibe that is reflected on stage. The cruise line houses the cast and musicians across the street from the studios, not only for convenience and comfort but also to help build camaraderie. Even local performers move into the apartments, in the name of teamwork, cooperation, collaboration and friendship. There is a Carnival staffer on site full time, to introduce new performers and help them learn their way around. “We have supervised, safe, clean living conditions for the performers. All of this contributes to the environment,” Nelson says. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Carnival Studios | Behind the Curtain

Scene from Amor Cubano, Playlist Productions.

The methods to encourage friendship and bonding are certainly working. The cast was delighted during one rehearsal when an actor got down on one knee and proposed to his shocked and thrilled cast mate. Another couple, a dancer and a music supervisor, are getting married. Earlier, a baby girl was born to a couple who met on board. “We also throw team holiday parties,” Nelson says. The cast celebrates in its own sunny and spacious “green room.” Part of the fun is rehearsing in the high-tech surroundings. The floors are made of a sprung wood, which has “give” and is topped with springy rubber. These materials absorb shock and protect the dancers’ shins and feet as they practice eight to 10 hours a day. The cast is increasingly incorporating video with the music, so a performer can dance with her own shadow or in front of scenery which matches her lyrics. She can wave her hand to the right, and words and other graphics instantly appear on the right side of the screen. Each studio meticulously duplicates the same size and shape stage on board, so the cast will be familiar with the dimensions when performing at sea. Numbers and guidelines are painted on the floor so the cast always hit their marks. Once they move on board the ship, the performers get their sea legs in about a week. The Chic rehearsal in Studio 2 is for Studio VIP, one of Carnival’s shows in Playlist Productions. Playlist is a series of 14 shows, each representing a different musical era, presented to be as fun and personalized as the playlists on guests’ smartphones. Studio VIP combines the funky flair and fashion of Soul Train with New York City nightlife in the 1970s. Studio 3 is the biggest studio of all, where all five types of Carnival stages fit in one gargantuan cavern, nicknamed the Development Studio.

This is where the cast experiments with new concepts for shipboard shows, such as Lip Sync Battle Carnival and the children’s puppet show Towel Animal Theater. Studio 3 is also where plans were hatched for entertainment on Carnival Horizon, the second of the Vista Class ships. Curtain Up

Lip Sync Battle Carnival is a live version of the hit TV show hosted and produced by rapper LL Cool J. In the onboard show, Carnival guests compete for the most impressive lip-sync performance, with back-up from the professional cast and voting by fellow guests. (For more on the show, see our profile of LL Cool J in this issue.) Towel Animal Theater was inspired by the clever towel animals you find on your stateroom bed each evening. It was scripted by none other than the writers of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit, Avenue Q — which could explain why audiences include many adults along with the kids. Seuss at Sea is also very popular with younger guests, who get to eat green eggs and ham for breakfast on plates decorated with Seuss characters and served by waiters dressed as the Cat in the Hat, Horton, the Lorax and other beloved Seuss characters. It’s an exciting place for a performer to be, and there’s no shortage of talented people who want to experience it. “Many aspiring performers audition five to six times before they make it aboard Carnival,” Nelson says. “They keep coming back and when they make it, they realize all those auditions were a big part of their professional development and growth. It means a lot to them that they are talented enough to perform on board.” He smiles. “We are confident that we hire the best people out there.”

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THE FUN SHOPS: MORE FUN THAN EVER Fun Ashore | The Fun Shops

What’s new at The Fun Shops? Plenty! Already as much fun as the rest of the cruise, the onboard shopping destination offers enhanced spaces and a bigger selection of top brands. The shipboard retail experience has also been enhanced with fun activities, special promotions and giveaways, in-store parties and more. “Carnival is committed to enhancing every aspect of our operations,” says William Butler, vice president of retail services. “That includes onboard shopping, of course. Our expanded and enhanced retail offerings provide guests with an opportunity to enjoy some ‘retail therapy’ and take home a unique and memorable keepsake from their Carnival vacation.”

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Effy Fine Jewelry’s updated boutique is one of many enhancements to The Fun Shops on several ships in the Carnival fleet.

Retail Rejuvenation The shopping makeovers are one facet of an overall enhancement across much of the fleet, which have added thrilling new entertainment and recreation features. Carnival Elation, for instance, returned to sea in October 2017 with popular venues such as Guy’s Burger Joint, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and BlueIguana Tequila Bar, as well as an all-new décor in its shops: enticing new colors, flooring and product displays. Carnival Conquest underwent similar upgrades. The shops on Carnival Sensation a nd Carnival Valor have been completely overhauled, including fully branded spaces for fine watches and improvements in the shops’ design and layout.

All About Those Brands The most exciting news may be the shops’ brand assortment. The Fun Shops offer in-demand labels to please the most trend-conscious shoppers — those you’ve dreamed of possessing and new ones to discover. Whether you’re looking for something cute and chic or elegantly au courant, the brands on board are sure to satisfy. Pandora has brought its customizable jewelry to Carnival Elation, Carnival Breeze and Carnival Glory, where you’ll also find the alluring scents of Victoria’s Secret and a stunning new façade for the Effy Fine Jewelry boutique. The brilliant designs of Swarovski are on board select ships, along with style stars like Alex and Ani, Lovita and Salt Life.

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Fun Ashore | The Fun Shops

Anne Klein and TAG Heuer are among the popular watch brands available in The Fun Shops.

Shop Talk Here are some of the new offerings at The Fun Shops, on select ships across the fleet: Effy Fine Jewelry: Known for unique design and meticulous craftsmanship, with tax and duty free savings and a lifetime guarantee. Invicta: High-end retailer offers a full line of fashion watches, with hundreds of different styles to choose from. Los Cinco Soles: Mexican-themed retailer offers sterling silver jewelry, souvenirs, T-shirts and authentic arts and crafts created by local artisans. Pandora: Top fashion jeweler presents a selection of custom bracelets, rings, necklaces and charms. Swarovski: One of the world’s leading retailers of fashion jewelry; renowned for stunning designs using hand-cut crystals. TAG Heuer: A leading manufacturer of high-end luxury timepieces worn by celebrities and sports stars the world over. Victoria’s Secret: Purveyor of top beauty products, including mists, lotions and perfumes.

FROM TOP: Some of the most desirable timepieces are offered at The Fun Shops; fashionable sunglasses by top brands including Michael Kors, Oakley and Ray-Ban.

Watches have always been one of Carnival’s most popular gift selections, and there are more choices than ever in the expanded and enhanced timepieces boutique. Lending dazzle to the displays are the latest, greatest and sexiest new designs by longtime favorite brands including Citizen, Fossil, Invicta, Movado and TAG Heuer, plus exciting innovators like Daniel Wellington, Nixon and TechnoMarine. Select ships also feature stand-alone kiosks with “wearable tech” accessories that include the latest fitness trackers, pedometers and heart rate monitors by Fossil and other brands. An Eventful Shopping Experience What truly sets The Fun Shops apart are interactive events that take shopping beyond mere transactions. Guests don’t just shop for handcrafted jewelry from Los Cinco Soles, for instance — they’re transported to the Mexican Fiesta marketplace. Personal beauty consultations, exclusive previews of new jewelry collections, interactive watch seminars and other experiences turn shopping into an event. “Retail on cruise ships is meant to be fun and engaging,” Butler says. “We do everything possible to present a positive experience for the guest. We create a whole variety of events so guests have a reason to come back each and every day.” It’s what The Fun Shops are all about: an engaging, entertaining experience to help you relive your cruise again and again.

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Fun Ashore | The Fun Shops

Anne Klein and TAG Heuer are among the popular watch brands available in The Fun Shops.

Shop Talk Here are some of the new offerings at The Fun Shops, on select ships across the fleet: Effy Fine Jewelry: Known for unique design and meticulous craftsmanship, with tax and duty free savings and a lifetime guarantee. Invicta: High-end retailer offers a full line of fashion watches, with hundreds of different styles to choose from. Los Cinco Soles: Mexican-themed retailer offers sterling silver jewelry, souvenirs, T-shirts and authentic arts and crafts created by local artisans.. Pandora: Top fashion jeweler presents a selection of custom bracelets, rings, necklaces and charms. Swarovski: One of the world’s leading retailers of fashion jewelry; renowned for stunning designs using hand-cut crystals. TAG Heuer: A leading manufacturer of high-end luxury timepieces worn by celebrities and sports stars the world over. Victoria’s Secret: Purveyor of top beauty products, including mists, lotions and perfumes.

FROM TOP: Some of the most desirable timepieces are offered at The Fun Shops; fashionable sunglasses by top brands including Michael Kors, Oakley and Ray-Ban.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Fun Ashore | James Bond

JAMES BOND

Daniel Craig as James Bond from Casino Royale, filmed at Ocean Club on Paradise Island, the Bahamas.

Jamaica, the Bahamas and other island locales play a supporting role in many of the dashing spy’s movies. By Michelle da Silva Richmond Think of the Caribbean and your thoughts may naturally conjure visions of kicking back on the soft, sultry island shore, comfortably tucked into a posh resort with a frosty piña colada at your fingertips. While such a relaxed scenario is a definite possibility, the islands have frequently been a more-chaotic stage on which a legendary secret agent has grappled with a host of bad guys. Meet: Bond. James Bond. The fictional character created by Ian Fleming staged many of his daring escapades in the Caribbean, and Fleming himself had strong ties to 48

the area. The English writer built himself a vacation estate he named Goldeneye (now an exclusive boutique hotel) on Jamaica’s Oracabessa Bay and it was from this cozy perch that he penned all of the 14 Bond books. His penchant for the area extended to the name he gave his hero, which he “lifted” from English ornithologist James Bond, author of Field Guide of Birds of the West Indies. With the renowned fictional character taking center stage yet again with the filming of the 25th film in the series, this might be the perfect time to investigate some of Bond’s favorite haunts in the Caribbean.

PHOTOS BY: (PARADISE ISLAND, ATLANTIS BAHAMAS) BY DMITRIJS MIHEJEVS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM (DANIEL CRAIG) © 2006 DANJAQ, LLC, UNITED ARTISTS CORPORATION AND COLUMBIA PICTURES INDUSTRIES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Rocks the Caribbean

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Cover Story | Tim McGraw

Ursula Andress as Honey Ryder from Dr. No, filmed at Jamaica’s Dunns River Falls (left).

JAMAICA

The first Bond film, Dr. No (1962), and the later Live and Let Die (1973) were filmed near Fleming’s beloved estate. Dr. No, of course, launched Sean Connery — another celebrated island resident — into the first of his six incarnations as James Bond. Scenes for Dr. No were filmed in Kingston, site of the movie’s fictional Crab Key. It’s here that Ursula Andress (as the memorable Honey Rider) rose from the sea sporting a white bikini — and a knife — in one of cinematic history’s most enduring moments. Other gripping scenes were filmed at Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, in the Blue Mountains and in Montego Bay. The former San Souci resort (now Couples San Souci) in Ocho Rios played host to James Bond, as did the Morgan Harbour Hotel in Port Royal. The Green Grotto caves in Runaway Bay had their 15 minutes of fame in Live and Let Die when Bond was about to be fed to hungry sharks in a cave. Also in that movie, at the junction of Barnett and Harbour Streets in the heart of Montego Bay, are the docks where Bond and love interest Solitaire (Jane Seymour) hired fisherman Quarrel Jr. — whose father Quarrel Sr. (from the Cayman Islands) — appeared in Dr. No.

THE BAHAMAS

In 1965, Thunderball finds the dapper spy chasing atom bomb thieves to the Bahamas, where some of the most dramatic scenes were filmed underwater. Who will ever forget the scuba-diving skirmish between Bond and company and a host of bad hombres near Staniel Cay? More placid scenes took place — in both Thunderball and Never Say Never Again (the unofficial 1983 remake of Thunderball) — at the British Colonial Hilton in Nassau, which is now an elegant AAA 4-Diamond resort located on Nassau’s only private beach. The pier (built for Never Say Never Again) on which Fatima Blush (Barbara Carrera) water skis into Bond’s eager arms is still there. Other vestiges of Thunderball can be found in the Mardi Gras-style junkanoo parades on Bay Street in Nassau and in the refurbished Café Martinique, scene of Bond’s first meeting with his nemesis Largo and Bond girl Domino (Claudine Auger). The original café was demolished and transformed into a fancier eatery at the Atlantis’ Marina Village where it draws modern-day tourists with its chic décor and tasty selection of French cuisine. The One and Only Ocean Club on Paradise Island, which featured prominently in the reboot of Casino Royale in 2006, actually exists, and the four-bedroom Hibiscus Villa where Bond stayed is even available for rent. The movie — this time with Daniel Craig as Bond — also showcases Atlantis Resort, Coral Harbor and Nassau International Airport. A little blue signpost on the grounds of former Buena Vista Hotel & Restaurant (now a rum distillery) which served as the fake “embassy” of Nambutu in Casino Royale, reads: “In 2006, Daniel Craig […] jumped the Buena Vista wall during the opening scene and landed here.”

PUERTO RICO

In 1995, GoldenEye, starring Pierce Brosnan, became the 17th film in the Bond series. In this caper, Bond ends up at a secret satellite facility in Cuba, where he gets into an impressive skirmish with a rogue British agent. The huge Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico was the actual scene of this action and has a visitor’s center, which is open to the public. Pierce Brosnan as James Bond from GoldenEye, filmed at Arecibo Observatory (above) in Puerto Rico.

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It seems that no matter where we travel in the Caribbean, vestiges of James Bond remain and although his creator Ian Fleming may be long gone, the haunting question Fleming once asked himself is still valid: “Would these books have been born if I had not been living in the gorgeous vacuum of a Jamaican holiday? I doubt it.” Fortunately, we’ll never know.

PHOTOS BY: © 1962 (URSULA ANDRESS) JAMES BOND: DR. NO A.F. ARCHIVE/UNITED ARTISTS THIS PHOTOGRAPH IS FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY.; (PIERCE BROSNAN) GOLDENEYE DIRECTED BY MARTIN CAMPBELL FILM COMPANY UNITED ARTISTS 16 NOVEMBER 1995 EDITORIAL USE ONLY. UNITED ARTISTS.; (ARECIBO) H. SCHWEIKER/WIKIPEDIA.COM;

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FUN DAY IN PORT

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

CKP1001/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

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OBJECTS OBJECTS

DESIRE DESIRE

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

Le Vian Ocean Wave Gladiator ring

Crown of Light Orchid ring

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 watch

Kabana Alhambra Collection earrings

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande

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OBJECTS OBJECTS OBJECTS

DESIRE DESIRE 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

Bremont Women’s watch

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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.

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Guide to

PORTS Amber Cove Barbados Bermuda Charleston Freeport Grand Turk Half Moon Cay Jacksonville Nassau Port Canaveral San Juan St. Kitts St. Maarten

CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

St. Thomas

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Los Angeles Catalina Island

San Diego

Ensenada

New Or Galveston

Cabo San Lucas

Mazatlรกn

MEXICO

GULF OF MEXICO

Progreso

Puerto Vallarta

Belize City CENTRAL AMERICA

BELIZE

GUATEMALA

PACIFIC OCEAN

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Bermuda

Charleston

Jacksonville

New Orleans

PORTS of Call

Port Canaveral

Tampa

FLORIDA Freeport Fort Lauderdale Miami THE BAHAMAS

Key West

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Nassau

Half Moon Cay

CUBA TURKS AND CAICOS

greso

Grand Turk

Cozumel

Amber Cove

Grand Cayman

Montego Bay

DOMINICAN St. Thomas San Juan HAITI REPUBLIC PUERTO RICO

Ocho Rios JAMAICA

St. Maarten/ St. Martin

St. Kitts

Antigua

Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatรกn

CARIBBEAN SEA HONDURAS Barbados

Aruba Curaรงao

Bonaire

COSTA RICA Panama Canal

COLOMBIA

VENEZUELA

PANAMA SOUTH AMERICA Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Amber Cove

AMBER COVE

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

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.

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OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

FUNTREKS

TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS Here are some fun ways to explore during your visit. Want more? Stop by the onboard excursions desk or look for Team Orange, the friendly crew members in the bright orange shirts. They’ll help you find the perfect tours for you and everyone in your group.

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"

Island Treasures and T-shirt Island

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

Waterfalls of Damajagua – Adrenaline Adventure Visit one of the Dominican Republic’s best natural escapes, exploring the unique personalities of the waterfalls of Damajagua. This thrilling adventure will take you hiking through breathtaking scenery, canyoneering through narrow passages, jumping off cascades and sliding down natural waterslides.

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.

Dolphin Swim & Ocean World Day Pass

TURQUESA GIFT SHOP

Turquesa Gift Shop

Check everyone off your gift list at your one-stop gift and souvenir shop in Amber Cove! Amber Cove Port 787-721-7972 turquesapr@gmail.com

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.

All-Inclusive Coconut Cove Beach Break

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.

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.

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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Ports of call | Barbados

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BARBADOS

Palms sway at Bottom Bay, near Bridgetown.

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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FUNTREKS

Harrison’s Cave Tour

This tour begins with interpretive exhibits at the new clifftop Visitor Centre of the attraction and then descends to the valley floor via a cliff trail, a valley trail or glassenclosed elevators. Harrison’s Cave has an amazing array of stalactites and stalagmites, crystal-clear subterranean streams and a magnificent waterfall plunging into a deep emerald pool.

Jolly Roger Snorkeling & Pirate Party Cruise

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Welcome aboard the 110-foot Jolly Roger pirate ship for the most fun you will have on your vacation. After only a five-minute transfer to the dock it’s time for a fourhour voyage consisting of two snorkel stops to feed the hundreds of fish and the sea turtles while viewing the sunken shipwrecks. Then take a scenic cruise along the coast before enjoying some plank walking for the action lovers. After swimming the party gets going with a full open bar. Minimum age for snorkeling is 8 years.

Atlantis Submarine

Descend 55 feet below the waters of Barbados in the 48-person submarine Atlantis. The air-conditioned cabin offers spectacular views of coral, fish and other marine life. The submarine then goes 115 to 150 feet deep to view a shipwreck.

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.

Tiami Sail, Turtles & Beach

A sleek, spacious catamaran takes passengers alongside Barbados’ scenic coastline, anchoring in a sheltered bay for swimming and snorkeling among peaceful families of green and hawksbill turtles. It then sails to a second bay for swimming or strolling on the sand. The tour includes complimentary cocktails.

Five Star Catamaran & Turtle Encounter

This luxurious cruise by catamaran includes food, drinks, scenery, snorkeling and even a swim with turtles. Participants may swim in a sheltered bay or join a guided snorkel expedition on a reef. The tour then moves on to a second spot for a turtle encounter and a stroll on the beach; lunch is served on the way.

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Ports of call | Barbados

PIXACHI/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

Bridgetown’s promenade is a scenic walkway.

Things You Can’t Miss in Barbados 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 62

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

Pieces of Paradise 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.

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. 66

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#BornToDare

BLACK BAY S&G

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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,

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 and Chocolate. 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 of course, you cannot forget yourself! So stock up and savour the warm hospitality in every bite.

Come visit our store in the Bridgetown Cruise Terminal, Barbados

Free Samples & Specials Daily Available in-store only

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Ports of call | Bermuda

TODD TAULMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

BERMUDA

Sun-and-fun seekers on a Bermuda beach.

A little tea with your tan? Bermuda adds a British accent to just about everything except — thankfully — the weather. The result is a laid-back, uniquely charming sophistication. You’ll see businessmen in Bermuda shorts and policemen called “bobbies.” You’ll also find exhilarating recreation, fascinating history and delightful shopping and dining.

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FUNTREKS

Best of Bermuda Island Tour

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See the entire length of the island of Bermuda and its highlights, including the famous pink-sand beaches along the southern shore. Make a stop at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and St. Georgès, a World Heritage Site where you will enjoy 45 minutes on your own.

Ultimate Catamaran: Sail, Snorkel, Swim Enjoy the beautiful waters of Bermuda aboard its newest and largest sailing catamaran, Rising Son II. Lounge about the roomy shaded cockpit or lie on one of the huge trampolines and sip complimentary beverages as you cruise by the centuries-old remains of Bermuda’s forts. Swim to a nearby beach, lounge on a raft, float on a noodle, paddle a kayak or explore below the surface with your snorkel gear. Come back aboard for unlimited complimentary rum swizzles and sodas and enjoy island music.

Aquarium, Caves & Attractions This scenic, fully narrated coach tour of beautiful Bermuda offers the very best of the island’s highlights. Pass over Somerset Bridge, said to be the smallest drawbridge in the world, en route to Gibbs Hill Lighthouse for a photo stop. Next, head over to Crystal Caves, where you will descend 120 feet below the surface to the clear waters of the cave floor and view magnificent stalagtite and stalagmite formations.

Quick Guide Famed For: Pink-sand beaches, Bermuda shorts and charming cottage architecture. It’s a Fact: Bermuda is not one landmass but 181 islands, islets and rocks. Eight of them are connected to form the portion that most people visit. Signature Souvenirs: Rum cakes, perfume and paintings by local artists.

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Ports of call | Bermuda

PORT VIEW

St. Peter's Church, St. George.

Things You Can't Miss in Bermuda Pink-sand beaches and enthralling dive sites are just the beginning of Bermuda's allure. Generous servings of history and culture await in the St. George, Hamilton and the Royal Naval Dockyard. St. George was Bermuda's first capital (until 1815) and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Among the sites that helped it earn that distinction is St. Peter's Church, one of the first churches built in the new world. On a lighter historic note, don't miss a reenactment of the Ducking Stool, a form of punishment in the 15th to 18th centuries in which the guilty were tied to a stool and dunked in the water multiple times. The Royal Naval Dockyard was established in 1809 as a protection against the newly independent American

colonies. It is now the most visited site in Bermuda. Here you will find the National Museum of Bermuda, which houses local artist Graham Foster's two-story mural depicting 500 years of Bermuda history and culture. Hamilton, the current capital, offers everal historic buildings, shops and churches set along the Hamilton harbor. Churches in Hamilton, such as the Holy Trinity Church, are some of the oldest in the new world. Nature lovers will want to visit the Bermuda Botanical Gardens; art lovers, the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art that it contains. The collection represents Bermudaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, culture and heritage and includes works by such masters as Winslow Homer and Georgia Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Keefe. End your day with some dining and shopping on Front Street and a tour of the historic harbor.

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Ports of call | Bermuda

Pieces of Paradise The Flag Adopted October 4, 1910, Bermuda's flag reflects the nation's status as a British overseas territory. In the upper-left corner is the Union Jack, the official flag of th United Kingdom. Across from the Jack is the Bermuda coat of arms with the Latin inscription "Quo Fata Farunt" ("Whither the Fates Carry"). The emblem depicts a lion holding a shield with the picture of a shipwreck, an integral part of Bermuda's history. The island is surrounded by more than 300 sunken wrecks, which have become popular dive sites. Bermuda Shorts They're so ubiquitous they're almost a fashion uniform, and they began as an actual uniform for British troops seeking a defense against the warm climate. Since then, the almost-knee-length pants have been adopted by both men and women and are acceptable as casual business attire. A proper Bermuda short is one inch above the knee, but don't worry: Police officers no longer carry yardsticks to check hemlines. Bobbies Bermudian police are called bobbies as in the mother country, England; one difference is that in Bermuda, all the bobbies wear regulation Bermuda shorts. In Hamilton, at the intersection of Front and Queen streets, stands a landmark traffic box known as the Birdcage, from which a bobby can frequently be seen directing traffic. Named for its designer, Michael â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dickeyâ&#x20AC;? Bird, the Birdcage is one of the most photographed sights in Bermuda. Just like the guards outside Buckingham Palace, the designated Birdcage bobby keeps a stiff upper lip and rigid posture despite gaping stares and a multitude of camera lenses.

FROM TOP: The nation's flag; casual but crisp in Bermuda shorts; a bobby directing traffic in Hamilton's famed Birdcage.

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FINE ARTS . RAMPARTS .

WHITE SAILS . LONGTAILS .

SPANISH BLING . OCEAN KING .

CULTURAL TIES . BLUE SKIES .

Get a whole new view of Bermuda Your Dockyard Destination for History & Culture nmb.bm/visit/

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Ports of call | Bermuda

The Royal Naval Dockyard.

From Wreck to Recovery to Renaissance Bermuda is the culmination of a diverse assortment of cultures, bringing together English, Caribbean and African traditions. Its first capital, St. George, was one of the earliest settlements in the new world and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The islands take their name from Juan de Bermudez, a Spanish sea captain who, in 1505, became the first European to set foot here. But it was a tragic shipwreck more than a century later that set Bermuda's place in history. Dramatic Beginnings In 1609, the Sea Venture, carrying 150 English travelers to Jamestown, Virginia, was blown off course by a hurricane and shipwrecked on Bermuda, which the settlers named the Somers Isles for their leader, Sir George Somers. The event may have influenced Shakespeare's writing of The Tempest, which includes a 78

reference to “the still-vex ’d Bermoothes.” Most of the voyagers did reach Jamestown the following year, and other settlers were sent to Bermuda to colonize it. In 1612, Bermuda was included in the third charter of the Virginia Company and 60 English settlers were sent to colonize the islands. The colony also began receiving indentured servants and enslaved people, including Irish and Scottish political prisoners who were sold into servitude and transported here. In the early-17th century, the Virginia Company, then the British Government, gained control of the islands, naming the settlement the Bermuda Company and designating St. George parish as the capital. Bermuda’s port played an important role as a staging area in Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, aiding first the United States and then

Britain, respectively. Civil War blockade runners made stops in Bermuda. During America's Prohibition era (1920-1933), Bermudian ships profited by running rum to the United States. In 1968, a new constitution gave strong powers to the elected head of the majority political party in the legislature. Independence was proposed in 1995 and was rejected by almost three-quarters of voters in a referendum. The issue has remained alive into the 21st century, but continues to lack widespread support. In 2002, the British Overseas Territories Act granted full British citizenship to Bermudians, which would not automatically accrue to citizens of an independent Bermuda. Today, Bermuda is a one-of-a-kind combination of sophisticated British elegance and laidback island charm, with allure for adventurers and romantics alike.

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Ports of call | Bermuda

Cultural

Cuisine By Gloria Geanette

Savoring the epicurean delights you’ll find on the Bermudian menu will not only gratify your appetite but also will teach a little culture. The food you eat and the drink you imbibe have a history behind them. Bermuda’s first settlers were blown off course on their way to Virginia and stranded on the uninhabited islands on a hot, sultry day in 1609. According to diaries that were preserved, the crew of the Sea Venture, under Sir George Somers’ command, thought that they would be landing on a demon-infested island where they would either starve to death or be eaten. Instead, the marooned Englishmen were delighted to find abundant fish. From that legacy of plenty, Bermuda’s national favorites have emerged: fish chowder, rockfish, clawless lobster,

Codfish with tomato sauce and boiled eggs, a favorite Bermudian breakfast.

pepper pot and conch fritters. Even breakfast on the islands consists of codfish with egg sauce, bananas and boiled potatoes. A special sauce called sherry pepper, a unique island creation of red bird peppers and a sherry that gets stronger as it ages, is sometimes added to the dish by the more adventurous foodies for a touch of spice. Yet the Bermudian diet, with African, English and American aspects, is as eclectic as the population. The English influence is especially apparent in the many pubs and restaurants that serve traditional favorites like bangers and

mash (sausage and mashed potatoes), Yorkshire pudding and Ploughman’s Lunch (bread and cheese), along with pints of beer or ale. Two drinks vying for the title of national drink are the Bermuda Swizzle and the Dark and Stormy. The Swizzle is a popular sweet and sour rum drink invented in 1930 by Gilbert Alec Outerbridge, a local, and Bill Royston, an American who fled the Great Depression to start over in Bermuda. The Dark and Stormy is two parts ginger beer to one part rum. Whichever concoction you choose to imbibe, cheers!

Bermuda Fun Golf World’s #1 Miniature Golf Course. Come and ‘Putt a Round’ with us today!

Situated in Royal Naval Dockyard on an acre of ocean front property, Bermuda Fun Golf features 18 challenging holes designed after famous holes in the US, Scotland and Bermuda. Special Features include the Sunset Terrace, affording incredible views of Bermuda’s magnificent sunsets and the Caddy Shack, our fully licensed bar. When the sun sets enjoy our ‘Glow in the Dark’ night golf! Open Daily from 10am to 10pm, May through September.

Telephone: 441-400-PUTT(7888) Email: office@fungolf.bm

www.fungolf.bm

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Ports of call | Charleston

CHARLESTON

Quick Guide Famed for: Plantation gardens, mansions and other remnants of the antebellum South. It’s a Fact: Fort Sumter, scene of the battle that began the U.S. Civil War, is located in Charleston’s harbor. Signature Souvenirs: The city’s special rice spoon, a sweetgrass basket and benne wafers.

DAVE ALLEN PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Sout her n hospit a l it y i s i n f i ne for m throughout South Carolina, which welcomes visitors with an array of recreational and cultural activities. Its coast is lined with miles of pristine beaches, while inland towns and cities offer fascinating heritage.

A Charleston plantation.

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just like

MAMA MAKES IT!

CHARLESTON

HISTORIC MARKET STREET 99 South Market Street • Charleston, SC 29401 • (843) 723-5665

Walking Distance from Cruise Terminal • Happy Hour Low Country Food • Lunch and Dinner Daily bubbagump.com 5990.indd 1

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Ports of call | Freeport

RAMUNAS BRUZAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

FREEPORT

The endless stretch of Taino Beach.

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

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FUNTREKS

All Inclusive Beach Getaway

A package for those who want it all! Air-conditioned transport to your day in paradise: Swim in the crystal Caribbean waters; participate in activities based both on land or water; play volleyball or challenge a friend to a spirited game of chess. Take in the stunning views from our beach bar, with friendly staff onsite ensuring your visit is highly enjoyable. Our all-inclusive package offers roundtrip transportation, entrance to beach facilities, open bar and our delicious Bahamian buffet.

Freeport Kayak & Nature Experience

Explore Freeport’s Lucayan National Park as you paddle through the inland creeks of the mangroves and walk on the pathways through the forest.

RAMUNAS BRUZAS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Dolphin Close Encounter

This educational and interactive encounter begins with a short bus ride to the UNEXSO facility in Port Lucaya. Then, take a 20-minute boat ride through the canal systems of Grand Bahama Island to arrive at Sanctuary Bay, a natural 9-acre lagoon and home to 14 Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Learn about these dolphins while they splash and jump around you, and then step onto a 3-foot-deep submerged platform where you will pet, kiss and hug a dolphin.

Quick Guide Famed for: Diving with dolphins and sharks, quiet beaches and old fishing settlements. It’s a Fact: For the scenes in Pirates of the Caribbean filmed in the Bahamas, moviemakers built a special, maneuverable, seaside platform to give the pirate-ship set the illusion of pitching and yawing. Signature Souvenirs: Make-your-own perfume, junkanoo music CDs and batik-fabric clothing. How to Get to Town: Lucayan Harbour lies 10 minutes west of Freeport. Taxis and limos line up to meet the cruise ships.

Bahamas Jeep Adventure

Explore the vibrant community of Freeport on this Jeep tour, including lunch, beach time and shopping. You will learn about the island’s history, original Indian inhabitants and early settlers, along with enjoying a visit to the beautiful Garden of the Groves.

My Bahamian House: A Select Retreat!

Relax in an exclusive Bahamian-style home complete with your own chef, bartender and friendly host. Live the island dream and join a small, select group for a relaxing day of sun, to savor the flavors of the islands with unique cuisine and cocktails away from the crowds.

For a closer look at select tour experiences in Freeport, see “Exclusive Excursions” later in this section.

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Ports of call | Freeport

ALBO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

Find your patch of shade on the beach at Freeport.

Things You Can’t Miss in Freeport Grand Bahama, the most diverse island in the Bahamas, flexes its vacation muscle well beyond the Freeport-Lucaya resort scene. The ultimate island-swimming experience involves dolphins at UNEXSO (Underwater Explorers Society). The Lucaya-based operation also offers scuba-diving excursions. A number of other tour operators take you underwater for snorkeling at lovely Peterson Cay National Park or on brilliant offshore reefs, where tropical fish and spiny lobsters hang out. At Paradise Cove resort, west of the port, you can snorkel to Deadman’s Reef from the beach. Nature lovers can head east to the lush and historic Garden of the Groves for a serene tour of nature's finest 86

and lunch at the café. More active sorts can kayak and hike through Lucayan National Park, where ecosystems range from bat caves to remote beaches. Lively activities at Grand Lucayan Beach & Golf Resort include water sports and a waterslide, and a variety of restaurants and bars lay footsteps away. For more seclusion, find soft, white beaches that beg for bare feet and splashing in marbled blue-green waters at Taino Beach just east of Lucaya. The beach is also a short walk from the authentic Bahamian settlement of Smith’s Point. For those seeking local culture, outlying beachfront settlements and funky conch shacks make an intriguing introduction. — Chelle Koster Walton

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Freeport

EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS VIP Luxury Sail

Sail the Caribbean in style aboard a luxurious 50-foot Beneteau sailing yacht. Guests will sail along the coastline taking in the gorgeous views of Taino beach, in a comfortable atmosphere with modern facilities and an attentive, friendly crew. Soak up the sun during your all-inclusive adventure on your way to your snorkel destination. Weather permitting, guests can gear up with provided snorkel equipment before diving into the ocean for a refreshing swim or tropical adventure as they spot colorful fish and coral. During this time the captain will prepare a delicious bento box-styled lunch consisting of items such as local seafood, fresh salad, pasta, seasonal fruit and more, to be enjoyed on the journey back along with an open bar. Crew will ensure that the drinks continue to flow as you lie back and enjoy the remainder of your trip. Those wanting a more interactive experience can join the captain to learn new navigation skills during the return sail to the marina.

My Bahamian House: A Select Retreat!

Live the Caribbean dream in a private Bahamian-style home. A select number of guests can relax in this exclusive waterfront property with just a short walk to the beach. Enjoy a fresh, traditional meal prepared by your own chef and unlimited drinks shaken (not stirred) by the in-house bartender. Take your meal al fresco in the canal garden or indoors, and choose between Bahama Mamas, locally brewed beer or your own favorite cocktails â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all of which flow freely in this all-inclusive getaway. Then, relax in the sunny private beach with a tropical drink, go for a swim in the ocean or soak in a beautiful, tranquil cove accessible from the home and surrounded by Caribbean pine trees, creating a tropical sanctuary. Adventure seekers can kayak, snorkel or paddleboard away from the crowds on the quiet beach, and those in search of an educational experience can join the chef in the kitchen to learn her recipes, tips and tricks for a traditional Bahamian meal.

FROM TOP: The thrill of luxury yachting; the chill of relaxing at a private retreat.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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SWIM WITH DOLPHINS At our facility or in the open ocean or participate in our close encounter

SHOP â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TIL YOU DROP Largest selection of swimwear, resort wear and souvenirs in Freeport 4063L-R.indd 2

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DIVE INTO THE BLUE With our world renowned dive crew; explore wrecks, reefs and marine life

WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;VE GOT IT ALL AT UNEXSO! Freeport, Grand Bahama

Next to Port Lucaya Marketplace find us on See your Shore Excursion Desk for Details

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Ports of call | Freeport

Pieces of Paradise Androsia Batik Cloth One of the artisanal prides of the Bahamas, Androsia is made on the small island of Andros and sold all over Freeport. The fabric is waxed, hand-dyed, cut and sewn at the island factory. The brightly colored fabric is decorated with stenciled shapes of shells, birds, fish and flowers. Conch The sweet meat of this mollusk, similar to clam, is used in various dishes in the Bahamas and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Conch chowder may remind you of Manhattan-style clam chowder, but there's nothing else like batter-fried conch fritters. Guava If you like jelly rolls, you’ll love the Bahamas’ signature dessert: guava pulp, flour, butter, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves, all topped with a hard sauce of butter, eggs, sugar, vanilla and rum. If you can find guava pulp, you can make this at home.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Bright batik fabric; queen conch shell; guava, the start of something sweet; the local brew.

PHOTOS BY: R. GINO SANTA MARIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; ROBERT FREEMAN

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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PHOTOS BY: R. GINO SANTA MARIA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; ROBERT FREEMAN

SHOP â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;TIL YOU DROP Largest selection of swimwear, resort wear and souvenirs in Freeport Freeport, Grand Bahama, Next to Port Lucaya Marketplace

find us on Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING FEATURE

Grand Bahama

NATURE TOURS E

xperience the natural beauty, history and culture of Freeport, Bahamas, through a variety of tours and attractions.

A leisurely 12-mile bike ride takes you along the shoreline, through a historic settlement and to a tropical garden for lunch. You will have time for a dip in the ocean at Manta-Ray Beach Club and even a shopping stop at Port Lucaya Marketplace. Would you like to experience a pristine mangrove creek by kayak, swim and enjoy a picnic lunch on Gold Rock Beach — one of the Bahamas’ most spectacular beaches — and then follow your guide into the forest to observe native vegetation and birds? The Kayak, Nature and Beach Excursion will be the perfect choice for you. How about an adventurous ATV ride through forested terrain and along the Grand Lucayan Waterway, with breathtaking vistas over the turquoise ocean? This excursion allows you to spend time at Garden of the Groves and Manta-Ray Beach Club as well. Another exciting way to see the island is by driving your own Jeep in a convoy led by an experienced island guide. There will be many interesting stops of historic interest and natural beauty as well as time for lunch, a stroll in a tropical garden and a dip in the ocean. The Garden of the Groves is a lush tropical garden, dedicated in 1973 to Freeport’s founder, Wallace Groves. It is an informal garden with ponds, waterfalls and wildlife. Visit the historic chapel on the hill or walk the only spiritual Labyrinth in the Bahamas. Browse and buy authentic Bahamian souvenirs at the quaint shops. Relax for lunch or sip a cool Bahamian drink on the deck of the Garden Café overlooking the ponds and waterfalls. The Garden Cafe is one of the top restaurants on the island offering freshly grilled local delicacies, salads from the Garden’s own organic Aquaponic farm and its popular “Conch Burger” topped with the taste of fresh conch salad. Check with your Shore Excursion Desk for the popular Brewery, Perfume Factory and Sightseeing Tour.

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FREEPORT - BAHAMAS

Family on Gold Rock Beach

Jeep, Beach and Garden Excursion

Biking, Beach and Shopping Tour

ATV, Tropical Garden and Beach Adventure

Kayak, Nature and Beach Experience

The Tropical Garden of the Groves

SEE YOUR SHORE EXCURSION DESK FOR DETAILS

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Ports of call | Grand Turk

FUNTREKS

Catamaran Sailaway, Beach & Snorkel

Experience a great combination of sailing aboard one of the most beautiful catamarans in the Caribbean, a white sand beach and extraordinary snorkeling. You’ll have a magical experience sailing along the crystal clear turquoise waters aboard the spacious catamaran.

Reef & Rays & Beach Getaway

Experience the two premier attractions in the turquoise waters of Grand Turk: pristine coral reef snorkeling and stingrays at play.

The waters off Grand Turk promise incredible diving.

GRAND TURK 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.

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

All Inclusive Private Beach Break

A special day at the beach — enjoy a white sand beach, turquoise water and an island lunch at Grand Turk’s premier beach location. This all-inclusive package includes unlimited local beer and rum punch, fruit punch and sodas, a local lunch and a beach lounge chair and umbrella, plus one hour’s use of snorkel gear.

Home Sweet Home! Your Caribbean Retreat

Escape the crowds and enjoy Grand Turk’s greatest features: a beautiful beach and a private beach house. Come and be our guests as a select group of guests have the house as their own for the day. Read a book, bask in the sun, or snorkel or kayak on the clear blue waters. Enjoy some local drinks and local cuisine, our chef will prepare some local treats like conch salad for you to try — everything is included in this day package.

Aqua Thrill Seeker

Indulge in Grand Turk’s finest aquatic adventure where you will snorkel, power-snorkel and visit a secluded beach in one fun-filled day!

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Half Moon Cay

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

HALF MOON CAY

Horseback riding is one of many activities on the island.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty of fun to be had at this island getaway in the Bahamas. Splash it up at the water park, enjoy a cocktail at the open-air Bahamian bar or shop at the craft market. Want more? Book a shore excursion to explore the island and the surrounding waters.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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FUNTREKS

Half Moon Cay Snorkel by Boat

Put on your snorkeling gear and bring your sense of adventure. Travel by boat to a site off the coast of Half Moon Cay. Get an up-close view into the crystal clear waters of the sparkling Caribbean. Snorkel from the boat in waters teeming with gloriously colored fish, anemones and coral.

Horseback Riding by Land & Sea

Saddle up for the horseback riding experience of a lifetime! Enjoy a great photo opportunity and panoramic view of Half Moon Cay and the surrounding Bahamian islands. Continue along the bay en route back to the corral where you will enjoy a refreshment while your horse is “dressed” for swimming in specially designed pad and rope halter (no saddle).

Stingray Adventure CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES

Enjoy an educational encounter with the southern stingrays that make Half Moon Cay their home.

Tropical Kayak Adventure

Join our island naturalist on a relaxing but invigorating kayak adventure on Bone Fish Lagoon. Kayak part of the lagoon that comprises over 1,400 square acres of protected habitat. See the numerous species of flora ranging from red mangroves to the ornamental silver buttonwood tree.

Combo, Eco Bike & Hike Tour

Quick Guide

Enjoy a bike ride throughout this tropical paradise, exploring behind the scenes, followed by a hike with magnificent views of the surrounding islands.

Famed for: Recreation and relaxation in this private paradise, also known as Little San Salvador Island. It’s a Fact: Half Moon Cay is 17 miles from the nearest island neighbor. Signature Souvenirs: Bahamian arts and crafts sold by local vendors.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Jacksonville

PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) KATHERINE WELLES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PIER) ROB WILSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

JACKSONVILLE

The Jacksonville bridge and Southbank Riverwalk area, seen from across the St. Johns River.

Northeast Floridaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest city has many historical, cutural and recreational choices. Jacksonville has several excellent museums, and its beaches and golf courses are among the state's best.

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Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) KATHERINE WELLES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PIER) ROB WILSON/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Quick Guide Famed for: Succulent shrimp, serene beaches and championship golf courses. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Fact: At over 800 square miles, Jacksonville is geographically the largest city in the continental United States. Signature Souvenirs: A Jacksonville Jaguars team keepsake.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Nassau

PAM BLIZZARD/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

NASSAU

A lighthouse overlooks the entrance to Nassau Harbor.

The focal point of Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas, has always been the harbor, which has lured gangs of buccaneers, bootleggers and various other wily adventurers over the years. Beyond the harbor are many more delights: brightly painted buildings, intriguing history and alluring shopping, for starters.

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Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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FUNTREKS

Private Island Beach Day with BBQ Lunch

Take in the aqua-blue waters of the Bahamas at Balmoral Island Beach. The deluxe experience includes transportation, beach chair and lunch on a luxurious island experience which features four bars, an indoor food venue with specialty coffee, a plunge pool and a pristine white-sand beach.

Atlantis Aquaventure

Carnival guests may explore the Caribbean’s largest water-themed attraction. The 141-acre waterscape of pools, water coasters, body slides and rivers holds over 20 million gallons of freshwater and seawater and is home to more than 50,000 sea creatures. Shopping and casino gaming are also available.

PAM BLIZZARD/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

A sleek catamaran takes guests to lush coral gardens filled with colorful tropical fish. Upon arrival at the snorkel spot, participants get an orientation and may then explore the reef, with time to lounge on the deck and take in the serene view. The return trip includes complimentary lemonade.

Private Island Dolphin Swim & Beach Day

An incredible dolphin experience you will cherish for a lifetime! A unique opportunity to free-swim with dolphins on a beautiful private island.

Quick Guide Famed for: Pink-hued buildings, Junkanoo revelers and pirate lore. It’s a Fact: American rebels briefly occupied the British port after the two-day Battle of Nassau in 1776.

Sea & See Tour

This excursion combines the Seaworld Explorer tour, where you will have the chance to observe a variety of tropical fish through the clear glass windows while sitting 5 feet below the surface in air-conditioned comfort along with a one-hour island tour of Nassau.

Signature Souvenirs: Local crafts from the Straw Market. How to Get to Town: It takes almost no time to reach the center of Nassau and its many shops and attractions — it’s all just a short walk from the pier.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Nassau

CARLOS ARGUELLES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

Colorful homes line Nassau’s waterfront.

Things You Can’t Miss in Nassau Slip on your walking shoes if you plan to get to know the spirit and culture of the Bahamas in one day. If you’d rather save your feet, or want to add an element of romance to your visit, hire a horse-drawn surrey ride from the dock. Near the dock, you’ll pass all of Nassau’s most important and impressive government buildings, churches and monuments. Some of downtown’s historic buildings house specialty museums, such as the thought-provoking Pompey Museum of Slavery & Emancipation at the old slave marketplace, and The Balcony House Museum,

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believed to be the Bahamas’ oldest wooden structure. Families will want to stop at the interactive Pirates of Nassau Museum. Downtown’s Bay Street shopping area offers everything from duty-free jewelry and perfume, to the vibrant work of local artists. For the wares at the Straw Market, you’ll need cash if you want to bargain. Among the islanders’ favorite local secrets found on West Bay Street is Arawak Cay, a collection of casual and colorful eateries and shops where fresh conch salad prepared ceviche-style is the specialty and made to order before your very eyes. — Chelle Koster Walton

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Nassau

Shopping in

Nassau

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

MARCHING FLAMINGOS Almost everyone has seen marching horses and marching elephants. But marching flamingos? You can see them yourself every day at Ardastra Gardens, Zoo & Conservation Centre, a cool retreat amid the bustle of Nassau. Audiences wait in eager expectation of the arrival of the more than a dozen flamingos trained to spread their wings and march on command, responding to the voice of their trainer. All spectators are invited to enter the show arena after the performance for a close-up encounter with the amazing pink birds. Animal lovers can also see a meerkat family as well as parrots, iguanas, lemurs, monkeys, sloths and even kinkajous. — Deborah Williams

Korite Column set

Pink flamingos.

Safi Kilima Tanzanite oval ring

John Hardy Classic extra-small chain bracelet with pavé diamonds 106

PHOTO BY: (BOTTOM) PAGINA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (TOP) ILYA AKINSHIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

TAG Heuer Calibre 8 watch

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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PARADISE ISLAND STRAW MARKET

FORT CHARLOTTE STRAW MARKET FORT CHARLOTTE PLEASE VISIT ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS:

Downtown Straw Market - Woodes Rogers Wharf/Bay Street Paradise Island Straw Market - Paradise Island Fort Fincastle Straw Market - Fort Fincastle Fort Charlotte Straw Market - Fort Charlotte Pompey Straw Market - Cable Beach

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LESS STRESS more focus

CLASSIC COLLECTION Develop your success oriented attitude with the Classic Collection, embedded as all Philip Stein products with our unique Natural Frequency Technology ® which harnesses and channels frequencies to help you feel less stressed and improve your overall wellbeing. Discover your wellbeing at philipstein.com

Kay’s Fine Jewelry King’s Court Building (Across from the Straw Market)

Bay Street. Nassau, Bahamas. Tel : 1-242-424-2173

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Ports of call | Port Canaveral

FUNTREKS

Kennedy Space Center Tour

Visit Kennedy Space Center and experience the thrilling past, present and future of America’s space program.

Airboat Tour & Alligators

Explore the heart of the Central Florida Everglades on this exciting airboat adventure and educational tour.

Universal Studios® Theme Park

Take an unforgettable journey through remarkable islands where all your favorite myths, legends, comic books, cartoons and children’s stories come to life.

Delight in classic attractions, enchanting fireworks, musical parades and beloved Disney characters across six whimsical lands. See fantasy become a reality as you explore Adventureland, Frontierland, Liberty Square, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A.

Kennedy Space Center’s Rocket Garden still fascinates.

SONGQUAN DENG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom®

Quick Guide Famed for: Kennedy Space Center.

PORT CANAVERAL The deep-water harbor of Port Canaveral leads visitors to the Kennedy Space Center on Cape Canaveral. Miles of sandy shoreline stretch along the cape, and the hugely popular theme parks are not far away.

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It’s a Fact: The nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge has more endangered species than any other natural haven in the country. Signature Souvenirs: A miniature Space Shuttle, freeze-dried ice cream and other artifacts of Space Age memorabilia.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | San Juan

GERARDO BORBOLLA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

SAN JUAN

Colorful buildings abound in Old San Juan.

Struck by two major hurricanes that hit backto-back in 2017, San Juan â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all of Puerto Rico â&#x20AC;&#x201D; suffered unimaginable devastation so widespread that the island may still be unrecognizable to those who have enjoyed its beauty and hospitality. Puerto Rico, which is a U.S. territory, suffered massive power failures and severe food and water shortages, and many roads were impassable for weeks

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and months. Even if San Juan has recovered as you read this, the attractions featured in the following pages may still be rebuilding. Consult your excursion team for updates on conditions ashore. Once San Juan has returned to welcome visitors again, we urge you to support local businesses and help them return to prosperity.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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FUNTREKS

Rainforest Drive

Guests see El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the United States territory. Sights include the Luquillo mountain range, featuring spectacular jungle vegetation. The tour stops at La Coca Falls, a natural pool and the Tourist Recreation Center, as well as at handicraft and local product stores.

Rainforest Horseback Riding Adventure

Enjoy the ride through the north part of Puerto Rico to the eastern side through the Central Mountain Range.

GERARDO BORBOLLA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Deluxe Beach Escape At Vivo Beach Club with Lunch

Escape to Vivo Beach Club. Swim in the crystal Caribbean waters; participate in activities on land or water.

Window Cave Experience

Prepare yourself to have an astonishing ecological adventure. Your tour will depart San Juan on a 1 ¼-hour sightseeing ride to Arecibo.

Xtreme Zipline Adventure & The Beast

Quick Guide Famed for: The walled Old San Juan district, with 400 restored buildings dating to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Enjoy one of Puerto Rico’s tropical forest reserves while on an exhilarating zipline adventure. This tour consists of eight regular zip lines and The Beast, the famous “superman.” At 4,745 feet — almost a mile — it’s considered to be the secondlongest and second-highest zip line in the world.

It’s a Fact: The piña colada, that creamy concoction of rum, pineapple and coconut, was invented here. Signature Souvenirs: Guayabera shirts and folk art found in local-designer clothing boutiques and art galleries. How to Get to Town: The ship will dock at one of three different piers in San Juan: Pier 1, Pier 4 or the Pan-American Pier. From Pier 1, it’s just a short walk to the Old San Juan historic district and shopping area. Pier 4 is a 10-to-15-minute walk or a short taxi ride to town. From the Pan-American Pier, you’ll want to take a taxi, as it’s not within walking distance. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | San Juan

SONGQUAN DENG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

The ocean view from Old San Juan

Things We Love About San Juan The heart and soul of the island is Old San Juan, the historic district, which dates to the 1500s. Visitors explore historical and cultural attractions throughout the cobblestoned and walled city, strolling by the ramparts where Spanish soldiers once held watch. An energetic nightlife, including casinos and creative dining, draws visitors to different districts in San Juan. In SOFO, the “South of Fortaleza” Street neighborhood, fine restaurants double as bars for after-hours entertainment. A 10-minute drive leads to the beautiful beaches of the chic Condado, Isla Verde and Santurce areas, where sea kayaking, surfing and windsurfing are popular sports during the day,

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and lounges and nightclubs fire up at night. Across the lagoon from Condado, Santurce is a cultural center with attractions that include the Museum of Art, the Fine Arts Center, Central Park and La Placita de Santurce, an open-air plaza with diverse local cuisine that turns into an all-out street fest on weekend nights. Outside the city, the El Yunque rain forest is a must for those seeking Puerto Rico’s natural side. As the only rain forest in the US Forest System, it offers 28,000 acres of walking and hiking trails, bird-watching opportunities and idyllic waterfalls in which to take a refreshing dip, with rappelling and zip-lining for the more adventurous types.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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John Hardy and Modern Chain Collection are Registered Trademarks.

The Artisan Handcrafted Modern Chain Collection

250 Fortaleza Street, Old San Juan 787-977-5555 www.bluediamondgems.com

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Ports of call | San Juan

Pieces of Paradise Coqui Frog This tiny, indigenous frog — even the largest measures only about an inch — is the national symbol of Puerto Rico. The “ko-kee” song of the male, which begins at dusk and continues throughout the night, is one of the distinctive sounds of San Juan and the island.

Salsa Music Salsa may have been born in New York, but its roots are deep in the traditional rhythms of Puerto Rican folk music. The very first salsa bands were formed by Puerto Rican transplants making it big in the Big Apple by blending jazz, funk and Afro-Caribbean beats with the sounds they loved from back home. And salsa returned to its roots with a passion, where it has remained one of Puerto Rico’s most popular music styles.

FROM TOP: A cute coqui frog; Bacardi 8 served over ice; mofongo, a classic island dish.

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PHOTOS BY: (COQUI) PANACHAI CHERDCHUCHEEP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BACARDI) JOSHUA RESNICK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MOFONGO) OTOKIMUS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Cocina Criolla San Juan is teeming with restaurants and cafés specializing in cocina criolla, the local cuisine that reflects Puerto Rico’s centuries of varied cultural influences. Two of the most distinctive local foods are bacalaitos (codfish fritters) and mofongo. Made of tostones (deep-fried green plantains) mashed with olive oil and garlic, mofongo can come in any number of presentations, including stuffed with seafood, pork or chicken and sometimes topped with tomato and garlic sauce.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | San Juan

THE WALLED CITY By Gerald Zarr

If the explorers had their way, you would be visiting the city of Puerto Rico on the island of San Juan, rather than San Juan on the island of Puerto Rico.

CEDRIC WEBER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Christopher Columbus landed on the beautiful island in 1493 and named it San Juan Bautista. In 1511, Juan Ponce de Leรณn named the town Puerto R ico. An unknown mapmaker seems to have switched the names in the 16th century, however, and it has stayed that way ever since.

Ocean view from El Morro.

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Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | San Juan

Beginnings One of the oldest European cities in the Americas, San Juan is known as The Walled City, because of its massive encircling stone wall anchored by the mighty forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal. The wall was started in 1539 and finished in 1782. Up until 1897, the city was accessible only through five enormous, heavily guarded wooden doors that closed at nightfall. Spain’s Neighbors Come Calling The wall was not merely for show. San Juan Bay soon became the central hub for the export of New World riches and a magnet for British, Dutch and French privateers, as well as pirates, who sought fame and fortune, while their motherlands lusted for the most lucrative piece of real estate in the Western Hemisphere. With all this attention, it’s surprising how infrequently the city was overrun. The British managed to seize and burn San Juan in 1598, but dysentery did them in. On their heels, the Dutch attacked in 1625, but were also overcome by disease and had to retreat. Irish Interlude As Spain’s prominence declined in the 18th century, Puerto Ricans became resentful of getting so little in return for their labor from the Spanish. Islanders were not allowed to participate in government, and Spain’s mercantilist practices did not allow them to trade with other nations. As a result, the Puerto Ricans took to trading sugar and rum illegally. Because of that, the Spanish Empire took decisive action and sent two Irishmen to take charge. The first was Tomas O’Daly, an experienced engineer, who fortified San Juan’s defenses. The second was his boss, Field Marshal Alejandro O’Reilly, an Irish mercenary who fought in the Spanish Army and quickly rose through the ranks. O’Reilly built schools and roads, dropped trade restrictions and lowered taxes; consequently, Puerto Rico’s economy boomed in the late 18th century. O’Reilly is also known as the father of the Puerto Rican militia, because he built up and reformed a local constabulary force. After leaving San Juan, O’Reilly went to New Orleans to become the governor of Spanish Louisiana. Under the American Flag Following the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico came under American rule. In 1917, Puerto Ricans became American citizens. They have since voted overwhelmingly to retain their commonwealth status, making San Juan the oldest city under the US flag today. Old San Juan’s Rescue After the city walls came down in 1897, the city expanded to include Miramar, Santurce, Condado, Hato Rey and Río Piedras, but Old San Juan remained its heart and soul. In 1973, Old San Juan gained the coveted title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once considered a dingy assemblage of colonial ruins that seemed to have crumbled in tandem with the empire that constructed them, the seven-block square comprising Old San Juan is now considered the best repository of Spanish colonial architecture in the Western Hemisphere. The charming blue cobblestones that pave the streets originally served as ballast on Spanish ships. La Fortaleza, one of the old city’s jewels, is the oldest executive mansion in the Western Hemisphere.

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San Juan

Timeline

1493 Columbus reaches Puerto Rico.

1511 1782

San Juan is settled.

The great encircling wall is completed.

1898 Puerto Rico comes under US rule.

1947 The governor becomes popularly elected.

1973 Old San Juan becomes a World Heritage Site.

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SEE THE WONDERFUL Remember every adventure with our NEW collection

T H E PA N D O R A S T O R E AT

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264 Fortaleza Street Old San Juan, PR 00901 787.977.7777 10/18/17 8:49 AM

Ports of call | San Juan

Shopping in

Colonial street to La Fortaleza, the governor’s mansion

San Juan Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town. See it? Like it? Buy it! Mark Henry Alexandrite pendant Pavé Collection

Marahlago Alexandria necklace

Philip Stein Signature Chronograph with black alligator strap

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THE OLDEST MANSION

Old San Juan is filled with hundreds of preserved buildings that tell the history of the city and the island. La Fortaleza, the Western Hemisphere’s oldest executive mansion in continuous use, has been home to more than 200 Puerto Rican governors. Its original single tower and patio were built in 1540 to protect the Spanish population from the Carib tribe. Its more palatial elements were 19th-century additions, including the polished reception rooms, the stately mahogany staircase and the mosaic-lined chapel that was once used as a storeroom for gold bullion.

ANTIGUA TOURISM BOARD

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TAG HEUER CARRERA CALIBRE HEUER 01

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250 Calle Fortaleza Old San Juan, Puerto Rico 787-977-5555

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Ports of call | San Juan

COLONIAL CHARM

in Old San Juan

Besides the area’s rich heritage, the district offers plenty of shopping, dining and nightlife opportunities in and around beautiful courtyards encircled with striking arches and ornamented with colorfully patterned tiles. Three stunning Spanish Colonial structures that are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located within Old San Juan’s walls: La Fortaleza palace and the forts of El Morro and San Cristóbal. El Morro is the best place from which to set out. The fortress boasts walls 20 feet thick and 140 feet high on the western point of the peninsula. Built from 1539 to 1783, this massive edifice defended Puerto Rico from a slew of enemies over the years. Sir Francis Drake was one of the first to attack it in 1595, and it was last bombarded by US troops in 1898. One of the few buildings in the city older than El Morro is Casa Blanca, built in 1521 as the residence of the Ponce de León family. Casa Blanca remained in the explorer’s family for 250 years. In modern times, the structure has been restored as two museums, one of which features much of the original wood furniture. Back in the heart of Old San Juan, the buildings and historical sites are much more concentrated. Some of the best stops are the San Juan Museum of Art and History, the Pablo Casals Museum, the San Juan Cathedral, La Puerta de San Juan (the original port) and the Museum of the Americas. The district’s best photo spot is probably La Garita del Diablo, which is one of the oldest areas in the San Cristóbal fort and was built in 1634. With all of the incredible scenery in Puerto Rico, digital photographers will be glad they don’t have to worry about running out of film.

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PHOTOS BY: (GARITA) JOHN WOLLWERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (EL MORRO COURTYARD) ALBERTO LOYO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

If you are drawn to historic cities, the seven blocks that make up Old San Juan will enchant you.

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Ports of call | San Juan

Puerto Rican

LEFT: Rum and a cigar, the perfect pair. ABOVE: A cigar-maker at work.

DELIGHTS

Think of San Juan, and quite likely three little words come to mind: Coffee, rum and cigars. Once the mainstays of Puerto Rico’s economy, these locally made delights still have their place at the table. Coffee made its Caribbean debut in the 1700s, when plants imported from the Old World first arrived on the scene. The shiny green shrubs flourished on Puerto Rico’s mountain slopes. Plantation owners grew rich, and coffee mills soon dotted the landscape. Although production has decreased over the years, a few top estates still grow the island’s prized black gold. Rum and alcohol are nearly synonymous in Puerto Rico. Distilled from fermented molasses,

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a byproduct of sugarcane processing, this island spirit has a long history in the region. The best rum is aged in oak barrels, either charred to give the spirit color, or left uncharred for clear, white rum. Cigars, as the story goes, date back to the island’s pre-Columbian inhabitants, the Taíno. They cultivated tobacco and rolled the dried leaves into cigars, which the Europeans observed in their early encounters with the natives. Intrigued, the explorers took their newfound habit back to Europe — and the cigar craze began. More than 500 years later, hand-rolling remains the preferred method of making fine cigars. — Ginger Dingus

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NORDSTROM • SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

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Over 80 stores and restaurants ENTERTAINMENT Karaoke Nights on Thursdays 7pm-10pm Live Music on Fridays and Saturdays 4 Coffee Shops 6 Restaurants Gelato Parlor Happy Mondays •All day long “happy hours” at our restaurants Children’s Play Area Kids Club on Tuesdays from 2pm-6pm • Free, fun activities • Kids eat free all day long – all restaurants 5088.indd 1

TOURIST AMENITIES • Passport to Shopping Discount Booklet • Complimentary Luggage Storage • Free WiFi • Complimentary Shopping Packages • Complimentary Wheelchairs • Personal Shopper at participating stores • 5 minutes away from Luis Muñoz Marín Airport • 15 minutes away from ports

Out-of-town guests, pick up your PASSPORT TO SHOPPING at Customer Service and enjoy exclusive visitor offers!

themallofsanjuan.com

Access through Piñero Avenue and the Teodoro Moscoso Bridge

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Ports of call | San Juan

A Gastronome’s

TOUR

Dining is an integral part of discovering Old San Juan, as much as sightseeing or shopping. The SOFO neighborhood — South of Fortaleza — is known for fine dining and outdoor food festivals that draw many a hungry crowd. In the chic Condado and Isla Verde areas, chefs combine modern Latin-fusion meals with traditional Creole cuisine, and diners enjoy mouthwatering blends of Latin, French, Asian and even Indian dishes. Traditional Tastes The lively town of Santurce is home to fashionable Spanish restaurants, a local farmers market and the delightful fondas: small eateries serving homestyle Puerto Rican cooking. You might enjoy asopao, a hardy chicken-and-rice gumbo. Your meal will likely come with a generous helping of arroz blanco (white rice) and habichuelas — beans stewed in sofrito, a blend of onions, peppers, cilantro, garlic and salt pork. And you’re sure to want a dessert of flan (baked custard topped with a caramel glaze) or tembleque, a bread pudding made with coconut milk and custard. Of course, no meal is complete without a cup of rich Puerto Rican coffee.

THE PUERTO RICO TOURISM COMPANY

¡Buen provecho!

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Ports of call | San Juan

Statue of Christopher Columbus in San Juan

Circles & SQUARES By Ginger Dingus

In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue. He landed in Puerto Rico during his second voyage in 1493, only to sail right back home across the Atlantic.

KONSTANTIN L/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Now he has come full circle. The explorer has returned to San Juan in the form of a statue, an impressive figure that stands on a pedestal in the Plaza de Colón. A more recent homage to Columbus, Plaza del Quinto Centenario was created to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the European voyage to the Americas. The multilevel square, located on the highest hill in the old city, overlooks a busy harbor filled with cruise ships and a multitude of other vessels. Old San Juan’s colonial central square, the Plaza de Armas, was originally used for military drills — hence its name. Graced by a fountain and statues representing the four seasons, the plaza is a lively gathering spot for locals and a convenient place for visitors to take a break from the shopping circuit.

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

MBOE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ST. KITTS

Historic Brimstone Hill Fortress offers fascinating history and breathtaking views.

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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FUNTREKS

TOP SHORE EXCURSIONS

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Here are some fun ways to explore during your visit. Want more? Stop by the onboard excursions desk or look for Team Orange, the friendly crew members in the bright orange shirts. They’ll help you find the perfect tours for you and everyone in your group.

Dolphin Swim

It’s time to meet your dolphin pal! Fun awaits you for your chance to kiss, caress and swim with a dolphin.

Catamaran Fan-Ta-Sea & Nevis Beach Break

Set sail along the coast of St. Kitts for a memorable day on the water, enjoying time to snorkel and relax on the beach as well as a delicious buffet lunch.

St. Kitts by Rail & Sail

The St. Kitts Railway offers a memorable journey around this beautiful island, followed by a relaxing catamaran sail back along St. Kitts’ southwestern coastline.

Deluxe Catamaran Sail & Snorkel with Open Bar

Board your catamaran and sail the crystal clear waters to Shitten Bay for a rewarding snorkeling experience.

Sky Safari Zip Lining

Adrenaline runs high on this “flight” over the rainforest, 25 stories above ground. Participants travel by Land Rover to the zip-line course, which crosses valleys and a stream and goes through tunnels of vegetation to the landing point.

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.

Coming Back from the Storm The 2017 hurricanes did great damage in St. Kitts. While recovery is under way, some attractions featured here may still be undergoing cleanup and rebuilding. Consult the onboard shore excursions team for the latest conditions ashore. We encourage you to support local businesses and help them return to prosperity.

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

St. Kitts is a colorful stop in the Caribbean.

DARRYL BROOKS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

Things You Can’t Miss in St. Kitts 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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Port Zante, St.Kitts

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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

Ports of call | St. Kitts

Pieces of Paradise 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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LESS STRESS more style

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Port Zante Building 29, Unit 1 Basseterre, St.Kitts Tel: 1-869-465-4068

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Marriott Resort 858 Zenway Blvd Frigate Bay, St. Kitts 1-869-466-7106

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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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Punctually Unpredictable

GOLD MINE DUTY FREE JAMAICA • ST KITTS • 1-876-823-5483

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CRAZY CARATS A twist of the crown magically reveals different gemstones, your different moods. FENDI.COM/TIMEPIECES

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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

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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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.

Executive Skeleton Tourbillon Silicium technology 170-hour power reserve ulysse-nardin.com

PORT ZANTE, ST-KITTS

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

UNSPOILED CARIBBEAN SPLENDOR

It takes only 20 minutes to completely circle the rounded island of Nevis, a lush, unspoiled tropical paradise. Calm and quiet prevail: no crowds clamoring on beaches, hardly a traffic jam — not even a traffic light. Plantations that once dotted the landscape are now home to quaint inns and bungalows, many with old water cisterns and towering stone-chipped sugar mills transformed into plush sleeping accommodations and fine dining rooms. Often cloaked in puffy clouds, Nevis Peak is a landmark 3,232-foot mountain at the island’s center, flanked by nearby Saddle Hill, where British Adm. Horatio Nelson once watched for approaching French ships. Today, rainforests with mango, coconut and breadfruit trees shade hiking trails where sheep, goats and monkeys roam freely. Along the mountain’s base, locals grow oranges, papayas and guavas that thrive in the cooler tropical temperatures. Nearby, the Botanical Gardens of Nevis provide a shady retreat with rare plants and trees, including the spiny Burglar Palm and the aptly named Old Man Palm, with shaggy, beard-like fibers spread generously over its trunk. The splendor continues at nightfall, when the mellifluous chatter of whistling frogs breaks the silence, and the skies above St. Kitts glow with deep orange and burgundy streaks of light — the hues of a dramatic sunset that islanders cherish and visitors will never forget. — Richard Varr

LEFT: Hiking through the rainforest. BELOW: The Botanical Gardens’ Tea House.

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Ports of call | St. Kitts

FAST REAK LY B G N I I 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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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

JOHN WOLLWERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ST. MAARTEN/ ST. MARTIN

Quick Guide Half Dutch and half French, the two-nation island of St. Maarten/St. Martin enjoys the best that its dual heritage has to offer — 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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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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FUNTREKS

Anguilla Dolphin Swim

Take an approximate 50-minute boat trip to the neighboring island of Anguilla for your once in a life time experience! Here you will have the opportunity to touch, kiss and pet the dolphin and watch as the trainer demonstrates some amazing dolphin behaviors like the singing and splashing.

Aqua Fun Rides

JOHN WOLLWERTH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ride this fast two-person watercraft along the St. Maarten shoreline and swim or snorkel in the pristine waters. There is a brief introduction to the vessel’s operation system by the guide and off you go surfing the waves, cross the border to the north side up to Creole Rock Island in Grand Case’s Nature Reserve. Anchor the vessel, enjoy snorkeling and swimming and relax your senses in the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

St. Maarten Jeep & Beach Fun

Join us today for an adventure of a lifetime, exploring the smallest island split between two nations, Dutch and French. Get away from the crowds and experience 4x4 trails and island roads.

Airplane Watching & Snorkel Cruise Philipsburg lies on the Dutch side of the island.

Enjoy a scenic boat ride along the coast to Maho Bay where you will experience a jet blast without danger at St. Maarten Airport.

AmSurf & Turf: Jeep & Speed Boat Adventure Recovering from the Storms The 2017 hurricanes did great damage in St. Maarten. While recovery is under way, some attractions featured here may still be undergoing cleanup and rebuilding. Consult the onboard shore excursions team for the latest conditions ashore.

Are you ready to get the best of both worlds by circumnavigating St. Maarten by land and sea?

We encourage you to support local businesses and help them return to prosperity.

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

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PORT VIEW

A colorful home in St. Maarten

Things You Can’t Miss in St. Maarten/St. Martin 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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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

46 Front Street | Philipsburg, St.Maarten Harbor Cruise Terminal | St.Maarten 721.542.2473 majestyjewelers.com facebook.com/majestyjewelers

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

Pieces of Paradise 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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#BornToDare

BLACK BAY BRONZE

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PHOTOS BY: ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD; JON WILLIAMS

Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

TWO NATIONS,

Boats rest quietly in a serene harbor.

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 154

dominance over the region. They also harbored large quantities of gold 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

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of the island, the Spanish returned to reclaim their land and ran the settlers off onto neighboring islands.

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. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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St. Maarten CURAÇAO Here’s the ultimate insider guide to what’s hot in town. See it? Like it? Buy it! Kabana Pink mother of pearl heart

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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

Danyal Paraiba Orion's belt

The Dutch and French happily share the two-nation island. 156

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Ports of call | St. Maarten/St. Martin

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

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

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

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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

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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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SECLUDED SHORES

The island’s world-famous beaches are extraordinary even by Caribbean standards. Most are bustling, but there are stretches of sand still undiscovered by the masses. With 36 beaches to choose from on the French side of the island, you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. • Baie Longue (Long Bay) Rated by many as the best beach on the island, Baie Longue stretches for a mile on the western end of St. Martin. • Orient This is one of the most popular clothing-optional beaches. Hordes of beachgoers come to shuck their clothes, catch some sun and gape. Unlike the neighboring French shores, almost all beaches on the Dutch side discourage nude or topless sunbathing. These beaches are relatively close to the pier in Philipsburg. • Great Bay Smack in the middle of town, this strip of beach provides an oasis of peace. • Simpson Bay This crescent-shaped sweep of sugar-white sand is a center for windsurfing activity. Set against a small fishing village, Simpson Bay offers a laid-back environment. • Maho Bay This palm-shaded beach is strewn with lounge chairs belonging to the numerous beachfront resorts lining the shore.

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. 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 island’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. — Ginger Dingus

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BELOW: PHOTO BY: PATRICIA HOFMEESTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM./ ABOVE: ST. MAARTEN TOURISM BOARD

OLD SALTS

Salt mounds

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

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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.

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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Ports of call | St. Thomas

HANK SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

ST. ST. THOMAS THOMAS

Charlotte Amalie’s harbor still attracts seafaring men and women.

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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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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FUNTREKS

Turtle Cove Sail & Snorkel with Open Bar

Experience the thrill of sailing the crystal clear Caribbean waters on a 65-foot catamaran as well as snorkeling around world famous Buck Island.

St. John Trunk Bay Beach Getaway & Snorkel

Guests sample the many pleasures of the beach at Trunk Bay, one of the world’s most highly rated stretches of sand. After a ferry ride across Pillsbury Sound, visitors travel past Cruz Bay, Hawksnest Bay and Caneel Bay, arriving at Trunk Bay for snorkeling in the crystalline waters.

St. John Champagne Catamaran Sailaway HANK SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A custom-designed catamaran takes guests from Charlotte Amalie Harbor to the island of St. John. A brisk sail across Pillsbury Sound leads to a special anchoring destination for swimming, snorkeling, beachcombing and relaxation. Complimentary champagne and snacks are served before the return trip.

Tree Limin’ Extreme Zip-Line Tour

Soar high in the St. Thomas rainforest of St. Peter Mountain. Traverse eight platforms with stunning views of Magen’s Bay, the British Virgin Islands and beyond.

St. Thomas Parasail Adventure

Fly like a bird 400+ feet above the crystal blue Caribbean waters of St. Thomas on an exhilarating ride controlled by your certified crew!

An Island on the Way Back

St. Thomas sustained heavy damage from the hurricanes that struck the Caribbean and southeastern United States in 2017, but recovery got under way soon after the storms passed. The rebuilding is likely still ongoing as you read this; attractions mentioned in the following pages may not be open. See the onboard excursions team for updates on tours and conditions in town. We encourage you to support St. Thomas' businesses and help them return to prosperity.

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STEVE HEAP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

Charlotte Amalie sparkles at night.

Things We Love About St. Thomas One of the busiest cruise destinations in the world, Charlotte Amalie is a shopper’s delight. Waterfront Highway and Main Street are a maze of side alleys connected by shopping centers, most notably A. H. Riise. Main Street’s buildings are protected as historic structures, making them a cultural delight as well. Even closer to the docks, you will find Havensight Mall, Yacht Haven Grande and Crown Bay, where dozens of stores and boutiques feature goods of every price. St. Thomas’ historic attractions are well-known and much explored: Fort Christian, with its landmark clock tower dating to 1671; the nearby Government House and Legislature Building, with its bright Caribbean-green façade; and the 176

large mahogany altar inside Frederick Lutheran Church. Also worth a visit is Emancipation Garden, which commemorates the island’s end to slavery in 1848. Near the garden is Vendors Plaza, a source of African artwork, handbags and jewelry. You can take it all in at once on the Skyride to Paradise Point, which carries passengers to the top of Flag Hill. The seven-minute ride offers a fantastic view of Charlotte Amalie and the harbor. Drake’s Seat is a similarly breathtaking vantage point from which the legendary English Vice Admiral Sir Francis Drake supposedly watched the Spanish fleets sail through the harbor below. Today, the view belongs to sun worshippers enjoying the stunning white-sand beach on Magens Bay. — Richard Varr

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Blue beyond words. Take a look at the shallow ocean in the Caribbean and you will begin to know the colour of Paraiba Tourmaline, except Paraiba is this colour made doubly intense. Described by experts as “neon” or “electric”, the blue of Paraiba Tourmaline is unlike anything you’ve likely seen before. Is there any point in trying to show this gemstone that is so unbelievably blue a camera can’t capture it’s intensity and a printing press can’t recreate it’s depth? A stone so remarkably blue that it can’t be shown on paper? Well then, it looks like you’ll have to come and see it in person.

Available only at the Caribbean’s finest jewelers.

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Pieces of Paradise

Bananaquit The official bird of the U.S. Virgin Islands, this yellowbreasted chirper is 4 inches long and loves gardens. Like a hummingbird, the bananaquit, or sugarbird, can use its small, curved beak to extract nectar from certain flowers without having to bother pollinating them. Because of its sweet tooth, it’s called a sugar thief in some languages. Banana Daiquiri Where else to indulge in this sweet concoction of rum, bananas, lime juice and sugar than on the island where the flavorful cocktail was invented? The tropical classic was created in the 1950s by bartender Sonny Bernier, who left a legacy worth toasting. Ginger-Thomas As the official flower of the U.S. Virgin Islands, gingerthomas grows abundantly on St. Thomas. Not only do the lovely yellow blooms offer up the scent of Champagne, but its leaves are also said to cure a host of ailments.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Handmade brooms; a delicious banana daiquiri; ginger-thomas flowers; a bananaquit resting on flowers.

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PHOTOS BY: (BROOM) WINAI TEPSUTTINUN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (DRINK) PINKCANDY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FLOWER) YURIY CHERTOK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BIRD) STUBBLEFIELD PHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Handmade Brooms Artists make decorative brooms from date palm and thatch palm fronds applied to birch wood. They’re used in local wedding ceremonies that follow the African custom of “jumping the broom.”

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for a challenge. TISSOT PRS 516. A VERY SPECIAL CHRONOGRAPH PIECE WITH A VINTAGE TOUCH THAT PAYS HOMAGE TO RACING CARS. THE SEMI-HOLES IN THE STRAP ILLUSTRATE THE HOLES IN THE OLD STEERING WHEELS.

TISSOT BOUTIQUE 40B FRONT STREET, PHILIPSBURG, ST. MAARTEN 721-543-7020 TISSOT SUPER CORNER WATERFRONT, AH RIISE MALL, 36A-2 & 37A DRONNINGENS GADE, ST. THOMAS USVI 00802 340-774-5699

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Ports of call | St. Thomas

The Quintessential

CARIBBEAN ISLE

As the most developed of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas boasts the distinction of being the Caribbean’s shopping capital and busiest cruise-ship port, with as many as 10 ships docking each day during the thriving tourism season.

By Richard Varr

Beginnings Migrating Amerindian tribes from South America were the first settlers to see St. Thomas’ towering hills and landscapes framed by warm, aquamarine waters. They inhabited the island for 3,000 years before Christopher Columbus first arrived in 1493. Initially spotting St. Thomas and its surrounding islands during his second voyage to the New World, Columbus named the island group Las Once Mil Vírgenes, after the martyred St. Ursula and her companion virgins. The explorer and his crew, however, didn’t stay for very long. Upon dropping anchor to replenish their drinking-water supply, they were met by unfriendly tribes and instead set sail for Puerto Rico. Danish Colonization Although Spain immediately claimed the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas wasn’t highly colonized except by small groups of settlers. This left its shores and natural harbors unguarded, leading to struggles for domination among the Dutch, English and French. It wasn’t until 1671, nearly two centuries after Christopher Columbus first set foot here, that Danish colonization began. The Danish West India Company had sailed two ships to the island, followed by other ships over the next several years. Although illness hampered population growth, more than 300 colonists and slaves were farming over 50 plantations within nine years. Scenic grassy fields on the smaller neighboring islands served as pastures for goats and sheep. By the turn of the 18th century, St. Thomas had become the base for the Caribbean’s legendary pirates, such as Blackbeard and Sir Francis Drake. The island was 180

eventually declared a free port, and as plantations continued to prosper, the slave trade flourished. At the same time, the streets along the shoreline of what is now Charlotte Amalie had become home to taverns, which attracted many seafarers. By the early 1700s, the population had swelled to more than 3,000. The Danish West India Company eventually established plantations on neighboring St. John in 1717, and later bought St. Croix from the French in 1733. With a booming slave trade, tensions and local uprisings increased. In 1792, Denmark proclaimed it would end the slave trade on its islands — a promise that didn’t become a reality until 1848. By the mid-18 0 0s, St. Thomas had become a refueling port for coal-fired steamships that journeyed between North and South America. But low demand for the staple sugar-beet crop thwarted the economic boom created just a few decades earlier. Most islanders today are descendants of the African slaves who brought with them their own culture — from music and crafts to language. Danish influences remain as well, as evidenced today in surnames, street names and architecture. In fact, the port city of Charlotte Amalie was named after a Danish queen. American Interest in the Region The United States first realized the strategic importance of the Virgin Islands during the Civil War when seeking to establish a naval base in the Caribbean. However, no deal was struck until World War I. Fearing Germany would attempt to capture the islands and the Panama Canal, the United States bought the Virgin Islands for $25 million. After more than three centuries of Danish rule, the American flag was hoisted above St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix for the first time in 1917. Throughout the second half of the 20th century, immigrants flooded St. Thomas and tourism helped revive the economy. Today, these idyllic islands remain a U.S. territory and draw tourists and travelers from all over the world.

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

Beyond Charlotte Amalie’s bustling streets and alluring boutiques, scenic vistas from atop the island’s peaking hills are only a quick taxi ride away. And a closer look at the culture here reveals an intriguing past — a mix of native folklore, Spanish conquistadors and marauding pirates who brought their treasures and left behind a legacy of enchanting tales and superstitions for the generations that followed.

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Don’t be surprised if the 99 Steps take longer to climb than expected — there are actually more than 120.

Charlotte Amalie

WALKABOUT Perhaps no other city in the Caribbean is as well-known as Charlotte Amalie. Thousands of cruise ship guests and other seagoing visitors have made the capital of the U.S. Virgin Islands the virtual capital of the Caribbean, at least when it comes to shopping.

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A walking tour that includes some shopping and a refreshment stop is the ideal way to experience the city. The best place to start is Emancipation Park. Walking from the harbor and heading up Fort Pladsen, you will hit Emancipation Park, the site of a historic episode that took place July 3, 1848. Governor-General Peter von Scholten freed the slaves of the Virgin Islands 17 years before emancipation in the United States. A replica of the American Liberty Bell and a sculpture of King Christian V of Denmark are on display. Nearby is the two-story, mint-green House of Legislature of the Virgin Islands. This 118-year-old Italian Renaissance structure was once used as a barracks for Danish police. From 1917, when the US acquired the Virgin Islands, to 1930, it was similarly used by the US Marines. Now the outside staircase leads up to the Senate chambers. Right across the street, you’ll encounter Fort Christian, the oldest building on the island and a landmark dating from 1671. Named after Danish King Christian V, the fort has served over the years as the governor’s house, a church, the police station and the local prison. Today, Fort Christian is a National Historic Landmark currently under renovation. Walk up Tolbod Gade to the intersection of Norre Gade, where the busy

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The #1 Linen Shop in the Caribbean

L E C B L A O T TH,IN . r

Visit the largest linen store in North America. ee! R S ust IBE HS M A ROF OT L k C MIBLECn Loo IN e TA Lin STA N NOO IRO N

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We have a wonderful assortment of small thoughtful gifts.

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Shopping in

St. Thomas CURAÇAO PHOTOS BY: (CHURCH) STEVE HEAP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOUTIQUES) RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

Marahlago Flora filigree necklace

Blue Heaven Blue Diamond twist ring TOP: An alley off Main Street, known for excellent duty-free shopping. RIGHT: The clock tower at historic Fort Christian.

Day2Night Tanzanite reversible earrings

Bremont MB 2 watch

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Central Post Office stands. While waiting to purchase your stamps, peruse the pretty murals painted by Stevan Dohanos, a former artist for The Saturday Evening Post. From the post office, walk east along Norre Gade and you will come upon the 18th-century Frederick Lutheran Church. The original, Georgian-style structure was rebuilt in 1825 after a fire and reconstructed once again in 1870, after it was damaged in a hurricane. Today, the historic church is still used for worship services. Continue east along Norre Gade to Lille Taarne Gade and turn left. As you climb to Kongens Gade, you’ll pass a handful of law firms before reaching Government House, the official residence and administrative offices of the island’s governor. This three-story building with wrought-iron balconies was built in 1867 for the Danish colonial council. The reception rooms on the first and second floors are open to the public. Several small paintings by former St. Thomas resident and

French Impressionist painter Camille Pissarro are on display in the second-floor ballroom. As you climb the famed 99 Steps to the top of the hill, do not be surprised if it feels like you are tackling more. Despite the name, there are at least 125 steps in all, comprising one of the city’s oldest “streets.” St. Thomas’ Haagensen House sits atop Government Hill. The restored 1820s town house is now a museum featuring authentic West Indian period furnishings and accessories. Adjacent to the museum is a landmark building — Hotel 1829. The original town house has been extended to enhance this hotel, which has accommodated many of the island’s most-famous guests over the years. You’ll want to go back down the hill to Main Street for shopping. The old warehouses that were once used to store pirates’ booty now house many of Charlotte Amalie’s trendy boutiques and shopping arcades. — Lynn Seldon

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PHOTOS BY: (SEAFOOD PLATTER) VSL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PHOTOS BY: (CHURCH) STEVE HEAP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOUTIQUES) RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Memorable

MEALS

St. Thomas’ chefs create a mouthwatering assortment of culinary concoctions that add to the island’s tropical flair. Many of their recipes have been passed down for generations. Among the favorite local dishes are tangy stuffed crab, freshwater crayfish, conch fritters, plantains and johnnycakes. The ubiquitous conch, which thrives in the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea, is often served as a curry, like the better-known goat and lamb curries. Fresh fish is a mainstay of most menus, and is typically poached or broiled with a light butter-and-onion sauce or pan-fried in a spicy Creole sauce. Creole cooking consists of a potpourri of ingredients ranging from curry powder, cumin and allspice to coconut, tamarind, lime, cinnamon bark and vanilla bean. Among these tasty concoctions is callaloo soup, a mix of callaloo or other leafy greens with okra and ham or crabmeat. (See recipe, right.)

Callaloo Soup 1 bunch callaloo or fresh spinach, chopped 2 oz. salt pork, chopped 8 oz. coconut milk 5 cups water 1 large onion, finely chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 8 oz. chopped okra 8 oz. crabmeat Place first six ingredients in a large stew pot and simmer until the salt pork is tender. Then add the okra and crabmeat. Simmer for 5 minutes and season with salt and pepper. Recipe printed with permission of globalgourmet.com, ©2007, The Global Gourmet®

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SPECI A L A DV ERT ISING FE AT U R E

St. Thomas

SHOPPING GUIDE BOOLCHAND PANDORA World-renowned for its hand-finished jewelry, PANDORA is a paradise of affordable luxury! Designed to inspire women to embrace the self-creator within, PANDORA is a partner in helping to explore and craft a unique personal story to complement any style, every day. We believe that every woman in the world has her own unique style, with her own stories to be celebrated and shared. PANDORA offers an exciting collection of jewelry with countless possibilities. Every piece in the collection is meticulously designed and crafted using the highest-quality gold, sterling silver and gemstones including rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and charms. Visit us at PANDORA Havensight Mall (9002 Havensight Mall, Building 2; call 340-776-8550) and PANDORA Main Street (5124 Dronningens Gade, at Drake’s Passage; call 340-774-3672). For style tips and event updates, follow PANDORA St. Thomas on Instagram @PANDORAStt and Facebook.com/PANDORAStThomas. For store inquiries or product orders, email mailorders@boolchand.com. CARILOHA Come feel the difference of the softest fabric in the world, Cariloha Bamboo™. Cariloha is the premier retailer of luxuriously soft bedding, bath goods, active wear, and more, all made of eco-friendly viscose from bamboo. When you think of bamboo, tall green shoots likely come to mind. But, did you know that bamboo can actually be made into the world’s most comfortable fabric? Cariloha’s viscose-from-bamboo fabrics are twice as soft as cotton and 3 degrees cooler, and naturally wick moisture away from your body. Bamboo itself contains organically occurring properties that are odor and allergy resistant. It also provides UVA/UVB protection, saves more trees, regenerates naturally and is among the most sustainable, renewable resources on the planet. Visit any Cariloha store today to pick up a free bamboo lei and to feel the incredible softness of bamboo bedding, clothing and bath goods for yourself. Cariloha — Stay Cool, Wear Bamboo™. Cariloha is located in the Grand Galleria shops at the end of Main Street. DEL SOL ST. THOMAS When you’re looking for unique gifts — exclusive to St. Thomas — the place you shop makes a big difference. You’ll definitely want to experience the exclusive Island Collection of Del Sol St. Thomas, where all clothing and accessories are not only custom to St. Thomas, but they also change colors when exposed to sunlight and then return to their original colors without sunlight. You’ll be reminded of your sunny vacation on the beach every time you step into sunlight and see the colors appear. Make this your one-stop destination for everything St. Thomas. With more than 100 unique-to-St. Thomas clothing options, along with sunglasses, nail polish, hair accessories, jewelry, beach towels, tote bags and beach toys, there’s something for every age, gender and interest in your family. If you’ve visited another Del Sol store along the cruise route, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised to find an entirely new island-specific collection when you visit St. Thomas. You can get a T-shirt anywhere, but only Del Sol St. Thomas’ T-shirts perfectly capture

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1. Cariloha 2. Safi Kilima Tanzanite and colored-stone earrings; Diamonds International 3. Danyal Paraiba rings; Kay's Fine Jewelry

Almost anything you’re looking for, you’ll find in the ports of call. Not only will the selection amaze you, but the quality of the merchandise is second to none. The stores featured on these pages carry the finest in every product category. You’ll see the famous brand names you know from around the world and many others that you’ve only heard about. Just remember: If you see something you like, buy it!

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SPECI A L A DV ERT ISING FE AT U R E

your vacation memoires every time they change color outside in the sun. All Del Sol St. Thomas products are guaranteed to change colors for life. Visit today for a free demonstration and a free color-changing gift (no purchase necessary). Del Sol — Just Add Sun! Del Sol St. Thomas is located at the Grand Galleria shops at the end of Main Street

GET CHARMED! Charm Factory Outlet Explore the beauty of a unique and original selection of fashion and semiprecious jewelry, featuring the genuine Sandals For Your Neck brand of sandal pendants, charms, bracelets and earrings — hand-enameled and accented with beautiful Swarovski crystals, with 14k yellow or white gold overlay. Try on handmade bracelets and necklaces of pure silk, which can be paired with the store’s exclusive Swarovskicrystal-studded Virgin Islands beads. Hundreds of sterling-silver pendants feature island-inspired themes, such as turtles, palm trees, stingrays, starfish, mermaids and so many more. Stop by and Get Charmed! It’s a must-find treasure — all the bling-bling without the cha-ching! Get Charmed! is at 2329 Commandant Gade (Garden Street, up the road from the Main Street Post Office), at Crown Bay Dock and in the St. Thomas Airport Lounge. Call 340-775-6381, email info@sandalsforyourneck.com or follow on Facebook at Sandals For Your Neck.

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4. Crown of Creation earrings by Crown of Light; Diamonds International, DI Watch & Design 5. Bulova watch; Diamonds International, DI Watch & Design 6. Safi Kilima Tanzanite marquis-shaped ring; Diamonds International

DIAMONDS INTERNATIONAL Diamonds International, the most recommended jeweler in the Caribbean, has more than a quarter century of expertise in acquiring luxury goods and jewelry for its discerning clientele. The retailer is celebrated for providing the finest jewels and exceptional variety. Shoppers in the Caribbean have come to appreciate the great value for the latest designer goods from around the world, with a wider selection than they can find at home. Diamonds International exceeds expectations time after time. The exclusive luxury brands carried are also some of the reasons why this retailer is the must-stop shop for world-class jewelry collectors. Visit any Diamonds International showroom and experience the sparkle of the exclusive, U.S.-patented Crown of Light™ diamond. To best appreciate how each Crown of Light diamond is crafted and measured to perfection, you can compare the Crown of Light to any diamond using the Diamond Light Performance scope. Experience Forevermark, a premium diamond brand from The De Beers Group of Companies. Every Forevermark diamond is inscribed with a unique number and a threefold promise: that it is beautiful, rare and responsibly sourced. Less than one percent of the world´s diamonds are eligible to become a Forevermark diamond. In St. Thomas, it is available exclusively at Diamonds International, at the A.H. Riise Mall on Main Street and throughout the Eastern and Western Caribbean at many Diamonds International locations. These are just a few of the irresistible draws that create customer loyalty at Diamonds International! Visit Tanzanite International on Main Street, one of the largest tanzanite retailers for more than 20 years and home to the exclusive Safi Kilima™ tanzanite. With rich purple and blue hues, Safi Kilima has masterfully designed collections featuring tanzanite from the heart of Tanzania. You can find other exquisite collections available only at Diamonds International such as Vena d´Amore diamond solitaires, Gift Collection, Sara G diamond jewelry, Day2Night convertible jewelry and the amazing WonderStud diamond earrings. There is something for everyone! Who doesn’t love blue diamonds? Blue Heaven’s breathtaking ocean-blue diamonds will keep the memory of your Caribbean holiday alive for years to come. Diamonds International has many elegant showrooms on the island to serve their devoted shoppers. Find locations at A.H. Riise Mall on Main Street, Havensight Mall, Crown Bay Marina and Marriott Frenchman’s Reef. Call 1-800-444-4025 or 1-340-776-5570 or shop www.DiamondsInternational.com.

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SPECI A L A DV ERT ISING FE AT U R E

KAY’S FINE JEWELRY As a family-owned business, Kay’s is proud to have instilled a strong culture of excellence in customer service and care in each and every one of its jewelry and watch boutiques across the Caribbean. We also place a strong emphasis on innovation in jewelry design, producing our own unique collections encompassing the most cutting-edge trends in gemstones and diamonds in the industry. The purchase of a fine timepiece or jewelry is a significant event in our customers’ lives and a highlight of their Caribbean vacation. We personally see to it that each of our guests is taken care of by our knowledgeable staff in a comfortable and relaxed shopping atmosphere. In each of our boutiques across the Caribbean, we have a large selection of diamonds, colored diamonds, rubies, sapphires, tanzanite, ammolite and emeralds. We also carry many exotic gemstones, such as alexandrite, paraiba, tourmaline and imperial topaz. We have bench jewelers in each of our locations to better serve our clientele. Like a stone, but don’t like its setting? No problem! We can customize each and every piece to your specifications. Be sure to stop in to experience “Luxury with a Family Touch.” MR. TABLECLOTH Nearly 40 years after opening its doors, Mr. Tablecloth is still providing customers with legendary personal service and an amazing array of tablecloths in modern designs. Don’t be misled — the original Mr. Tablecloth has only one location in downtown St. Thomas. Most of the tablecloths are available in microfiber — an easy-care fabric that is stain-resistant and requires no ironing. For the discriminating buyer, the store also sells exquisite Irish linen and organdy patterns. Also available are the hard-to-find sizes — including tablecloths up to 252 inches long and 90 inches wide, and many patterns in squares and ovals. Mr. Tablecloth in St. Thomas also has a large assortment of accessories for your home: runners, placemats, aprons, bed sheets and shams, to name just a few items. In the store’s clothing section, you will find beautiful handmade infant wear and children’s clothing, day-to-night maxi dresses and super-soft pima cotton nightgowns. The store is also well-known for its beautiful selection of ladies evening jackets, available in a variety of colors. You can find all of these items at a tremendous savings compared to stateside prices.

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7. Crown of Light stackable rings; Diamonds International 8. Assorted linens; Mr. Tablecloth 9. Flora filigree necklace by Marahlago; Diamonds International 10. Kabana's Heart Collection; Diamonds International 11. Philip Stein Modern; Philip Stein Boutique

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THE SHOPS AT YACHT HAVEN GRANDE Voted Best Shopping in the USVI five years in a row by the Virgin Islands Daily News readership poll and home to St. Thomas’ only Louis Vuitton and Gucci boutiques, The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande is home to BCBGMaxAzria, Everything But Water, Orogold Cosmetics, Sunglass Hut, Perfumania and many more. Set in lush tropical grounds with views of our neighboring mega-yacht marina and adjacent cruise ship dock, The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande provides an escape from the bustling downtown scene. Here you can unwind and take your time browsing our exceptional retail offerings, grab a coffee or relax over a sumptuous meal. Quench your thirst and whet your appetite at The Shops’ waterfront restaurants. Fat Turtle serves up casual fare and fresh island drinks in a fun atmosphere, while the casually elegant Grande Cru delivers innovative cuisine and hand crafted cocktails. Enjoy Mediterranean dishes with an island twist at Fresh Bistro or grab something to go from Urban Eats. Relax and pamper yourself at Prana Spa or treat yourself to a new look at Sugar and Spice Artistry Salon. Discover locally made jewelry, art, crafts and gifts to remember your stay — you can even bring something home for your pets! The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande has an ever-changing calendar of entertainment, events and free activities for your healthy lifestyle. Enjoy live music at one of our restaurants or at a concert event. Sample locally grown produce at the Farmers’ Market. Play games on the lawn or change up your vacation workout routine with a free Zumba, yoga or Tai Chi class. Don’t miss our family-friendly Halloween, Christmas and Easter festivities! Check our calendar posted on our website and throughout the property. The Shops at Yacht Haven Grande — your island experience starts here. Call 340-775-8200; visit www.shopsatyhg.com; like us on Facebook.com/YHGSt.Thomas.

12. Le Vian Chocolate Diamonds pendant; Milano Diamond Gallery 13. Mark Henry Alexandrite rings; Milano Diamond Gallery 14. Bremont DH – 88; DI Watch & Design 15. Korite tennis bracelet; Diamonds International 16. Fendi I-Shine; DI Watch & Design

SPECI A L A DV ERT ISING FE AT U R E

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SACRED & CELEBRATED

The synagogue reopened in 2002 after a major restoration and received the 2004 National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award, the highest national award for preservation. The site is also a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Opened in 1833 by Sephardic Jews on the site of an earlier synagogue dating from 1803, it is the secondoldest continuously used synagogue in the Western Hemisphere, after Curaçao’s, and it’s the oldest synagogue in continuous use under the American flag. The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas was founded in 1796. The synagogue itself conforms to Sephardic design, with seats facing inward and a floor of sand. The four pillars that support the synagogue’s outside awning were handmade in Denmark from rounded bricks. The interior pillars symbolize the four matriarchs in Judaism. The dark mahogany benches, bimah (pulpit) and ark housing ancient Torah scrolls, as well as the brass chandeliers with Baccarat crystal hurricane shades — the central ones still lit by candles — make the interior a dramatic indoor sight. Located at 16 A&B Crystal Gade, called Synagogue Hill by local residents, the synagogue is a steep climb from Main Street.

TOP: Antique lamp at entrance to St. Thomas Synagogue. RIGHT: Inside the synagogue. 190

PHOTOS BY: (LAMP) STEVE HEAP/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (INSIDE SYNAGOGUE) THE HEBREW CONGREGATION OF ST. THOMAS.

The beautiful St. Thomas Synagogue was heavily damaged by the 2017 hurricanes, but services continued and at this writing a rebuilding effort was being planned. That's a relief to many in St. Thomas, where the historic synagogues is a beloved landmark.

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AN ARTIST’S JOURNEY By Michael De Freitas

Camille Pissarro, one of the most influential artists of 19th-century French impressionism, was born in a small Spanish Sephardic Jewish community in Charlotte Amalie.

At the age of 12, Pissarro left the Caribbean for boarding school in Paris. Later, he returned to St. Thomas to help his merchant father run the family store on Main Street. But his heart was not in the business, and he spent every minute of his spare time painting. Pissarro returned to Paris in 1855 to study under a variety of masters. Four years later, the young artist held his first exhibition at the prestigious Paris Salon. Pissarro died at the age of 73 at his home in Éragny,

just north of Paris, and his paintings still grace the walls of many of Europe’s major museums. Today, his boyhood home at 14 Main Street houses the Pissarro gallery, which contains numerous artworks. A teacher as well as a painter, Pissarro taught several future masters of the art world. He was described as godlike by many of his students, including Paul Gauguin, Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne.

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PHOTO BY: MUSÉE D’ORSAY

Camille Pissarro’s The Road of Louveciennes, painted in 1872.

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