2018 CCL Fun Ashore Caribbean Region 4 by Onboard Media

FUN ASHORE 2017 –18 CARIBBEAN SAILING SEASON REGION 4

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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Enjoy Cariloha’s Softest Bedding on the Planet™, Made of Viscose from Bamboo.

CARIBBEAN • MEXICO • ALASKA • HAWAII • CONTINENTAL U.S. ...AND GROWING!

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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). 6

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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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.

A FUN DAY IN PORT What to see, where to go, how to save — it’s all

JAMES BOND ROCKS THE CARIBBEAN Jamaica, the Bahamas and other island locales play a supporting role in many of the dashing spy’s movies. By Michelle da Silva Richmond

ICEMANPHOTOS / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

at your fingertips with the Fun Finds Map.

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

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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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

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©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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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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 1-800-51-JEWEL ∙ DiamondsInternational.com

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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 12

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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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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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.

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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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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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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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. 2005 Slow Burn Since 2009

KATHY HUTCHINS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

2006 Last Holiday NCIS: Los Angeles

2013 Grudge Match Since

2015 Lip Sync Battle

(producer and host) Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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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.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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

Ta x & Dut y Free

Find your favorite brands at the lowest prices guaranteed!

TAX & DUTY FREE

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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 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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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 36

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.

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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OBJECTS

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

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 Belize Cabo San Lucas Cozumel Grand Cayman Los Angeles Mahogany Bay Mazatlรกn Panama Canal Puerto Vallarta

CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Tampa

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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 | Belize

ERIC LEMAR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

BELIZE

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

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

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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.

Shark, Rays, Barrier Reef Snorkel & Island Escape

ERIC LEMAR/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Enjoy the rich, pristine waters and abundant marine and reef life. After snorkeling the Barrier Reef, you will proceed to Shark & Ray Alley, where you will have the amazing experience of swimming in the water with these nurse sharks and gentle rays. After this amazing personal encounter with sharks and rays, it’s back to the Caye Caulker Island to relax on the beach.

Altun Ha Mayan Site & River Wallace

Altun Ha Mayan Site & River Wallace offer a truly interesting insight into Belize’s ancient past and the natural wonders of the country. Enjoy an exhilarating 1 1/2-hour boat ride along the city’s scenic coast and along the Rio Wallace and a guided tour of the ruins.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Discover the magic of this famous Mayan archeological site, followed by a Belizean lunch in San Ignacio Town. Situated just 2 miles from the Guatemala border, the Xunantunich ruins were a major ceremonial center during the Classic Period.

Lamanai Mayan Ruins & River Boat Safari

Quick Guide Famed for: Diving, nature preserves and beaches. It’s a Fact: The Garifuna people of Belize are descendants of the original Caribbean residents, the Caribs and Arawaks.

Lamanai is one of the largest and most excavated Mayan sites in northern Belize. Explore these ancient Mayan ruins and climb to the top of one of the largest ceremonial temples in Mesoamerica. Pass through historic villages on the way to Ayinha Eco Park. Experience the best nature river cruise on your way to the world-famous Lamanai Ruins.

Exclusive Crystal Cave Tubing & Zipline With Lunch

Your quest for the perfect mix of adventure starts with ziplining through the jungle and finally cave tubing during a Mayan cave expedition along with a Belizian lunch.

Signature Souvenirs: Mayan astrological charts and pendants, tropical fruit preserves and nance liqueur, made with cherries grown in the Yucatán. How to Get to Town: Cruise guests take a tender from the ship to Belize’s Tourism Village, a 15-minute ride from the ship. Taxis into the city are available at the village.

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Ports of call | Belize

CLIMBERJAK/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

The ruins at Tikal present fascinating Mayan history.

Things You Can’t Miss in Belize Belize is a country with a rich natural and cultural mix — from jungle animals and colorful fauna to Mayan ruins and artifacts to its watery landscape of more than 200 tropical island cays making up the nearly 200-mile-long Belizean Barrier Reef. The largest one, Ambergris Caye, can be reached on a shore excursion where manatee-watching is a must, and where a dazzling variety of colorful marine life awaits scuba divers and snorkelers. Caye Caulker, just south of Ambergris, has quiet beaches for a relaxing day trip. A short walk along Albert Street, on Belize City’s waterfront, leads visitors to the Fort George Lighthouse and to the nearby House of Culture Museum, which was once the governor’s residence. 44

The Marine Terminal houses the Coastal Zone Museum, which showcases the barrier reef’s marine life. Mayan history, through artifacts and pottery, awaits visitors at the Museum of Belize. Many shoppers also snap up hand-carved treasures made from local wood at Market Square. Outside the city limits, visitors flock to the Belize Zoo, with its native ocelots and jaguars, or to the Community Baboon Sanctuary, where Black Howler monkeys frolic. The s i x t h- c e nt u r y Te mple of t he G r e e n Tomb and the Temple of Masonr y A ltar dominate A ltun Ha, Belize’s most extensively excavated Mayan ruin. — Richard Varr

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Ports of call | Belize

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Thirty miles north of Belize City and a few miles in from the coast lie the remains of one of the most important centers in the Mayan world: Altun Ha (Water of the Rock), a major trading center for the Maya from a.d. 250 to 900, when, like the rest of the Mayan civilization, it fell into decline. The site consists of 13 temples and structures grouped around two plazas. Among the artifacts that have been recovered here are numerous pieces of jade, a gemstone which was important in Mayan society but is not native to the region; thus its presence is proof that Altun Ha was a trade hub. One of the pieces found is Kinich Ahau, a 6-inch-high jade bust of the Mayan sun god, the largest piece of Mayan jade sculpture ever recovered. The image now adorns Belizean currency notes.

Temple of the Masonry Altars at Altun Ha

DEEP-BLUE BELIZE

in the world, bested only by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Without the reef’s protection against erosion by strong ocean waves, Belize’s Ambergris Caye likely wouldn’t exist. And that’s not the only credit due to this natural spectacle. Divers here immerse themselves in one of the world’s most complex and diverse underwater ecosystems, with over 500 species of fish and over 100 coral species. Sites like Shark Ray Alley and Hol Chan Cut, a few miles south of Ambergris Caye, show off some of the ocean’s most elusive creatures, including spotted eagle rays soaring along the sandy floor and nurse sharks weaving through its narrow coral channel. There’s no telling what you might discover lurking behind the reef’s undulating sea fans, or flitting through the electric-blue currents; schools of rainbow-hued tropical fish, gently coasting sea turtles and a barracuda showing off its sharp teeth are just a few thrilling possibilities.

A diverse coastal geography of cays (pronounced “keys”) and offshore atolls, as well as the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, create some of the most exciting underwater experiences in the world for beginner and seasoned scuba divers alike. Descending into Belize’s electric-blue waters, divers encounter a vast and varied ecosystem. At the Great Blue Hole, a perfectly circular coral sinkhole set off the mainland, divers can descend as deep as 200 feet to witness fascinating stalactites and limestone formations, as well as shrimp and hundreds of

colorful tropical fish. Divers experienced enough for deeper waters may even spot a hammerhead or black-tip tiger shark. But though the country boasts plenty of unique dive sites, its most famous is the Belize Barrier Reef — and for good reason. Stretching 186 miles, it’s the second-largest coral-reef system 46

EDITORIAL CREDIT: PETE NIESEN / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

Blue Hole, Belize

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Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

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CABO SAN LUCAS

Landâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s End glows under the setting sun at Cabo San Lucas.

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

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FUNTREKS

Santa Maria & Chileno Bay Eco Snorkeling

Experience the wonders of Mexico’s Sea of Cortez waters when you snorkel Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay, home to over 50 different species of exotic fish.

Canyon Canopy

Hidden deep in the heart of the Sierra Mountains, this UNESCO protected reserve is home to abundant wildlife, rich flora and fauna and a completely unforgettable adventure!

Exclusive Resort Beach Getaway GALYNA ANDRUSHKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

This is not your ordinary day at the beach. Enjoy breathtaking views, swimming pools, pristine sand and a buffet lunch all at a luxury beach club and resort in Medano Beach.

Luxury Day Sail

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

Land’s End Boat, Beach and Shopping

Enjoy Cabo’s beaches, shops and a catamaran cruise to the tip of the world’s largest peninsula in this three in one combination tour.

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

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Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

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PORT VIEW

Many visit Cabo for its boating and other water sports.

Things You Can’t Miss in Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas is a vacationer’s paradise — done in style. This once-sleepy fishing village at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula now ranks as Mexico’s golfing capital and a high-end resort destination. Here, visitors indulge and relax in abounding sunshine upon beaches where a day of fun could include sport fishing and kayaking excursions, whale watching and, for the boldest adventurers, parasailing and ATV treks. For a taste of cultural sightseeing, a stroll along Calle Cabo San Lucas leads to San Lucas Church, completed by Spanish missionaries in 1746. It sits near the town’s main

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

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Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

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

MEXICAN PARADISE By Richard Varr

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

Boaters love the waters off Cabo.

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

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Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

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

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

PHOTO BY: ALYSTA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

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

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PHOTO BY: ALYSTA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Cozumel - Los Cabos - Cancun Riviera Maya - Puerto Vallarta Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Cozumel

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COZUMEL

Ruins of a Mayan temple face the sea.

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

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FUNTREKS

All Inclusive Passion Island by Power Catamaran Travel by motorized catamaran along Cozumel coast to Isla Pasion, a beautiful picture perfect private island where white sandy beaches are surrounded by crystal clear turquoise waters. Children 5 and under are free!

Ancient City of Tulum

Experience the ancient Mayan paradise kingdom rising high above the magnificent crystal blue Caribbean Sea.

Dolphin Swim with Unlimited Food & Drinks RANTON_IVANOV/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Embark on a premium dolphin adventure during a 40-minute dolphin program, including fin shake, kiss and an exciting swim! Children 5 and under are free!

Adventure Jeep & Snorkel at Punta Sur

Explore Punta Sur Park, Cozumel’s famous ecological reserve.Travel through the beautiful landscape in an off-road Jeep Wrangler, then jump in for an amazing snorkel excursion at Cozumel’s marine park.

All Inclusive Chankanaab Beach Day & Sea Lion Show

The original natural aquarium of the island, this is paradise found. If you love nature, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a day with family, friends and an array of natural and cultural activities.

Quick Guide

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

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

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Ports of call | Cozumel

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PORT VIEW

Sea sponges and colorful fish surround a striking brain coral.

Things You Can’t Miss in Cozumel Cozumel neatly balances its cultural experiences with its more playful reputation for shopping. In San Miguel, a charming town that hugs the waterfront, tourists can find locally made treasures of silver, turquoise and leather goods, as well as pottery, stone carvings and wooden masks by Cozumel artisans. The port also claims its share of duty-free shops offering diamonds, watches and designer jewelry. The avenidas (avenues) and calles (streets) of the town’s center are easy to explore by foot. Pleasant encounters are likely with some of the Caribbean’s friendliest people, the Maya, who first settled in Cozumel some 1,700 years ago.

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

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Ports of call | Cozumel

EXCLUSIVE EXCURSIONS La Casa en La Playa – A Select Retreat

Those searching for a slice of solitude in paradise need look no further. Experience the famed beaches of Cozumel from a private beach house complete with all the amenities and comforts you could need, including a chef, bartender and waiters. This luxurious getaway transports you and a limited number of guests to an exclusive Caribbean-style beach house and secluded private beach. Swim the warm Caribbean waters or relax in the umbrella-covered lounge chairs on the white sand away from the crowds. A chef will be onsite to prepare your choice from several traditional Mexican meals. Other guests can roll up their sleeves and head to the kitchen to learn the recipes being made and practice their culinary skills. Meals can be taken beach-side or enjoyed throughout the home. Meanwhile, a skilled bartender will be mixing up refreshing cocktails — including fresh margaritas, of course — throughout the day. Food, drinks and transportation are included in the excursion price.

VIP Luxury Champagne Catamaran Sail & Snorkel

FROM TOP: Luxurious seclusion at a private cottage on the beach in Cozumel; taking in the island's coastline during a VIP catamaran sailing.

/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Indulge in a luxurious sail along the Caribbean shores of Cozumel. Hop aboard a pristine catamaran conveniently located a short walk from your ship, where you will be greeted by the captain before setting sail on an intimate VIP experience. Enjoy cheese, fresh fruit, light snacks and unlimited drinks while taking in the beautiful views of the beaches and jungles of Cozumel's coastline. At your first stop you will be provided with equipment to snorkel in crystalclear waters and explore the colorful marine life. Once you are back onboard, the attentive and friendly crew will pamper you with personal service throughout your voyage and ensure your glass is never empty of Champagne or mixed cocktails. They will serve a freshly prepared lunch for you to enjoy en route to your second stop. Here you will discover a sandbar perfect for swimming in the Caribbean waters. After a day of swimming, snorkeling and sipping, you'll head back on an exhilarating ride to port.

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Ports of call | Cozumel

Visitors flock to ruins of the Mayan temple at Tulum.

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

PATRYK KOSMIDER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

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Introducing the

Angelika Ring The

Infinity Ring

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

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Ports of call | Cozumel

Shopping in

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

Hublot Dwyane Wade watch

A cenote near Tulum.

Crown of Light Unity ring with champagne diamond

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

FIDEICOMISO PARA LA PROMOCIÓN TURÍSTICA DE LA RIVIERA MAYA

Kabana Rose Collection pendant

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

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Ports of call | Cozumel

Cozumel - Los Cabos Cancun - Riviera Maya Puerto Vallarta

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Ports of call | Cozumel

THE REMARKABLE

MAYA

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

A Mayan pyramid

They flourished throughout the Yucatán Peninsula in southeastern Mexico — including today’s Cozumel island — erecting huge, imposing pyramids and temples, creating striking stone sculptures, and achieving a remarkable proficiency in mathematics and astronomy before mysteriously falling into decline. The Maya believed Cozumel to be sacred. A shrine to Ixchel, a moon goddess, invited visitation at least once in a lifetime. She was often depicted with crossbones and a serpent. When feeling particularly nasty, Ixchel unleashed calamitous rainstorms and floods on the earth from a large water jug. No wonder common folk were eager to appease the goddess by visiting her shrine. But she also had a bright side — they called her Lady Rainbow — and was worshiped as the protector of weavers and also of women in childbirth. Ixchel’s mate was Itzamná, a mellow moon god who balanced out his spouse’s temper tantrums. — Raymond Niedowski

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Beautiful Cozumel Charms

Special Cozumel Bangles

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Ports of call | Cozumel

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NATURE REIGNS AT COZUMEL’S SMALL SEA

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF MEXICO TOURISM BOARD

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

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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GRAND CAYMAN

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

Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and a rich history attract pleasureseekers from all over the world to Grand Cayman. Scuba divers and nature-lovers are drawn to famed dive sites, while land-based attractions include a bustling shopping mecca, fascinating local history and catchof-the-day dining. The infamous pirates may be long gone, but this magnificent island remains a treasure.

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FUNTREKS

Stingray Encounter & Turtle Swim

This tour consists of the island’s two most famous attractions, where you snorkel with the stingrays and swim with the turtles.

Dolphin Swim & Stingray City

Experience the fun of swimming with bottlenose dolphins and interacting with stingrays in this combination tour.

Coral Gardens & Stingray Sandbar JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Snorkel over the Coral Gardens Reef formation. Afterward, stop at the famous stingray sandbar and get up close and personal with the stingrays as you swim around.

Explore Cayman By Land & Sea

Experience the best that Grand Cayman has to offer, both above ground and beneath the sea.

Gatsby-Inspired White House Beach Escape and Lunch

Quick Guide Famed for: Seven Mile Beach, considered by expert sun-seekers to be one of the Caribbean’s best and least-crowded stretches of sand. It’s a Fact: The Cayman Islands are home to people of more than 120 nationalities. Signature Souvenirs: Replicas of pirates, blue iguanas and the Caymans’ mascot, Sir Turtle.

Enjoy a relaxing day and bask in the sun on your beach lounge chair at an exclusive private colonial mansion. The Gatsby-inspired facility is located directly on the Caribbean Sea, with a beautiful white sandy beach. Take a stroll or take a dip in the warm Caribbean and enjoy a delicious lunch as you lounge on the large deck overlooking the picturesque sea.

Exclusive Seven Mile Beach Getaway with Lunch

Let your cares melt away under the Caribbean sun while you enjoy the facilities of Hemingway Beach on a funfilled day of powder-white sand, crystal clear waters and the warm rays of the Caribbean sun. Lie back and soak up the rays, go for a swim in these crystal blue waters, relax by the swimming pool or take a stroll on the beach and enjoy your complimentary lunch with a beautiful view.

How to Get to Town: Take the ship’s tender to Royal Watler Pier, a 15-minute ride. Turn right from the pier to explore downtown.

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GRAND CAYMAN

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Bayshore Mall offers everything you need for a wonderful day in port. After browsing Kirk Freeport’s premier house brands like Rolex, Breitling, Cartier, A. Lange and Söhne, Tag Heuer, Patek Philippe and Omega, head next door for a bite to eat at Lucky Slice or take a break from the sun with a delicious scoop of Haagen-Dazs ice cream.

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A world of glamour and sophistication awaits you just minutes away from the port. Rivaled only by world centers such as London and Paris, George Town shopping district offers luxury shopping in a tax and duty free paradise. George Town is able to hold such a reputation due, in large part, to the highly reputable Kirk Freeport network of stores. With over 40 years as Caymanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier retailer of duty free jewelry, watches, fragrances, leather, crystal, china and accessories, Kirk Freeportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reputation precedes them. In 2013, Kirk Freeport expanded into Bayshore Mall, becoming the largest jewelry store in the Caribbean and quickly became the centerpiece of downtown George Town.

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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

Things You Can’t Miss in Grand Cayman Grand Cayman is well-known as a hub of international banking and finance, but more visitors are lured here by its extensive natural and man-made attractions. It’s a favorite getaway for many Hollywood celebrities who are drawn by its serene beauty and the variety of things it offers to see and do. The centerpiece of the island is the magnificent Seven Mile Beach, a vast expanse of powdery-white sand. Famed for diving, the island offers more than 200 named sites. Other natural attractions include the Mastic Trail, a restored 200-year-old footpath that meanders through a 2-million-year-old forest and mangrove swamp in the heart of the island; Pedro St. James National Historic Site,

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

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

PORT VIEW

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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

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

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GRAND CAYMAN HARBOUR DRIVE, GEORGE TOWN KIRKFREEPORT.COM

TWO STUNNING BOUTIQUES, NEXT DOOR TO EACH OTHER ON THE WATERFRONT OF GEORGE TOWN, GRAND CAYMAN.

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Discover the Western Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest and latest collections from the stunning worlds of TAG Heuer and Breitling. Brought to you by Kirk Freeport.

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PHOTOS.COM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

FROM PRIVATEERS TO MASTER FISHERMEN

Seagoing adventurers have long been drawn to the Caymans.

By Marjorie Klein

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

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

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

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

Grand Cayman

Timeline

1503

Columbus spots islands he names “Las Tortugas.”

1655

The islands come under British rule.

1700

Permanent settlement begins with the first royal land grant.

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

1831-33 1962

Caymanians opt to remain a colony of Britain.

Colorful coral reefs attract divers. 84

DUDAREV MIKHAIL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

First elections are held; slaves are emancipated.

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Thanks to the unmatched assortment of designer beauty products, La Parfumerie continues to be the top duty-free fragrance, skin care and cosmetics retailer in the Caribbean. Brought to you by Kirk Freeport.

GRAND CAYMAN

BAYSHORE MALL & CARDINALL AVENUE, GEORGE TOWN +1 (345) 815 7492 â&#x20AC;¢ KIRKFREEPORT.COM

MAKING CAYMAN BEAUTIFUL FOR GENERATIONS

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CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

Ports of call | Grand Cayman

FREEDOM’S HOME

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

Known as “the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands,” the Pedro St. James National Historic Site has been likened to the United States’ Independence Hall in Philadelphia. Caymanians met here on December 5, 1831, and voted to form their first elected parliament. They gathered at “the Castle” on May 3, 1833, to hear the proclamation ending slavery in the British Empire. The mansion was originally the private home of planter William Eden. The three-story landmark was built from quarried native rock in about 1780. It was the only survivor of a 1785 hurricane, making it the Caymans’ oldest stone structure. The family abandoned it in 1877, and it was put to 86

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

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GRAND CAYMAN BAYSHORE MALL, CARDINALL AVENUE, HARBOUR DRIVE GEORGE TOWN : KIRKFREEPORT.COM

WORLD EXCLUSIVE TO KIRK FREEPORT IN GRAND CAYMAN

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POST OFFICE

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ROYAL WATLER TERMINAL

SOUTH CRUISE TERMINAL

NORTH CRUISE TERMINAL

GRAND CAYMAN

P PARKING

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THE STRAND, SEVEN MILE BEACH

BAYSHORE MALL & CARDINALL AVENUE, GEORGE TOWN +1 (345) 815 7492 • KIRKFREEPORT.COM

C AR D I N AL L

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LOOSE DIAMONDS · JEWELRY · WATCHES · SOUVENIRS · CIGARS · LIQUOR · APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES · CRYSTAL AND CHINA · PERFUME AND COSMETICS · RUM CAKE AND SWEET TREATS · LOCAL FOOD AND BEER · WIFI · RESTAURANTS · BARS · SNORKELLING · DIVING · OCEAN TRAMPOLINE · ATM LOCATIONS · POST OFFICE · SHOPPING MALLS · AND MUCH MORE!

When you arrive in Cayman, turn right out of the cruise terminal and head to the traditional shopping district of George Town on Harbour Drive and Cardinall Avenue. Packed with malls, restaurants, bars, ocean activities and travel essentials like ATMs and free WiFi, the George Town Shopping District offers the finest in tax-free shopping and local dining in the Caribbean.

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GRAND CAYMAN

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Owned by the Kirkconnell family, local business and

IT ALL STARTED IN 1972

community leaders for six generations, Kirk Freeport has grown from just a few jewelry counters in the community grocery store in 1972 to a world-class marketplace of 22 stores. The Official Rolex Retailer of the Cayman Islands is the Caribbeanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier retailer of duty free jewellery, watches, fragrances, leather, crystal and china, and accessories.

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

SNORKELING THE CAYMANS

A vibrant coral colony. 90

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

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

A diver faces a bluespotted stingray.

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS

One of Grand Cayman’s most popular city visits isn’t to a city at all — at least not in the usual sense of the word. Meet the inhabitants of Stingray City and its neighbor, Stingray Sandbar. People are merely drop-in visitors who dive down to discover what makes this stretch of real estate so attractive to the rays. Fortunately, the area’s southern stingrays seem to relish all the attention. They certainly like being fed the handfuls of squid offered by cruise guests and other visitors. And they know the ropes. As soon as a tour-boat motor stops, a flotilla of rays gracefully glides onto the scene. From the deck of the boat, the saucer-shaped rays, which may reach 92

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

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

Shopping in Grand Cayman Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ultimate insider guide to whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot in town. See it? Like it? Buy it!

OF THE

Where to find local mementos in port

Breitling Avenger Hurricane Military

Sterling & Stone

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

Kabana Eden Collection butterfly pendant

Cayside Courtyard, 7 Shedden Road, George Town 345-925-8955

Crown of Light Galaxy bracelet

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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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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

ONE HELL OF A TOWN

If your cruise director tells you to go to Hell, don’t be insulted. He’s probably just recommending a tour that includes the town of Hell.

FROM TOP: Limestone formations inspired the town’s name; the devil’s gift shop.

Caymans’ One-Stop Store for all your Sterling Silver & Stainless Steel jewelry from silver ear studs and charms to steel money clips and chains. We invite you to come in and explore our large inventory of semiprecious stones set in sterling silver…the collection includes earrings, rings and pendants. Our friendly, helpful staff awaits your visit! Located in the heart of Cayman duty-free shopping Cayside Courtyard 7 Shedden Road George Town, Cayman Islands Tel. 345-925-8955 98

PHOTOS BY: KATE MCCLARE; CAYMAN ISLANDS DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM

That’s the town’s real name, inspired by the jagged limestone formations resembling menacing flames, which jut up from much of the ground in this small hamlet near George Town. People do live here, but you’re more likely to meet one of the island’s ubiquitous green iguanas. Hell’s chief export? Postcards, available at the gift shop and the post office, on which visitors scrawl such devilishly clever greetings as “Having a Hell of a time — wish you were here.” Inside the gift shop, a staff member in a red devil suit demands with mock impatience, “What the Hell do you want?” It’s a must-do for the first-time Grand Cayman visitor — if only so you can say you’ve been to Hell and back.

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Ports of call | Grand Cayman

CAYMAN Q&A How long is Seven Mile Beach? The beautiful, powdery white sands actually stretch along the waterfront for only about five and a half miles. Why is the water surrounding the islands so clear? There are no rivers or streams flowing from the islands into the sea, so there’s no runoff to spoil the renowned clarity of the water.

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

JO ANN SNOVER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

PROUD PALM The silver thatch palm is a tall tree with fanlike fronds. To fully appreciate its name, one has to observe this indigenous tree by moonlight, when the undersides of the fronds beam in silvery splendor atop trunks that often grow 30 feet tall. The fronds’ qualities provide an excellent roof thatch — they’re rainproof, unusually tough and resistant to heat absorption. Once the fronds are picked, thatchers must work quickly. If the leaves dry out before you use them, the ends curl and the roof will leak. At one time, the palm was the principal component of the islands’ main industry: rope making. While the men went out to sea to fish, women and children hiked inland to gather the fronds. After hanging the leaves to dry for a few days, they split them into strands and wove them into long cords. Today, this kind of rope is found in local craft shops in the form of attractive woven hats, baskets, fans and mats. — Eleanor Wilson

Silver thatch palm 100

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TORTUGA

Â®

DUTY-FREE LIQUORS The Finest Rums and Liquors at the BEST DUTY-FREE PRICES in the Caribbean! Cruise ship Recommended and Guaranteed. WE DELIVER TO YOUR SHIP!

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

Visit our three locations in the heart of George Town. Visit our factory and bakery located on Tortuga Rum Avenue.

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Ports of call | Los Angeles

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

LOS ANGELES

The sun glows over Los Angeles.

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

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Carnival Cruise Line

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

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

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Ports of call | Mahogany Bay

FUNTREKS

Maya Key Private Island Snorkeling With Lunch

Escape to your private island for the day. Maya Key is your 11+ acre oasis of fun and relaxation. Your adventure begins with a 10-minute bus ride to the ferry for a short scenic boat trip across the bay to Maya Key. Enjoy the natural setting of pristine beaches, lush gardens, tropical waters and the Mesoamerican coral reef. Other experiences include our animal rehabilitation and rescue facility.

Jolly Roger Catamaran Sailing & Snorkel with Lunch

This is your perfect shore excursion for Isla de Roatán! We offer incredible value with a free open bar, free digital photographs of your tour and even free local Honduran currency to take home as a souvenir! Join us aboard one of our spacious catamarans for hours of fun in the sun as we cruise along the coast of this gorgeous island we call home.

Jungle ATV Adventure & Beach Escape

Enjoy a half-day adventure off the beaten path and into the jungle on a powerful all-terrain vehicle, followed by time on a private beach.

Mayan Princess All Inclusive Resort With Open Bar

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a perfect beach getaway! Mayan Princess is located on a stretch of Roatán’s finest beach, where you will treat yourself to a day in paradise.

MAHOGANY BAY

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

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Canopy Tour & Tabyana Beach

Soar through the trees on horizontal traverses 18 to 30 feet above the ground; seven traverses, from 120 to 600 feet apart, are followed by a stop at Tabyana Beach, where the jungle meets a powdery white sand beach.

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

TONY MORAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

A perfect beach awaits in Mahogany Bay.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

HARRIS SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

MAZATLÁN

Waves lap the Mazatlán shore at sunrise.

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

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FUNTREKS

All Inclusive Beach Resort Getaway

Spend the day at the exclusive El Cid Marina Beach Club, a tranquil, waterfront resort with excellent facilities and services overlooking the marina. where you will enjoy all-inclusive food and drinks.

HARRIS SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Mazatlan by Land & Sea

With an approximately 90 minutes boat tour, enjoy the majestic offshore islands and one of the tallest lighthouse on a natural hill where the water of the Pacific Ocean and sea of Cortez meet to explore the biodiversity of the tropical jungle.

Canopy Adventure

Soar over the foothills on a daylong canopy adventure. Move through a series of 12 platforms with nine ziplines and a flex-walk bridge on this amazing adventure.

Colonial Villages of Sierra Madre

Quick Guide Famed for: Twelve miles of sandy beaches, shrimp and a resplendent historic zone with cobbled streets and restored historic architecture. It’s a Fact: Mazatlán’s balmy waters serve as the meeting point for the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a dynamic underwater ecosystem.

Embark on a full-day tour of three traditional villages. Take a tour of the legendary Sierra Madre Mountains that rise behind Mazatlán, separating Coastal Mexico from its interior.

Salsa & Salsa

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

Signature Souvenirs: Silver jewelry from nearby mining towns, a handmade leather mask and ceramics from the art studios in the Centro Histórico (Old Town). How to Get to Town: Cruise ships dock at the commercial port, which is a 15-minute walk to the Centro Histórico. Taxis are also available outside of the terminal. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

PHOTOMATZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PORT VIEW

The picturesque Centro Histórico is a popular destination.

Things You Can’t Miss in Mazatlán Mazatlán’s stunning coastline, complete with glitzy hotels and sandy beaches, has earned this Mexican port stop the welldeserved reputation of an ideal beach town. But a short stroll further inland reveals there’s more to Mazatlán than just sun and sandy beaches, including a picturesque city center rich in history and culture. Stroll over cobblestoned streets to Centro Histórico (Old Town) and discover newly revived 19th-century buildings washed in a vibrant palette of pastels, a place where the traditional mingles with the new. The centerpiece is the Teatro Ángela Peralta, named for a famous opera singer. This beautifully restored Italian-style theater is at the heart of the city’s

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

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Ports of call | Mazatlán

From Hunting Ground

TO PLAYGROUND

In the Aztec language, Mazatlán means “place of the deer,” so the future port city apparently had plentiful wildlife. The first visitors were hunters attracted by the plethora of mountain lions, rabbits and coyotes that roamed the nearby hills. Today there are many more deep-sea fishermen than hunters in Mazatlán.

Colonial Times As early as 1602, Mazatlán pops up in recorded history, but the reference is to a small village, now called Villa Unión, located 30 miles away. In the 18th century, English and French pirates used Mazatlán’s hill-screened harbor as a lair from which to pounce upon rich galleons plying the coast. The Spanish responded by establishing a small presidio on the harbor and watchtowers on Cerro de Vigia (Lookout Hill). But the city was really established by a group of German entrepreneurs who expanded the port to bring in farm equipment and export spices. One of their descendants, Jorge Claussen, co-founded the Pacifico Brewery. The scenic seafront drive Paseo Claussen is named for him. The City Blossoms In the late 19th century, the railroad arrived and the port was modernized. Improvements included a grand opera house: Teatro Angela Peralta, named for the beloved coloratura soprano who visited in August 1883. Mazatlán boasts the busiest port between Los Angeles and the Panama Canal. In the 1970s, the city expanded to include the white-sand beaches known as Playa Norte, located north of the original old port town. High-rise hotels now line the Zona Dorada tourist area, and the city’s industrial and commercial base serves an increasingly affluent population.

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

Beginnings Human settlement around Mazatlán dates back to prehistoric times, although the city itself is a fairly recent creation. Archaeologists have unearthed polychrome pottery, with elaborate black and red designs, but there are no inscriptions to inform us of their origins. And the potters were gone centuries before Spanish conquistador Nuño de Guzman burned his way through what is now the state of Sinaloa, in 1531.

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

Ports of call | Mazatlán

CHOCOLATE: A GIFT FROM THE GODS By Chelle Koster Walton

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

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MAYA-STYLE HOT CHOCOLATE 3 cups water 2 cinnamon sticks 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 tablespoons wild honey pinch of cayenne pepper Boil water over medium-high heat and add cinnamon sticks. Reduce to 2½ cups. Remove cinnamon sticks; add vanilla bean. Bring to a low boil, reduce heat to low and add chocolate and honey. Stir until chocolate melts. Remove from heat and discard vanilla bean. Whisk briskly until foamy, sprinkle with cayenne and serve.

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Av. Playa Gaviotas Local 417 A .C.P. 82110 Zona Dorada. TelĂŠfono 669 9 13 16 93

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Ports of call | Panama Canal

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

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

Entrance to Panama Canal.

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

PANAMA CANAL

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

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

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

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

PUERTO LIMÓN Originally a major export point for Costa Rican goods, Puerto Limón has emerged as an important gateway to the nation’s interior. Ecotourism is now an important pursuit for visitors, whose many other choices include shopping and enjoying the beach.

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

FROM TOP: A view of Colón from the harbor; natural cave on the Caribbean shore of Costa Rica. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

PHOTOS BY: VIVID PIXELS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

PUERTO VALLARTA

The coast of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta.

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

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FUNTREKS

Las Caletas Beach Hideaway

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

Dolphin Signature Swim, with Unlimited Food & Drink

PHOTOS BY: VIVID PIXELS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

All Inclusive Pirate Cruise, Snorkeling & Cruise

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

Rhythms of the Night

Quick Guide Famed for: The mile-long Malecón, a seaside promenade featuring large sculptures by Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga and Ramiz Barquet. It’s a Fact: The city became a tourism hot spot after the Richard Burton and Ava Gardner movie The Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1963.

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

Extreme Canopy

Rappel through waterfalls into natural river pools, soar 200 feet above the ground over the jungle foliage on a 1,000-foot zip line and ride a toboggan. Enjoy a truly exhilarating zip-line adventure in the Sierra Madre.

Signature Souvenirs: Huichol art, Raku pottery and Talavera tile and tableware. How to Get to Town: Most visitors take a taxi into the center of Puerto Vallarta, which is about 3 miles from where the ships dock. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

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PORT VIEW

Puerto Vallarta perches on the Pacific Ocean.

Things You Can’t Miss in Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is a colonial gem. Downtown is a crisscross of cobblestoned streets lined with traditional Mexican architecture. But any stroll within one of Mexico’s most popular resort towns should begin along the Malecón, the pedestrian, statue-studded boardwalk featuring The Friendship Fountain by California artist James Bottoms and the Roman-like Los Arcos Amphitheater. A short walk from the square, the Plaza de Armas leads visitors to the cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its distinguishing crowned clock tower. A few blocks away, the “Gringo Gulch” neighborhood still attracts American expatriates who enjoy living 120

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

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IN FULL FLOWER Puerto Vallarta remained a mostly forgotten paradise for centuries, even after Western explorers happened upon it. It wasn’t until Hollywood came calling a few decades ago that the village found its niche as a resort. Beginnings In 1525, explorer Francisco Cortés de San Buenaventura, the nephew of the infamous conquistador Hernán Cortés, made landfall in the region and was unexpectedly confronted by a large force of native warriors geared for battle. With less than 100 men and facing over 18,000 warriors, Cortés tried to convince the natives to surrender but they refused his offer. Before taking up arms, Cortés asked his men to pray to the Virgin Mary for help; among the Spanish was a monk carrying a flag of the Immaculate Conception. After they invoked their patroness, a brilliant ray of light suddenly illuminated the flag, leaving the warriors and Spaniards awestruck. Believing it to be a miracle of divine grace, the two sides promptly withdrew from battle. In commemoration of the event, Cortés called the site Valle de Banderas, or Valley of the Flags, though nowadays the bay is known by the name Bahía de Banderas.

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

Rediscovery For the next 300 years, the valley remained free of any permanent settlement. By 1880, the population of Puerto de las Peñas had reached 1,500. In 1918, the settlement was promoted to the status of municipality. Its name was changed to Puerto Vallarta in honor of Don Ignacio Vallarta, governor of the state of Jalisco and signer of the Mexican constitution. The Montgomery Fruit Company bought 70,000 acres of land in the area in 1925, bringing plentiful jobs at the new banana plantations. The port boomed with the exportation of the “green gold.” A Burst of Growth Yet Puerto Vallarta remained relatively isolated and unknown until the 1960s. In 1964, the port was finally put on the map when director John Huston filmed The Night of the Iguana — starring Richard Burton and Ava Gardner — in the picturesque town. Tourists descended by the thousands, and in 1970, a new airport opened with direct flights to the United States and Europe. The once-tiny community of expatriated Americans and Canadians swelled to a large colony of year-round residents. These days, Puerto Vallarta has a population of more than 255,000 — with an estimated three million visitors each year — but it still manages to retain its charm. — John Anderson 122

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Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

The Quiet Charm of

YELAPA AND LAS CALETAS

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

PHOTO BY: MARVIN PERTON

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

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PHOTO BY: MARVIN PERTON

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Ports of call | Tampa

PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) DOXADIGITAL/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; (PIER) GRACIOUS_TIGER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

TAMPA

The glittering Tampa skyline.

The Gulf Coast city of Tampa embraces its past, while welcoming modern attractions such as trendy art galleries and the city aquarium. The city came through Hurricane Irma with less damage than expected in September 2017. Its beaches, parks and attractions like historic Ybor City are waiting to welcome you.

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Quick Guide Famed for: Ybor City, the historic neighborhood founded by Cuban, Italian and Spanish immigrants. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Fact: The magnificent Sunshine Skyway Bridge across Tampa Bay is 191 feet above the water. Signature Souvenirs: A Tampa Bay Buccaneers cap or a cigar from Ybor City.

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