2016 17 CCL Caribbean POC R4

FUN ASHORE 2016 –17 CARIBBEAN SAILING SEASON REGION 4

FUN ASHORE GETTING THERE WITH CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE

FABULOUS FIVE The making-over of five in the fleet

KEEPING IT CLEAN Environmental efforts show care for the planet

ISLAND WEDDINGS What to do before ‘I do’

STAR SEARCHES Celebrity sighting in the tropics

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

16CAR_CCL_Cover_R4.indd 1

2 016 -17 CARIBBE AN SAILING SE ASON

TIM McGRAW Country superstar joins Carnival LIVE

GUIDE TO PORTS

What to do, where to shop starting on page

40 11/28/16 1:21 PM

5201L-R.indd 2

9/13/16 1:19 PM

5201L-R.indd 3

9/13/16 1:19 PM

5157L-R.indd 2

9/1/16 10:24 AM

5157L-R.indd 3

9/1/16 10:24 AM

5156L-R.indd 2

9/1/16 10:22 AM

5156L-R.indd 3

9/1/16 10:23 AM

CONTENTS 2016–2017 Sailing Season

12

WELCOME ABOARD!

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

14

FUN TAKES / Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

New ships on the horizon, new ways to explore the ports and more news from the fleet.

20

PRETO PEROLA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

THE FABULOUS FIVE A look at the making-over of five ships and their exciting new ways to sip, savor and shop.

By Lena Katz

24

CARNIVAL SHOWS IT CARES The cruise line is a dedicated steward of the environment, with technology and practices meant to help create a sustainable future.

By Kelly Liszt

26

COVER STORY / Tim McGraw The country superstar, who joins the 2017 Carnival LIVE lineup, looks back on his roots, his meteoric rise and how he stays on top. Plus, two legendary comics and a Grammy Award-winning band will also perform with the innovative concert series.

By Lauren Comander You are here (or will be soon).

6

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_TOC.indd 6

11/17/16 3:12 PM

5202.indd 1

9/13/16 1:22 PM

CONTENTS 2016–2017 Sailing Season

32

CARIBBEAN WEDDINGS Here’s what to do before ‘I do.’

By Lena Katz

34

STAR SEARCHES Celebrity sighting in the tropics.

36

A FUN DAY IN PORT

38

OBJECTS OF DESIRE

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

40

PRETO PEROLA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

GUIDE TO PORTS

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

8

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_TOC.indd 8

11/8/16 2:39 PM

™ and A Diamond is Forever™ are Trade Marks used under license from The De Beers Group of Companies. ™, © Forevermark Limited 2016. Forevermark™,

I T ’ S A LO N G J O U R N E Y TO B E CO M E T H E O N E .

In our constant pursuit of absolute beauty, every Forevermark® diamond undergoes a journey of rigorous selection.

This is why less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are worthy of the Forevermark® inscription our promise of beauty, rarity and responsible sourcing.

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

5203.indd 1

9/13/16 1:23 PM

1691 Michigan Avenue, Suite 600, Miami Beach, FL 33139 Tel: (305) 673-. 0400, Fax: (305) 674.9396 www.onboardmedia.com

Robin Rosenbaum-Andras Senior Vice President, Marketing

Carrie Julier Vice President and General Manager

Editorial & Design

Virginia C. Valls Publishing Director

Kate McClare Managing Editor

Beth Wood Senior Art Director

Dayana Ramirez Art Director

Christian Rosario Associate Art Director

Raquel Figueroa Associate Art Director

Jose Cuevas Graphic Designer

Kat Williams Graphic Designer

James Perdomo Production Coordinator

Gail Abrams Ad Services Director

Violeta Manco-Rojas Ad Services Manager

Contributing Writers/Editors

John Anderson, John Bigley, Christine Blank, Suzanne L. Carmel, Richard Carroll, Sara Churchville, Lauren Comander, Michael De Freitas, Michelle da Silva Richmond, Ginger Dingus, Joanna Hall, Jen Karetnick, Lena Katz, Marjorie Klein, Marty Leshner, Kelly Liszt, Linda Marx, JoAnn Milivojevic, Raymond Niedowski, Paris Permenter, Cele Seldon, Lynn Seldon, Jonathan Siskin, Iliana Soto, Jim Thompson, Richard Varr, Chelle Koster Walton, Deborah Williams, Deborah Wilson, Eleanor Wilson, Gerald Zarr.

Advertising Sales

Anna Riekstins Director of International Sales & Brand Marketing

Rod Musum Executive Director of Sales

Tyler Condon Sales Manager

Stephanie Yonskie International Sales Coordinator

Video/Film Production

Todd Hedge Executive Producer

Dan Shaw Director, Operations

Kevin Maschke Senior Editor

Juan Carlos Peña Director of Photography

Enrico Caschetta Assistant Editor

Alexa Caravia Videographer/Editor

Port Shopping Revenue

Robert Yonskie Manager of Cruise Revenue

Vince Mikulus Regional Marketing Manager

Andrew Vrzal Regional Marketing Manager

Jimmy Marks Retail Program Manager

Port Shopping

Jennifer Szewczyk Director of Operations

Rina Alvarado Operations Coordinator

Anaias Gonzalez Operations Sales Coordinator

Nadine Winter Customer Relations Manager

10

©2016 Onboard Media. No claim to original works of CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE or advertisers.

Ships’ registry: PANAMA AND THE BAHAMAS All rights reserved. The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

Printed in CANADA. All articles, descriptions and suggestions concerning activities, tourist attractions and other vacation opportunities described in this publication are merely expressions of opinions by contributing writers, do not constitute the opinions of Onboard Media Inc. or CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE, and under no circumstances constitute assurances or guarantees concerning the quality or safety of any such attraction or activity. Onboard Media Inc. and CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE specifically disclaim any liability for damages incurred due to the attendance or participation by readers of this publication in any such activity or attraction, and the attendance or participation in any such activity or attraction shall be made solely at the reader’s own risk.

We and our content providers (“we”) have tried to make the information in this publication as accurate as possible, but it is provided “as is” and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information.

Cover image by: Mary Ellen Matthews/Corbis Outline

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_PubPage.indd 14

11/8/16 2:44 PM

5204.indd 1

9/13/16 1:24 PM

EN

F

RO

T

A

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 for you!

Looking for innovative ways to enhance what we offer our guests has been a hallmark of the Carnival culture for 45 years. Our team takes great pride in continuously bringing new and fresh programs and features to life onboard each of the 25 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, we continue to invest in world-class entertainment offerings such as the Carnival LIVE concert series, bringing new, exciting talent to the lineup every year. Tim McGraw, Jeff Foxworthy, Jay Leno and Little Big Town are among the acts joining the family in 2017. In addition to Carnival LIVE, we have added many new entertainment options across our entire fleet that will delight the whole family. 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 also continue to make investments in our fleet. Carnival Magic, Carnival Valor and Carnival Inspiration, for example, have all undergone enhancements and are all featured in this issue. We are excited to share the details, which include new dining and bar venues, such as a new Guy Fieri restaurant and Cherry on Top! We think you’ll love them.

Of course, we know that some of the best vacation memories can also be created ashore, which is why our shore excursion team has been hard at work to bring new, one-of-a-kind experiences to our ports of call, such as the new Cozumel Plus program.

You can read all about these features and much more in 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

16FUN_Presidents letter.indd 12

11/17/16 3:16 PM

5205.indd 1

9/13/16 1:31 PM

FUN TAKES: Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

ON THE

HORIZON

Looking ahead to Carnival Horizon with a few of our favorite things about the Vista Class.

The new Carnival Vista is a hit, praised for technological achievements and for an impressive list of program innovations. But while the rest of us were thrilling at IMAX or chilling at the Havana Bar and Pool, the dedicated designers and builders at Carnival were working at the drawing board, coming up with a second Vista Class ship to be launched in March 2018.

The subsequent ship in the next generation of fun is Carnival Horizon. She’ll offer many of the hugely popular indoor and outdoor dining, bar, entertainment and activity options available on Carnival Vista, with a few surprises of her own.

While you wait for the new sibling, we thought we’d share just a few of the features that have made Carnival Vista such a winner: Excellent entertainment. It’s all kinds of fun: first-run movies at the first IMAX theater at sea; ultra-cool 3D shows at the Thrill Theater; and cool themed events like the South Beach-inspired Serenity Nights, the Rock-N-Glow 80s Deck Party and an Island Deck Party. When in port, you can even see top singers, musicians and comedians performing on the ship as part of the Carnival LIVE concert series.

Tasty treats. There are lots of palate pleasers — nearly 30 different dining and bar venues — but the sweetest spot is Cherry on Top, the candy-and-more store. This is the biggest Cherry on Top in the Carnival fleet, stocking more than 120 kinds of bulk candy as well as a wide selection of party accessories. It’s also the first to have its own ice cream parlor, with lots of tempting ice cream flavors and luscious toppings. Dig in!

Thrills and spills. We’d call it groundbreaking, but a lot of the action is way off the ground: 150 feet in the air, in the case of the SkyRide aerial attraction. A little lower but no less mind-blowing is the Kaleid-o-Slide, which sends you on a colorfully crazy ride down a twisting, turning slide.

FROM TOP: Zipping along SkyRide 150 feet in the air; the Kaleid-o-Slide, a new twist on cruising.

14

Room to shop. On Carnival Vista, The Fun Shops take up two decks of retail bliss, making room for an irresistible shopping experience. It starts with the glamorous main shopping venue, Effy Fine Jewelry, known for meticulously crafted and utterly original gemstone designs. Brands are meant to satisfy the most style-conscious shoppers; you’ll find top names like Tommy Bahama, Fossil, TAG Heuer, Ralph Lauren, Estée Lauder and Tom Ford. The stores were built for maximum visual impact, designed for the first time with boutique shops showcasing key merchandise categories and highlighting top assortments across major brands. The goal is to keep guests coming back again and again for new brands, new products and especially for new experiences.

One thing hasn’t changed: The Fun Shops are still staffed by expert associates who love nothing more than helping guests find perfect gifts for loved ones or themselves.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Fun Takes.indd 1

11/17/16 3:14 PM

GOT KIDS? BUT WAIT — THERE’S MORE! Why stop with just one new ship? Carnival Horizon will be followed by a second and then a third new ship, debuting in 2020 and 2022, respectively. At 180,000 gross registered tons and about 5,200 passengers each, they’ll be the largest in the Carnival fleet.

They will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest-burning fossil fuel, under Carnival Corporation's exclusive “green cruising” design — an initiative that extends Carnival’s tradition of environmental stewardship. (See “Carnival Shows It Cares.”)

“These ships signify an extraordinarily exciting future for Carnival Cruise Line and the opportunities that lie ahead to introduce a variety of magnificent new features and innovations to further enhance our outstanding guest experience,” says Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy.

The 5 best things for kids (and teens) on your cruise.

It’s 3 p.m. Do you know where your kids are?

If they’re aboard this cruise, they’re probably not with you.

There’s just too much cool stuff for them to do everywhere else onboard, from getting wet and wild at the waterslides to getting their groove on at the teen club (in which case, check the spa for pre-party prep).

HERE ARE JUST FIVE OF THE BEST: 1. WaterWorks. Thrills and spills for all ages, from spritzing toys for tots to fast-moving slides for big kids. Perched on the top deck of select ships, it’s good clean fun.

2. SkyCourse. Best for older kids, this adventurous attraction is a ropes course 150 feet above sea level. After slipping into their safety harness, they‘ll traverse an adventurous aerial course that includes rope bridges and suspended beams. It’s offered on select ships.

3. Teen Worlds. The older sibs of Camp Ocean cruisers get special spaces, too, with Circle “C” for 12- to 14-year-olds and Club O2 for 15- to 17-year-olds. There’s so much to do: active sports and video games, dance parties and karaoke jam sessions and, on select ships, learning how to mix beats at Spin U, created with Carnival’s official music master, DJ Irie.

4. Seuss At Sea. On select ships, kids and their families get immersed in the whimsical wonders of Dr. Seuss. An exclusive program by Dr. Seuss Enterprises, it offers all the fun you’d expect, from the zany Seuss-a-Palooza parade to special character breakfasts featuring — what else? — green eggs and ham.

5. Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea. Carnival has joined with one of the world’s most beloved toy makers to offer the first of its kind off land. Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea provides children of all ages an opportunity to make their own cuddly bear that can be customized with a variety of outfits and accessories, from tutus and high-top sneakers to, appropriately enough, vacation wear like bathing suits and sunglasses.

This is all so much fun — no wonder Carnival hosts 700,000 kids every year!

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Fun Takes.indd 2

15

11/17/16 3:15 PM

Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

Exploring the beach at Tulum.

MORE TO

EXPLORE

There’s only one thing wrong with a visit to Cozumel. Eventually, you have to leave.

Luckily, that time will come a lot later if you’re on a Cozumel Plus itinerary, which gives you hours more in one of the most diverse ports in the Caribbean.

Hours more to spend snorkeling or diving. Hours more for exploring fascinating Mayan ruins or enchanting caves and caverns. Hours more to savor that incredible Mexican cuisine.

You get up to eight hours in port on Cozumel Plus itineraries, which depart from six U.S. home ports on the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico. They’re offered on 17 ships sailing more than 750 four- to eight-day cruises.

The longer time in por t ma kes Cozumel’s shore excursions more exciting than ever. You can spend the whole day experiencing ruins like Chichen Itza — one of the Seven Wonders of the World, dating back to A.D. 750 — or snorkeling the exquisite turquoise waters

of Xel-Há, a magnificent group of lagoons connected by a series of bridges. Explore the famed underground waterway known as the “secret river,” swim with whale sharks or discover why Cozumel is world-renowned for its fishing and diving. Relax on one of Cozumel’s pristine beaches or at a seaside café.

No matter what Cozumel itinerary you sail on, your arrival begins at Puerta Maya, Carnival’s modern three-berth facility which offers easy access to the various tours. Save a little time for the shops, boutiques and restaurants there.

“Cozumel is the Caribbean’s premier cruising region,” says Christine Duffy, president of Carnival, “and our Cozumel Plus itineraries provide our guests with the opportunity to create wonderful vacation memories.”

To get more out of your next cruise to Cozumel, just look for the “Cozumel Plus” notation on itineraries listed at Carnival.com or call 1-800-CARNIVAL

Pyramid at the Maya ruins in Chichen Itza.

PHOTOS BY: (BEACH) IRINA KLYUCHNIKOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (PYRAMID) SUBBOTINA ANNA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Cozumel Plus itineraries give you more time in port.

JOURNEYS OF ENRICHMENT Cozumel Plus is one more way Carnival is helping guests make the most of their cruise experience. Here’s another: Carnival Journeys, a series of longer cruises which provide enriching experiences aboard and amazing destinations ashore, delivered with the flair of classic cruising. In this case it truly is about the journey as much as the destination, for you also get to enjoy special onboard experiences in dining, entertainment and enrichment.

Opportunities are varied and depend on your itinerary. You might get to sample an onboard cooking demonstration, or watch performances of local music, dance and other folkloric shows. Some Journeys offer Throwback Sea Day, taking you back to 1987 and all the trimmings of 1980s cruising. Or you could enroll in the Academy of Fun for a lively education in celestial navigation, social media, photography or other topics.

You could even get an inside view of shipboard life from the ship’s captain, cruise director, hotel director or other crew member.

Start your Journey at carnival.com/journeys.

16

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Fun Takes.indd 3

11/8/16 1:29 PM

5206.indd 1

9/13/16 1:34 PM

Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

DIAMONDS ARE FOR EVERY

Day

Fun ways to rock your daytime style.

That old rule against wearing diamonds before evening is as obsolete as the one against wearing white before Memorial Day. (But you still can’t wear your tiara to the office. Sorry.)

If you want to add some sparkle to your day, we have a couple of ideas: The Right-hand Ring. Why wait for some guy to put a ring on it? Or limit yourself to one diamond ring? The right-hand ring is for anyone who can’t get enough of those brilliant flashes of dancing light. This rule is for all the single ladies (and married and engaged ones too): “Left hand for We, right hand for Me.”

Need some more inspiration? Visit The Fun Shops onboard and speak with one of the Fine Jewelry associates.

They love helping you conjure up dreamy new ways to wear diamonds.

18

AVEMARIO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Diamond Studs. Hardly new, but their total practicality is. They can be worn at any age, in any situation: a 2-yearold toddler, a 97-year-old grandmother, and anyone at any age in between. You can wear them to work, shopping, to the PTA meeting, relaxing at home, swimming — and, of course, to a formal event. You literally never need to take them off. This is one purchase that gives you so much for your money, why not spend a little more and get the pair you really want?

No matter the occasion, diamond studs fit beautifully.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Fun Takes.indd 4

11/8/16 1:30 PM

Fun Takes | Keeping Up With Carnival Cruise Line

CRUISE

CONNECTION

Enhanced Internet packages make it easy to stay in touch.

PHOTO BY: MICHAELJUNG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

You take a vacation to disconnect from the workaday world, but not from your world — your family, your friends, your cat video sources. You don’t have to cut the links you like when you’re at sea, thanks to Carnival’s enhanced Internet packages.

The packages give you dramatically increased bandwidth and speed, and you can choose from a variety of packages: from unlimited Web access for using a wide range of applications and checking email, sports scores and weather; to a premium package that lets you use video calling sites like Skype.

You’ll never miss a moment with your social network, now that you have unlimited access to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, LinkedIn, Pinterest and other popular social media sites.

You can also stay up to date with what’s happening on the ship, with the Carnival HUB mobile app. Available for download at the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, Carnival HUB gives you a convenient, at-a-glance view of the ship’s many facilities and features, along with updates on events and happenings taking place on your cruise. The app is free; for a nominal fee you can add a mobile chat feature. It includes dayby-day schedules of hundreds of onboard events, information on food and beverage venues, searchable deck plans, itinerary details, your Sail & Sign account balance and more.

“Fast, affordable and reliable social media channels and the Internet have become essential on today’s cruise ships,” says Gabriela Gonzalez, vice president of guest technology.

“We have thoughtfully approached this area to ensure we are providing options that guests sailing throughout our fleet find truly valuable and reliable.”

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Fun Takes.indd 5

19

11/8/16 1:30 PM

The Fabulous Five | Ship Makeovers

THE

FABULOUS FIVE

BELOW: Selections to savor at onboard dining venues (clockwise from top left): Entrée from Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse; sausages on grill at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse; tacos from BlueIguana Cantina; sushi from JiJi Asian Kitchen.

20

A look at the making-over of five ships and their exciting new ways to sip, savor and shop

Key West inspirations. Craft cocktails with a hipster twist. Partnerships with Food Network icons.

Nobody can dispute that when it comes to fabulous dining and top-notch beverage experiences, Carnival has always led the cruise industry. While Carnival Vista has gotten most of the limelight since its launch, the other ships in the fleet have received plenty of TLC. In fact, five ships — Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Valor — have received exciting Fun Ship 2.0 updates. From a Fantasy-class favorite to one of the relative youngsters in the Dream class, these ships are made over not just cosmetically, but also experientially. Here’s an overview of all that’s new and exciting onboard the fabulous five.

By Lena Katz

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Makeovers.indd 1

11/8/16 12:45 PM

DINING: CASUAL, DIY AND DELICIOUS

Guy’s Burger Joint

Guy’s Burger Joint, a partnership with Carnival and Food Network star Guy Fieri, has been a massive success on every Carnival ship to receive it. The formula is simple but unbeatable: a selection of sizzling-fresh burgers and handcut fries made to order, with a condiment bar to load up your burger the way you like. All five of the featured ships welcomed Guy’s burgers onboard in their last major round of renovations.

Carnival Magic, though . . . She’s making the other ships jealous, especially over the spanking-new addition of Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse. This first in fleet ’cue joint does slow-smoked meats and comfort food sides, offered with typical over-the-top Fieri sass.

Less flashy but still very satisfying to the tummy is BlueIguana Cantina, another poolside eatery which serves Mexican-American burrito and taco standards with a salsa bar for cruisers to customize their selection. This venue is also an under-the-radar treasure for freshly made breakfasts with a bit of spice. All five featured ships received BlueIguana Cantina during Fun Ship 2.0 updates.

As the middle sister in the young and shiny Dream class, mega-ship Carnival Magic has been well appointed with outlets and offerings since her debut, and the latest updates even beyond Guy’s are sure to make everyone drool. Expanding upon Carnival’s legendary 24-hour pizza concept, Pizzeria del Capitano is a 24-hour eatery serving hand-tossed crisp-crusted pizzas with the family-style Italian ambience of the popular Cucina del Capitano.

Carnival Magic is one of only a few ships fleet-wide to have this concept.

Pizzeria del Capitano

Guy’s Pig & Anchor

And what are the others? Well, Carnival Vista, of course, is an easy guess. But the other ship with serious WOW factor on the dining front is the gloriously reimagined Carnival Sunshine. She’s enjoying a second youth after the most extensive stem-to-stern renovation ever seen in the cruise industry, with specialty restaurants that lead the Carnival fleet. She has Cucina del Capitano and the Pizzeria offshoot; she has Guy’s and BlueIguana; she also was the first to get alternative Pan-Asian eatery JiJi Asian Kitchen. Rounding out the dining offerings, the sleek Fahrenheit 555 steakhouse is where trendy design meets classic steakhouse taste. It’s a highlight of the cruise experience for a nominal per-person surcharge.

“Our guests are loving the additional dining venues, evident by the one-thousand-plus burgers and five-hundred-plus tacos and burritos we serve daily,” says Cyrus Marfatia, vice president of food and beverage. “The Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse is truly smoking with thirteen-hundred-plus guests addicted to the mouth-watering barbecue on Carnival Magic on sea days. Watch out,” he promises. “More surprises to follow!”

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Makeovers.indd 2

21

11/8/16 12:46 PM

The Fabulous Five | Ship Makeovers

BARS/LOUNGES: FROM CRAFT COCKTAILS TO SELF-SERVE SIPPERS No, you’re not seeing double. Three featured ships now boast two distinct RedFrog watering holes. Carnival Magic and Carnival Valor have been entertaining cruisers for years in the RedFrog Pub, while Carnival Sunshine got the biggest-ever pub in the fleet during its major makeover. And post-updates, all three ships have an additional RedFrog Rum Bar on the Lido pool deck. Carnival Triumph and Carnival Inspiration also received their own RedFrog Rum Bar — a first in this bar brand for each of them.

Moreover, all five of the ships got a BlueIguana Tequila Bar, located exactly across the Lido deck from RedFrog Rum Bar. Cruisers can switch up their cocktail rounds — margaritas today, rumrunners tomorrow, and so on and so on and so on . . .

Carnival Sunshine might just have the most intellectual day-drinking concept at sea: the Library Bar, which offers self-serve wine dispensers to improve your quiet afternoon of reading. Full bar service also is available.

Another new addition to the five featured ships: Alchemy Bar, a popular contemporary cocktail concept where the menu is themed, tongue-in-cheek, after an old-fashioned apothecary’s stash of elixirs. The menu offers some straightforward classics like the French Kiss, and Caribbean twists on standards like the Island Old-Fashioned made with rum instead of scotch and “The Antioxidant” vodka martini with Belvedere Grapefruit. All the featured cocktails are made with top-shelf liquor. Customers can also make their own cocktail requests.

Finally, sports fans should take a peek at the updated SKYBOX Sports Bar on Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Valor. This venue offers video games to entertain fans even when there isn’t a big game to watch.

FROM TOP: Mixing it up at RedFrog Pub; game on at SKYBOX Sports Bar; smooth moves at Alchemy Bar.

22

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Makeovers.indd 3

11/8/16 12:46 PM

The Fabulous Five | Ship Makeovers

SHOPPING FUN

Ready to browse and buy? The elegantly glossy new aesthetic and temptingly expanded product lines in The Fun Shops of Carnival Magic, Carnival Sunshine, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Valor elevate the shipboard retail experience. New developments include an enhanced jewelry section, an exciting new selection of luxury timepieces and dedicated trunk show space for featured brands. Adding to the fun factor: special trunk show events that take place two or three times per sailing, creating “pop-up shop” buzz within the already fizzy energy of the Fun Ships.

“This newly enhanced shopping environment allows us to create true retail theater, whether we are unveiling an exciting new trunk show with lots of attention or creating a more intimate moment within a semi-private consultation area,” says William Butler, vice president of retail services.

PRECIOUS TIME

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: the latest, greatest and sexiest new designs by longtime favorite brands including TAG Heuer, Invicta, Citizen and Fossil. Additionally, new designers have been added to the mix, including Nixon and TechnoMarine.

Besides watches, Butler says, Carnival is shining a brighter spotlight on fine jewelry, fashion jewelry, beauty products and apparel. All five categories have been updated to reflect what the modern-day cruiser wants from a shipboard boutique.

SWEET SPOT

Three ships — Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Valor — were treated to Cherry on Top, Carnival’s popular candy-and-more store. Life is truly sweet in this shop, where you’ll find bins of bulk candy, fanciful gifts and novelties, custom apparel and lots of other treats. If you’re sailing on one of these ships and crave a sugary mid-afternoon treat, or you’re buying a souvenir the grandkids will happily devour, this colorful store is sure to satisfy.

FROM TOP: Elegant surroundings for timepieces; Carnival-branded apparel and souvenirs; they all scream for ice cream at Cherry on Top. Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Makeovers.indd 4

23

11/17/16 3:17 PM

Carnival Shows It Cares | The Environment

CARNIVAL

SHOWS IT CARES The cruise line is a dedicated steward of the environment, with technology and practices meant to help create a sustainable future.

By Kelly Liszt When it comes to choosing the right cruise, travelers have always considered things like choice of accommodations, onboard amenities, level of service and range of destinations. But with the rise of environmental consciousness, more guests are also factoring in how well a cruise line minimizes its carbon footprint.

Carnival Cruise Line stands out in its measures to protect the planet. “We know it’s our duty to promote environmental responsibility toward a sustainable future,” says Rabih Aboudargham, environmental operations director for Carnival. “Our ultimate goal is to reduce our carbon footprint and reduce environmental and social impact.”

The line’s newest ship, Carnival Vista, has a number of measures in place to do just that and is setting environmental standards that future ships will follow.

Carnival Vista: A Shining Example One feature that guests will notice right away is long-life LED lighting in every stateroom, which saves replacement costs. A behind-the-scenes measure (or, rather, an underneath-the-waterline measure) is an innovative Azipod propulsion system. Located at the very bottom of the aft end of the vessel, twin 170-ton propellers rotate a full 360 degrees, optimizing maneuverability and increasing fuel efficiency.

The ship also features different engine sizes, creating

24

more efficiency by optimizing the engine loading. An indirect cooling glycol system reduces the amount of refrigerant circulating throughout the vessel. Carnival worked with naval architects to optimize Carnival Vista’s hull design, reducing drag in the water. The ship also features an advanced wastewater treatment system plant, a first for the cruise line. In addition, the ship’s waste heat recovery system was fitted with a power-generating steam turbine, which helps recapture the exhaust heat of the engines.

Carnival Vista boasts the most measures to reduce its carbon footprint, yet other ships in the fleet feature fuel-efficiency and waste-reduction measures. These include different engine sizes, chillers with glycol, non-ODS (non-Ozone-Depleting Substance) Freon and exhaust gas cleaning systems.

Subsequent Carnival ships will feature more efficient hull designs, energy-efficient lighting and waste heat recovery systems. That will start with two new ships launching in 2020 and 2022. They will be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the world’s cleanest-burning fossil fuel, under Carnival Corporation’s exclusive “green cruising” design.

“These new ships are being designed for maximum energy efficiency and environmental friendliness,” says Carnival Cruise Line President Christine Duffy. It’s an innovative approach that is becoming the standard for Carnival.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Enviromental.indd 1

11/8/16 12:22 PM

Carnival Shows It Cares | The Environment

BEYOND THE ENGINE ROOM

Carnival’s environmental stewardship approach includes use of shore power in select ports, as well as a donation program for used but serviceable items from its ships, such as mattresses, furniture, unused paint and building materials. Crews volunteer their time at beach cleanups and tree plantings. In addition, the cruise line provides training and education programs for shipboard and shoreside personnel, ongoing fleetwide efforts to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, and an extensive management plan for all waste generated aboard Carnival vessels.

Carnival also engages guests in its shipboard recycling activities and encourages them to conserve water, towel and air-conditioning within their staterooms. It has also developed an education program for kids, where they can visit their ships to see firsthand how their environmental program works.

RECOGNITION FOR A JOB WELL DONE

PHOTOS BY: (WELDER) WI6995/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BEACH) AVESUN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Carnival’s efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Carnival Vista has been awarded the ECO Class Notation (Environmental, Construction and Operations beyond statutory requirement) certification from Lloyd’s Register. “This certification demonstrates Carnival’s commitment to go above and beyond the expected,” says Aboudargham, “by recognizing the voluntary standards we adopted for environmental ship design, construction and operation.”

In 2016, the cruise line was honored by the Port of Seattle with the inaugural Program Innovator Award, recognizing creativity in environmental practices, including innovations in fuel efficiency and waste reduction. In addition, Port of Seattle praised Carnival for partnering with the Nature Conservancy, developing groundbreaking exhaust gas cleaning technology and implementing an environmental program for shipboard employees.

Carnival also received the 2016 Green Gateway Partners Award for exceeding regulatory requirements and helping support Port of Seattle’s mission to be the most energy-efficient port in North America. Aboudargham feels inspired to be acknowledged by one of the leaders in seaport environmental innovation: “Receiving this recognition is truly an honor.”

TELLING THE WORLD

Doing more than what is required extends to Carnival’s transparency and reporting. Carnival Corporation, Carnival Cruise Line’s parent company, publishes an annual detailed sustainability report, including all data from Carnival ships as well as the processes and proactive approaches taken. “We are very transparent,” says Aboudargham. “Our stakeholders, whether they’re guests, employees or investors deserve to know what we do, what has worked, how we can do better and our commitment to constantly improve.”

TOP and CENTER: Carnival Vista under construction.

RIGHT: A clean beach is what environmental stewardship is all about.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Enviromental.indd 2

25

11/8/16 12:27 PM

Cover Story | Tim McGraw

H

e l b m u H and

Tim McGraw’s love of country music goes back to his childhood trips with his stepdad, a long-haul trucker.

26

PHOTO BY NINO MUÑOZ

d n i K

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Cover Story.indd 36

11/8/16 11:49 AM

e l b m u H and That’s not just a lyric for country music superstar Tim McGraw, one of the top acts on the 2017 Carnival LIVE roster. McGraw looks back on his roots, his meteoric rise and how he stays on top (hint: “I try not to get thrown off!”)

m d i n T Ki w

By Lauren Comander

When Tim McGraw was a little boy, he’d hit the road in an 18-wheeler with his stepfather, a trucker who hauled cottonseed around Louisiana and Texas. They’d pass the hours by singing along to the tunes of country greats, the likes of Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride and George Jones. When they’d get to a truck stop, little Tim would find his favorites on the jukebox. He still remembers every time “Country Bumpkin” came on; it’s one of the first songs he knew all the words to as a kid.

“My first memory of singing songs was country music,” McGraw recalls. “I remember being at the truck stops at four in the morning, getting ready to ride horses and round up stray cattle down in Louisiana with my stepdad, having breakfast and listening to all those old, great songs.”

Now it’s Tim McGraw’s songs that the kids and parents sing so often they’ve memorized the words.

He’s one of the best-selling country music artists of all time, a three-time Grammy Award winner who has sold more than 40 million records worldwide, with 41 singles hitting No. 1 and 11 albums debuting at No. 1.

You can call it the golden touch. Or the platinum touch. Regardless, there’s no slowdown in sight for McGraw, a seemingly ageless heartthrob who turns heads not only with his powerful voice but also with his six-pack abs and buff biceps — all making for a memorable tour with Carnival LIVE in March 2017 in Nassau, The Bahamas.

a r G c

MODEST BEGINNINGS McGraw’s icon status is a long way from his humble

PHOTO BY NINO MUÑOZ

childhood in Louisiana where, back from the road, he spent much of his time outside amid cotton fields and the bayou, fishing and riding bikes. When he was 11 years old, he found a copy of his birth certificate and discovered his biological father was baseball legend Tug McGraw, but they didn’t grow close until years later.

“We didn’t have a lot growing up, but most of our friends didn’t have a lot growing up either so we never felt like we were without,” McGraw says. “But I certainly appreciate what I’m able to do for my children.

And in turn, you hope that they realize how fortunate they are — and that they take advantage of that to do something great for the world.”

McGraw graduated as his high school’s salutatorian and dreamed of becoming a lawyer, inspired by Al Pacino in the movie …And Justice for All. But when he got to Northeast Louisiana University, he instead picked up a guitar and became a hard-partying fraternity bro. On the day his hero Keith Whitley died in 1989, McGraw quit college, sold his belongings and bought a one-way Greyhound bus ticket to Nashville.

Five years and a lot of hard work and persistence later, his Not a Moment Too Soon became Billboard’s best-selling album of the year.

The musical successes have been piling up ever since. After the elder McGraw passed away of brain cancer, the singer released “Live Like You Were Dying,” the lead single from the album of the same name. It spent seven weeks atop the Billboard country music charts and was later dubbed the biggest country song of the year.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Cover Story.indd 37

27

11/8/16 11:49 AM

PHOTO BY DANNY CLINCH

Cover Story | Tim McGraw

“It’s a tightrope walk, a balancing of the very emotions that propel achievement.”

— Tim McGraw, writing in his book, Humble and Kind.

HOMERUN ON THE HOMEFRONT Meantime, he’d found a different kind of success on the homefront, from a lasting love with his wife of 20 years, country star Faith Hill, to their three teenage daughters, who have impressed fans with their poise. He and Hill married in 1996, after he proposed to her in his trailer dressing room and found her answer — “Yes” — scribbled in lipstick on the mirror after the show. They’ve worked to keep their daughters, Gracie, Maggie and Audrey, out of the spotlight of their fame.

“We just try to live our life normally and do things with our kids — go to high school football games, go to our kids’ functions, go out to dinner with our kids and be involved in their lives and the things that they’re doing,” McGraw says. “When it’s time to go to work, we put on the cowboy hat and the high heels and go to work…me with the cowboy hat, her with the high heels. Although occasionally we’ll switch it up!”

They love to travel as a family, especially to The Bahamas. “I love the sand and salt water. Our whole family does — it’s just part of who we are,” he says. “Any time we can get in the ocean and go spearfishing, snorkeling and spend time on the beach and in the sun, we’re happy.”

HUMBLE TRIUMPHS McGraw’s personal life intersected with his professional one when, inspired by his oldest daughter leaving for college, he recorded “Humble and Kind,” a poignant song offering advice for graduates that prompted him to reflect on his own values. “[Humility] is something that you work on,” he writes in the introduction to Humble and Kind, a keepsake book inspired by his song of the same name. “It’s a tightrope walk, a balancing of the very emotions that propel achievement: proud, but not boastful; good, but not self-righteous; confident, but not arrogant; grateful, but never entitled.”

McGraw relies on his work ethic and laser-like focus to stay on top.

28

Or, put another way, “I try not to get thrown off!” He doesn’t have a secret to success, exactly. “You work hard and be prepared for a moment that you can stand up and do something,” he says. “When I’ve had the most success, focus is the thing that really works.”

When McGraw resolved to focus on his health, he didn’t look back.

He quit drinking the day he launched his Live Your Voice tour, adopting grueling customized CrossFit workouts and a meticulous Paleostyle diet. He credits his wife and three daughters for the motivation to give up partying, telling Men’s Health in 2014: “When your wife tells you it’s gone too far, that’s a big wake-up call.”

A man of many (cowboy) hats, McGraw — dubbed country music’s first metrosexual by W magazine — has garnered rave reviews for roles in award-winning movies like Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side.

His latest flick, The Shack, is a Christian drama. “It’s a very moving film,” he says. “I’m very proud of it. I like acting because it expands your artistry, and it sort of makes you see music differently in a good way.”

ACTS OF KINDNESS Fans are seeing kindness in a new way, thanks to a movement McGraw inspired on StayHumbleandKind.com, where thousands of people write about everyday acts of kindness. For his part, McGraw has long been known for his work with military veterans, partnering since 2012 with Chase and Operation Homefront to provide 144 homes (as of this writing) for military families. “It doesn’t matter what your views are politically,” McGraw says. “We can all agree that the people who put their life on the line for us in an all-volunteer military deserve our praise, our congratulations, our support, our thank you’s — and they deserve our respect.”

Spoken like a truly humble and kind country soul.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Cover Story.indd 38

11/8/16 11:49 AM

Cover Story | Tim McGraw

CAR EER

highlights ST U DIO A LBUMS

1993 Tim McGraw 1994 Not a Moment Too Soon 1995 All I Want 1997 Everywhere 1999 Place in the Sun 2001 Set This Circus Down 2002 Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors 2004 Live Like You Were Dying 2007 Let It Go 2009 Southern Voice 2012 Emotional Traffic 2013 Two Lanes of Freedom I know you got mountains to climb But always stay humble and kind When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you When the work you put in is realized Let yourself feel the pride But always stay humble and kind

— “Humble and Kind,” Tim McGraw

2014 Sundown Heaven Town 2015 Damn Country Music MOV IES

2004 Friday Night Lights 2006 Flicka – Feature role and executive producer of soundtrack album 2008 Four Christmases 2009 The Blind Side 2010 Country Strong PHOTO BY NINO MUÑOZ

2015 Tomorrowland 2016 The Shack

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Cover Story.indd 40

29

11/8/16 11:50 AM

Cover Story | Carnival LIVE

SHOWTIME AT SEA

Carnival LIVE offers big names, big laughs and big hits in 2017.

Country music great Tim McGraw is part of a brilliant galaxy of stars featured in the 2017 lineup of Carnival LIVE, the innovative and intimate concert series that brings the best in live music and comedy to cruise guests. Legendary comedians Jay Leno and Jeff Foxworthy will bring the funny aboard in 2017, while chart-topping country band Little Big Town returns with their Grammy Award-winning sound.

Performances take place while the ship is in port and are staged in the main show lounges, which range in capacity from 900 to 1,300.

The smaller onboard venues create “an incredibly intimate experience for the artists and fans alike,” says Carnival LIVE Director Bernie Dillon.

“With a state-of-the-art sound system and sight lines that are second to none, our artists can literally make eye contact with everyone in attendance,” he says. “This creates an enormous energy level that

feeds back and forth between those in attendance and the artists.

Intimacy is the one word that best describes Carnival Live.”

Performances take place while the ships are in port.

Leno, whose long tenure as host of NBC’s The Tonight Show helped put him in the Television Hall of Fame, performs in Cozumel in May 2017 on Carnival Vista and Carnival Victory.

Foxworthy is the biggest-selling comedy recording artist in history, a TV and movie star best known for his “You might be a redneck if…” jokes. He performs in Nassau in June 2017 on Carnival Freedom and Carnival Ecstasy.

Nassau also hosts Little Big Town, the Platinum-selling band that has earned nine Country Music Association awards. Returning for a second round of tour dates since touring with Carnival LIVE in 2015, the band takes the stage in May 2017 on Carnival Dream and Carnival Valor.

Dillon loves to watch guests respond to the performers.

“You can feel the buzz that starts from the arrival terminal right through the performance,” he says. “Our guests leave feeling that Carnival has provided something no other cruise line can. To see their favorite artists in a wonderful setting while they are on vacation with Carnival makes the entire experience the time of their lives. You can see it in all the faces and hear it in the comments and for me, it is tremendously gratifying.”

For a full listing of all Carnival LIVE performances, visit www. carnival.com/CarnivalLIVE. For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 1-800-CARNIVAL or visit carnival.com.

Tim McGraw

Jay Leno

Little Big Town

Jeff Foxworthy 30

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Cover Story.indd 42

Jeff Foxworthy

11/8/16 11:50 AM

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 to purchase your very own Fun Finds Coupon Book.

5300.indd 1

10/14/16 10:49 AM

SO, YOU’RE THINKING ABOUT A CARIBBEAN CRUISE WEDDING?

Here’s what to do before ‘I do’

By Lena Katz A cruise wedding in a Caribbean destination is truly the best of two wedding experiences. You’re getting a pop-up wedding that’s also a vacation, with as many bells and whistles (or violins and veils) as you want.

If you prize barefoot fun and photo ops over tradition and extended family obligations, a cruise-powered destination wedding could be ideal for you. Here’s how to plan the perfect wedding with Cupid’s (aka Carnival’s) helpers at host venues on-island.

Trust the Experts This might go without saying, but don’t try to cut corners and book a cruise wedding without the line involved.

“When we receive direct calls from couples interested in booking a destination wedding as a part of their cruise, the resort encourages them to book through Carnival. This way if there are any issues at port or changes to the cruise itinerary, Carnival coordinates,” says Lorena Leonard, romance director at the Bolongo Bay resort in St. Thomas.

Booking a cruise wedding doesn’t mean all the anxiety and perfectionism around planning will disappear. It’s normal to stress the details. However, the coordinators at Carnival and on-island are professional romantics. They’ve vetted the vendors (florists, officiates, musicians) and will help arrange each detail with ultimate care. Bolongo Bay actually encourages brides and grooms to call and introduce themselves before setting sail, so that upon arrival, they know what friendly face will greet them.

“A wedding is one of the most important days in a couple’s life. We prefer that the vendors who have proven their ability be the ones to help us orchestrate the experience,” says Jennifer Levering, catering manager at Westin Key Resort & Marina in Key West.

32

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Cruise_Weddings.indd 1

11/8/16 12:16 PM

The happy couple gets to actually enjoy paradise when the cruise line’s wedding experts plan the details.

Honey, I Do — But We Can’t Elope The wedding experts at Carnival and at its partner venues on the islands have arranged weddings in six months, six weeks, even six days in advance. But generally, more notice is better. You want to allow everyone plenty of time to get the details right.

In order to get a Virgin Islands marriage license, for instance, the St. Thomas courthouse must have your completed application eight business days before you arrive. In The Bahamas, you and your intended need only apply in person 24 hours prior to the ceremony.

“Not researching the legal requirements of the intended host country is the biggest mistake that would-be-weds make,” says Jean Anderson, marketing manager at Grand Lucayan, Grand Bahama Island.

The workaround if you don’t want to deal with local paperwork is to get legally married at home and then have a celebratory ceremony during the trip.

Getting to the Church — and Back — On Time Everyone has that one friend or cousin who’s prone to going AWOL during social events and causing panic in the group. One of the major benefits of a cruise wedding is that cruise lines are logistics experts. While bride and groom go collect the marriage license, cruise line vendors will systematically wrangle guests over to the ceremony venue, make sure gifts/attire are sorted and ensure everyone’s properly rehearsed. The host venue will arrange flowers, music, catering and the rest. After the celebration, the same logistics magicians will make it their priority to get every guest — even Cousin AWOL — safely back on the ship.

Enjoy the Moment “Some couples will try to plan every moment of their big day, but we find that the attendees may have different likes and interests. With a wide variety of activities available, it’s best to keep everyone’s schedule open,” says Jean Anderson of Grand Lucayan.

So, what’s possible in a cruise destination wedding? A private island ceremony. Brunch on the beach. A deep-sea fishing bachelor party.

Bachelorette spa day at sea; 18k gold gifts for the mothers-in-law; champagne and strawberries for the bridesmaids. Basically, anything you could dream of, and much more. The bride and groom’s role is simply to enjoy it.

To start planning your dream Caribbean wedding, contact Carnival at 800-933-4968 or weddings@carnival.com.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Cruise_Weddings.indd 2

33

11/8/16 12:16 PM

RIGHT, FROM TOP: Eric Clapton, Sir Richard Branson, Cameron Diaz, Mariah Carey, Lenny Kravitz, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Gwyneth Paltrow.

STAR SEARCHES

CELEBRITY SIGHTING IN THE TROPICS Seeking famous faces?

Here’s where to look.

They’re prettier, richer and usually better dressed than most of us, but Hollywood stars share one trait with those in lesser galaxies. They, too, are irresistibly drawn to the romance and beauty of the Caribbean.

They’re also drawn to the anonymity that faraway tropical lands afford them; it seems the more remote the island, the more celebrities you’ll find there.

It’s not hard to spot the stars, and with the help of our Hollywood star chart you might just run into one of your favorite personalities. If you do, remember to play it cool — make a fuss and you could ruin it for the rest of us!

OPPOSITE, FROM TOP: Oprah Winfrey, Selma Hayek, Ryan Seacrest, Sofia Vergara, Nicki Minaj.

34

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Lines

16FUN_Caribbean Stars.indd 48

PHOTOS BY: (ERIC CLAPTON) FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RICHARD BRANSON) S_BUKLEY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (CAMERON DIAZ) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MARIAH CAREY) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (LENNY KRAVITZ) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIHANNA) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (TAYLOR SWIFT) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GWYNETH PALTROW) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (OPRAH WINFREY) DFREE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SALMA HAYEK) DENIS MAKARENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RYAN SEACREST) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (NICKI MINAJ) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SOFIA VERGARA) DFREE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (JAMAICA) RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Star Searches | Celebrity Sighting

11/17/16 3:18 PM

PHOTOS BY: (ERIC CLAPTON) FEATUREFLASH PHOTO AGENCY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RICHARD BRANSON) S_BUKLEY/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (CAMERON DIAZ) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (MARIAH CAREY) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (LENNY KRAVITZ) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RIHANNA) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (TAYLOR SWIFT) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GWYNETH PALTROW) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (OPRAH WINFREY) DFREE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SALMA HAYEK) DENIS MAKARENKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (RYAN SEACREST) TINSELTOWN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (NICKI MINAJ) HELGA ESTEB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (SOFIA VERGARA) DFREE/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (JAMAICA) RUTH PETERKIN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

ANTIGUA

The secluded beauty of Antigua romanced entertainment empress Oprah Winfrey and rock legend Eric Clapton to buy homes here. You might also see Virgin mega-entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson on its sister island, Barbuda, although he’s more likely to be hanging on his private Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands.

BAHAMAS: HARBOUR ISLAND, ELEUTHERA

Solitude also marks the spot on this sparsely populated outpost that draws actress Cameron Diaz, singer Mariah Carey and musician Lenny Kravitz.

BARBADOS

Generous portions of British Colonial days remain on Barbados, which has often lured actress Gwyneth Paltrow for quiet vacations. It’s no vacation for singer Rihanna, a native Barbadian who’s simply going home when she returns to this island paradise.

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Grammy-laden superstar Taylor Swift was not only spotted in Virgin Gorda with beau-of-the-moment Harry Stiles in 2016, but she also thrilled her many fans by posing for photos with them. The B.V.I. was already well known to such stars as actresses Selma Hayek, Jaime King and Molly Sims.

MEXICO CABO SAN LUCAS/CANCUN

The Mexican Riviera has long appealed to Hollywood royalty since Liz (Taylor) and Dick (Burton) first appeared in Puerto Vallarta. These days, it’s a playground for reality star Kim Kardashian and celebrity maven Ryan Seacrest.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

Top pop star Nicki Minaj often goes home to Trinidad & Tobago, which also calls out to singers Shakira and Sting.

TURKS & CAICOS

If you’ve ever been there, you know why actress Sofia Vergara and actor Joe Manganiello chose this romantic island for their honeymoon in 2015. Actors Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner also married here, in Providenciales, although their happily ever after hit a few bumps.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Lines

16FUN_Caribbean Stars.indd 49

35

11/8/16 11:31 AM

FUN DAY IN PORT

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

CAN BALCIOGLU/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

36

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_Carib_FUnFinds_PerfectDay.indd 1

11/8/16 3:02 PM

THE BEST BUYS OF YOUR VACATION ARE RIGHT HERE ONBOARD!

LOOK FOR THE BEST BUYS SYMBOL IN

TAX & DUTY FREE

5299.indd 1

10/14/16 10:46 AM

OBJECTS

DESIRE

Perfect your look with one of these little luxuries: a dramatic pendant, a sparkling ring, a shimmering bracelet or a top-quality timepiece.

It’s a vacation memory of the best kind.

Le Vian Ocean Wave Gladiator ring

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer 01 watch

Crown of Light Orchid ring

Kabana Alhambra Collection earrings

Zenith El Primero Chronomaster Grande

38

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_ObjectsOfDesire.indd 52

11/8/16 2:54 PM

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

Fendi Selleria watch

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_ObjectsOfDesire.indd 54

39

11/17/16 3:19 PM

40

CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

OF THE

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_Guide to Ports.indd 1

11/8/16 3:11 PM

Guide to

PORTS Cabo San Lucas Catalina Island Ensenada Hawaii Los Angeles Mazatlรกn Puerto Vallarta San Diego

CARLOS AMARILLO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Seattle

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_Guide to Ports.indd 2

41

11/17/16 3:30 PM

Seattle

Los Angeles Catalina Island

San Diego

Ensenada

New Or Galveston

Hawaii

Cabo San Lucas

Mazatlรกn

MEXICO

GULF OF MEXICO

Progreso

Puerto Vallarta

Belize City CENTRAL AMERICA

BELIZE

GUATEMALA

PACIFIC OCEAN

42

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Carib_Map.indd 58

11/8/16 12:35 PM

Canada

Charleston

Bermuda

Mobile Jacksonville

New Orleans

PORTS of Call

Port Canaveral

Tampa

FLORIDA Freeport Fort Lauderdale Miami THE BAHAMAS

Key West

Nassau

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Half Moon Cay

CUBA TURKS AND CAICOS

greso

Grand Turk

Cozumel

Amber Cove

Grand Cayman

Montego Bay

DOMINICAN St. Thomas San Juan HAITI REPUBLIC PUERTO RICO

Falmouth Ocho Rios JAMAICA

St. John St. Maarten/ St. Martin

St. Kitts

Antigua

Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatรกn

CARIBBEAN SEA HONDURAS

St. Lucia Barbados

Aruba Curaรงao COSTA RICA

Bonaire

Cartagena COLOMBIA

VENEZUELA

PANAMA SOUTH AMERICA Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16FUN_Carib_Map.indd 59

43

11/8/16 12:35 PM

GALYNA ANDRUSHKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

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

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

44

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CaboSanLucas.indd 90

11/21/16 3:18 PM

FUNTREKS

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

Camel & Mexican Outback Adventure

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

Exclusive Beach Resort Getaway

Enjoy breathtaking views, swimming pools, pristine sand and a buffet lunch — all at Cabo’s newest luxury beach club and resort in Medano Beach.

Canyon Ziplines & Rappel Adventure

GALYNA ANDRUSHKO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Hidden deep in the heart of the Sierra Mountains, this UNESCO-protected reserve is home to abundant wildlife and rich flora and fauna. Experience an exciting eco-tour packed with challenges, adventure and fun!

Dolphin Swim & Ride, with Unlimited Food & Drink

Here’s your chance to turn your dreams of swimming with dolphins into reality. Enjoy a belly ride, a fin tow or our new underwater ride; feed your dolphin and give him a big dolphin kiss!

Cabo by Land & Sea

Quick Guide

Experience the beautiful coastline of Cabo San Lucas from two unique perspectives. Board a catamaran for a 40-minute journey to the tip of the second-longest peninsula in the world. See pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the dramatic rock monument of Los Arcos while enjoying a refreshing beverage.

Back on land, board a motor coach and visit the local glass-blowing factory to observe the talents of native craftsmen. Travel north and visit the mission church and plaza in the picturesque town of San Jose del Cabo.

Famed for: The rock formation El Arco, whale watching and sport fishing.

It’s a Fact: Cabo claims to be the striped-marlin capital of the world.

Signature Souvenirs: Tequila, pottery and dolphin-swim photos.

How to Get to Town: A tender brings visitors from the ship to the pier. After disembarking, it’s about a 15-minute walk to town.

You may prefer to take a taxi.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CaboSanLucas.indd 91

45

11/11/16 12:30 PM

GARY718/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

PORT VIEW

Many visit Cabo for its boating and other water sports.

Things We Love About Cabo San Lucas Cabo San Lucas is a vacationer’s paradise — done in style.

This once-sleepy fishing village at the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula now ranks as Mexico’s golfing capital and a high-end resort destination. Here, visitors indulge and relax in abounding sunshine upon beaches where a day of fun could include sport fishing and kayaking excursions, whale watching and, for the boldest adventurers, parasailing and ATV treks.

For a taste of cultural sightseeing, a stroll along Calle Cabo San Lucas leads to San Lucas Church, completed by Spanish missionaries in 1746. It sits near the town’s main

46

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CaboSanLucas.indd 92

11/11/16 12:30 PM

4034.indd 1

8/20/15 4:17 PM

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

48

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.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CaboSanLucas.indd 94

11/11/16 12:30 PM

5091.indd 1

8/29/16 5:48 PM

Ports of call | Cabo San Lucas

CABO'S FAMED ARCH

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 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.

50

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CaboSanLucas.indd 95

11/11/16 12:30 PM

5180.indd 1

8/31/16 11:11 AM

Ports of call | Catalina Island

FUNTREKS

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

Catalina Kayak Expedition

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

Catalina Parasailing

Enjoy amazing views of Catalina Island and the town of Avalon as you soar 800 feet above the Pacific Ocean! Sitting side by side, you and another guest then take off directly from the onboard flight deck.

You’ll experience the thrill of gliding through the air, high above the ocean and the town below, all while taking in the beauty and tranquility surrounding you.

Catalina Zipline Adventure

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

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

Dolphin Runner Adventure

Twenty miles and a world away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Catalina Island charms visitors with its many delightful boutiques, shops and restaurants.

The unhurried pace and friendly demeanor of Catalina’s residents also explain why this tranquil island is such a popular getaway.

Quick Guide Famed for: Hollywood getaways, especially in the 1930s, when it lured such stars as Charlie Chaplin, Joan Crawford and Clark Gable.

It’s a Fact: A herd of North American bison has been roaming the Catalina hills since 1924, when it’s believed they were brought to the island for a movie.

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

52

DALE GAST/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

CATALINA ISLAND

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Catalina Island.indd 64

11/11/16 12:33 PM

Catalina Island Museum

5285.indd 1

9/19/16 2:15 PM

JENNIFER KING/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Ensenada

Rolling hills overlook the busy port.

ENSENADA

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

54

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Ensenada.indd 182

11/11/16 12:37 PM

FUNTREKS

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

Baja Bandidos Horseback Trail

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

Blow Hole & Tasting Tour

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

Jeep Adventure Tour

JENNIFER KING/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

La Bufadora Adventure

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

Wine Country ATV Adventure

Quick Guide

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

Famed for: Mediterranean weather, internationally known Baja-Med cuisine, the best wines in Mexico and the unparalleled hospitality and warmth of its people.

It’s a Fact: Two legendary auto races, the Baja 500 and Baja 1000, are held in Ensenada’s deserts and mountains.

Signature Souvenirs: Pottery, baskets and accessories crafted by the native Kumeyaay, Kiliwa, Cucapah and Pai Pai people.

How to Get to Town: It’s a short walk from the pier to the main shopping district.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Ensenada.indd 183

55

11/11/16 12:37 PM

5187L-R.indd 2

8/30/16 1:16 PM

5187L-R.indd 3

8/30/16 1:16 PM

Ports of call | Hawaii

Your cruise through Hawaii takes you to four of the Aloha State’s eight major islands: Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island, Hawaii.

Each offers its own intoxicating mix of natural wonders and recreational activities.

Quick Guide Famed for: Volcanoes, pineapples and surfing.

It’s a Fact: Iolani Palace is the only building on U.S. soil that has been the official state residence of royalty. From 1882 to 1893, it was home to the last two monarchs of the Hawaiian Kingdom: King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.

Signature Souvenirs: A tropicalthemed aloha shirt and a lei (flower garland).

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

58

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

HAWAII

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CCL_Hawaii.indd 58

11/11/16 12:55 PM

Kauai

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

FUNTREKS

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

Wailua River & Fern Grotto

Cruise aboard a Hawaiian riverboat on an unforgettable journey along the Wailua River, Hawaii’s navigable stream.

Kauai North Coast & Hanalei Valley

Experience Kauai’s beautiful East and North shores, a backdrop for many Hollywood movies.

Waimea Canyon & Wailua River

This excursion combines a visit to the Grand Canyon of the Pacific — the 2,857-foot-deep Waimea Canyon — and a scenic ride up the Wailua River.

Kings, Waterfalls & Trains

Combine Kauai’s ancient and recent past with a ride on Kauai Plantation Railway.

Waimea Canyon Tour

Experience the unforgettable grandeur of Waimea Canyon on this awe-inspiring excursion.

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CCL_Hawaii.indd 59

59

11/11/16 12:56 PM

Ports of call | Hawaii

Maui

KAHULUI FUNTREKS

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

Scenic Maui & Lahaina

Experience the scenic pleasure of the beautiful island of Maui before enjoying free time to shop or explore Lahaina.

Iao Valley & Maui Tropical Plantation

Ka’anapali Beach Break

The world-famous Ka'anapali beach resort area on the northwestern side of Maui is your destination for a few hours of relaxing beach fun.

Haleakala / Lahaina & Iao Valley

This ultimate excursion is a combination of some of Maui’s most famous attractions.

Maui Luau

No trip to Hawaii is complete without a traditional Hawaiian Luau. Experience the “hottest show in Maui” featuring the incredible Samoan Fire Knife Dancer.

FROM TOP: Ready to ride the waves; fire dancers light up the night.

60

PHOTOS BY (SURFER) NOEL POWELL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (FIRE DANCERS) DEBORAH KOLB/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Take a tour of the lush Iao Valley, scene of one of the great battles in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands

by King Kamehameha.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CCL_Hawaii.indd 60

11/11/16 12:56 PM

EXPLORE OUR MAUI

Peer into the deep and discover Hawaii’s marine mysteries in a Coast Guard approved submarine that dives over 100 feet below the ocean's surface. a t l a n t i s a d ve n t u re s .co m | # a t l a n t i s h awa i i Please see your onboard shore excursion desk for reservations

E X P LO R E O U R M AU I 4892.indd 1

5/19/16 4:03 PM

Ports of call | Hawaii

Oahu

HONOLULU FUNTREKS

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

Pearl Harbor Visitor Center & USS Missouri

Step back into history as you relive the fateful morning of December 7, 1941, while touring the Pearl Harbor Visitors Center and the USS Missouri.

Oahu Highlights & Polynesian Cultural Center

Combine the best of Oahu with a visit to the famous Polynesian Cultural Center, Hawaii’s No. 1 paid visitors attraction.

Atlantis Submarine & Waikiki On Your Own

Discover a whole new world underwater aboard an Atlantis submarine, the world’s largest fleet of high-tech passenger submarines!

Discover the stunning views of Oahu's North Shore and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of its popular shrimp trucks.

Pearl Harbor & North Shore Experience

Take a historical tour of Pearl Harbor along with Hawaii's famous North Shore.

FROM TOP: The beautiful skyline of Oahu; waiting for a wave in Waikiki.

62

PHOTOS BY (TOP) LORCEL/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (BOTTOM) IDREAMPHOTO/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Explore & Taste Oahu’s North Shore

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CCL_Hawaii.indd 61

11/11/16 12:56 PM

&

Shopping Dining Daily Live Entertainment

ADIDAS

SHOPPING

BROOKS BROTHERS CROCS

ALOHA SWIMWEAR

CALVIN KLEIN

GAP FACTORY STORE

LUCKY BRAND

THE WALKING COMPANY DINING

HARD ROCK CAFE

CARTER’S BABIES & KIDS

GUESS

MICHAEL KORS

HIC SURF

SKECHERS

COACH

KAY JEWELERS

SOLSTICE SUNGLASS

TOMMY HILFIGER

PI ARTISAN PIZZERIA

ENTERTAINMENT

BANANA REPUBLIC

AND MORE

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

WARREN & ANNABELLE’S

OUTLETSOFMAUI.COM

|

OUTLETS OF MAUI IS LOCATED AT 900 FRONT ST, LAHAINA, HI 96761 & OPEN FROM 9:30AM - 10:00PM WITH AMPLE VALIDATED PARKING & FREE WI-FI

4941.indd 1

6/22/16 3:46 PM

Ports of call | Hawaii

The Big Island

HILO

FUNTREKS

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

Evening Volcano Explorer

Explore Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park and stay past sunset! This fully narrated adventure with your park ranger-trained guide reveals the highlights of the park, from active volcanic craters and steam vents to the historic Jaggar Museum.

Waterfalls Spectacular

The highest waterfall and the most famous and beautiful waterfall will be explored on this spectacular tour.

Gourmet Volcano Adventure

Board your comfortable van and head out for an afternoon and evening of adventure in Hilo!

This tour will take you through Historic Downtown Hilo to the Heritage coastline, Honolii Surf break and a stretch of the scenic old highway with intense tropical vegetation.

Discover Hilo, Waves & Waterfalls

Start your journey on a scenic drive along the Old Road through lush rain forests that will bring you to the magnificent Rainbow Falls.

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

64

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

Hilo Up Close...Scenery, Waterfalls and Mac Nuts

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CCL_Hawaii.indd 62

11/11/16 12:56 PM

Explore Waikiki's breathtaking coastline aboard Majestic, by Atlantis Cruises!

We offer Hawaii's most scenic sunset dinner cruises which depart daily.

E X P L O R E O U R OA H U

SEE YOUR SHORE EXCURSION DESK TO BOOK THIS ACTIVITY

a t l a n t i s a d ve n t u re s .co m | # a t l a n t i s h awa i i

Peer into the deep and discover Hawaii’s marine mysteries in a Coast Guard approved submarine that dives over 100 feet below the ocean's surface.

E X P L O R E O U R OA H U

4893.indd 1

5/19/16 4:06 PM

Ports of call | Hawaii

The Big Island

KONA

FUNTREKS

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

Atlantis Submarine

Climb aboard an Atlantis submarine, the most technologically advanced passenger submarine in the world.

Kona Historical Tour

Learn about Hawaii's folklore and ancient legends as you travel on this fantastic tour of Kona.

Magical Seahorse Discovery

Discover the enchanted underwater world of seahorses at the only seahorse farm in the United States.

Hawaiian Culinary Home Tour

Kona Coffee Living History Farm

The past will come alive as you experience the yesteryears of Kona, home to the world-famous Kona coffee bean.

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

66

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

Find out what it is like to live in paradise by visiting the personal homes of three Big Island residents, enjoying a delicious progressive brunch.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_CCL_Hawaii.indd 64

11/11/16 12:56 PM

&

Shopping Dining Daily Live Entertainment

ADIDAS

SHOPPING

BROOKS BROTHERS CROCS

ALOHA SWIMWEAR

CALVIN KLEIN

GAP FACTORY STORE

LUCKY BRAND

THE WALKING COMPANY DINING

HARD ROCK CAFE

CARTER’S BABIES & KIDS

GUESS

MICHAEL KORS

HIC SURF

SKECHERS

COACH

KAY JEWELERS

SOLSTICE SUNGLASS

TOMMY HILFIGER

PI ARTISAN PIZZERIA

ENTERTAINMENT

BANANA REPUBLIC

AND MORE

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE

WARREN & ANNABELLE’S

OUTLETSOFMAUI.COM

|

OUTLETS OF MAUI IS LOCATED AT 900 FRONT ST. , LAHAINA, HI 96761 OPEN FROM 9:30AM - 10:00PM WITH AMPLE VALIDATED PARKING & FREE WI-FI

4942.indd 1

6/8/16 5:15 PM

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

Ports of call | Los Angeles

The sun glows over Los Angeles.

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

68

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_LosAngeles.indd 148

11/11/16 12:46 PM

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

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

Quick Guide Famed for: Hollywood, ultra-luxury shopping on Rodeo Drive and a wide variety of ethnic cultures and cuisines.

It’s a Fact: In the 1700s, the city was originally called El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de Los Ángeles de la Porciúncula, which means Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels of the Small Portion (of land).

Signature Souvenirs: Surfer paraphernalia and a map of the stars’ homes.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_LosAngeles.indd 149

69

11/11/16 12:46 PM

HARRIS SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Mazatlán

Waves lap the Mazatlán shore at sunrise.

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

70

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Mazatlan.indd 242

11/11/16 12:40 PM

FUNTREKS

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

All Inclusive Beach Resort Getaway

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

Mini Speed Boat & All Inclusive Beach Escape

HARRIS SHIFFMAN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Enjoy a wonderful 1½-hour fully narrated tour inside the channels of the biggest Marina in México and be the captain of your own 14’ custom mini-boat.

Mexican Show, Sightseeing & Shopping

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

Colonial Villages of Sierra Madre

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 forom its interior.

Salsa & Salsa

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

Quick Guide Famed for: Twelve miles of sandy beaches, shrimp and a resplendent historic zone with cobbled streets and restored historic architecture.

It’s a Fact: Mazatlán’s balmy waters serve as the meeting point for the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, giving it a dynamic underwater ecosystem.

Signature Souvenirs: Silver jewelry from nearby mining towns, a handmade leather mask and ceramics from the art studios in the Centro Histórico (Old Town).

How to Get to Town: Cruise ships dock at the commercial port, which is a 15-minute walk to the Centro Histórico. Taxis are also available outside of the terminal.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Mazatlan.indd 243

71

11/11/16 12:40 PM

PHOTOMATZ/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Mazatlán

PORT VIEW

The picturesque Centro Histórico is a popular destination.

Things We Love About Mazatlán Mazatlán’s stunning coastline, complete with glitzy hotels and sandy beaches, has earned this Mexican port stop the welldeserved reputation of an ideal beach town. But a short stroll further inland reveals there’s more to Mazatlán than just sun and sandy beaches, including a picturesque city center rich in history and culture.

Stroll over cobblestoned streets to Centro Histórico (Old Town) and discover newly revived 19th-century buildings washed in a vibrant palette of pastels, a place where the traditional mingles with the new. The centerpiece is the Teatro Ángela Peralta, named for a famous opera singer. This beautifully restored Italian-style theater is at the heart of the city’s

72

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Mazatlan.indd 244

11/11/16 12:40 PM

Exotic Fire Opal 3492.indd 1

8/20/15 3:21 PM

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.

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

74

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.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Mazatlan.indd 246

11/11/16 12:40 PM

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Mazatlan.indd 247

75

11/17/16 3:22 PM

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

Ports of call | Mazatlán

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

PEARL OF THE PACIFIC

By Richard Varr

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

TRAVEL ALENA OZEROVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM BUG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

For a bit of “real Mexico,” stroll the old town’s zócalo, or main square — Plaza Revolución — where chatty children and visitors alike stop for cooling shaved-ice treats. It’s where the dual spires of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception tower over the square, as they have for more than a century. A quick walk through Plaza Machado, with its colonial architecture and bustling sidewalk cafés, leads to the bright-pink façade of Teatro Angela Peralta, a restored 19th-century opera house.

Along the waterfront, the Malecón links the old town with the hotel-packed Zona Dorada.

Pedestrians enjoy shimmering ocean views along this pathway dotted with maritime-themed statues, including the centerpiece Fisherman’s Monument, a tribute to Mazatlán’s fishing heritage.

The aptly named Zona Dorada, Spanish for Golden Zone, offers a full day of shopping, dining or just sun-worshiping on the beautiful beach. A hike up to the El Faro lighthouse affords excellent views. Kids can marvel at sea lions and tropical fish at Mazatlán Aquarium. And seekers of solitude can find it at Playa Los Cerritos and Playa Las Brujas, both with golden sand and hardly a crowd.

76

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Mazatlan.indd 248

11/11/16 12:40 PM

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?

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.

TRAVEL ALENA OZEROVA/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM BUG/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Chocolate residue found in a Maya pot dating to 400 B.C. suggests that the prehistoric dwellers of Mexico and Central America may have been the first to use the beans of the wild cacao in their diet. Mexico’s modern day chocolate factories continue the ancient and tasty Maya tradition.

The Maya usually drank chocolate for ceremonial reasons, including weddings, royal celebrations and religious occasions, but it was also served as a luxurious treat. It was a long process to turn cacao beans into the frothy, bitter beverage they enjoyed. They first washed the beans and dried them in the sun, then toasted them and ground them to a paste in a mortar. After mixing the paste with water, the women would pour the liquid chocolate from container to container to build up a thick froth, or whisk it with a special tool called a molinillo. Finally, they added vanilla, chili peppers and sometimes a touch of honey.

Spanish Conquistadors developed a taste for it and eagerly transported chocolate to their homeland, where fellow countrymen, well, ate it up. It didn’t take long before all of Europe, and the rest of the world, was enamored with chocolate.

MAYA-STYLE HOT CHOCOLATE

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Mazatlan.indd 249

77

11/11/16 12:40 PM

PHOTOS BY: VIVID PIXELS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

The coast of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta.

PUERTO VALLARTA Relaxed and welcoming, this former fishing village now lures visitors with whitewashed villas, cobblestone walkways and a backdrop of beautiful bougainvilleas.

Puerto Vallarta’s intimate charm has survived the port’s discovery years ago by Hollywood celebrities and jetsetters — and then by the rest of us.

78

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Puerto Vallarta.indd 198

11/11/16 12:50 PM

FUNTREKS

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

Las Caletas Beach Hideaway

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

Dolphin Signature Swim, with Unlimited Food & Drink

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.

PHOTOS BY: VIVID PIXELS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

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

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

Ultimate Canopy - Zip, Ride & Slide

Quick Guide

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

Famed for: The mile-long Malecón, a seaside promenade featuring large sculptures by Sergio Bustamante, Alejandro Colunga and Ramiz Barquet.

It’s a Fact: The city became a tourism hot spot after the Richard Burton and Ava Gardner movie The Night of the Iguana was filmed here in 1963.

Signature Souvenirs: Huichol art, Raku pottery and Talavera tile and tableware.

How to Get to Town: Most visitors take a taxi into the center of Puerto Vallarta, which is about 3 miles from where the ships dock.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Puerto Vallarta.indd 199

79

11/11/16 12:50 PM

KARAMYSH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

PORT VIEW

Puerto Vallarta perches on the Pacific Ocean.

Things We Love About Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta is a colonial gem. Downtown is a crisscross of cobblestoned streets lined with traditional Mexican architecture.

But any stroll within one of Mexico’s most popular resort towns should begin along the Malecón, the pedestrian, statue-studded boardwalk featuring The Friendship Fountain by California artist James Bottoms and the Roman-like Los Arcos Amphitheater.

A short walk from the square, the Plaza de Armas leads visitors to the cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and its distinguishing crowned clock tower. A few blocks away, the “Gringo Gulch” neighborhood still attracts American expatriates who enjoy living 80

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

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Puerto Vallarta.indd 200

11/11/16 12:50 PM

5228.indd 1

9/1/16 9:00 AM

Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

YELAPA AND LAS CALETAS

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

KARAMYSH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

The Quiet Charm of

Its appeal derives from many things, including the complete absence of roads and cars, the thatchedroof structures on poles known as palapas that constitute most of the town’s buildings and simply the still beauty of this small village of 1,500 inhabitants.

Nestled in a natural cove, the fishing village of Yelapa, the name of which means “gathering place,” continues to appeal to travelers who want to commune with nature.

Fishing, swimming, hiking to one of the area’s numerous waterfalls and simply relaxing on the gorgeous beach are all popular ways to while away the time.

To the south of Puerto Vallarta, and accessible only by boat, is the town of Las Caletas, which means “the coves” in Spanish. Surrounded by jungle and tucked into the mountains, the town was director John Huston’s private getaway for many years.

Today, the area is a tropical sanctuary and nature lover’s paradise. Guided nature walks introduce visitors to the many charms of the island, including various Aztec plants, exotic orchids and an aviary complete with macaws.

Popular activities revolve around nature, such as feeding deer, swimming with sea lions, kayaking and snorkeling. Visitors can also scuba dive or, if they’re still learning, take diving lessons.

Of course, not all activities are so energetic.

Plenty of visitors to Las Caletas spend their time simply drowsing in one of the many hammocks randomly situated in the area. — Sara Churchville

Yelapa’s inviting beach.

82

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Puerto Vallarta.indd 201

11/11/16 12:50 PM

KARAMYSH/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Puerto Vallarta.indd 202

83

11/11/16 12:50 PM

Ports of call | Puerto Vallarta

Hooked on

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

PHOTO BY: MARVIN PERTON

Many visitors are content to merely dive the reefs and ogle the small, colorful specimens that flit about.

Others are hooked on larger denizens of the deep.

For the game fisherman, there are bigger fish to fry in these waters: sawfish, snapper, tuna, marlin, dorado and sailfish, to name just a few. Alert divers can even grab lobster off the reefs.

Not feeling that ambitious? You can also reel in a satisfying catch at one of Puerto Vallarta’s restaurants, where the claim of offering fresh seafood is no fish story.

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

84

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Puerto Vallarta.indd 203

11/11/16 12:50 PM

PHOTO BY: MARVIN PERTON

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Puerto Vallarta.indd 204

85

11/11/16 12:50 PM

PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) DANCESTROKES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GASLAMP QUARTER) JORG HACKEMANN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Palm trees on the serene San Diego waterfront.

SAN DIEGO Stretching along the shores of the Pacific Ocean, San Diego’s attractions combine historic Spanish themes and a genteel Victorian quarter in a modern, fast-paced urban setting. The 34-mile long waterfront is a scenic gateway boasting restaurants, shops, attractions, parks and marinas.

86

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_San Diego.indd 98

11/11/16 1:17 PM

PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) DANCESTROKES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM; (GASLAMP QUARTER) JORG HACKEMANN/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter.

Quick Guide Famed for: Fish tacos, the bright-red cars of The Trolley and a world-famous zoo.

It’s a Fact: Claimed for Spain in 1542, San Diego was the first European settlement of the U.S. West Coast.

Signature Souvenirs: A miniature replica of a trolley car or of the Point Loma lighthouse.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16POC_San Diego.indd 99

87

11/17/16 3:26 PM

PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) ALBERT PEGO/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; (MARKET) CHECUBUS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Ports of call | Seattle

Seattle skyline at sunset.

SEATTLE Seattle has always lured those with a pioneer spirit. And it’s still attracting adventurous souls. The Emerald City celebrates its past at Pioneer Square, a National Historic District, as well as at ChinatownInternational District. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the scenic Cascade and Olympia mountain ranges out-side the city. And the arts are fully represented at numerous museums and cultural venues.

88

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Seattle.indd 88

11/11/16 1:16 PM

PHOTOS BY: (MAIN) ALBERT PEGO/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM; (MARKET) CHECUBUS/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM.

Pike Place Market in Seattle.

Quick Guide Famed for: The Space Needle, offering a 360-degree view from its 520-foot-high observation deck.

It’s a Fact: Despite its reputation for having a damp climate, Seattle gets less rainfall than “sunny” Miami, according to the National Climatic Data Center. Seattle averages about 38 inches a year; Miami, almost 60 inches.

Signature Souvenirs: Coffee from one of the city’s hip java joints, a miniature Space Needle, trinkets from Pike Place Market.

How to Get to Town: Take a cab from the cruise port, which is only minutes from downtown sites.

Fun Ashore Carnival Cruise Line

16CAR_Seattle.indd 89

89

11/11/16 1:16 PM

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

TRADITION : QUALITY : SELECTION Owned by the Kirkconnell family, local business and community leaders for six generations, Kirk Freeport is proud to be the Official Rolex Retailer of the Cayman Islands.

Visit Bayshore Mall: Home to the largest jewelry and watch store in the Caribbean, hosting the world’s most sought after luxury brands, local eateries, pharmacy, souvenirs, free Wi-Fi, and much more. Look for the red

TURN RIGHT WHEN YOU EXIT THE PORT

roofed mall on the George Town waterfront

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

5401.indd 1

GRAND CAYMAN 10/17/16 10:35 AM

Shop for KORITE jewelry exclusively at

5105.indd 1

8/15/16 3:57 PM

5400.indd 1

10/14/16 4:10 PM