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Ships & ports of embarkation

Nassau : What makes Nassau so special? Picture an idyllic place with stretches of perfect white-sand beaches, gracefully swaying coconut palms offering oases of shade, and warm, crystal-clear waters revealing the secrets of incredible multi-colored marine life. Whether you spend the day shopping for duty-free gifts and mementos, taking a carriage ride past sorbet-colored buildings, or touring in a glass-bottom boat, chances are you'll leave this happy place in the Bahamas with lots of beautiful memories.

Freeport : Freeport is a sportsman's paradise with endless opportunities for snorkeling, sailing, scuba diving, and one of the most impressive golf courses in the world. If shopping is your sport you're sure to score big at the duty-free shops, where you can find excellent deals on cameras, watches, porcelain and fine jewelry. Or you can just kick back and enjoy the sun on one of the many gorgeous, white-sand beaches that abound.

Coco Cay: This private island paradise is available exclusively to Royal Caribbean guests. Its sugar-white beaches are a wonderland of adventure and activity. With nature trails and aquatic facilities, CocoCay offers activities for everyone, from parasailing to sipping delicious "Coco Locos" on a hammock. And every visit to this exciting port is topped off with a mouth-watering beachside barbeque.

Key West : The "Conch Republic" is a festive island of colorful characters in what may as well be the tropics. America 's southernmost tip, where Harry Truman spent his summers playing poker and running the country, is a non-stop delight. Visit Hemingway's house where you'll find his original manuscripts and many of his famed six-toed cats. And while you're on the island be sure to sample its culinary treasures, such as conch salad and world-famous Key Lime pie.

Cozumel : Long before Cancun became a popular destination, Cozumel was well-known as a diving spot and home to the world famous Palancar Reef, which gives divers the opportunity to view thousands of brilliantly colored fish. Non-divers can kick back on a sun-drenched beach, or enjoy any number of seaside activities, such as shopping in colorful marketplaces or dining in an open-air café.

Playa del Carmen: Calica, the newest gateway to the Yucatan Peninsula , is located just three miles south of Playa del Carmen and right next door to the incredible Xcaret nature park, one of the most popular attractions on the entire peninsula. If you're a diver or a snorkeling enthusiast, you'll be fascinated by the brilliant colors of Calica's underwater world. Or you can just enjoy basking in the sun on one of the many beautiful beaches.

Grand Cayman : Grand Cayman , kissed by sparkling, turquoise waters, is a dream come true for water sports enthusiasts. You can snorkel with stingrays, go scuba diving, sail a catamaran, take in some sport fishing, or just mellow out along the powder-soft sand of the magnificent Seven Mile Beach.

Ocho Rios : Originally called "Los Chorreos" by the Spanish in 1657, Ocho Rios, once a small banana and fishing port, has become the cruise ship capital of Jamaica. Dunn's River Falls, a 600-foot natural staircase of cascading water is the most famous attraction in Ocho Rios. For sheer natural beauty, you can't surpass Shaw Park Botanical Gardens, which offers 32 acres of indigenous trees, flowers and shrubs, as well as picturesque streams and waterfalls. In addition, you'll also find plenty of opportunities for diving, sailing and golfing.

Ensenada : Ensenada, one of Mexico's most successful cities, has grown from a sleepy fishing village to become a popular beach resort. This oft-visited Baja destination is a multi-faceted jewel. Among its most popular locations are the waterfront promenade, the fashionable shops of Avenida Primera, and the winery of Bodega Santo Tomas, founded by the Dominicans in 1888. La Bufadora, a natural sea geyser located nearby, puts on a highly dramatic show.

Catalina: Although just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles, Catalina Island feels like its a million miles away. This peaceful island offers glamour and sophistication combined with some of the best wildlife watching in North America. Take a stroll through the picturesque town of Avalon or enjoy one of the area's many superb beaches. You'll quickly see why Catalina Island is a treasured destination.

San Diego : San Diego is California's "first city", with roots dating back to 1796. San Diego's beautiful harbor is a lovely place to stroll and explore. Historic Seaport Village, along the Embarcadero, is filled with fascinating shops and galleries. But if you wish to explore further, San Diego offers a world of excitement.

 

SHIPS & PORTS OF EMBARKATION

Ports of call

Port Canaveral (Sensation and Sovereign): You don't have to be a rocket scientist to find Port Canaveral thrilling. This is the home of the Kennedy Space Center, where you can catch a fascinating glimpse into the history - and future - of the U.S. space program. Or, take a leisurely stroll along the Cocoa Beach Pier; the shopping is great and the beach views are truly "out of this world".

Miami (Imagination, Majesty, Fascination): Miami is an international mecca with a colorful skyline and trend-setting culture. Claiming its place as a truly international city, you can feel Miami vibrate with the energies of different cultures coming together to revel in the beautiful ocean scenery and near-perfect tropical weather. Whether you're taking in the sights at a South Beach café, browsing the open-air shops of Bayside Marketplace or enjoying "un cortadito" in Little Havana, Miami is a melting pot for virtually anyone.

Ft. Lauderdale (Enchantment): Port Everglades is Fort Lauderdale's waterway to the world. This cosmopolitan city spans 23 miles of Atlantic coastline. That's 23 miles of sun, sand and surf for you to enjoy. World-class golf, dining, shopping and sporting events await you in this city by the sea, first made famous in the 1960 film "Where The Boys Are".

Tampa (Inspiration): What's the attraction in Tampa? How about the Southeast's largest wooden double roller coaster where the cars pass inches in front of each other at crossing speeds of 100 mph? Or maybe it's the 300 acres of animal exhibits, entertainment and thrill rides. Tampa's world-famous Busch Gardens attracts millions of visitors every year and, with all that it has to offer, it's no wonder.

Jacksonville (Celebration): Jacksonville -- or "Jax", as it's known to its residents -- is now one of the insurance and banking capitals of the south. A metropolis replete with hotels, restaurants, attractions and nightclubs, Jax still has a number of quaint, older neighborhoods to explore. There are also plenty of beaches, golf courses and state parks to enjoy.

Mobile (Holiday): Mobile is one of the oldest port cities in America and its diverse history is reflected in every aspect of the city, from its architecture to its culture. Mobile's rich Spanish, French, African and Creole heritage distinguish this centuries old city from all others in the state of Alabama. Throughout her 300-year history, Mobile's inviting climate and southern hospitality, along with its historic sights and fun attractions, offer something for the entire family.

Galveston (Ecstasy): Chartered in 1839, Galveston Island, located on the upper Texas coast of the Gulf of Mexico, was the principal port into the southwest during the 19th century. This coastal town has experienced a recent revitalization, making it one of America 's newest beach resorts. Better than the beautifully restored Victorian architecture of its historic downtown district, is the southern hospitality of Galveston's residents.

Los Angeles (Pride, Monarch, Paradise): Consisting of 11 miles of beaches, 98 parks, five public golf courses and the largest municipally operated marina system in the nation, Long Beach is truly a paradise for lovers of the outdoors. The near perfect weather and friendly residents are an added bonus! Visit historic sites, such as Rancho Los Alamitos, the Tallship Californian and the Long Beach Museum of Art. Don't forget the legendary Queen Mary Hotel, rumored to be haunted; you might even spot some of her permanent "visitors".

New Orleans (Fantasy): New Orleans is a city that knows how to have fun. Whether you take time to savor authentic Creole cuisine, browse through quaint antique shops in the French Quarter, or take a tour through historic mansions that date back over a century, you're sure to find dozens of other things to delight you in this happy, high-spirited city that pulses with the beat of Dixieland jazz. And don't forget to take a ride on one of the city's picturesque trolley cars.

 

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